3-N-1 BBQ

As a semi-​annual visitor to Memphis, Tennessee, former resident of Texas and Arkansas, and frequenter of different barbecue pits, I give 3-​N-​1 BBQ an enthusiastic stamp of approval and dare say it zooms to the top of the barbecue scene in Sacramento. If this place were in Memphis, it might not be the very best, but it would rate strong consideration for repeat visits and would compete valiantly on its own merits.
On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, you’ll see the smoke billowing from their barrel-​shaped grill in the parking lot in front of a small stripmall at the corner of Rio Linda Boulevard and Rivera Drive. You order inside the Rivera Mart, a clean and orderly convenience store. Skip the cash register by the door. Walk to the far back right corner of the store.
The menu is very simple. Platters combine two sides plus your choice of one, two, or three meats between ribs, chicken, brisket, and hot links. You can choose sauce on top or on the side. There’s no tables for customers, so all orders will be packaged to-​go in tri-​compartment styrofoam. Side dishes include mac ‘n’ cheese, greens, potato salad, red beans and rice, cole slaw… maybe another I’m forgetting. I typically choose the chicken with sauce on the side and beans ‘n’ greens.
3-N-1’s chicken is equally on par with the fantastic MoMo’s Meat Market on Broadway in Tahoe Park, so it’s second to none in Sacramento. However, I give 3-​N-​1 a slight edge because they apparently put a little more effort into their side dishes than MoMo’s. The greens are more peppery, more composed, and not stewy like the greens you buy in a can at Grocery Outlet. The sides at 3-​N-​1 taste a bit more homemade than MoMo’s.
A colorful banner announcing 3-N-1’s existence hangs above the sign for Rivera Mart, and it advertises that they have lamb. They did do lamb at first, but it was not popular enough among the early clientele, so much of the lamb they bought went to waste, and they discontinued it. However, they said that if you wanted lamb for a large party and gave them some lead time, they could provide it for you. And there is a hope that they can bring it back if business starts rolling and there is an interest.
The young lady who always takes my order might have the most genuinely sweet demeanor you’ll ever encounter in a customer service situation. Service is never quick, but HEY… it’s barbecue. the very essence of barbecue is slooooowwww, so simmer down and take delight in the politeness and earnest effort.