Southern-Style Cooking at Willy's

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Agoura Hills Patch picks a great restaurant either in a town or nearby that is worth checking out.

Willy's BBQ & Grill:

Overview: We are blessed to have a variety of BBQ restaurants in Agoura, so what makes Willy's so different? It's the "slow cooking," says owner and executive Chef . All of Willy's meats are smoked for more than 20 hours using oak and hickory chips, making it true Southern-style cooking. This is a family-friendly restaurant with good-sized portions that promises delicious food and top-notch service. It's also a great to grab some friends and some drinks during Happy Hour.

Decor: If the weather is nice, enjoy an afternoon lunch outside on the patio. They are even dog friendly. Inside the dim-lit restaurant, sit back in one of the comfy booths. There are stools at the bar if sitting in front of the flat-screen TV is your choice....perfect for gameday! They do have two large TVs that can be changed to the channel of your choice.

Drinks: If you are a draft beer fan, this is the best selection in town. They have Firestone Double Barrell, Fat Tire, Stella, Blue Moon, Sam Adams Seasonal, and Sierra Nevada, just to name a few. Prices range $4-$5 for 16oz and $6.50-$7 for 25oz. They also have a fully stocked bar with premium whiskeys, tequilas, vodkas, and liquors. If you want a margarita, martini, cold brew or scotch on the rocks, look no further.

Appetizers: You must try Willy's Smokin Wings ($7.95) with an array of The Coconut Shrimp ($9.95) and Cajun Hot Links ($8.95) are delicious. Warning: The hot links are spicy! Newly added to the menu are Potato Skins ($7.95) filled with lots of cheese and bacon. Looking for the lighter side? Try their homemade chips and frsh pico de gallo ($4.95).

Soups/Salads: The Tri-Tip Soup ($5.95) is a must try. Their salads are some of my favorites on the menu. The signature is the BBQ Chopped Salad ($12.95), with your choice of pulled pork, tri-tip, or chicken. The Willy's Taco Salad ($12.95) offers the same three meat choices and is served in a giant crispy shell. For my fish lovers, the Blackened Salmon Salad ($14.95) has an amazing creamy cilantro dressing with roasted bell peppers and sweet corn. The Seared Ahi Tuna Salad ($14.95) is another house favorite, with wasabi, rice noddles, and sashimi sliced tuna.

Wraps/Sandwiches: If you are craving a little more than salad, try a wrap. All wraps and sanwiches are served with one side. The BBQ Wrap ($9.95) is my favorite, along with the Caesar Wrap ($9.95). Their Tuna Wrap ($9.95) is delicious and served in a sundried tomato tortilla. But the Southern Pulled Pork Sandwich ($11.95) with its tender pork, sweet BBQ sauce, and creamy/crunchy coleslaw all inside a grilled bun needs to be your first order at Willy's. Other favorites include the  Tri-Tip Sandwich ($12.95), Hot Link Sausage Sandwich ($11.95) full of spice, and the Grilled Sante Fe Sandwich ($11.95) with grilled peppers, Monterey Jack Cheese, and creamy chipotle sauce. 

Entrees: All entrees are served with a choice of two sides. The Baby Back Pork Ribs ($18.95/half) are tender, delicious, and rubbed with Willy's award-winning sauce. The Hickory Smoked Chicken ($14.95) is a slow smoked half chicken full of amazing flavor. Besides the Tri-Tip ($17.95), you can choose from a 12oz Ribeye ($27.95), 12oz New York Strip ($27.95), or 16oz Smoke Prime Rib ($27.95).

Sides: My personal favorite is the Macaroni & Cheese ($2.95). The BBQ Beans ($2.95), Garlic Mashed Potatoes ($3.95), and Sauteed Vegetables ($3.95) also rank high on my list. For dinner, they offer baked potatoes. Try fresh vegetables like Grilled Asparagus ($4.95) and Sauteed Sweet Corn ($3.50).

Desserts: What's a good Southern meal without ending on Bread Pudding ($7.95) with vanilla-laced bourbon sauce? That along with the Bundt Cakes ($8.95) are to die for. Willy's teamed up with Nothing Bundt Cakes and serves their bundts warm with vanilla ice cream, chocolate and raspberry sauce, and tops with whipped cream. 

Service: This is one place that prides itself on service. Your glass is always full, table cleared, and if you are in a rush, you will get in and out. First time? The waitstaff has tried everything and provides great recommendations. Upon arriving, there is always a friendly greeting.

Signature Dish: Pulled Pork Sandwich with coleslaw on top.

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Chef:

Address: 28434 Roadside Dr.

Cost: $$