Up North Barbecue

I love BBQ and consider myself an expert. Have had some of the best and some of the not so good BBQ available in the northeast. Service with a smile, is what I found here. Not sure what people expect when seeking out a good BBQ joint, it certainly is not casual dining with flair. I expect paper table cloths, paper plates, plastic ware and tons of napkins. I was lucky enough to catch the owner present during my visit and he answered every question I threw at him, because I asked a lot. Showed me his smoker and explained his style of artfully smoking meats. Baked beans like I’ve dreamed of, pulled pork with bark in the mix (yummy). Healthy portions of beef briscut with ample smoke rings (delish). I’m not usually overly fond of BBQ chicken, but it hit the mark and has me changing my opinion of the poultries place in BBQ. I would and will return for more. And I definitely recommend taking time to experience this hidden treasure.

I had such high hopes for this place, as Upstate NY really needed a great BBQ joint. Unfortunately, they need a bit more practice.
Indoor seating is very limited. It took a bit for anyone to even acknowledge we were there. Perhaps an ‘entry bell’ for the folks in the back to know when someone enters would help.
Items purchased were pork ribs, brisket and pulled pork plus sides which were fries and cole slaw.
The ribs were tender, yet had barely any smoke flavor. The dry rub used was so thick that I don’t think the smoke was allowed to penetrate the meat. The dry rub itself was really tasteless. It only added texture to the outside of the ribs. There was no real ‘spice’ to them — nothing to make them stand out.
The brisket was a bit better, but still not a prominent smoke ring was missing, as was the flavor. It was somewhat moist.
Pulled pork was very moist, and was probably the best out of the three meats we had ordered. Smoke ring was a bit better on our portions and was fairly tender.
The fries were good, and cole slaw was average. The sauces weren’t original, and that’s really what makes a place stand out from the rest. This place really didn’t do that for me, and I’ve been to quite a few BBQ joints. This one was fairly forgettable.

Only stopped in once on our way back from Canada (a mile off the highway), but I’d surely like to try it again. Reasonably priced good food, friendly service. Beans were way above average!

I’ve been there three times and had the baby back ribs, beans and cole slaw each time, along with the BBQ sauce. Ribs are the Memphis dry rub style. The ribs were very «fall off the bone» tender. The sauce, the owner told me, is commercial, and not so great, in fact I had a chance to see the label, and it’s one with high fructose corn syrup, which personally I think means it’s a lower end sauce. Tasty though.
The beans were very good, homemade, with onions and bacon. The cole slaw was good too, if you like it with a vinegar base, and not sweet.
It’s mostly take out, but you can eat there in one of three outside tables, near the smoker. It’s not the greatest as you’re right by the parking lot and the road, and the weather has to be nice to eat out.
They have a full BBQ menu, with chicken, turkey, etc, plus burgers.