Who doesn't love a little nostalgia? The Kodiak Special is where it's at. I've been seeing more negative reviews lately, and honestly, I just can't relate. This place has been serving great BBQ long before every trendy social media food craze came along. If you appreciate history, tradition, and supporting a longtime local business, this is the place for you. If it's not your style, that's fine--just move on instead of leaving bitter reviews. I'd absolutely recommend this place to friends, family, and anyone looking for old-school BBQ done right. The service has always been friendly and consistent. Don't forget to ask for the relish tray. Love that special treat.... read more

The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que - That speaks volumes... - Barbeque Near Me - Mission Hills, California

Bear pit has been in Mission Hills forever and it's always delicious, service is great and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the atmosphere is nostalgic and so welcoming[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's great bbq Hope you enjoy it ! read more

I had not been here in several years, so thought I'd give it a try. Based on this experience, I will not be going back. [[HIGHLIGHT]]First, the place looks tired and rundown. There were Christmas lights in the entry and it is April.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My friend said it looked like his venue had been attacked by one of the bears! And then there was the food. The ribs were OK but covered in a very sweet sauce. I guess that's the style but wasn't what I was expecting and was way too sweet. The barbecue baked beans looked and tasted like they came out of a can. When it came time to pay, I was charged a 3% service charge. The cashier said it was a new charge from the bank. I don't think this is correct. I think it's that they were passing on the fee of free using credit cards to the customers. If this was a low price place, I might accept it, but it's not and they should not do that. It is just a cost of doing business. To and on a positive note, the service was friendly and good read more

Classic bbq bear pit has been there forever. The combo is the go to. Located near the 118 and the 5 freeway. easy to meet for a family meal.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]A landmark for history, bbq and log cabin vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] If you're looking for a nice bbq spot I can't recommend this place enough. I've had Pappy's in STL (Saint Louis, MO) and their ribs there are incredible. While this isn't as incredible as Pappy's, it is the best in Los Angeles. I've grown up eating ribs and not all ribs are created equal. These ribs are definitely one of the spots you must try. In no particular order: Baby back ribs 10/10 Smoked pork spare ribs 8.5/10 Chicken 10/10 Garlic bread 10/10 (comes with some of the dinner combinations) Beans 8/10 Coleslaw 10/10 Potato salad 9/10 Tots 8.5/10 We had dinner and so there were dinner combinations to choose from. My husband got the full rack of baby back ribs with three sides and garlic bread. I ordered the half rack of smoked spare ribs and two pieces of dark chicken, mine also came with three sides and garlic bread. There was so much food we couldn't finish nearly half of the portions, naturally we took it home. As we left the parking lot we saw their stash of natural wood. Who knows how and where they smoke their ribs, could be an indoor Santa Maria set up, I've seen those in some restaurants. They're ovens that you lower the meat into, very expensive. I'd be curious to ask the owner next time if they can share with us their bbq set up. Service is welcoming, helpful and efficient. New owner since 2019, they have helped restored the main neon sign. Hard working family who recognizes the value of this restaurant's history and recipes. They have stuck to all the same recipes from the former owners. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There are murals all over the restaurant and they're made by Disney animators from 1954, but the back room was my favorite.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Seating is lovely throughout the restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Glad we finally got to try this Los Angeles gem. Prices are fair in my opinion for bbq. Factor in the quality, volume of food, and dining experience and I think it's reasonable. read more

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I was brought here by someone who had fond memories of this place and they have been waiting for years to bring me. Let's just get into the good, bad, and everything in between. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There is plenty of seating, and it's nice and warm inside. Which was great on this cold and rainy January night![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have two large TVs in the back room so I got to catch the game while we ate.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The baked beans were pretty decent. The sauce, on point. They sell it by the bottle, worth picking some up. The servers were polite and attentive as well! And that's where it ends unfortunately. I got the 'Polar Bear Feast'. Spare ribs with your choice two additional meats and 3 sides. I also ordered a side of mac n' cheese. For the price you really can't beat that! I ordered the beef and pork. But it just fell flat. The food came out and it was lukewarm. Like barely above room temp. I gave it my best but I had to say something. The spareribs were ok. Nothing to write home about. And I'm from Missouri, lol. They took the food away to make it right and when they brought it back I realized that they just microwaved it or something. Maybe put it under a heat lamp. Whatever they did the plate was now hot and the meat had dried out. I tried one more bite and was like "This isn't worth the carbs." The mac 'n cheese was runny and really kinda lacking flavor. The person I was with got the brisket sandwich and potato salad. That was great! I had a small bite and wish I had gone that route! And the potato salad, best I've had in a while. I did order the brisket sandwich to go. It comes with two sides so I doubled up on the potato salad. I certainly did want to like this place, took an hour to get here. If you do visit, get the brisket sandwich and potato salad. read more

