The Not Fake News exists because of the distressing tendency of the media to thrive on negativity and chaos.  We oppose the fearmongering and divisiveness by being a voice for reason whenever we can.  When we write a review, it’s because it was so very good we felt absolutely compelled to speak up; people need to know the good things in life.

The trouble is, people deserve a warning sometimes when the food is just not worth the trip or the price, and we can give it to them.  Likewise, if there’s one aspect of a place that’s world-class but the sauce tastes like ketchup, the pulled pork is mush, and the brisket is nothing more than a glorified chuck steak, that needs to be recorded too.

So here’s the master list of Places That Are Not Quite Worthy:

• Dickey’s Barbecue Pit:  Dickey’s is the biggest barbecue chain in the US, and they do achieve consistency.  One rack of ribs looks a lot like the next, and they taste OK if uninspired.  But the pulled pork is soggy, the brisket is chopped beef, and the rest of the menu is similar.  It’s a chain, and it tastes like a chain, which would be OK if it were priced as a chain.  Plus sides:  Sides, and free ice cream.
• The Pit, Raleigh NC;  Motto — “Everything But The Squeal”:  I wanted to be impressed; I really did.  It’s an amazing atmosphere, slightly upscale but with a view directly into the bustling sparkly-stainless kitchen.  There’s tons of history and a brilliant menu, and the prices while high are not unreasonable.  But.  It’s just not remarkable; there’s exactly one sauce, and it’s not that good.  The ribs are bland; the meat is fatty and overcooked.  The sides are decent and the portions plentiful, but overall it’s just not good enough to get a review.  We’ll give them another chance someday, though.
• Dinosaur BBQ, Troy NY:  The service was delightful and the wings were oh-my-God legendary.  I enjoyed the fried green tomatoes and the deviled egg, and there’s a pepper sauce that’s worth killing for.  Everything else was disappointing, particularly the other sauces — bland and without character.  The ribs tasted like the meatloaf-ketchup sauce they were topped with, and everything else was similarly bland.  I’d go back for the wings and I’m itching to try the nachos, but otherwise?  Give it a pass.