Usually, when I am starving, almost anything will taste good. It was Saturday and I had been driving all day for work. Both areas I worked in were rural and I couldn't find a place to eat to save my life. It didn't help that there was no cell service for HOURS. Finally, after a near-death heatstroke in one of my insured's homes, and a massive migraine triggered by the heat, I was able to find a BBQ joint. Well, BBQ just happens to be the way to this woman's heart, but this place nearly made me change my mind. The building is situated on the corner of the main highway (58) and a side street. It's a small, shanty structure and I was hoping it might be this town's best-kept secret, but NO.
Upon entry, the first thing I noticed is that it was the inside was not updated. No big deal though. Often, you find gems in the most unexpected places. No one was behind the counter. I looked around for a few seconds and a woman about my age trudged behind the register without much enthusiasm or even a simple greeting. I asked a few questions about the barbecue, whether it was vinegar-based or a red sauce. It wouldn't have mattered anyway, but I was curious in case I would need to request some extra toppings to doctor it up. The woman in the kitchen poked her head through an opening and showed me what they use. She was friendly enough. I ordered a sandwich only and asked for the coleslaw on the side. That was my saving grace, ordering it on the side. If the coleslaw had gone on an already so-so sandwich, I'm not sure I could have stomached it. The coleslaw lacked flavor and didn't have a touch of sweetness to it. I realize that coleslaw isn't supposed to be sweet, but coleslaw almost always calls for a bit of sweetener. I passed on the coleslaw and tossed it after one bite.
Moving forward to the sandwich. I carefully unwrapped the paper to find an ordinary hamburger bun (not fresh tasting) with the barbecue inside. The barbecue was nothing out of the ordinary; however, the bun ruined it. I realized I should have just ordered a barbecue without a bun.
The last thing that was amiss was the fragrant aroma of smoked pork or the savory smell of the sauces wafting through the air. That's a major faux pas for a barbecue restaurant.
The experience was underwhelming. It didn't appear that anyone took pride in the restaurant or the food. Perhaps it is just a form of income for them and they have become bored with it. I don't know, but I do know that I won't be going back. read more