The Great 'Que Hunt 09...

When I was little, I always confused Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day… probably because they all meant one thing to me… barbecue. For each of these holidays, my family would have people over for barbecue and all the fixings (potato salad, baked beans, and cole slaw). This past Monday was Memorial Day and I decided to get out and find a restaurant that would provide some good barbecue.

Unfortunately, my scavenger hunt came up short.

My first stop was Daddy D’z barbecue joint on MLK and Hill (downtown, GSU area).
The restaurant gave me more of a jook-joint feel than a restaurant feel. The décor was awful. Literally falling down around me (note the loose insulation in the wall), the floor boards were filthy and the chairs had gapping holes in them (note the loose in the chair). But I don’t eat chairs, so I took my seat and prepared to enjoy some ribs. Which, by the way, tasted horrible. Clearly a victim of an overzealous vinegar user, the ribs were short on smoked-flavor and high on acidity (um.. isn’t vinegar a base?)

The sides were good, however (the cornbread was actually the best restaurant cornbread I have ever eaten), but I did not go to Daddy D’zs for veggies. Let’s save Piccadilly for that. I wanted barbecued meat but instead I got pickled pork bones.

My next barbecue stop was Rolling Bones, a chain-based restaurant founded in Kentucky and located on Edgewood Avenue, in the heart of Atlanta’s old fourth ward (note- homeless people, prostitutes, and a thug with one hand circled my car while I waited for my food).

The décor was better than Daddy D’z (50’s vibe) and so was the food, but not by much. Sold out of ribs and chicken, the only alternative was pork shoulder. Never a fan of a fat back, I took my chances and was only mildly disappointed. The meat was tender and juicy and ruined by a sickeningly sweet sauce.

The sides, however, left a lot to be desired (namely flavor). I guess my first clue should have been the man grilling the meat. I mean.. really.. does he look like he throws down on the ole pit? Would you buy glasses from a blind person? No? Then I guess I should not have bought barbecue from this guy.