The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que - Polar Bear Feast - Barbeque Near Me - Mission Hills, California

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The chicken does not have any flavor not one herb or bit of salt, just plain chicken. The ribs were dry with a side of bbq for dipping the flavor was not soaked in. The Mac n cheese was like Kraft box Mac n cheese but with no type of flavor. The pickles n chilli was alright. However the service was great n [[HIGHLIGHT]]the restaurant had no light n it was depressing...[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

The Bear Pit BBQ has been a staple restaurant in our family for as long as I can remember. Things have changed over the years, but they still provided excellent service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant still has the same decor & paintings on the walls that I loved so much as a child.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The menu is generally the same, with a few additions/changes. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The first thing both myself & my brother said when we walked in was "there's no more sawdust..."[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] growing up that is how our parents/grandparents knew what restaurant we were talking about when we requested to eat at the place with the sawdust on the floor. The fried taters aren't as good as I remember them being as a kid, but I just believe I have outgrown the fascination of them. I ordered the Grizzley Bear Combo; which included 2 BBQ meats & 3 sides of your choice. I have always been a fan of their BBQ Turkey. My brother got the Lamb Sandwich on Garlic Toast & my Boyfriend got the Bear Pit Cubbies; one pork, one beef one turkey. They serve each table with a cold plate of carrots, pickles, celery & Peppers; we ordered a side of taters and ALWAYS get the Shirley BBQ Sauce. We even got a bottle of sauce to go. It has been over 4 years since the last time I visited the area so taking some home with me was a must. The Bear Pit will always hold a special place in my heart and bring back so many memories. Things haven changed over the years but their food is still delicious and their service is great. read more

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I ordered the steak and baby back ribs. Honestly, the steak was cooked well, but it lacked flavor. The ribs were so dry that the outer layer was too hard to chew and the rib meat was dried to the bone. One of my sides was a cup of chili beans, which was absolutely disgusting. It was so salty that I can't imagine anyone enjoying it. I also had a side salad, which was good. Oh! And the bread looked amazing but was chewy and the potato salad was from a tub from a container . I ordered hoping I would have leftovers for work, but I ended up leaving most of the food on the plate, minus the side salad and steak, which, like I said, wasn't too bad. It's not what I expected or what I remember from the place I used to go to years ago. I won't ever be going back, but on the bright side, the staff was nice read more

The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que - Bread - Barbeque Near Me - Mission Hills, California

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Amazingly fresh, fast, and delicious!! The BBQ beans are the best I've ever had and the bear pit special sandwich on garlic toast was 10 out of 10!!! read more

TLDR: Great catered BBQ from a mom-and-pop spot with friendly, helpful staff. Everything tastes delicious even for someone who isn't big on American BBQ, especially the toast and perfectly marinated pickles, tri-tip, chicken, sides, and sauces all hit the mark. This was my first time eating BBQ from Bear Pit Bar-B-Que, and I was pleasantly surprised by how good everything tasted. I'm usually not a big fan of American BBQ, but I genuinely enjoyed this meal so much so that I even went back for seconds. We ordered potatoes, toast, tri-tip, chicken, mashed potatoes, and mac & cheese, and everything was flavorful and well-seasoned. The toast ended up being one of the stars, and the pickles were perfectly marinated. Their two BBQ sauces were also great: one classic and one with a tangy, slightly spicy kick. Since the food was delivered, I can't comment on the dine-in ambience, but the service itself was excellent. The staff was friendly, helpful, and made the delivery process easy. Based on this experience, I'd definitely consider ordering from them again for future gatherings. It's a solid, comforting spread even for someone who doesn't usually crave BBQ. read more

Excellent barbecue and great serve. The food was full of flavor, the portions were generous and everything was cooked perfectly. this staff was friendly and welcoming, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'll differently be back. highly recommend. read more

