Blue Ribbon Bbq - Newton

I’m putting my Texan card on the table. I wasn’t expecting Pit Room or Franklin’s-level quality, but had hoped it would be better than Famous Dave’s; it was, only slightly. Positive first: friendly folks, pleasant atmosphere, and more than ample portions (seriously, you can feed two on one meal). They are also generous with price. Up the quality, up the price and lower the portion.And…… let’s start with brisket 101, smoke. That was lacking. In fact, I put my nose to the air while approaching the restaurant sniffing for that ever-loving smell of mesquite and hickory. Not even post oak. It was not in the air; perhaps they smoke off site. If so, you need more wood! Next, no bark on the meat and it is void of that tell tale sign of black pepper and salt. I watched a full packer brought to the carving table. It wasn’t appropriately trimmed and shaped pre-smoke. Let aerodynamics be your friend. I had asked for moist at the register. Perhaps that was simply a north-south translation error. Moist in BBQ joints means the point, not the flat. They gave me all flat. That would be fine I suppose, except it was pretty evident the cut is USDA Choice. It makes the meat cost effective, but at the sacrifice of fat. The meat was over cooked. It should pull apart, not fall apart. It should also stand on its own without sauce.Sides: great potato salad. 8 out of 10. Slaw wasn’t worth a second bite and the corn bread could break windows if thrown. Sweet tea was pleasantly not too sweet. Sauce was fine. Nothing noteworthy.

Chicken was dry, mash was ok, no fries , coleslaw salad was not great.

If you have not tried the best barbecue in Massachusetts, you should consider visiting. This is because smoked barbecue is an exceptional cuisine and it's unlikely that you will find a better alternative anywhere else. The cost of this meal is quite reasonable, which makes it a perfect choice for any budget.

Truly the best of the best BBQ. My family has been eating BRBBQ for decades. Last time I went in the man at the front was very kind. Highly suggest the Cole slaw, pulled pork, mashed potatoes, pickles and cornbread. Make a big plate if it with the HOT BBQ sauce and it really hits all flavor cravings.I just wish they had mac and cheese. I wonder if that’s in the works?!?

This has been my go too for years but over the past 18 months they've become very inconsistent. My last rack of ribs seemingly had no time in the smoker and were underdone. I know the effort it takes to turn out good Q so hopefully things return to their old ways. As well the green beans were over vinigered....