(IMAGE PROVIDED VIA GOOGLE)
BBQ restaurants seem to be popping up everywhere these days. They seem to be just about everywhere. But how many of the BBQ restaurants actually seem to know what they are doing and actually have great BBQ? Not as much as you would hope. I am one who considers himself a carnivore and meat as a whole is my main food group. So when I go out to a BBQ restaurant, I find myself very picky as I always want it to be great.
My father-in-law chose to take us to Billy Bob's BBQ in Poughkeepsie, NY the other day and I must say that I always love where he suggest. We have a very similar palate when it comes to good eating. We want a nice sized portion that tastes amazing. The fact that Billy Bob's BBQ was so highly recommended by him was enough for me.
THE FOOD
(PHOTOS: JOHN BOCCELLARI)
I try not to make it a habit to take photos of the other guests that come out with me and their food. I keep it generally to my own plate. But with that said, how good does that pulled pork look above. I know I may sound pretty cocky here, but I usually rate pulled pork pretty tough due to the fact that I know I can make it better myself at home. I find that I am usually right after I order it out. But in the case of Billy Bob's, their pork is better than what I can make at home. I finally found a place where I can enjoy beautiful BBQ pork and not have to put all the work into it. Even though it's an hour and a half drive from me, it is still quicker for me to get since it takes me more than seven hours from start to finish to make it on my own. The Classic Pulled Pork Sandwich is served on a kaiser roll with cole slaw, which I omitted due to me wanting the meat and the meat alone. It also had Billy Bob's Original BBQ sauce on it. That's right, what BBQ restaurant would be considered a contender if they didn't make their own sauce. They make four great sauces. The Billy Bob's Original, Big Daddy's Sauce, Sweet & Spicy and of course the Butt Kicker. All are great, but the original was my favorite.
We also ordered the Fried Pickles which were pickle spears coated in beer batter and deep fried accompanied by BBQ ranch dressing. They were super amazing. My father-in-law ordered the Pork Explosion which featured bacon wrapped in sausage wrapped in bacon. Holy hell was this an explosion of flavor. I definitely recommend it. Unfortunately like I said earlier, I don't take photos of other people's food so sorry about no photos of those two items...I'll try next time.
SERVICE
Billy Bob's BBQ is a local spot near Vassar College. They are a sports bar with a down to Earth crowd. Our server was the owner of the establishment and I couldn't say anything but nice things about him. He was friendly and inviting. He spoke to us like he knew us and seemed to truly enjoy it. I'm excited for a return visit.
LASTING IMPRESSIONS
Billy Bob's is my kind of place. The only problem that I have with it is that it is located so far away from where I live. I can't wait to go back and I am excited to try the brisket on my next visit. I give Billy Bob's a 4 out of 5 stars. They know their identity as a BBQ restaurant and they are proud of it, which is exactly what makes a business thrive in my opinion. You need to find what works and roll with it and that is what they did. I'm looking to come back soon to dig in to more.
Billy Bob's BBQ Location:
35 Fairmont Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Phone: (845) 471-7870
Website: billybobsbbq.biz
