Lateef C.
Yelp
f you're in Bridgeport and craving good BBQ (or just fried chicken done right), Drumstik Bar-B-Q is one of those spots that hits. It's not fancy -- just honest, soulful food that reminds you of why you love this kind of cooking.
The fried chicken is what I tend to rattle on about when someone asks. The breading is thin and crispy, not overstuffed or soggy, and under that crust is juicy, tender meat. One Yelp reviewer said the breading was "thin and crispy... perfectly done." And people constantly praise the ribs -- they say they "fall off the bone."
I also tried some sides, and they hold up. The macaroni & cheese is creamy and comforting, the collard greens have that deep, rooted flavor you hope for, and the yams are sweet without being cloying. One thing I noticed: the menu is not huge, but the items on it are solid.
When you walk in (or when you pick up your order), the atmosphere is straightforward. This place is about the food first, the vibe second. Expect a no-frills counter, friendly staff, the smell of fried chicken and smoke greeting you on arrival. It feels like many of the longtime customers already know their orders -- that sort of local, dependable energy.
Some quirks: because it's more of a "classic BBQ / soul food" spot, timing can matter -- if you hit it at a busy time, you might wait a bit. Also, some folks say the sides are hit or miss depending on when you go. But when everything is on -- chicken crispy, ribs juicy, sides balanced -- Drumstik shows what it's capable of.
If I were telling you to try it: go for the fried chicken and ribs first, grab a couple sides to round things out, be ready to wait a little if it's busy, and savor the fact that this is the kind of place where flavor and soul come through more than polish