Stoked C.
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I’d heard mixed reviews about this place from friends, so I decided to try it for myself.
My first visit started off promising. The atmosphere and vibes were great upon walking in, and the menu looked fantastic—everything seemed like it was setting up for a win.
I ordered the two-meat plate: brisket and ribs, with potato salad and baked beans on the side. When the food arrived, I was surprised by how small the portions were—one thin slice of brisket, two small rib bones, decent-sized sides, and a garnish of pickle and onion. With portions that tiny, I figured the flavor had to be extraordinary to justify it.
Unfortunately, it was anything but. I started with the ribs, which were mostly gristle and fell apart into pieces. I managed to carve out one small bite of actual meat—and that was it. The brisket was okay (not great), and the table sauces were fine, but with just one slice, there wasn’t much to work with.
The sides were the only bright spot. The baked beans were meaty with a nice sweet-smoky flavor, and the potato salad was a tasty mayonnaise-based mix with red potatoes and green onions.
For $27 (including a drink), I expected a lot more meat—and for the meat I did get to be significantly better. The service and atmosphere were solid—that’s where the one star comes from—but a barbecue place can’t survive on vibes alone. The food needs to be plentiful and excellent, and this wasn’t.
I won’t be returning, though I wish the restaurant luck. It’s only been open about a year, and I hope it finds its footing.
(Note: This review was originally dictated while driving and has since been corrected.)