Roadhouse LA, (8162 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, 90046) is the BBQ focused restaurant from Umami founder Adam Fleischman and NY chef Robbie Richter (Hill Country, Fatty ‘Cue) inside Hollywood Improv on Melrose. When you walk in, the place looks nothing as it did before. With a large wooden bar, a lamp made out of vintage farming machinery, and waiters in flannel shirts, this spot oozes country BBQ. And it does not disappoint.
Opening on February 6, Roadhouse LA will function as an independent restaurant as well as the official menu for the Improv showroom. The menu is based on traditionally wood-smoked meats and features small plates like Pan de Salvajes (Texas toast with master fat); Deviled Eggs; House-Cured Hunan Bacon; and Chicken Wings. As for larger plates, order up Crispy Pig (trotter chicharron, pig jam, and pulled pork that went perfecting with their papaya slaw); Royal Jerk Chicken with black eyed peas; Brooklyn Brisket; Lamb with rice balls; Pork Ribs with watermelon; and Head of the Day with Texas Chainsaw Toast. Overall, the BBQ was amazing in that nothing was over powered by sauce, so you could taste the great meat and meat was paired perfectly with slaws and vinegars, that left you wanting more.
Dave Fernie (Pour Vous, Harvard & Stone) has also overhauled the cocktail menu, adding house-made sodas and an extensive whiskey selection. Cocktails include the Jimmy Dalton (Chrysanthemum Bourbon, Hickory Applejack, PX Sherry, bitters, and citrus oils); the Honkey Tonk is Cheap (Vodka, Amaro Montenegro, tamarind spiced Pomegranate lemon, orange, mace blade): and the Naven Johnson (Reposado tequila, Charreau Aloe Liqueur, Ramazotti Amaro, cucmber, salt, lime, ginger, soda).
