With large gatherings banned and parades cancelled altogether, this is probably not the unofficial kickoff to summer you were looking forward to. But remember: Memorial Day is the day of the griller, so don’t be discouraged. Whatever this holiday weekend’s hurdles, you can still dive into a cookout feast, thanks to any of the following barbeque-sauce-slathered eateries.
CONEJO VALLEY
Red’s Barbecue and Grillery
3090 Cochran Street, Simi Valley 805-581-9076
Expect such traditional barbeque favorites as ribs, chicken and loaded baked potatoes at this Simi Valley restaurant, which also serves salads, including the chopped barbeque chicken salad, as well as burgers and garlic rolls. Curbside pickup or contactless delivery is available daily. Call ahead to order.
Ranch Hand BBQ
1015 Broadbeck Drive, Unit A, Newbury Park 805-375-4252
This family-owned restaurant has been serving up classic barbeque fare in the Conejo Valley since 2011. For takeout or delivery, the menu ranges from the signature tri-tip steak slow-cooked over red oak to the tri-tip sandwich on a grilled French roll to the shredded beef brisket.
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
AJ’s Tex-Mex Barbecue
12123 Riverside Drive, Valley Village 818-505-8865
The Central Texas-style barbeque at this joint includes specialities like brisket, ribs, chorizo and queso. Also on the menu: all-day breakfast tacos, barbecue sandwiches and such comfort food sides as mac and cheese and tater tots. They open at 11 a.m., offering contactless curbside pickup or free delivery.
Swinging Door BBQ
11018 Vanowen Street No. 6313, North Hollywood 818-763-8996
Expect meats galore at this Texas-style barbeque joint place — from tri tip, brisket and pork ribs (baby back and St. Louis spare ribs) to chicken, sausage and pulled pork. Takeout and delivery are available Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
SANTA CLARITA
The Backyard Grub n’ Brews
26509 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita 661-286-1165
This casual all-American restaurant is offering family meals, including a ribs and barbeque chicken feast: full rack of St. Louis style ribs, four barbeque chicken breasts, baked beans, slaw and garlic toast. Takeout and delivery are available Tuesday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
18742 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita 661-251-0840
House-smoked meats, including fall-off-the-bone ribs, stuffed baked potatoes and all the traditional sides are up for sauce-covered grabs at this chain restaurant. Curbside pickup or delivery is available by ordering online, via their app or by calling 866-BARBECUE.