First, I want to go on record to say I absolutely hate leaving less-than positive, especially in today's climate where small businesses are struggling. I am not being intentionally critical with this review, but these are simply my observations as they relate to a pricey meal and a form of cooking that I am VERY familiar with.
I love good bbq, and will travel far and wide for it. I have also been smoking bbq for a very long time, which has allowed me to establish a barometer for meat that is cooked well. It also allows me to pick up on where shortcuts are taken.
Naturally, while away in Lake George, this place was on our list to try out.
First and foremost, it definitely catches your eye. It's got a very cool, rustic, look unlike most other restaurants.
Upon arrival, although crowded, we were seated promptly. I found it odd that the outdoor smokers didn't appear to be running. Waitress was helpful and kind. Unfortunately, we were seated by the waitress station and I had staff standing on top of me during the entire meal.
Started with drinks. I had the bourbon sweet tea, which was poorly-mixed. I love a good bourbon cocktail, but this thing was all bourbon. Nothing to denote that this was a tea-based cocktail seemed to be involved. This one was a waste. My wife enjoyed her cocktail.
I ordered the sampler, featuring ribs, sliced brisket (which costs a premium to order sliced), sausage, beans, mac and cheese, and cornbread. I went with this because it reflects the sampler I am used to when cooking for guests at my own home, and it is the hallmark of a true bbq sampler. I figured you can't go wrong with a main staple of bbq.
My first observation: the amount of sauce. There was an incredible amount of sauciness, and the sauce was not of great quality. Sweet, sugary, and seemed commercial.
The cornbread was moist and baked well. This was great.
Mac and cheese lacked any notable flavor.
Ribs were overdone. The outside was crunchy and the meat inside/close to the bone was tough and had a crazy amount of pull. I like a bit of pull to my ribs, but not this much. There was a faint smoke ring here.
Brisket was very tender and had a smoke ring, but tasted like dirty smoke to me based on my experience. It had no bark and almost appeared to have been prepared as a roast in an oven.
Sausage was okay.
Beans were watery/liquidy. Not much flavor to be had here.
I found myself wondering if they struggle with volume/production and take shortcuts to manage the demand.
Our table began to accumulate empty glasses, dirty napkins, and empty plates. No one ever came to remove them, despite being seated next to all of the waitresses. They watched as we tried to make room on the table and as I began to stack/clear dishes.
Sadly, we were disappointed in this $100 meal. To a discerning fan/cook of bbq, this one misses the mark. read more