Seemor
Swinging Door BBQBWorth Trying
11018 Vanowen St #6313, North Hollywood, CA 91605
· Barbecue restaurant, Traditional American restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (882 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Serious Texas-style barbecue with standout brisket and burnt ends, counter-service and outdoor-only seating; excellent meats, mixed sides, strong value for meat lovers but portions and pricing feel steep to some.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Swinging Door BBQ delivers excellent brisket and burnt ends with satisfying smoke and bark, supported by friendly, knowledgeable counter service and quick ticket times. However, inconsistent execution in sides and occasional moisture issues prevent grade A territory, while outdoor-only seating with minimal ambiance limits the overall experience. For BBQ enthusiasts willing to navigate the casual setup, it's a solid neighborhood destination.
Restaurant Summary
This is a no-frills counter spot where the smoker does the talking and the patio fills with the smell of oak and pepper. The vibe is casual and unpolished with friendly staff steering newcomers toward fatty brisket. As one diner put it, the brisket was "life changing" and the burnt ends had a bark that snapped. Expect outdoor-only seating beside a busy corner and a steady buzz of takeout bags. The cooking leans classic Texas with a meat-first focus: brisket (lean or fatty), burnt ends, ribs, and links, plus a flight of house sauces from mild to spicy. When it is on, the meat is moist, smoky, and deeply satisfying; sides land mixed, with kale greens winning fans and mac and cheese sometimes thin. Portions and pricing draw debate, but many feel the quality justifies the spend, especially if you choose the cuts carefully. Families fare well here thanks to simple, familiar options like chicken, mac, and fries. There is no kids menu, but sandwiches include a side, and combos are easy to share. Outdoor-only seating means strollers and sun can be factors, yet several parents noted their little ones cleared plates of brisket and beans without complaint.
At a Glance
- Excellent brisket and burnt ends with satisfying smoke and bark
- Friendly, helpful counter team with quick ticket times
- Portions and pricing feel steep to some diners
- Sides are inconsistent, especially the mac and cheese
- Outdoor-only seating with limited parking can frustrate
What Sets It Apart
- fatty_vs_lean_brisket_choice
- burnt_ends_focus
- house_sauce_variety
What People Love
- Moist, tender brisket with real bark
- Burnt ends that deliver rich smoke
- Choice of lean vs fatty slices
- House sauces with varied heat levels
- Friendly guidance for first-timers
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive (mains $18-$50, by-the-pound up to $39.99) which may surprise casual diners
- Sides quality varies; mac can be watery and garlic bread dry
- Parking is tight with only a few spots; street parking required
- Outdoor-only seating means heat, wind, and traffic noise at times
- Occasional reports of dry chicken or lean brisket; choose fatty for best results
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$34-$48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose fatty brisket over lean for moisture
- Use rib add-on pricing (+$3) wisely in combo plates
- If portions matter, consider meat by the pound for clearer value
Perfect For
- Brisket seekers who want fatty cuts done right
- Casual takeout nights
- Quick solo lunches on the patio
- Groups sharing multi-meat combo plates
Location Insights
Area: Busy North Hollywood corridor with everyday retail and auto services; casual, grab-and-go vibe.
Safety: Generally active commercial strip with steady foot traffic; typical urban cautions at night.
Nearby: Next to a gas station and auto shop; street parking plus a few dedicated spots; limited outdoor tables.
North HollywoodNorth Hollywood is a vibrant neighborhood with a strong arts and theater scene, featuring a mix of casual and trendy dining options. The area has seen significant revitalization, attracting a diverse crowd that enjoys eclectic eateries, craft breweries, and cultural venues.
NoHo Arts DistrictThe NoHo Arts District is known for its theaters, galleries, and creative spaces, fostering a lively and artistic dining atmosphere with many casual and innovative restaurants.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday11:00–20:30
Wednesday11:00–20:30
Thursday11:00–20:30
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday12:00–21:00
Sunday12:00–20:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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