Review: Bourbon BBQ
BBQ Could Be Better
As my boyfriend and I lazed about on Black Friday, avoiding all stores, places near stores, and roads that lead to stores, we started whining about how we wanted some nice leftover-turkey sandwiches. So on the day after Thanksgiving, we headed out to Boston Market like fools.
We got about a block when my boyfriend saw the big BBQ sign and veered into the parking lot. It was empty with the exception of the cars of two employees and a Large-Marge style truck.
The atmosphere was quaint. The interior was decorated with old metal RC-cola signs. The tables were covered with red and white checked table cloths and came with a roll of paper towels – because napkins are never enough when you’re eating ribs. We smirked at the menu that said they stayed open until 9 p.m. or until they ran out of meat and were drawn in by their declaration of BBQ:
This is not fast food; all meat is made to order
Every BBQ is different, we do ours
Ribs and chicken are cooked for many hours; the red is the smoke ring
The shaker on the table is the ‘Gun Powder’ use it to season the meat
No Gas, no Electricity, just hard and fruit wood smoke
This BBQ is serious food to prepare, have fun while eating eat and do not worry about the etiquette or plates, just Enjoy
Since it was the day after Thanksgiving, there were only two employees working at the time and only one customer. Because of this, Bourbon BBQ housed more flies than people – which definitely turned my stomach before I even saw the food.
They were out of chicken so I was forced to abandon my original order, a buffalo chicken wrap (what did you expect?), and go for the hickory pork BBQ sandwich. I had my choice of white bread, wheat bread or a roll and was given a soda and choice of side dish as a part of the combo meal. My boyfriend got a full rack of St. Louis ribs and tips that included six ribs and his choice of two sides and a soda.
My pulled pork sandwich on-a-roll was really served on a bun - a bun that turned soggy about 30 seconds after hitting my plate. It was nearly impossible to lift to my mouth since the mushy bottom fell to pieces as soon as I tried to lift it, but it was no less delicious eaten with a knife and fork. The meat was flavorful and juicy. It definitely didn’t need the onion and pickle slices added to it from the pile that had been thrown on the side of my tray. The onion rings (which were a dollar extra) where battered, not breaded (my favorite) and although greasy and heavy, made a nice addition to my fat-kid lunch
My boyfriend’s ribs were not saucy but seasoned. He chose the baked beans and potato salad as sides. The potato salad was bland and the potatoes were hard and undercooked. The beans had as much pulled pork in them as I did on my sandwich. It was tasty and filling – and could probably serve as a meal in itself.
For a counter-service restaurant, $30 seemed a bit much for two to eat – but we did get a lot. Neither one of us finished our meals.
If you’re in the area, Bourbon BBQ is worth a try – but it’s definitely not worth going out of the way for adequate food, counter-service and RC brand colas.
Bourbon BBQ
529 Goffle Road
Wyckoff NJ 07481
(201) 444-4744
— by Ali Hanford
Ali is managing editor and a co-founder of GoOutJersey and lives in Essex County. She has lived in NJ her whole life.
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November 27th, 2007 at 5:48 am
Really good and really interesting post. I expect (and other readers maybe :)) new useful posts from you!
Good luck and successes in blogging!
November 27th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
I agree with WildKid, But I have been to Bourbon BBQ and I think it’s great. I’m just not sure you understand the concept of southern bbq, it’s supposed to be a sloppy good time! I mean their bbq is out of this world!
December 18th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Just a quick note to let you know that I am a HUGE fan of this place.
It’s
been a hobby of mine for several years to try all the barbecue places
in the
metro area (mostly in NYC) and I am somewhat discerning when it comes
to
barbecue. I don’t know of too many true southern barbecue pits in the
area
as most are Portugese type (which I like but don’t come close to
quality)
and of course the chain restaurants where you can get quality baby
backs but
no dry rub or true smoked meat. I work nearby in Saddle Brook and
sometimes
have appointments in Midland Park, so I saw when your unassuming place
opened and was curious to check it out. It took a while for me to find
a
convenient time to try it, but last month I finally did and now I am
hooked.
It started with the pulled pork and I was quite surprised how flavorful
and
hearty the sandwich was. It’s a good sign when you don’t need to add
sauce.
I liked it so much I went back the next day for lunch again. A month
later I
found myself on my way to MP on my lunch hour, so I stopped in an
picked up
a rib sandwich b/c I wanted to try the ribs but didn’t want to spend
$25 on
lunch. I was pleased to see that the amount of ribs provided for the
sandwich was very fair and their was enough meat to make a lunch out of
it.
What I was not prepared for was HOW AMAZING these dry rub ribs were. I
loved
every bite, every morsel, even ate the bread after (though not as a
sandwich, just b/c the bread was soaked with the pork flavor and I
couldn’t
get enough. The smokey flavor of the meat was heavenly, the meat was
tender
and not too fatty, the dry rubbed spices dazzled my tastebuds. I have
been
thinking about these ribs for a week straight now, I think I’m
obsessed.
Anyway, GREAT JOB. I’m a fan for life! Glad to have some genuine pit
‘cue in
January 17th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
My friend and I went to this place tonite. Worst ribs we’ve ever had. Flavorless, Tough, Stringy…and somehow, I dont understand how being that theyre not fried..but GREASIER THEN A FAST FOOD BURGER. The policy of this overpriced, overhyped, pretentious establishment (written on the menu) is “Our pitmaster is always right” and “no refunds” we were so displeased we are stopping the credit card payment. If this is authentic BBQ….I’ll stick to the fake yankee stuff. Want good bbq…GO TO CUBBYS in Hackensack!