We were in the mood for BBQ and hubby suggested Bear Pit BBQ. The food: it looked great, full restaurant seemed to be enjoying their meal. We ordered Spare Ribs with tots and coleslaw and Baby Back/Chicken combo with mashed potatoes and potato salad. Everything looked amazing, the bbq sauce was mouthwatering...and then we took our first bites. Something was definitely off with the meat. It wasn't rancid or spoiled but it didn't taste right. Maybe low quality meat, I don't know. The salads were good, the garlic bread was ok. The ambiance was nice. Busy, upbeat place, kind staff but for $80 I'll pass. read more

The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que - Bar-B-Q Spare Ribs Dinner - Barbeque Near Me - Mission Hills, California

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Great vibes great strawberry drinks great babe back ribs and great garlic bread.my mother rip loved this place and it brings a smile to face each time I go there read more

Great BBQ Chicken and ribs ! Highly recommend this restaurant. I've been coming here for nearly 40 years and the taste has always been really good ! read more

Nothing special. Brisket sandwich tastes cheap. Meat was not juicy, no fat, not special. Missouri style sauce is too vinegary and doesn't hold a candle to Baby Rays sauce. 3 pieces of garlic bread was $7. Baked beans was ok, same vinegary sauce base. Potato salad came from Vons. Service was passing. Didn't check up on me. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bear ambiance is cute, dated, but still ok.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'm in no hurry to come back. read more

The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que - Beef brisket is plain and not juicy - Barbeque Near Me - Mission Hills, California

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Sorry, not sorry! Went here with a work group for lunch and we were mostly disappointed. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bear Pit needs to close down or have a total revamp (which won't happen).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food is not good and is WAY too expensive, these owners have lost their minds. They are laughing all the way to the bank! Clearly, we were served food from the night before that was just reheated, the brisket had absolutely no flavor, was too thin, hard and cold. The people that own the place are probably shocked that people come in and spend big money there for low quality food. Oh well, McDonald's is still in business and I guess this place will be too for a while. Lastly, the brisket was so unflavored (unseasoned), I was able to feed it to my dogs. Never again! You were warned by a heavy (Restaurant only) Yelper. read more

Service is wonderful when it is not too busy. Barbecue is so awesome :) It is really have its history as well. So my aunt finally came back here to eat. That old american diner vibe is so nice. read more

The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Mission Hills, California

We stopped in again for lunch, and last time was no fluke. We got the relish bowl, shared the pork sandwich on garlic toast and coleslaw. We added a salad. I only wish that they served the same pickles as before. read more

The pit continues to serve great, hearty que food. Kodiak plate is loaded with ribs, beef sandwich and 2sides. Thinly sliced beef on grilled sourdough was excellent topped by their exceptional sauce. Always great service and plenty of parking in lot.lots of regulars come here and I get it. read more

Really, Bear Pit.... Ordered through grub hub and paid your price only to get my chicken dinner and fish and chips ... the fish and chips only had 2 pieces of fish (your picture shows 3) and the chicken appears to have been sitting around for hours. I could not even get the chicken from the skin ... quite frankly it was bad !!! And not the original bbq sauce.. waste of my money!!! read more

My husband and I like to come here with hid family once in a while to enjoy some bbq: we always get the Kodiak with the spare ribs. He likes to get lamb while I get the beef. The original bbq sauce was wonderful. The fries could use some seasoning but overall the service was good and the food was tasty. The ambiance is casual and is family-friendly. They have their own parking lot and they've been in the valley for years. read more

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The food was amazing I would eat at this restaurant everyday. Amazing service from Tonya actually one of the best servers I've been to in a restaurant. W food read more

The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que - Steak and Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Mission Hills, California

I've eaten here most of my life, as has most of my family and everyone else in the valley. I'm sad to say this place is just horrible. All the cut backs in the food and the quality in its entirety is so disappointing. The meat is broiled, fatty and thin. The sauce we all know and love is tasteless, watered down and bitter. The portions have gotten smaller and the prices have gotten higher. I remember the Bear Pitt special being 9.99 it's now almost 23 dollars. Not worth the price. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place still has its nostalgic look and feel[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], the servers still vanish for most of your time there... refills impossible, food is cold, nasty and boring. Management I suggest you stick to the original script, or this place is going to close. Stay away not worth it. read more

not like it once was. BBQ sauce bottles no longer on tables (you get little cups with your meal) no more cold pickles a carrot s. Quantity and taste are not the same. overall prices have increased by $$. one good note, you no longer have to wait for a table as the place is almost empty at lunch and dinner. if you keep raising your prices, cut down on your meal size and abandon everything you once were, it's only a matter of time before you close the doors for good. very disappointed. after 50 years, won't be going back. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is still like it was from the first time I have been there.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Went today the service was fine, but the food was not the same. Very disappointed. read more

