Big Daddy's BBQ and Ribs

In my Galaxy post, K called me out for making us look like total alcoholics, so let me clarify: we are Lightweights. That's "Lightweights" with a big "L."

When we drink beers, we split them because we usually can't drink the whole beer before it gets warm. Splitting three beers is a big night of beer drinking. Likewise, a big drinking night for us, means splitting a bottle of wine with dinner, and an all out bender means we had a cocktail first.

Add to this, K's endearing habit of pouring her wine into my glass when she can't finish it, and there you have it. Keep in mind though, that I tend to think everything she does is endearing and adorable, and any restaurant reviews I write are potentially skewed by how cute I think she looks when she's eating something, inversely factored by the proportionate amount of wine she dumps into my glass during the meal.

In honor of non-drunkenness, I'd like to give a shout to a restaurant that (gasp) does not serve any alcohol. They don't even have chairs, and you can't go inside either. But we still eat there at least once a month.

Anyone who lives in Dogtown (Southside) has probably seen the little brick shack on Jahnke Road, on the edge of the strip mall before the Food Lion. Big Daddy's BBQ is strictly a drive-up, walk-up joint. For a tiny little place, an amazing amount of tasty Southern fare passes through their window. If you're hungry for traditional North Carolina style vinegar based BBQ, Texas Beef BBQ or Ribs, this is the spot. They sport a good sized menu, and also serve Catfish, Gumbo and Jambalaya, as well as burgers and such. And best of all, the prices beat the chain BBQ, like Dave's by miles.

As I've said before, we're not big meat eaters, but in the interest of accurate reviewing, I have sampled both the beef ribs and the pork ribs and found them to be saucy, smoky and meaty. I preferred the tender texture and spiciness of the pork ribs to the larger and slightly tougher beef ribs.

We tend to choose from one of two Big Daddy orders. If we want actual pork BBQ, we go for the "Family Pack." You get a big tub of perfect NC pork BBQ, a bag of rolls and a couple sides, all for around $20. (for 4 people). The BBQ is flavorful and almost textbook perfect, as far as this style of BBQ goes. I like to put a big scoop of the crispy coleslaw on top of mine.

If you're not into pork, you can opt for the "Miss Virginia" sandwich. (Most items are available as platters or sandwiches) which is a BBQ chicken breast sandwich. We always request both a little cup of sauce, and a little cup of vinegar to pour on ours. The chicken is reliably tender and smoky and makes for a great alternative to the pork. I do wish they'd do a pulled chicken version though, for variety's sake.

There's a bunch of sides to choose from, and on our last visit, we were very impressed with the french fries, and stole a good portion of the kids' order on the ride home. However, they have one particular side that brings us back to this place over and over: Behold, the Corn Fritter.

We had never heard of a Corn Fritter before, but we now refer to it as "food crack." I am convinced the corner boyz would be hawking little bags of this, if Big Daddy's didn't have the monopoly on it. Corn Fritters are about an inch across, golden brown, crispy outside, creamy corn inside. they come in large or small bags. Get the large bag. A Corn Fritter dipped in vinegar is the best thing ever, and I catch myself daydreaming about them at the oddest times. And once the Corn Fritter craving sets in, it nags at me until I relent and go buy a bag.

K does the same thing. We'll be reading, or watching a movie, or running errands, or enjoying the outdoors, and she'll get this look in her eye, and sigh..."mmmmm... Corn Fritters..." and it starts all over again.

So, alcoholics...no, not by a longshot. Corn Fritteraholics... yes, and proud of it.

Big Daddy's Barbeque and Ribs
6359 Jahnke Road
560-1570