As mentioned when recently reviewing the neighboring Go Go Bird wing joint, it’s now an established fact that some of the best food in Culver City is served at the Citizen Public Market. The sushi, noodles, barbecue and fried chicken that’s on offer under that convenient roof is, as a rule, magnificent.
“Created in a reimagined historical landmark that previously housed Culver City’s Citizen Publishing Company, Citizen Public Market will continue its predecessor’s legacy as a central fixture of Culver City life,” they say online. “The perfectly positioned plot of land was originally purchased in 1928 by entrepreneurs Eugene and Kitty Donovan, who moved to Culver City from San Francisco after surviving the great earthquake and fire of 1906. With safety in mind, the Donovans hired the architectural firm of Orville E. Clark to design a beautiful building that complied with San Francisco’s earthquake building codes, as Southern California had yet to create guidelines.”
Located right next to Go Go Bird, Smokey Chance is a barbecue joint that might have a very limited menu, but they make up for it with absolute quality–both in terms of ingredients and service.
“Founded by a powerhouse trio – food entrepreneur and chef Derrell Smith, Texas BBQ-trained pitmaster Jeff Chen, and Raindrop Cake creator Darren Wong – this innovative barbeque joint specializes in mouth watering brisket, ribs, and an array of smoked delicacies,” they say online.
They also mention that their menu has been perfected through successful pop-up events, and features their “signature slow-smoked brisket available by the half-pound, in sandwiches, or as part of a hearty plate with sides.”
With that in mind, we had their brisket cheesesteak, for no other reason other than it genuinely looked incredible on the picture they had on their menu. That, and the smells emanating from the cooking area at the back were nothing short of divine.
Philadelphia natives will know that as a rule, a cheesesteak is packed with thinly-sliced steak, often ribeye. Switching that for brisket might be considered sacrilege back east but in fact, it’s a masterstroke. The meat is tender and delicious, the cheese sauce rich and strong, and the grilled veg vibrant.
Even the bun is great, and we got it with a side of their potato salad. That too was incredible; creamy and comforting. Their hot pickles and bbq sauces, which customers can help themselves too, only boosted the flavors.
They know what they’re doing.
Smokey Chance is located at 9355 Culver Blvd., Culver City 90232. Visit instagram.com/smokeychancebbq.