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Best Pulled Pork In Los Angeles

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(credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Summer is just around the corner and soon backyard grills and hibachis will be blazing with all sorts of meats doused in BBQ sauce-o-plenty to feed the hungry masses. And with May being National Barbecue Month, people are getting a preliminary as to what's trending in food for the summer. This year it's slow-cooked, oven-roasted, so-tender-it-falls-off-the-bone pulled pork sandwiches. Whether you smother it in BBQ sauce, coat it with sweet glaze or spice it up a bit, pulled pork sandwiches are literally what's hot this summer. But not everyone has the time or the patience to execution such a fantastic meal. So until the backyard invites start rolling in, these five LA establishments will hold you over.

marcona restaurant
(credit: Marcona Restaurant)

Marcona
7368 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 951-9991
www.marconarestaurant.com

A quaint eatery worthy of feeding fashion trendsetters, Marcona is Melrose's hottest gourmet sandwich shop. "The Lomo" grilled pulled pork sandwich with arugula, onion and harissa on ciabatta is a favorite among locals and shoppers. Hearty and flavorful, this sandwich will help you power through your shopping spree. But keep in mind that Marcona is only open until 5 p.m.

Phillipe's
(credit: Phillipe's)

Philippe's
1001 N. Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-3781
www.philippes.com

Laying claim to having (accidentally) made the first French dip sandwich ever back in 1918, Philippe on Alameda is not only historic and old school but also home to one hell of a sandwich. Traditionally made with roast beef, Philippe serves its dips with a choice of turkey, ham, lamb and of course pork. Slow roasted and served with its own drippings, the pork French dip is nothing short of amazing.

Related: Best French Fries In Los Angeles

Food Fair By Diego
(credit: Food Fair By Diego)

Food Fair by Diego
7825 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 933-9314
www.foodfairdiego.com

Don't let the strip mall location fool you. Food Fair by Diego is cozy, colorful and serves up some of the best sandwiches in Mid-City West. The pulled pork, slow roasted with Dijon marinated grilled onions and natural roasting au jus is at the top of the list. However it's only available after 6 p.m. Fortunately, there's also a stellar BBQ pork sandwich available any time.

Redemption Foods
(credit: Redemption Foods)

Redemption Foods
1253 N. Vine St.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 463-4166
www.redemptionfoods.com

Redemption Foods is more than a restaurant with really good food. It's a second chance for ex-offenders giving back to society, learning new skills and working towards a new destiny. Redemption Foods is owned by New Horizon Community Reentry Center, a non-profit organization, and believes everyone deserves a second chance. The pulled pork sandwiches are on a pretzel roll served with slaw and chips.

animal restaurant
(credit: Animal)

Animal
435 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 782-9225
www.animalrestaurant.com

If you're looking to get your carnivore on, you go to a steakhouse like Animal. But Animal is no ordinary steakhouse. While there are slabs of seared meat, the allure of Animal is in its more intriguing dishes like fried pig head, veal brains and beef heart. But one of the bigger hits on the menu are the barbecue pork belly sliders. Tender, juicy and served with slaw, it is a definite must try. Vegetarians should stay far away if they don't want to witness all the mouthwatering dishes this restaurant has available.

Related: Best Steakhouses In Los Angeles

Kristine G. Bottone is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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