It’s surprisingly hard to find great brisket in the west San Fernando Valley, so discovering Slab at Topanga Social felt like stumbling onto a hidden gem. I’ve tried a lot of barbecue spots across LA, and this is one of the few that truly gets brisket right. The meat is incredibly tender, with a deep, smoky flavor that doesn’t overpower. The bark is seasoned well, slightly crisp, and full of flavor, with just the right amount of fat running through each slice. Every time I go, I tell myself I’ll try something new, but I always end up ordering the brisket again. I don’t even browse the menu anymore. It hits every time. That level of consistency is rare, and it’s what keeps me coming back. I w...
