Dine Al Fresco at the Outdoor Grill

Located at the intersection where Washington Place and Washington Boulevard meet Wade Street, Outdoor Grill is a small, casual barbecue restaurant with most of its seating outdoors.

It’s situated next door to Handy J car wash, which makes it very convenient if you’re hungry, are in need of a car wash and don’t want to worry about parking your car. You can even keep an eye on your vehicle while dining on the rooftop deck.

I have passed this tiny place countless times and I’m glad I finally went inside. Even though it doesn't have much atmosphere, the smell of the barbecuing meat wafts through the air, seducing you to follow your nose.

Outdoor Grill uses mesquite charcoal for grilling, which gives the meats a distinct smoky flavor. Baby back ribs, chicken, pork, tri tip and salmon are all grilled to perfection.

Other dishes on the menu include salads, baked beans, fries, coleslaw, corn bread, chili, and potato salad.

My friend liked the tri tip taco, which he thought was unusual because he’s used to having the more common carne asada tacos (seasoned flank steak). The meat was diced up into small pieces and served in a corn tortilla with fresh cilantro and onions. A drizzle of BBQ sauce made it taste even better.

The barbecue chicken sandwich on a soft white roll was pretty basic and served with a side of barbecue sauce, which was tangy and a bit on the sweet side. The all-white chicken meat was moist, tender and smoky.

I ordered the feta romaine salad, which came as a very generous portion. I liked how the feta was crumbled and tossed throughout the salad, not just sprinkled on top. The amount of dressing was just right and the avocado and tomato were a nice addition. I think the only improvement would be to add a crunchy element to contrast with the richness of the cheese and avocado.

I also enjoyed the mac n’ cheese made with shell pasta. It was creamy and cheesy and very satisfying.

The cornbread, on the other hand, was slightly dry, though it was improved after adding the butter and honey it came with. I prefer the moist and dense kind with kernels of corn throughout. I wanted to order the baked beans, but once I was told they had bacon in them I passed, though I’ve heard they’re very good.

Outdoor Grill offers a variety of distinct fruit juices including orange/guava/passion fruit, besides the usual soft drinks and iced tea. I made myself a tropical Arnold Palmer combining lemonade, iced tea and these juices. It was sweet, tart and refreshing. I’ll come back for this drink and the salad—a light, perfect meal in the summertime—and there are plenty of tasty barbecue dishes to keep meat-eaters returning as well.

, 12630 Washington Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90066, 310-636-4745.

Hours: Sun.–Thurs., 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

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