We had a little BBQ shootout here at work today. We went to three different places and bought ribs and chicken. Then we gorged ourselves.
We bought from the following local places:
First off, I have to say that none of them blew my socks off. Compared to the BBQ I had in Kansas City when I went down to become a Certified BBQ Judge they were pretty weak.
But here are my impressions – from worst to best:
Pastor Hamilton’s
Cost:
- $22.00 Rack of Ribs
- $8.00 Half ChickenThe ribs and chicken were swimming in sauce.
The ribs appeared to have been boiled and had little to no smoke penetration and hardly any smokey flavor.
I did not try the chicken as I was mainly interested in finding a good BBQ rib.
I would not go back there.
Roosters
Cost:
- $13.00 Rack of Ribs
- $12.00 Whole ChickenThe ribs were lightly sauced and actually pretty tasty. One person commented they thought they had a strong ginger taste and another thought they had a bit too much cinnamon.
I thought they were pretty good, with a smokey taste, but nothing to really write home about.
I didn’t try the chicken – it was in really large pieces.
I would go back, but it wouldn’t be my first choice. They were the cheapest and for the price they are a pretty good deal.
Big Daddy’s
Cost:
- $19.00 Rack of Ribs
- $13.00 Whole ChickenThese ribs were served dry with sauce on the side. I thought the ribs were a bit on the salty side. They had a nice smokey flavor with good penetration. The sauce was sort of molasses flavored and complemented the ribs quite well.
I actually tried the chicken from Big Daddy’s since there was a small piece available. I thought it was a little dry but with the sauce on it was quite tasty.
I would get ribs and chicken from Big Daddy’s again. There is a bonus about Big Daddy’s – it’s right next door to the Hickory Hut – where they have some of the best wings in the city – so you could stock up on ribs at Big Daddy’s and then get wings at the Hickory Hut and have yourself a real party!
