Great First Visit to Sunderland's New BBQ Spot
We heard about the new BBQ restaurant in Sunderland (Calvert County) on Facebook Friday, but we were out of town for the weekend. On our way home Sunday, my wife and I decided to stop in and give it a try. I had seen posts online saying people were waiting in line, so we were curious.
When we pulled up, there wasn't a line outside, but once inside, there were a few people ahead of us ordering and some waiting on their food. While we waited, we overheard them call out that they were out of "The Hardesty" - a buttermilk fried pork chop sandwich. It must be popular because it sounded really good!
The menu is impressive for a new place--11 sandwich options including:
Ole Boy - Pulled pork shoulder
Bossman - Chopped brisket (what I ordered)
Balmer - Sliced charred beef with Vidalia onions & horseradish cream
Dixie Chick - Pulled chicken
Hardesty - Buttermilk fried pork chop on artisan white bread with sriracha mayo
Bourdain - Grilled mortadella with provolone & dijonaise on brioche
Italian Stallion - Salami, mortadella, ham, provolone, cherry peppers, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, vinaigrette
South Philly - Sliced ribeye with sautéed onions & provolone
Chi Town - Braised ribeye with peppers, mushrooms, onions, provolone, sweet jalapeños, lettuce, tomato & vinaigrette
Wrap & Roll - Crispy chicken Caesar wrap
SBF Wings - Plain, mild, or hot
Sides included boardwalk fries, potato salad, pasta salad, baked beans, coleslaw, kale, and a cucumber salad.
My wife ordered the Italian Stallion and I went with the Bossman, plus a side of summer pasta salad to go. While we waited, we chatted with a woman putting out some condiments --turns out she was a family member and grabbing food. She mentioned everything is made to order and how proud they are of the quality.
We didn't wait long for our food, although another woman we were talking with had ordered quite a bit earlier and was still waiting. Right before we left, someone announced they only had two orders of boardwalk fries left--they're definitely getting hit with a lot of traffic and selling out fast.
A couple notes: it seemed like some sandwiches may have been pre-prepped because on ours the Bossman was marked with abbreviations on the wrapping. Also, my wife had asked for vinaigrette on the side for her sub, but it was already on it--not a big deal, just something for the staff to tighten up as they settle in.
There are a few tables inside that you can dine in and eat if you choose. Dont know if they offer sit down service.
As for the food:
My Bossman sandwich was excellent--tender, flavorful brisket.
The pasta salad wasn't my favorite and wasn't very cold when we got home, so I put it in the fridge--hoping I'll enjoy it more chilled.
My wife really liked her Italian Stallion--lots of meat and great flavor.
Overall, we were impressed. Definitely Outstanding above another mobile BBQ spot in the area. We'll absolutely be back--and next time, I hope to try that Hardesty sandwich before it sells out! read more