LEO's Eat'N"Blog: Right on 'cue: 3 great spots for ribs

by **Robin Garr** » Wed May 30, 2007 3:23 pm

<table border="0" align="right" width="310"><tr><td><img src="http://www.louisvillehotbytes.com/ribs_fabd.jpg" border="1" align="right"></td></tr><tr><td>The ribs at Frankfort Avenue Beer Depot (F.A.B.D.) are possibly the best yet Photos by Robin Garr.</td></tr></table>LEO's Eat 'n' Blog with Louisville HotBytes
(Rite Way, Smoketown USA, F.A.B.D.)

Speak of barbecue, and many of us will visualize a rural scene: A tarpaper shack, well off the interstates out in blue-highway country, sporting a washing machine on the front porch and a primer-coated car sitting up on blocks in the front yard. Out back, a black iron drum smoker wafts up seductive scents of sweet hickory smoke and gently roasting pork. And then our mouths commence to watering.

In fact, nowhere is it written that proper barbecue requires a road trip. Rural though its roots may be, many a master of 'cue - or his grandparents - has come to the city, where those aromatic smokers now stand proudly behind trim shotgun houses or sturdy brick storefronts, with nary a washing machine or wheelless '39 Ford in sight.

This week, conscious of $3.49 prices at the pump, we poured a few fruit jars full of gasoline into the primer-coated Eat 'N' Blog jalopy and checked out three urban barbecue spots. None of them was more than a dollar's worth of gasoline away from home. And to my delight, all three produced pork ribs of serious quality - my benchmark dish for any barbecue purveyor - along with well-made side dishes.

Full reports in LEO and on LouisvilleHotBytes.

by **Brian Curl** » Wed May 30, 2007 3:41 pm

Enjoyable article Robin, nice to see you venturing into the west end :lol:

What about Finley's on Broadway? Never have been but have heard they are pretty good.

by **Ed Vermillion** » Wed May 30, 2007 3:49 pm

F.A.B.D. is the new face of the Pepperwood guru, can't remember his name but he is serious 'bout his Q! Don't ask him unless you have some free time to listen to someone passionate about his craft.

by **Amy Hoover** » Wed May 30, 2007 4:07 pm

Great article Robin. You've hit the nail on the head. I haven't tried FABD, but now I can't wait.

We had Smoketown USA last week and it was delicious. The owners were outside when we pulled up to the place and were immediately friendly, even though they assumed we were going across the street. We went in and were unsure of whether to order at the counter or at our table, to which they quickly assured us either was fine. We all got the rib tips basket. They were tender and delicious. I could have stood for a little spice in the sauce. The cole slaw was large chunks of cabbage, cucumbers and carrots in a spicy vinegar base. It was delicious. The service was friendly, and while seemingly inexperienced, receives an A+ for effort. I got a single taco for us to share, just to try it. The ingredients used were good, but average, but the tortilla was freshly made and very tasty. It seems like it will quickly become a neighborhood staple. I can't wait to go back. (maybe tonight!)

A couple months ago, we had the ribs from Rite Way. Certainly a different breed than the sweetly sauced ones from Smoketown USA, but equally good. I really liked the spicy vinegar based sauce on the ribs. I haven't actually been out to their location, but I'm looking forward to going and checking it all out.

by **Robin Garr** » Wed May 30, 2007 4:27 pm

Brian Curl wrote:What about Finley's on Broadway? Never have been but have heard they are pretty good.

Probably just as good as Rite-Way or the recently renamed spot that used to be called Cleon's on Algonquin. The West End has quite a few small barbecue shacks, mostly run by folks with extensive smoking experience, and I'd be happy to try them all. Happens that Rite-Way was the West End choice this time, though, based on its very long tenure and some recent discussion on the forum.

by **Erin Riedel** » Thu May 31, 2007 9:01 pm

We ate at Smoketown USA tonight and it was great! We both got the rib basket. I had potato salad and green beans and boyfriend had slaw and mixed greens. We both agreed that all of sides were delicious. I'm not really much of a rib person but these were *so* good. The only bad thing about the meal was that the bottom of my cornbread was strangely gooey and rancid. Unfortunately it was already in my mouth before I realized it. I can't imagine what was wrong with it, but it was really gross. I'm definitely willing to overlook that though because everything else was fantastic, and all of the people working there were super nice.

by **Robin Garr** » Thu May 31, 2007 9:23 pm

Erin Riedel wrote:We ate at Smoketown USA tonight and it was great!

Glad you loved it, Erin! Did you let them know about the cornbread? I know it can be difficult to point out a problem to people who are nice, but I think it's really something they would want to know about.

by **John R.** » Fri Jun 01, 2007 11:43 am

Erin Riedel wrote:We ate at Smoketown USA tonight and it was great! We both got the rib basket. I had potato salad and green beans and boyfriend had slaw and mixed greens. We both agreed that all of sides were delicious. I'm not really much of a rib person but these were *so* good. The only bad thing about the meal was that the bottom of my cornbread was strangely gooey and rancid. Unfortunately it was already in my mouth before I realized it. I can't imagine what was wrong with it, but it was really gross. I'm definitely willing to overlook that though because everything else was fantastic, and all of the people working there were super nice.

I think they may have a problem with the cornbread. My experience was a little different. The cornbread tasted like cake. It was a bizarre taste and texture for cornbread. I liked the ribs though I wished they would cut back on the sauce or char the sauce more. The sides were rather good. Cole Slaw was something. I liked it and the potato salad wasnt bad either.