Rating: 3 stars

Address: 13631 Saticoy St., Van Nuys

Information: 818-849-5237; bludsosbbq.com

Other locations: 609 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles; and 1329 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica

Cuisine: The first two branches of Bludso’s offer sit-down dining. The Van Nuys location is takeout only. Which works fine since this barbecue travels perfectly. The biggest problem is the aroma might cause you to pull the car over and rip open the takeout bag. The temptation is powerful.

When: Lunch and dinner, every day

Details: No reservations

Prices: About $35 per person

On the menu: 6 starters ($9-$16), 3 salads ($9-$15), 5 sandwiches ($15-$17), 8 quarter-pound meats ($9-$13), 3 big meats ($10-$39), 3 hot sides ($7.50), 2 cold sides ($7), cornbread ($4), seasoned fries ($8), 6 extras ($2-$8), family meal ($45), lunch tray ($160), Bludso’s tray ($220), party tray ($360), 3 lunch specials ($17-$25), 4 desserts ($5-$10), 5 drinks ($2.50-$3.50)

Credit cards: MC, V

What the stars mean: 4 (World class! Worth a trip from anywhere!), 3 (Most excellent, even exceptional. Worth a trip from anywhere in Southern California.), 2 (A good place to go for a meal. Worth a trip from anywhere in the neighborhood.) 1 (If you’re hungry, and it’s nearby, but don’t get stuck in traffic going.) 0 (Honestly, not worth writing about.)