I like BBQ, so I generally enjoy the food at every BBQ joint at which I dine. But, I have to say that I absolutely loved the food at City Barbeque, which opened a few months ago across from West Towne Mall.
(Yes, that’s an interesting location, with Doc’s Smokehouse and North and South Seafood & Smokehouse both a short walk away.)
I’ll start with the staples.
- The pulled pork has a hint of smokiness and is tender. It’s got enough flavor that you don’t need any sauce with it. You can get it in a sandwich ($7.49), by the pound or as part of a sampler.
- The bark of the brisket was a stronger combination of spices than typical. It’s delicious and will make you thirsty, too. You can get it in a sandwich ($8.99), by the pound or as part of a sampler.
- The ribs ($12.99 for half slab, $22.99 for full) are awesome. The St. Louis-style is slowed smoked to the point that you can still bite the delicious meat from the bone, rather than the meat falling off.
- Most BBQ joints have dry chicken, but that’s not the case here. Instead, the chicken ($10.99 for half) is tender and moist, and it doesn’t need any sauce. Dare I say it’s probably one of the best servings of chicken I’ve had at a BBQ restaurant.
I recommend you explore the other menu items, starting with the More Cowbell ($9.99). It looks like a Philly with peppers, onions and provolone, but it’s made with brisket and Texas toast. I’m still drooling thinking about it. You also can get this sandwich with turkey.
I also wolfed down the Chipotle BBQ sandwich ($5.99). It combines brisket, ribs and pulled pork into one sandwich on Texas toast. It’s so tender and juicy, and the Texas toast does its best to hold it all together.
The Turkey TaQo ($4.50) has so much going for it, and no component is overdone. The creamy cilantro-lime slaw, the crispy onion strings, the salsa verde and the smoked turkey combine for a delicious taco.
City Barbeque also has a variety of sides and desserts.
- Sometimes hush puppies can be hit or miss, but these ones were perfect: very crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- The corn pudding was ah-maze-ing. I’d describe it as sweet and buttery goodness.
- The only flaw in the meal was the mac and cheese, which was so overcooked it was unchewable.
- Try the banana pudding ($3.49 for individual serving). The bananas are firm, not mushy, and decadently topped with crumbles and caramel.
City Barbeque is open every day for lunch and dinner.
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See more photos in our City Barbeque Flickr album.
