So, for our inaugural TGP event, we headed over to Mr. Cecil's Ribs in Sherman Oaks. I've been there a few times before, and by the name we obviously knew the specialty was ribs.

http://www.mrcecilscaliforniaribs.com/

Myself and a few others were there early, and let me tell you, the bartender hooked us up something lovely while we were waiting for the rest of the Republic to show up. 4 buck imports, and DAMN well made Mojitos started the dinner off nicely.

After we all settled down, the table ordered a slew of different things. For those who were undecided on ribs, hot links, or whatever else, there's Jonathan's Selection. A sampler of ribs, St Louis style ribs, semi-dry wings, chili, pork and beans, and hush puppies definitely would fill most folks up. I'd say that's one of their best dishes, a little bit of everything.

I've had the selection a couple of times, so I had my way with a hot link sandwich, which was a pretty shitty idea. The hot link itself is GREAT, the bun, not so much. It was on a plain ass bun, like from Food 4 Less or some shit. So overall the taste was mediocre, and the fries were eh. From now on I'm sticking to the ribs, which is definitely the specialty there.

The ribs themselves I believe are dry rub, but I'm no rib expert. I just know the shit tastes good as hell. There's an offering of two different bbq sauces, one that's sweet and one that's tangier with a bit more spice.

In terms of the sampler, the wings are top notch, and I AM a wing snob. They're dry and covered with just the right amount of spicy wing sauce, which isn't too vinegary.

All in all, a good experience. Stick to the ribs, sampler, and wings though, and you're good money.

Oh yeah, almost forgot about the cornbread. Also pretty damn good. nice and moist but not too dense.

Retro out!

Right under the 101 Freeway and Coldwater Canyon, on the north side... right before you get on the 101 west. There is a small taco stand called Hugos Tacos. It kind of looks like a new building, or one of those old apartments out there in studio city, where some old guy snazzed the building up and made the outside look brand new and painted over the wires on the inside. Yea, like that. But its not dirty or nasty or anything, its a real nice sit down spot..... WHERE THEY HAVE SOME OF THE BEST TACOS EVER!! First I must say that I am not latino, so I probably dont all the way know anything about good tacos. But dammit these were effin great! I can really only compare them to the tacos some Mexican family sells at the LA Auto Show every year. Their chicken tacos are worth the 7 bucks (because its the damn car show... but they're really good).
But I think I might like Hugos Tacos better, because they are alot juicier. They have all kinds of salsa like honey chipotle, salsa negra ( peep the menu for more ). All kinds of fillings, chicken, fish, and a bunch of other off the wall shit id never think to put in a taco, but I'd try under the right circumstances (read: if I wasnt sober). They even have organic options.
I could go on and on about the tacos I had from here, and how I was swerving in traffic killing the three chicken tacos they blessed me with. But Im sure if you take your ass down there, you will be happy to have found out for your self!

The website says they have a two restaurants. Im going to have to check these places out as well. Ill be back with a full review. One day lol.

Hugos Tacos

4749 Coldwater Canyon
Studio City, CA 91607
Phone: (818) 762-7771

Some how I always forget how much I like this place. Then I sit down and look at the menu, and remember why I dont frequent the place. Not saying its expensive. But if you dont have 20 bucks for you, keep it movin. Other than that though? I dont eat beef or pork, but as far as I know everything on the menu is good as hell. I dont think Ive ever had anything from this place i didnt like. The bbq chicken potato skins appetizer... GGGGEEEZZZUUSSS.

On my last visit I ordered the Freshwater Idaho Rainbow Trout, and you can get it prepared a few different ways. I can remember how I ordered mine. I just remember something about it being marinated and then something else on top of that. It was pretty damn good. Along with the mashed potatoes.
I used to have a friend that worked here as a bartender, he used to make the best effeng mojitos ever in life. This place has a pretty good happy hour, so we used to go up there and order appetizers and get hooked up with a few free drinks. On top of the ones we paid for. Needless to say, Ive stumbled out of that place in the middle of the after noon on a Wednesday a few times lol. It goes down.

I highly recommend this place if you got the money to spend. If you want to do something a little different. Be warned though, 2 things. For one, it was cold as hell in there, and usually is. Two, well, I dont mean to be a jack ass, but depending on who you are, you might immediately notice the group of people that frequent the place. Not that there is anything wrong with the crowd. I just know a couple of people who wouldnt go because of the people who hang out there. Which is pretty skanless. But I kind of understand lol. Dont bother me though.