BBQ

Texas Jack’s Barbecue, Arlington VA

I know what you’re thinking:  Barbecue — in Arlington?!  Well, it just goes to show:  You shouldn’t judge based on your preconceptions.  That’s right:  Texas Jack’s does good ‘Cue.

If you don’t know where Arlington is, “Pentagon” and “Blast Radius” may remind you.  In the shadow of our nation’s capitol, this mega-suburb was originally part of the District until Virginia took it back after decades of of mismanagement and neglect.  It’s a hodgepodge of skyscrapers, hotels, million-dollar postage-stamp houses, Reagan National Airport, and more Starbucks per square mile (more…)

The Black Hog, Urbana MD

The Washington D.C. Beltway is the deadliest stretch of highway in North America.  It goes from two lanes up to twelve, often without warning, and connects I-95 with half a dozen commuter highways, none busier than I-270.  Here, lawyers and lobbyists come together and kill each other daily while playing bumper-tag in Audis, Beemers, Priuses, and Teslas.  Some would say that’s the best public service they’ll ever perform in their abbreviated lives, but who am I to judge?  All I’ll say is this:  Never ever but never take these roads during rush hour.

Fortunately, the Black Hog is open at 11am daily, and Urbana (just off I-270) is only one of three locations — the best, though the two in Frederick come close.  Here can be found some of the best ribs, sauces, and barbecue in the world.  They’ll serve your ribs wet or dry (more…)

Swig & Swine, Charleston SC

“Horrifyng Vegetarians Since 2013”, the Swig & Swine serves what I believe to be the best ‘Que in the Lowcountry, including the third-best ribs I have ever had the pleasure to consume.

With any other style of cuisine I’d have to warn you not to be fooled by the decor, which features corrugated steel and a lot of bare wood.  But that’s (more…)

Peebles BBQ, Auburndale FL

Not too many places have earned the distinction of having a review up on the Not Fake News.  Peebles has managed to be the first.

I first heard of this place from my grandmother, who was coming here for the Q before I was born.  Fancy it ain’t; the menu is short, the flatware plastic, the cups styrofoam.  But the ribs and smoked meats are the real thing and have been for about sixty years.  And that slaw alone is worth the price of admission.

There are two downsides:  The lines are long, and there’s no air conditioning.  Plus side is, early evening after the sun sets and the crowds go away, the breeze blows through and you can sit back in the shade chawing down on some of the best Q in the state of Florida, and sucking down the sweet tea.

These are the fourth-best ribs I have ever had in my life, and I’ll be back.  Meanwhile, if you want to try it — and you do — Peebles will be open Labor Day to Memorial, Thursday through Saturday, 11am to 9pm.