Blue Ribbon BBQ – Newton, MA

I usually avoid going to the same style restaurant two days in succession, but the Blue Ribbon was calling my name. it was the highest rated restaurant on Yelp open in Newton for lunch. Yes, the guidelines for our restaurant selection were quite stringent. Don’t criticize, it’s been a very healthy hangover Sunday otherwise.

The Blue Ribbon BBQ; color me impressed. Between the three of us, we had two of the barbecue samplers – three meats, two sides, and some cornbread for $15 – and witnessed first hand what could be the best food value in Boston. We left full and didn’t come close to finishing the two plates. The ribs were falling off of the bone, chicken was well-seasoned, the marbling in the brisket was perfection (a tad dry, but great with sauce), and pulled pork was juicy without and even more delicious with the gold sauce. The sweet tea isn’t as sweet as those from the true south, and I think that’s a good thing – us Northerners prefer our tea less sugary.

Jack Welch’s business maxim, “If you’re not number one or number two in an industry, get out,” applies to the sausage – only a bump in the road on an otherwise delectable journey.

My biggest criticism of the Blue Ribbon is the door. While adding to the authenticity, a tad heavy french screen door creates some awkwardness for patrons visiting the restaurant. Take away the Frenchness and we’re good. I doubt that’s a suggestion for a restaurant I’ll use often, but it works in this case. There are tables here, as well as outdoor seating, but I would not advise eating in here.

Fantastic food, generous portions, a great variety of sauces, and friendly and accommodating staff all make for a barbecue experience rivaling the best of those below the Mason-Dixon that I’ve been blessed to sample.