There’s nothing quite like gathering on 4505’s patio to enjoy a huge plate of meat, especially when that smoked meat is 4505’s pulled pork shoulder or three-quarters of a pound of ribs. And while barbecue is where it’s at, 4505 also has one of the best burgers in town (aptly named “Best Damn Grass-Fed Cheeseburger”) and a beloved frankaroni (a fried chunk of hot dog-studded mac and cheese), both of which, much liked the famed chicharrones, are hard to resist. All the more reason to make this a regular spot in your dining-out rotation.

This is the spot to go if one of you prefers North Carolina barbecue and the other is ride-or-die Texas-style and you decide you want to “meat” in the middle. This mini barbecue chain (with two LA locations plus a spot in Philly) doesn’t play favorites and instead focuses on a hybrid-style of the four main BBQ food groups: North Carolina, Texas, Kansas City, and Memphis. It also puts out a damn good mac and cheese. You can still order for delivery, but everything tastes better when you’re fully immersed in the smell of smoke from meat that’s been cooked to perfection.

If your idea of barbecue is less smoky brisket and more saucy, baked goodness, this duo of Southern comfort eateries will hit the spot with their old-school chicken or spare ribs. The famous fried chicken is equally solid (pair it with a buttermilk Belgium waffle for a true taste of heaven), as are sides like collard greens and black-eyed peas.

Family-owned Hing Lung has been dishing out some of the city’s best Chinese barbecue for decades, and now it’s offering delivery for the first time under the moniker “Go Duck Yourself.” Want to pick it up in person? The shop is also open. For dinner, opt for a plate of roast duck or honey-glazed pork, served over rice, veggies, and plum sauce. Or cater an afternoon picnic or binge-watch session with duck fat-fried chicharrones and salt-and-pepper jalapeño wings.