Southern Cooking at Brazen BBQ

As a Carolina girl living in San Diego, I thought I would never find a BBQ spot that could live up to my high standards. Thanks to the good people at Brazen BBQ, I no longer have to fly across the country but can just mosey down to Hillcrest for some good eats and saloon style.  Located on the corner of Washington and 5th Street, Brazen BBQ’s home resembles a cross between a rustic barn and modern warehouse, which perfectly reflects the restaurant’s mixture of traditional and innovative offerings on their menu. And on top of that, after its first year competing on the national BBQ circuit (oh yes, there is a national BBQ circuit), it earned the coveted Rookie-of-the-Year award, finished in California’s top ten, and the nation’s top 100.  On table you can choose between sauces to accompany your dishes. Savannah Gold is a Carolina style mustard sauce, Competition is a mix of Southern heat and Midwest sweet, and B.R.AG. is a bold, slyly-spiced traditional style BBQ sauce.  If you really want to eat like a Southerner, start off with the Fried Okra appetizer to share. Cornmeal-crusted okra is served crispy with Brazen’s sweet creole mustard. Not sure what meat and sides to get? Try a platter to sample several!  Don’t skip the brisket, their signature meat, or a side of Mac & Cheese. http://www.brazenbbq.com/