Our newest kid on the BBQ block is located in the old Big Nate's BBQ. At the top is the Coca-Cola Smoked Brisket Combo (12). The meat is marinated in the Coke, which helps to tenderize it, and then smoked. They're using primarily cherry wood, which doesn't leave a very heavy smoke flavor in the meat. The meat itself was tender without being mushy, with some bits of 'brownies' on the edges. You have a choice of a sweet ketchup-based sauce and a Carolina-style mustard sauce, neither of which is overly tasty. There is also a small bottle of habanero sauce that can be used to inject some life into the former two. The beans were flavorful and cooked slightly al dente. The slaw is pretty average.The St. Louis Rib Combo (14) features falling-off-the-bone meat that also lacks any distinctive smoky flavor. I asked if there was any rub because I couldn't detect any on the meat's surface. I was given a taste of the house rub which seemed to be primarily chile powder, salt and garlic.
I can't say I'm knocked out by this place, but I'm willing to go back to try the pulled pork on a sando and some habanero slaw or pimento mac 'n' cheese.
It always makes me wonder at these bbq places, how hard is it to be able to make 5 or 6 really great sides to go with the meat? I just don't get it. Great cole slaw is easy, so is great mac and cheese and beans.. really folks.
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