A lot of my reviews lately have been negative. Have I just become too picky? Are my standards too high?
When I start wondering that, it's time to go to Black Dog.
This place is amazing. I've been there many times, with many people. Virtually everyone has been impressed. The sauces are good, the meat is wonderful, and the specials are interesting.
If you are a beer fan (I am) they consistently have interesting beer in a variety of styles. The taps rotate very frequently, so it's almost always a different set of choices when you go. They also get some limited release stuff, like cask-aged beers. It's awesome.
I'm not as much a cocktail drinker, but they also have their own infused liquors and cocktails made with them.
I think the sandwiches are the best deal, and they are consistently great. Tender pulled pork, the always-in-demand and frequently out of stock burnt ends, and delicious brisket. You can also get the meat on top of a burger for a decadent and delicious treat. And the sides are all good too! Potato salad with actual flavor instead of just mayonnaise! The best sweet potato fries I've ever had!
The platters seem like you maybe get a bit less food per dollar, but they're still good. I still have to give the nod to Lil Porgies for ribs, overall, but Black Dog is king for sandwiches.
Specials include things like smoked salmon, muffaleta sandwiches, and burritos or tacos.
They've had a couple charity nights with homemade ramen. If you see one of these and you like ramen at all - go. This is the closest to real Japanese ramen I've had, with awesome barbecue twists like a hard boiled egg that's been smoked and is still, somehow, gooey in the middle. Absolutely wonderful.
The downside? Black Dog is so good there's often a line. It's not a huge place. It wouldn't be good at all for a group of more than 6 people. And waits of 30 minutes or more are not uncommon. Don't be surprised by that - this isn't the place to go for a quick bite. (Though they do offer take-out.)
Overall? Black Dog is really, really good. It makes you feel good to eat here. If you like barbecue at all - especially Carolina style - you should go here. Yes, there will probably be a wait - because the secret's out.