SWEET LOU’S BBQ SHACK in Huntington Beach (Orange CountyTribune photos)

By John M. Borack
Orange County Tribune

I must admit, I’m a bit difficult to please when it comes to good barbecue. Having visited Texas at least once a year for the past decade, I have spoiled by the tasty brisket, beef ribs, sausage, chicken, and more at top-notch BBQ joints such as the Pecan Lodge (Dallas), Heim (Fort Worth), and Hurtado (Arlington).

As far as tasty ‘cue in our neighborhoods (Garden Grove, Westminster, and Huntington Beach), I’ve written about the most excellent Smoke Queen Barbecue in Garden Grove in these pages. But where else can BBQ lovers go to get their fix?

I had passed by Sweet Lou’s Barbecue Shack in HB a number of times, always thinking, “Man, I really need to try that place.”

I stopped by on a Monday at lunch time, all primed for some barbecue until I saw the “closed” sign on the front door. (They are only open Wednesday through Saturday.)  Nonplussed by this not-so-tragic turn of events, I returned a few weeks later on a Wednesday afternoon.

Located in an A-frame building that looks to be the site of a former Tastee Freez restaurant, Sweet Lou’s is an unassuming little place with limited outdoor seating. I was greeted by a very helpful server who called me “honey” and “sweetie” and explained the ordering process to me.

A BIG BBQ SANDWICH,

I opted for the barbecue turkey sandwich and a 4 oz. side of beans, which set me back $15 I took a seat on the small-ish patio, which was decorated with several cute metal signs. (My personal favorite said, “I like pig butts and I cannot lie.”)

The turkey sandwich was served on a freshly baked bolillo roll, split down the middle and stuffed with a generous amount of tender turkey. The addition of the slightly sweet and tangy barbecue sauce was a perfect complement to the sandwich. Like the other meats on the menu, the turkey was slow-smoked and cooked over mesquite and hickory. The beans were nicely seasoned and had a slight kick to them. Next time I’m planning on ordering the BBQ Combo Plate: sliced smoked turkey, pulled pork, sausage, and brisket, served with a choice of their sides. A hunk of their fresh blueberry honey butter cornbread might be on tap as well.

In addition to their storefront, Sweet Lou’s also offers catering and ship-to-you options. Visit http://www.sweetlousbbq.com for more information.

Sweet Lou’s Barbecue Shack is located at 6441 W. McFadden Ave. in Huntington Beach. They are open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30 am to 7pm, and their phone number is 714-799-9944.