Did you know that July 4th is the most popular day to barbeque, with 74% of grill owners turning up the smoke? While many people love to grill for social occasions, cooking true barbeque is a skill that needs time and patience. So where is the best place to sample this true American fare?
This involves hunting for the best barbeque eaterie you can find. Read on as we tell you how to search for “Barbecue restaurants near me” and find the best in your area.
Sauce
A barbecue restaurant will live and die based on its sauces. Each region will have its own variations. Some may be more dry and subtle, while others may be wet and spicy depending on the chef’s preference.
One golden rule is that BBQ sauce should not be overpowering. BBQ is about wood smoke and its impact on a great cut of meat. The sauce should enhance this, and not overpower it.
Some purists even believe that the best barbecue restaurant would not use any sauce at all and instead concentrate on cooking and meat. However, done right, it can add even more depth.
Meat
The main attraction with any barbeque restaurant is the meat. You need a menu that blends classics with some signature, unique dishes. It all needs to be cooked with expert precision.
Creating the perfect barbeque is not just about grilling the meat and adding the sauce. It takes time, as the meat is cooked at a low temperature for long periods. This is done to achieve the perfect balance of not overcooking while not undercooking at the same time.
On top of this, the chef has smoke to contend with. Too much smoke will overpower the meat, giving it an acrid, burnt taste. Yet just the right amount will add layers of flavor, providing warmth and unique taste experiences.
Brisket
Brisket is arguably the hardest of the meats to cook right. As it has two grains in the cut, it can be extremely difficult to get it perfect.
Ideally, you should pull the meat apart and it should have some elasticity. A little overdone and it will be overly chewy. Underdone and it will crumble apart in fatty chunks.
The burnt ends of the brisket were once only available when the meat came to an end, but many restaurants now intentionally char the ends and sell them on the menu. Real burnt ends will be more char than meat, but both types can taste fantastic.
Ribs
Ribs are a staple in any barbeque joint. They are also hard to get right, as many people have very distinct preferences that they will defend to the hilt. Some people prefer them wet rubbed, while others prefer a dry rub.
An expertly cooked rib will flirt a middle ground, between tenderness but with some adhesion to the bone. If the meat is so soft that it falls off when you bite, it is overcooked. However, you don’t want to be wrestling to get your meal either.
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is one recipe where the chef really gets to put their individual slant on the dish. The meat should be slow-cooked until tender, though it should not be mushy. Whether the meat is cut by hand or machine is irrelevant as long as the blend of flavors is present.
Classic Sides
It is not just the meat that makes great barbecue restaurant meals. Sides are just as important to the overall experience.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is the quintessential side for barbequed meats. It is made from cabbages coated in mayonnaise, which should be crisp and fresh without too much moisture. Some people prefer it sweet, while some people prefer to up the vinegar levels.
Hush Puppies
A hush puppy is a cornmeal ball of deep-fried batter. They are then seasoned to make a delicious accompaniment to meats and grill. Despite being deep-fried, they should never taste oily and should have a crisp outside with a soft filling.
Tasty Additions
When choosing a barbecue restaurant, you should also look past the traditional fare. Be it smoked chicken or different cuts of ribs, a quality eaterie should have a range of goods. Potato salad, collard greens, and green bean salad are additions that can make your meal.
Hickoryhanks.com is one place with a huge range. It has an excellent wide menu all cooked to perfection.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Catering
If you really love the restaurant you find, then don’t be afraid to ask about outside catering. Many places will have a number of methods in which they can create and deliver food wherever you are.
Most venues are now on food delivery apps. This allows you to get your favorite meat delivered as quickly as possible. Some will even make special workday lunchboxes so you can get a treat at the office.
If you are interested in bigger catering opportunities, for events or parties, they may have special packages. Smokers and barbeques are easy to transport and the company may have special staff ready to cater to your event.
Barbecue Restaurants Near Me
Now you can confidently search “Barbecue restaurants near me” and find the best one, you just need to make time. Plan a date night, head out with the family or treat yourself. After the covid pandemic, these fantastic places need your business.
We love to help you find all the tasty and delicious treats in your area. Read our blog and let us fill your stomachs with delight in the coming year.
