My dad has endless stories of growing up in Southern California in the 1950s and 60s. Many of the places in those stories are gone, but some still remain, Chris and Pitt’s Bar-B-Q is one of them. A staple of my dad’s childhood, it was even the location we chose to meet at after my grandmother’s funeral instead of having a more traditional reception. Not only does Chris & Pitt’s have this small family tie, it also serves up fantastic BBQ and quite possibly one of the greatest and kitschiest buildings out there.


I love me some faux painted wood, especially when it looks like a cartoon come to life, also this spectacular neon sign is dreamy! And it’s even better at night! I also adore the signs along the top, boasting all of the tasty goodies within.








Chris & Pitt’s started in 1940 when Chris Pelonis borrowed $2,000 from his immigrant father to bring his dream of sharing BBQ with the world to life. A defunct dry-cleaner on Tweedy Boulevard in Lynwood was the first location, and over the years it grew to have many more locations. Today only three locations remain: Whittier, Downey, and this location, in Bellflower.



Each Chris & Pitt’s location looks different. The Downey location still features an amazing large spinning BBQ sauce bottle, which is iconic in its own right, however this is the only location featuring this spectacular sign and paint job on the building.
Visit this Chris & Pitt’s at 9839 Artesia Blvd. in Bellflower.
Outfit
Hat: Joyride, Orange, California
Siesta Jacket: Ebay
Shirt: Atomic Swag
Jeans: Freddies of Pinewood
Boots: Antique Alley, Portland, Oregon
Purse: Buffalo Exchange
Jewelry: Here and there…
I love how you matched with the building. It looks so amazing, I need to visit one day me thinks.
I have seen their bbq sauce for sale at local grocery stores here in Sacramento. I never realized its from a restaurant. I will have to check this place out next time we are in So Cal. The building is so cute. Thank you for sharing this with us.
My family would either go to the one that used to be in Bell every Friday night, or my dad would go there to bring dinner home. So much good food!
Chris & Pitt’s was a fun place to go to even when I became an adult. We don’t live in North Hollywood anymore. Still it’s nice to know the restaurant is still there