Very large space with tables aplenty, a closed-in porch, outdoor seating, and a bar with beer on…read moretap but no stools. The service model is cafeteria line, but it's a hundred times more efficient than any other you've been to. It's very well staffed and that staff is incredibly enthusiastic, friendly, and helpful. Meats are sold by the pound, by the rack, by the combo, and on sandwiches.
-- Ribs (on a combo): If you choose a combo (2-, 3-, or 4-meat), you get a half rack. Mine was slightly small on two separate visits. Good bark, a light rub the first time, a heavier rub the second. Sauced without asking (sweet number) the first time, unsauced without asking the second. Very good texture underneath. The meat is tender without being steamy or soggy; it pulls clean off the bone. Really good flavor in the meat, exhibiting the effects of smoke and rub. Oddly, the cross sections looked dry, but the bites all tasted and felt juicy-- better than the photos. Bite for bite, one of the better ribs out there.
-- Brisket (on a combo): Tried twice; two large slices of pencil thickness the first time, four slices a little thicker when doubling up (you can do that) the second. Moist throughout and juicy in spots the first time, juicy throughout the second. More good texture, drooping when lifted and not falling apart. Nice easy bite with no mush. Good flavor toward the salty, peppery bark. Very enjoyable.
-- Smoked Turkey (half pound): Not much to look at, but flavorful and moist throughout. A little gristle here and there, but not a problem. Probably the best rendition I've had in Massachusetts. Nicely done.
-- Pork Belly Burnt Ends (half pound and on a combo): Both times, 3 good sized pieces, roughly the shape of and a little larger than an ice cube. Great bark, great full-on juiciness, great tender bite, great flavor. Far and away the best meat of the first visit, a co-best the second, and the best rendition anywhere of this item too. They offer it with a maple bourbon sauce ladled on; I opted for it on the side for dunking. Glad I did, because I enjoyed it dunked and on its own. This will be ordered on every visit going forward.
Beef Rib: This was an à la carte item weighing 1.55 pounds, so a bit over $60. The carver drizzled beef tallow on top before slicing an end rib off the 3-rib rack (you can choose end or center). Good amount of bark, good amount of meat, with different flavor characteristics on each side of the bone (bark side much more crusty, peppery, and salty). Tender and very juicy throughout, with outstanding flavor. Best beef rib I've had northeast of Ridgefield CT.
-- Pulled Pork: Ordered à la carte as a half pound. Steamy, with little bark, pink color, or rub flavor. Very turkey-like. The only dud.
-- Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage (by the link): Solid item, decent snap to the casing and very good inner flavor and texture (soft but not mushy). Shy of great though: moist throughout, but not full-on juicy like some are, or as dark on the outside. Still one of the better ones and maybe an order-every-time item if with a group-- but à la carte (don't waste a meat allocation on it on a combo).
-- House Sausage (by the link): Similar characteristics, minus the heat and cheese. There's flavor, but it's a little too hotdog-like to choose over the jalapeño cheddar version.
-- Sides: Mac and Cheese was lacking in the cheese department. Collard greens nicely cooked and nicely flavored--somewhat buttery, somewhat spicy. Potato salad not too wet (that's a good thing) and studded with bacon bits (depends on mood). Coleslaw had an unusual composition (I think broccoli) and some nice flavor (slightly sweet and cilantroey). Rice with peppers special was a surprise hit and surprisingly spicy. Cornbread the cakey kind but not too sweet (that's a good thing), and extremely moist and fresh.
As a bonus, when you gather your plates, silverware, and such, there's a condiment bar with cucumber slices and pickled onions-- a nice touch.
This place is eager to please. The barbecue is good, the place is comfortable, and I've never seen so many smiles behind the counter putting everyone in a good mood. Heck, they even offer tours of the pits-- maybe next time. I know there'll be more next times. Going with a 4 for now, but this looks like a 5 in the making.
