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| - Read the article in the Gazette about the opening, so thought I would try it out. When we arrived, the crowd was fairly sparse (about three groups dining, no line). Considering I often wait 20+ minutes at Black Dog, this was a definite plus. It's the kind of place where you order at the counter and the food is brought out to you, which I prefer for a place like this.
When I placed my order, I was informed that they were out of the burnt ends and the pulled chicken (my first two choices) along with a couple sides. I opted for the brisket sandwich with a side of pit beans, as I feel this is a good barometer of a BBQ restaurant's overall quality. The sandwich and single side cost me $10.90 (w/ tax, before tip) with no drink. Not outrageous, but it's probably double what I would have paid at Porgy's and maybe even a little more than Black Dog.
The overall quality was fairly average. The beef had good flavor, but was a little fatty and tough. The BBQ sauce was very average and in short supply. The beans were also pretty average. I will say that the amount of meat on the sandwich was very generous and I didn't walk away hungry by any means. The customer service was great; friendly and quick. Helped that not many other people were there.
Overall, I don't see how this place makes it in an already crowded marketplace for BBQ restaurants. Black Dog, Po' Boy's, Porgy's, and even Hickory River are better options in my mind (sorry Smoky's) and are right around the corner. Even Chester's BBQ truck at Tumble Inn is probably a better bet. Not sure how I can justify spending almost $11 on a sandwich and one side when Porgy's is probably better and 40% cheaper. It doesn't even come close to Black Dog quality, which with a second location opening, is always my first choice. Also, I am pretty sure they don't have booze (could be wrong about that, I got my order to go). I hope they can pull it off, but I just don't see choosing this place again with so many better BBQ options available.
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