Ribs | Page 2 of 2 | Mass Food & Wine

I ordered the “Pit’s Combo” – which included Pulled Pork, BBQ Ribs and Chicken. Smokestack Urban Barbecue starts with quality food and ends with terrific creativity to make some of the best pulled pork in town. I loved it. The pork with the sweet Kansas City BBQ Sauce was delicious. The ribs were meat falling off the bone yummy-ness so it was a surprise when we got around to the chicken, although it was perfectly seasoned it and incredibly tasty without the sauces, it was a bit overcooked and dry–even with the sauce all over it. But we moved on to the mac and cheese with the cracker crust and this was not a disappointment in any way. The crackers and cheese were in excellent balance and we finished all of it. At Smokestack, the little things matter -the bbq decor, large windows, pretty flowers outside, attentive service and cleanliness. Definitely on our short list of “go to places” to eat BBQ in the area. The outdoor seating is lovely if the weather is nice and they’re selection of wines, mixed drinks and beer is excellent.

In the Pits – Baby Back Ribs at Smokestack Urban Barbecue.

The “In the Pits” section of the menu at Smokestack Urban Barbecue allows you to choose from among a variety meats and side dishes to create a meal perfectly suited to your taste buds. I chose a half rack of Baby Back Ribs with BBQ Beans and Apple Slaw. All meals are served with a generous slice of corn bread. To while away the short time waiting for the entrée, I sampled the fried pickles appetizer, which was freakin’ fantastic, particularly when paired with a pint (or two) of Wormtown Brewery beer. The portion for my entrée was generous but not excessive, certainly a good value for my $12.95. The ribs were meaty, maybe a tick dry. This was hardly an issue, however, because I slathered my ribs with the two homemade BBQ sauces, both of which were packed with flavor. (At the end of the evening I still couldn’t decide which sauce I preferred.) The slaw was light and flavorful, and the corn bread was moist. As large as the slice of corn bread was, I wouldn’t have minded a second piece because it was so good. The BBQ beans were fine, but I like mine a little tangier. Good thing that BBQ sauce was handy. Bottom line? I am looking forward to going back to Smokestack Urban Barbecue to sample more of their southern cooking and hospitality.