A BBQ lunch for a Lincoln? Ha!
Faux grass, the kind familiar to mini golfers, lines the entrance to Dr. Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas BBQ in Van Nuys. As I opened the restaurant door I wondered if the green fur outside was a clue to what type of meal I was about to have inside.
The tiny eatery has high booths, dark paneled wood walls and framed paintings of western landscapes that look like they were new when the restaurant opened 39 years ago. The place is quiet, unassuming, and completely non-ironic.
A server tells me to take any seat and as I scoot into a booth with a surprisingly upright back it occurs to me that already I have inhaled 100 calories in the rich, meaty atmosphere of Dr. Hogly Wogly's.
The menu is brief and strikes me as expensive but when my food comes the price makes sense. At Hogly Wogly's, $8.45 buys you two pickle slices and about a pound of meat served on a laughably small piece of white bread. I wasn't worried that the slabs of pork would slip off and splatter when I picked up the sandwich because they were falling out all on their own.
After a few bites I resorted to eating with a fork and knife. A tiny metal teapot, the kind used to hold cream, was filled with sweet BBQ sauce. A plastic squirt bottle contained a spicier version. I found a mixture of both served the slightly dry meat well. This was not the soft pulled pork commonly served at BBQ joints.
I quickly ran out of bread and asked the server for more, even though it costs an extra $.95. She immediately brought a "half loaf" of warm bread that had the texture of cotton candy. Next to the bread the server placed a small paper cup of glistening butter. Yes! I did, in fact, need a few more calories with this meal. Thank you.
But I forgot to tell you about my baked beans. The pork sandwich comes with one of four typical BBQ sides, your choice. The beans were sugary, creamy, and hot. My only complaint is the ramekin-sized portion they came in.
My bill far surpassed a Lincoln Lunch - $10.14 plus tip. I may have to coin a term for a $10 meal - Hungry Hamilton, anyone?
Visit them at 8136 Sepulveda in Van Nuys just south of Roscoe on the east side of the street. (818) 782-2480. Dr. Hogly Wogly's restroom is outside and I did not venture there.
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About The Bargain Hunter
Daily News staff writer Julia Scott loves to find bargains on everything from groceries to Gucci. Her tips will help keep your hard earned cash where it belongs - in your pocket.
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I went there on a recommendation and I felt ripped off. Small portions and big prices. UGH. I spend $100 on take out for four people on dinner a couple of years back. That is outrageous.
The meat portions are all very large and this is the BEST! BBQ place in LA. It always receives very high ratings by all the food critics. No ambience, not the best area but great food at a fair price.
It's all about the Hamiltons, baby!
| Now reached in my pocket pull out some dough,
| Girl acted like she never seen a ten befo'
| It's all about the Hamiltons, baby!
| Throw the snacks in the bag and I'm Ghost like Swayze.
|
| Roll-up to the the theater, ticket buying what we're handling,
| You can call us Aaron Burr from the way we're dropping Hamiltons
Lazy Sunday: http://www.hulu.com/watch/1397/saturday-night-live-snl-digital-short-lazy-sunday
Dr. Hogly Wogly's is THE BEST Bar-B-Que west of the Pecos. Love it! Love it! Love it! (Now, if I could only teach it to stay off my hips!)
Last summer was the last time I visited the restaurant w/a friend. We both had the BBQ combo & the famous tri-tip was tough & chewy... scared to go back cuz it's not cheap either.
Being a vegetarian and all, I haven't been to Hogly Wogly's in a few dog's ages, but I do remember that bread.
My neighbors like this other place called The Bear Pit, which is way north on Sepulveda Boulevard, sort of near San Fernando Mission.
Here's its Web site:
http://bearpitbbq.com/
Went here when my son was about 2. They brought him a placemat, napkin, and spoon. They went out of their way to make him feel like a person even though the restaurant was busy. I've been to other place before and after with him and none of them have come close to this kind of attention and service. The food is wonderful.
The only complaint about this place is that the parking is very limited. The food is wonderful and has been very consistent for all the years that I've been going there.