The Bear Pit has been a favorite for years...until today. I haven't been there in a few years due to job change taking me out of the area. Went today for a late lunch with a friend who picked me up at the airport. This place used to have the best ham sandwich on garlic toast. No more...awful flavor, pretty close to burned toast and when I opened it up to just eat the ham, I found cheap deli ham and I mean the cheap stuff. It was gross and not at all like the ham sandwich of the past (and the ham sandwich is the only thing I get there). Half a handful of fries was skimpy and the Mac and cheese was pretty mushy. The other two in the party said that the pork sandwich was dry and both said the toast was almost burnt and tasted awful. General consensus was none of us would be back and new ownership has destroyed the place. So sad.... read more

A Misadventure at The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que The Decision It all began with a simple question: where to go for lunch today? Despite a suggestion from Frankenstein for chili dogs and chili cheese fries at the Munch Box in Chatsworth, the Bride of Frankenstein was having none of it. Frankenstein stupidly suggested The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que. It had been a while since they visited this nostalgic Valley BBQ spot, a place laden with memories of family gatherings and decent BBQ. The Expectations vs. Reality Frankenstein knew not everything at The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que was a hit. A cautious voice in his mind recommended the BBQ Ham Sandwich on Garlic Toast. But the Bride of Frankenstein bravely ventured for BBQ Chicken, only to be served something that appeared deep-fried and undercooked, leaving her to merely poke at it in disappointment. Confident in his choice, Frankenstein ordered the Bear Pit Special, a combination sandwich promising "Gobs of Luscious, Thinly Sliced Bar-B-Q Beef and Ham." However, what arrived was a sandwich that seemed to consist of turkey and dry roast pork, not the expected "Gobs of Luscious, Thinly Sliced Bar-B-Q Beef and Ham." When Frankenstein pointed this out, the waitress insisted it was correct without even looking, leaving him bewildered. The Outcome Frankenstein's persistence finally paid off when the waitress returned with the correct ham and beef BBQ sandwich. Unfortunately, by then, the moment had soured. The sandwich was "fine at best," the BBQ beans and fries were cold, and a sense of regret settled in. Frankenstein realized this visit to The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que was a catastrophic mistake. It felt like stepping into a time machine, only to find a place that hadn't aged well. The once-beloved establishment seemed like it was in the last moments of its run, a faded relic of the past, now on its last legs. The Conclusion Reflecting on the experience, Frankenstein concluded it was time to bid farewell to The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que. Once a cherished spot, it now seemed unable to keep up with the expectations of its patrons. Though the memories remained, Frankenstein resolved that this would be his final visit. It was time to find new culinary adventures and let the past rest. https://www.yelp.com/user_photos?select=qWRIiPxreEm7w3B_Seo6sg&userid=ivL13L-4XSYepkfoFfB_8g read more

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Anyone that thinks and says that this place is delicious are either lying or arent from planet earth. This place is BLAND CITY. Ribs have NOOOOOOOOOOO FLAVOR. NO SEASONINGS, NO DRY RUB, NO MARINATION!! They just took the meat out of the packaging and smoked it. That's it!! How is this real bbq? Why do they think that this is ok?!? Do they even taste their own food?!? This is ridiculously insane. read more

The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que - Super duper alpha omega of blandness. You should be ashamed of yourselves. - Barbeque Near Me - Mission Hills, California

This 1 off sleeper in the valley is the best BBQ in LA.. Brisket sandwich on garlic bread is the only thing you need to try to agree with me. I read more

Although this restaurant has been around since the 50's, there's no special amazing dish in my opinion. I ordered the lamb sandwich on garlic bread. The bread was good, but the lamb had zero flavor. They do give a lot of meat on the sandwich, though. The baked beans were good, average BBQ flavor. The coleslaw had a very acidity taste with a wierd after taste. read more

The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que - Lamb sandwich on garlic toast - Barbeque Near Me - Mission Hills, California

