Note: this joint is in Lawrence KS
Bigg's has caused me to add a new category to my “KC’Quest for the Best”
list – Best All-Around Barbeque Joint. It’s a lofty appellation, but I’ll stand by
Bigg's’ nomination to this Hall of Smoke.
Bigg's’ by-line is “Sports, Ribs, and Rock ‘n Roll”. With 23 big flat TVs scattered around the joint and
rock-down-memory-lane memorabilia covering the face of every wall, I’d say they
are living up to their aspirations. Oh, and
the ‘Q? It’s the “Hey Jude” of all
things smoked.
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| yeah, that's fried okra - triple bonus points!! |
My bride of exactly 29 years and I ordered up a Rib Combo Special (3
baby back bones and brisket - $9.99) and a Combination plate (Brisket, Burnt
Ends, 3 St Louis bones - $13.99) both with two sides. For under $30 we were swimming in more food
than we could handle. Even writing this review I’m
shaking my head at what great value this joint offers.
I’ll grade out the meats in a moment, but I have to discuss
the brisket / burnt end situ. Please
read my discussion
of burnt ends. Bigg's employs that
technique perfectly! In my notes next to
burnt ends, I wrote “Master Class!”
Folks, there just may not be better smoked meat in all the land. The smoke ring was deep, the bark thick, and the chunks fairly sparkled with zesty rub. On the other hand… the brisket
had only a very thin smoke ring and not much bark. It was firm, tender, and tasty, but it lacked
the smoker’s dark arts. If the brisket
had been better, I’d be calling this the absolute only place to get barbeque in
a four state area. It was that good!
My professional assessment (based
on my scoring standards):
Brisket... Taste: 8 Tenderness: 9 Appearance: 8 = Overall: 8.4
Burnt Ends... Taste: 9 Tenderness: 9 Appearance: 9 = Overall: 9
(KCBS standards do not allow 10s. But I think Biggs burnt ends deserve double digits.)
Ribs... Taste: 9 Tenderness: 9 Appearance: 9 = Overall: 9
For the record, my notes for the ribs
were “text book perfect”, “generously trimmed St Louis”, “wonderful pork taste”,
“baby backs very meaty”. I would have
liked more of the burnt end rub on the ribs, but I’m not quibbling. Bigg's also has a nice set of sauces – Reg,
Hot, Sweet – all noteworthy.
Bigg's lives up to its sports bar tag with a menu that boasts
an extensive list of appies and sammies.
But I gotta ask ya, with ‘Q this good why are you eatin’ chicken wings?
I’m going to forgive the B+ brisket for the moment
and hang FIVE piggies on Bigg's.
This is destination barbeque!
and hang FIVE piggies on Bigg's.
This is destination barbeque!
