Who's Who BBQ

Barbecue places have never fared well here on the Eastside. At one time there was a Damon’s, Tony Roma’s and a Montgomery Inn here. At one time that is. They all went for sale or lease. Even Montgomery Inn, Cincinnati’s most beloved rib joint of all quietly snuck back to Montgomery, tails between their legs, never to return.
Smokey Bones has held their own so far, including winning our “Best BBQ” 2 years in a row. We love the bones but the sauce has taken a turn at some point and just isn’t what it used to be. It’s still the only real BBQ in town. Or at least it used to be. City Barbecue just opened a new location smack in front of the Eastgate Meijer. EV staffers are BBQ aficionados so obviously we were salivating at the possibilities.
In the blink of an eye we were at the counter with an angry appetite and a credit card that don’t stop. After watching orders go past the line we decided we just had to spring for a little of it all. “Can I take your order” asked the cashier. We quickly replied with “Yes! We’ll have some ribs, brisket, smoked turkey, and sausage, pulled pork, baked beans, corn pudding, mac & cheese and cole slaw... oh, and some Texas toast & hand dipped hush puppies too.” “Wow, anything to drink with that?” “Yes, 3 sweet tea’s please” It was up in a flash. We carried it to the table carefully and savored it slowly. The bill, $50 (for 3 people)... the meal, worth every penny.