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I've been coming here my whole life (30 years) and my dad's been bringing everyone we know, friends and family for over 50 years. Easy to find, large parking lot, seating inside and out. The owners and workers have all been here forever and know everyone by heart. Really a fantastic restaurant l, great food, and amazing memories from here! Can't go wrong with any plate, sandwich, ribs, duck etc! Event the salad is great. Order extra bread to share with the table, and enjoy! Great vibes, comfortable, warm, welcoming and laid back. So nostalgic coming in here, I remember when they had saw dust on the floor. Great for celebrations, and just coming to enjoy their great food! read more

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The Bear Pit has been a fixture in the Valley since more than a decade more than I've been a fixture in the Valley. This is one of the places I used to woo my blushing bride and to lure her from the Westside to the "God forsaken Valley". Apparently it worked and last night my blushing bride wanted to treat me to some special takeout. What a thrill it was! I wanted a brisket sandwich on sourdough. It was a really great sandwich. Lots of tasty brisket meat. The sauce is unique. A pronounced smoke flavor, probably liquid smoke, yet a very tantalizing sauce. The sides were all really good: barbecue beans, potato salad, cole slaw, and fries. Most impressive is that everything needed was included, including salt for the fries, and just the right amount of each. My blushing bride and our offspring both had pulled pork, one on a bun and the other on a roll. Both were happy and satisfied. Most thrilling for me were the stories my blushing bride told of the pleasant discourse with the staff. Apparently the talked about a lot and it sounds like it was a very pleasant experience. Definitely, Bear Pit will see us again! read more

The Bear Pit Bar-B-Que - Beef Brisket Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Mission Hills, California

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So so so delicious, best bbq sandwiches on garlic toast ever [[HIGHLIGHT]]Super fun place[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Everyone should try it read more

Consistently wonderful bbq meals are served here. My family has been eaten here all my life and it remains a treasure of the San Fernando Valley! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The sawdust is long gone although the quality and family atmosphere remains.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] If you haven't eaten here lately or ever stop by, you will be happy you did. I love the vegetarian bbq beans along with sharing the Kodiak Turkey sandwich, hubby gets all the ribs and the other half of a delicious sandwich. Service is quick, friendly and efficient. Take away is always perfect as well. read more

We had a memorial service on Saturday and my brother made arrangements with The Bear Pit staff for a large party. The back room was reserved for us and ready when we arrived. Although our party was considerably larger than we expected, the staff was very understanding and dealt with the larger crowd. The staff was incredibly attentive, making sure everyone had the drinks and food the wanted. When the food arrived it was delicious as always. I can't say how much we appreciate the pure professionalism exhibited by all of the staff and cooks. First class operation!!!! read more

I had not been there in 50 years. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Decor has not changed since 1970s.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Lotsa old coots and disabled people there. Nithing bougie not trendy[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Food okay - Cole slaw and beans good but sweet , I liked roast beef sandwich but ham sliced too thin like school cafeteria style. Very good prices and very nice staff read more

Came here for take out, they have their own parking that's separated from Coco's. Ordering take out was quick, they take cash and credit card. This place is like a diner in the woods feel. Food was delicious, I got the BBQ brisket sandwich on garlic toast with fries and Mac n cheese, very delicious and messy! read more

I get that Bear Pit holds a special place in a lot of people's hearts--there's a long history here, and for some, the comfort food and old-school atmosphere bring back good memories. Unfortunately, for me, the experience didn't live up to the hype. The food just didn't feel fresh. I ordered a classic BBQ plate, and while the portion was generous, the meat was dry and lacked the smoky, tender quality I expect from good barbecue. The sauce tasted overly sweet and mass-produced, not balanced or house-made. Sides were equally forgettable--beans were mushy, and the coleslaw tasted like it came straight from a plastic tub. The vibe inside is charming in a throwback kind of way, but that charm can't cover up what feels like a place that's resting on its past. Service was fine--friendly enough--but overall, it just didn't feel like a place focused on quality food anymore. If you grew up coming here or have memories tied to it, I can understand the appeal. But if you're looking for truly great BBQ or fresh flavors, this probably isn't the spot. read more

This place is a landmark in the SFV. That being said... the food in this place is absolutely awful. The food is so bland its like they did it on purpose. No flavor. Mac and cheese was obviously from a box. The toast was not even edible. The ribs were cold. Please skip this place if you are hungry. Very disappointing. read more