Good BBQ in Philly or Wilmington?

[Babamos]

Any favorites? I can't find anything other than Famous Dave's. Dave's is pretty good....but come on...it's a chain. Famous Dave's in Wilmington sits between a department store and the Olive Garden. Where's the real BBQ around here?

[Orrmobl]

Been to Jimmy's. Had the EXACT same experience as bluehensfan. Jimmy is a great guy but I didn't finish the food, too bad. Mashed sweet potatoes were good. I like Famous Dave's in Springfield - so it's a chain, the food is usually good.

Newest discovery (after looking for a place post Jimmy's)

http://www.jerseyqbbq.com/directions.htm

This place is the real deal. Southern soul food. Spicy sauce was hot but great, ribs weren't too fatty and the sides - including the cornbread - were awesome. I ate like a pig and grubbed down on the few leftovers the next day. Can't wait to go again.

[Rondo]

Damn, just passed it this afternoon on the way back from the shore. Have you tried the place further east on 322? It's located at a gas station, two guys cooking chicken and ribs. Was pretty good.

[phillyjazz]

Check out Le Cochon Noir on Parkside near the Mann Music
Center for an uspcale take on some down home BBQ. The ribs are outstanding Memphis-style. They also smoke Prime Rib and London Broil. It is BYOB until the bar opens. Some pretty good jazz most nights toward and on the weekends.

[CowtailFan]

Are you willing to drive for good BBQ? If so, I highly recommend Henri's Hott's in Hammonton, NJ. It is the real deal.
http://henrishottsbarbeque.com/

[MrRuffles]

In Claymont, there's a seasonal Mr. BBQ stand set up in the parking lot of the Naamans Beverage Mart on Naamans Road just before it intersects with Philadelphia Pike. Haven't had it in a couple of years but it wasn't half bad last time I tried it.

[FriedClamFanatic]

Driving down Route 1 today, I noticed the new building infront of the Hampton Inn has a sign on it something to do with Texas,so maybe there will soon be two BBQ places (good or bad) in the area. At least it's not yet another bank!

[CindyJ]

I noticed that a few days ago, too. It's going to be a Texas Roadhouse -- burgers, overcooked ribs and steak. You know the kind of place -- peanut shells on the floors, servers line dancing in the aisles, loud yee-haws for birthdays, etc. Don't get your hopes raised for this one.

[smobron]

maybe a little bit of a stretch but there are a few Amish meat counters at the Booths Corner Farmers market that smoke some meats and make really good bbq sauces and wings ......I also reccomend Jimmys for the pulled pork and agree that the cornbread is extremely dry ..the beans are great as is the dirty corn salad .......I was there a week or two ago and it was free PBR with every order night ...gotta love that

[FriedClamFanatic]

there is a brand new place on202N in Chaddsford/Westown/West Chester in the Dilworthtown Shopping Center. Was formerly a Bennigans. Haven't tried it yet, but look and see if there are reviews on here I saw the website and it looked good.

[CindyJ]

There was a thread on that place a month or two ago which may have been removed (I haven't checked). Most of what had been written was quite negative, and sounded as though it might have been posted by a competitor trying to dissuade folks from going.

[FriedClamFanatic]

Ah..thank you neighbor Cindy for keeping me honest.................and drooling with the descriptions of all the places you go!

[CindyJ]

You're quite welcome! Have you been absent from these parts lately?

[bluehensfan]

You don't happen to remember what it's called do you?

[CindyJ]

I think it's Bull Durham's... or something like that.

[Rondo]

It is called Bull Durham's, the reviews were quite negative and I for one never believed they were posted by a competitor as there is no real competition for Texas BBQ around these parts. But whatever. As for good BBQ, I go to Jimmy's in Malvern and Sweet Lucy's in N.E. Philly. And FWIW while I don't consider it BBQ, Mo's Rhythm Kitchen on Gay St. in West Chester Boro makes damn good fried chicken.

-----
Sweet Lucy's
3201 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803

[CindyJ]

You're right about there being no local competition. Maybe it was someone with a personal "axe to grind."

[barryg]

Every restaurant competes with one another. There are only so many dining dollars to go around, especially in the suburbs. Do families in Chester County really budget for both a Texas BBQ night and a Carolina BBQ night as was suggested in that thread?

[blackhound]

Yeah, I couldn't understand the conspiracy theory related to all the bad reviews of the restaurant because, as you said, there are no Texas BBQ places in the areas. I ate at the place and it was without a doubt the worst meal I've ever been asked to pay for. Which was a shame because I used to live in Texas and I was really looking forward to a genuine Texas BBQ experience.

[thehungrything]

My favorite barbecue in the Philadelphia area is Jimmy's in Malvern. Everything is good there, the meat and the sides. I am a barbecue chicken fan and they make the best. They make a "pulled chicken" to die for. Great brisket, ribs, pulled pork, but not Carolina style. www.jimmysbbq.com
Tex's barbecue, a truck that is usually in the Skippack area makes excellent brisket. www.texsbbqpa.com

[bluehensfan]

I tried Jimmy's and the pulled pork and brisket were decent. The sauce they used seemed a bit sweet to me. The sides were ok. The cornbread had to be the driest thing on earth. Jimmy was the most gracious of hosts but the food did not quite live up to his hospitality.

[thehungrything]

To each his own!!! I agree that Jimmy couldnt be nicer! If you go again try the chicken.

[bluehensfan]

Has anyone tried Big D's in Marshallton? Apparently one of the owners does a lot of professional competitions... http://blogs.delawareonline.com/secon...

