Everything about the Maple Block, located on Sepulveda, screams barbecue. From the wooden sign out front that actually resembles an old chopping block to the font used for the menu, there’s a vintage feel to the place that recalls days gone by, quality smokehouses and master butchery.
We have visited this restaurant on a number of occasions, and it’s always worth it because everything on the menu looks great. You could throw a dart at it, and you wouldn’t be disappointed.
Plus, the place looks wonderful. The wooden tables and exposed brick in the interior only serves to enhance that vibe. There are quality barbecue joints all over Los Angeles and indeed Culver City, but it’s these little touches at Maple Block that help it stand out.
Every time we go to Maple Block the staff is warm and helpful, and they love to talk shop. The meat was apparently prepared well in advance, and there was a full menu to choose from.
It’s best to go in a group of people that you’re close to, so that there are plenty of different dishes on the table to enjoy. We had the “meat platter for 4-6 people.” Perfect – this way we get to sample a whole lot of different things.
The platter comes with half a pound of brisket, one pound of pork spare ribs, a sausage link, half a pound of chopped pork, half a chicken, a choice of three sides, bread, and house-made pickles. For the sides, we opt for baked beans, mac and cheese, and coleslaw.
All of the meat is amazing, but the brisket melts in your mouth. It’s just dreamy, the way it falls apart the moment it touches your mouth. But the sausage link is perfectly seasoned and has the ideal snap. The chicken is moist and full of flavor, and the sides are all awesome.
The Maple Block makes their own pickles, and they’re incredible. Meanwhile, the bread was fresh and bouncy, crisped inside. The pimento cheese inside paired wonderfully with the meat. The sides were great too – both the rich mac & cheese, and the creamy potato salad.
The Maple Block also has an impressive and extensive drinks menu, and we found it to be the perfect venue for a group outing.
The Maple Block is located at 3973 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City 90230. Call 310-313-6328 or visit mapleblockmeat.com.