Max City BBQ: The Backyard Cookout That Never Ended in Eagle Rock

The beloved barbecue joint has been mesmerizing Angelenos with its smoked meats and hot sides for over a decade.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:33pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeating grid of barbecue ribs in bold, neon-like colors, conceptually representing the iconic barbecue dishes that have made Max City BBQ a local favorite.Max City BBQ's mouthwatering smoked meats and classic barbecue sides have become a beloved community staple in Eagle Rock.Los Angeles Today

For the past 12 years, Max City BBQ has captured the tastebuds of Angelenos with its mouthwatering smoked meats, homemade rubs and sauces, and piping-hot sides like baked mac and cheese, potato salad, and hushpuppies. What started as a backyard pop-up has grown into a beloved community staple in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Why it matters

Max City BBQ's success story highlights how a small, community-focused business can thrive by staying true to its roots and building a loyal local following. In a city dominated by big-name restaurant chains, Max City's commitment to quality ingredients, homemade recipes, and neighborhood engagement has allowed it to become a beloved institution in Eagle Rock.

The details

Max City BBQ began over a decade ago when co-owners Jason McDonald and his business partner started hosting backyard pop-up barbecue events. This led to an in-home catering company, and in 2014 they opened the Max City BBQ restaurant on Eagle Rock Boulevard. The restaurant features smoked meats, homemade rubs and sauces, and classic barbecue sides like baked mac and cheese, potato salad, and hushpuppies. Max City has become a community staple, offering all-day happy hour specials and catering to the neighborhood.

  • Max City BBQ opened its Eagle Rock location in 2014.
  • The restaurant has been serving the Eagle Rock community for over 12 years.

The players

Jason McDonald

Chef and co-owner of Max City BBQ.

Max City BBQ

A beloved barbecue restaurant in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, known for its smoked meats, homemade sauces and rubs, and classic barbecue sides.

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What they’re saying

“I like to say our barbecue is the best barbecue in northeast L.A.”

— Jason McDonald, Chef and co-owner

“Eagle Rock has been integral to our success. The residents here have been really great to us as far as catering, supporting us, especially through COVID, because here we are still. So, we love Eagle Rock.”

— Jason McDonald, Chef and co-owner

The takeaway

Max City BBQ's story demonstrates how a small, community-focused business can thrive by staying true to its roots and building a loyal local following. In a city dominated by big-name restaurant chains, Max City's commitment to quality ingredients, homemade recipes, and neighborhood engagement has allowed it to become a beloved institution in the Eagle Rock community.