[dtown13]

Good BBQ- Brandywine Picnic Park & Hickory House Catering
www.picnic.com WC Area not far from Wilm or Philly

[bluehensfan]

I did try the Sunset place on Rt. 9 over the weekend. The pulled pork was decent, a bit spicy with some burnt taste. Not bad but not worth rushing back for. The "red devil" cake was another story. I think it was supposed to be red velvet cake but once I tried to cut it with a fork and realized how hard it was perhaps they should rename it "red brick." It may be good when it's fresh but it seemed so stale I was afraid to bring it near my mouth.

[RC51Mike]

I've been to the shack on Centreville Road a few times near Boxwood and it's pretty good. Doesn't do brisket all the time but the pulled pork I've had is good. bbq sauce was just ok to me. Jerk chicken was also good. He said he does sausage sometimes too.

Anyone try the stand on 71 near the 71/72 intersection?

[bluehensfan]

Thanks for posting about the shack on Centerville Rd. (Russell's). The smell wafting across the highway is magnificent. Do you know if he he does any sides?

[RC51Mike]

Good question. I just get a sandwich and don't think to check.

[jessicheese]

Thank you for posting about the shack! I see it every weekend and am always curious. I'll have to check it out next time!

[RC51Mike]

Said sides vary but collard greens, sweet potatoes and mac/cheese today. Said he's doing a brisket Thursday. I can't speak for any of that though.

[christies1968]

There is the PIGG OUT in Chaddsford and BEBE's in Philly that are my go tos.

[bluehensfan]

What's Pigg Out?

[MrRuffles]

Haven't been but have read mixed reviews. It's at
138 Glen Mills Rd., Glen Mills, PA
610-361-8200

http://www.pigoutbbqpit.com/

[travelmad478]

There is no good NC barbecue around Wilmington, but you can find excellent ribs in the area, as long as you are willing to get out of Olive Garden-type neighborhoods to get them.

1) Sunset Restaurant & Barbeque, 3007 New Castle Avenue, New Castle. The restaurant is a Caribbean place, and they do ribs and chicken on a big barbecue outside. Sitting on a picnic table along Rte. 9 is not exactly a fine atmosphere, but the ribs are great, and you can get them to go if you want.

2) Durham's Best, 90 Fletchwood Road, Elkton, MD. This is just outside Newark, an ancient log cabin (really) that serves good ribs, sausage, and chicken barbecue. Picnic tables in the parking lot are the only seating--this place is mostly takeout.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Funny, was at Durham after a run to State Line Liquors, and the owner of the wine store said he liked it, thus l went. Meat was smoked, that is true, but all moistness was gone. Ditched a brisket sandwich, sliced pork tenderloin, and a turkey leg, each after we had one bite. They all felt like eating leather. But the place was bustling so what do l know

[bluehensfan]

I tried Durham's best a few years back hearing the rave reviews (granted it was the News Journal so that was one strike...). I think the shack-type atmosphere must be the draw here because my meat (brisket) tasted like jerky. You're better off at the TGIF of BBQ (i.e. Famous Dave's) if you want BBQ in Delaware if you ask me.

[paychecktoday]

I'm personally a big fan of Tommy Gunns. I ate at the one that used to be on S. Street and when they had an outpost in Ardmore (Pj Henry's). I know they still are open by the Wissahickon transfer station. Give them a try!

[barryg]

Not really, a couple good places, but what kind of BBQ do you like?

[Babamos]

Carolina pulled pork...or some mesquite smoked brisket, or some good ribs. Pretty broad here.

[bluehensfan]

Can't get much good in Wilmington, especially BBQ. You may want to try Bebe's in the Italian Market section of Philly. Good, vinegary pulled pork and brisket (when they make it). The ribs can be hit-or-miss though. Wicked banana pudding http://www.bebesbarbecue.com/

[barryg]

Yes Bebe's for Carolina pork, that is their specialty. Percy St BBQ on South St for smoked brisket.

You could also try Sweet Lucy's in the Northeast. I've never been, but it is widely considered one of the better spots in the region. Kind of far, but might be an easier trip since it is close to 95 and they have parking AFAIK.

[Seeker19104]

Sadly, Bebe's is one of my places that everyone loves and I don't.

While Mark talks a good game about North Carolina-style barbecue, the sandwich (even with the highly-touted vinegar-based sauce) was a huge disappointment.

Real barbecue is basted while cooking, not topped with sauce.

[barryg]

Seeker, point taken, but I think you yourself have said that there is nowhere better in the area. So for $7 or $8 or whatever he charges for a sandwich, I think it is worthwhile and one of the better casual eats in South Philly.

[Stormy9091]

I lived in Texas for several years and while I hated most of the restaurants there, they do a fantastic barbecue brisket. Unfortunately, the only place I've found around here with a good brisket is in Bethlehem - Dickey's, which is a Texas-based chain.

[mingo1968]

Sweet Lucy's is very good. Its BYOB and They run a special on Mondays.

[bluehensfan]

Sweet Lucy's did nothing for me. Decent baked beans but that's about it.

[mingo1968]

I love the BBQ chicken.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Percy St does have very good moist brisket, plus great mac & cheese and a truly awesome pecan pie. Place itself is big, open and very welcoming.

[xmrocks98]

You should really try Russell's barbeque on Centerville Road. They have delicous barbeque from sweet potatoes towards jerk chicken. It's a very large variety.