John and I are barbecue fiends, as you know. Heck, we even travel all over the country to get the stuff. However there are plenty of local BBQ places that we still have yet to try. Next up on our local list was Blackstrap BBQ and we found the perfect day to go: Easter Sunday. We were surprised they were open but also psyched. When we arrived for lunch there was no one there but us, nice!
The interior is really cool with the walls lined with chalkboards, displaying the full menu in bright and exciting colors. There are several seats at the window looking out on to the quaint square beyond and a handful of tables and chairs. Very simplistic but casual and clean.
On to the food, shall we?
We started with the fried pickles because, c’mon, you have to get the fried pickles at a BBQ joint. They came out piping hot, crispy, and lightly battered to perfection. The ranch dressing on the side was heavenly.
For lunch I got the duo: a choice of two meats, two sides, and cornbread. All for $14.99 which, for the generous portion and great quality, is a real deal. I got the pork ribs and the Carolina style pulled pork. The ribs were insanely good, tons of meat and very little fat. The spice rub was smoky and salty, a great combination of flavors. The pulled pork was great too, juicy and not fatty at all. I liked the spices they used on the pulled pork, pretty mild but still great flavors. Blackstrap’s house Sweet BBQ sauce was divine on the meat, smoky and sweet. I’m still thinking about it. John got the triple: Carolina pulled pork, the house sausage, and burnt ends.
For my two sides I got their baked beans and cole slaw. The slaw was dressed perfectly, cool and creamy, and had a little zing to it. The baked beans were decadent. Rich molasses and onion flavor, deep color, and cooked to the perfect texture. John got the potato salad and the mac and cheese.
John’s meal and my meal:
And how could I forget the cornbread? It comes on the side individually wrapped in wax paper. This cornbread is like a brick, no joke. It’s suuuuper dense, buttery, and just slightly sweet. Perfect with just a little butter or to mop up any extra BBQ sauce.
Portions are very big and generous (obviously!). I ate half of my meal for lunch and brought the rest home and ate it for dinner.
Overall, as good a BBQ place as you’ll find. I can’t wait to go back!
Domestocrat 
Lord, all that BBQ has made me bald!
Looks so good!! I have a great BBQ rec if you’re up for a little drive :)
Bubs BBQ in Sunderland, MA – http://www.bubsbbq.com
Ooooh, we’re always up for a BBQ adventure. Thanks Jenny!
I was just reading your Blue Ribbon post and it led me to this one and Maarit and I are totally going to have to try this place!!! I will take your recommendations on BBQ any day!!!!
You do, it’s SO GOOD. You will not be disappointed!
A great review! We’d love to run this review on “Focus on Winthrop” (with a link back to this original). Any interest? You can review our site at http://winthropma.us. Thanks. -John
That would be great – thank you for offering!