BEACHWOOD BREWING BBQ
A LONG BEACH MUST FOR FANS OF BEER & BBQ

Already a foodie institution in Seal Beach for all things barbeque, beloved Beachwood BBQ really upped its game with the opening of Beachwood Brewing BBQ in Long Beach—a must go-to place for any true devotee of all things brew and b-b-que.

Billed as the place “where the fork meets the pork,” now you can add a bevy of microbrews to the fun with the bigger, yet still crowded, Long Beach location. The winning approach at Beachwood BBQ is simple: low and slow. All their meats are slow smoked and dry rubbed; succulently flavored to allow the true meat flavor to stand on its own—that means no saucy coating. But fans of BBQ sauce can still apply tableside, even though they suggest against it.

Everything is homemade and from scratch, which means this isn’t “fast food” but good food that takes a little longer to prepare. In fact, all appetizers and entrees are prepared to order. For crying out loud, their pork is slowly smoked for 13 hours. All their meats are rubbed with a unique combination of spices that it has been marinating in for 24 hours.

During our recent visit to Beachwood Brewing BBQ, we started with the wonderful Smoked Buffalo Wings, which are really great even without sauce. Another great and fun starter are Lena’s Famous Fried Pickles—definitely worth getting at least once.

With 22 rotating taps, plus one cask conditioned beer, it’s beer galore at both Beachwood BBQ locations. They have beers that have are hand selected for your pairing (and drinking) pleasure. They go to great lengths to find the most rare, most unique, and most first-rate beers. So in other words, you won't find Coors, Heineken, or Bud. But unfortunately you also won’t find Shiner Bock or Allagash. And since I’m not a real beer drinker, I couldn’t find a selection I liked. I tasted several but couldn’t find a winner, but then again I’m on a beer guy so it’s probably just me but I eventually settled on a nice, cold glass of Sweet Tea. It just really hit the spot.

And because the portions are generous to say the least, we opted to share a combo plate from the Ribs & Meats section and split the baby back ribs, pulled pork (served North Carolina style, dipped in red wine vinegar BBQ sauce), and the slow smoked brisket—all dry rubbed and slow smoked with applewood, almond and oak. The meats are all tender, savory and just plain delicious. While everyone wants to tout Texas, and Memphis and St. Louis barbeque as best, give up to these SoCal beach guys for serving truly hearty and heavenly fare.

And this feast of a plate comes with two sides and we went with the Potato Salad (I just love putting barbeque sauce on potato salad), and the tasty Green Beans, Bacon & Onion Ragout. Other great sides that do not disappoint include the Sweet Potato Fries, and Hush Puppies. And don’t forget the Skillet Baked Cornbread served with honey butter—it’s outrageously delicious.

If you saved room for dessert, the Pecan Pie a la mode is a real winner. Dining at Beachwood BBQ and Beachwood Brewing BBQ means first rate barbeque is a cool, beachside setting. It doesn’t really get any better than this.

Beachwood Brewing BBQ is located at 210 East Third Street in Long Beach, and Beachwood BBQ is located at 131 ½ Main Street in Seal Beach.

By: Jose Martinez.

Some Photography courtesy of: Beachwood Brewing BBQ