5 Splats -

WWW.REDBONES.COM
55 Chester St
Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 628-2200
(Suburb of Boston)

Boston is not exactly known for its rib joints - so finding pit BBQ at all was a surprise. I asked my students if there was any good 'Q in town and the response was unanimous - "You gotta try RedBones!" Before I even start on the food, let me just warn you about the parking. RedBones is on a side street in a busy little business area filled with restaurants and shops. It has no parking lot of it's own, so customers must find parking on these tiny little residential streets - almost all of which are marked "Local Parking by Permit Only." It took me 20 minutes to find a parking spot, and a 10 minute walk from there to get to the place. By the time I sat down I was hungry and hoping this place would live up to it's reputation.

I had "The Barbeque Belt" described as "A taste of the South, featuring Memphis, Texas, & Arkansas Ribs & Sliced Brisket. Served w/beans, cole slaw, & sauce", at $18.99 it sounded like a pretty good deal.
RIBS - 7 Splats
Nicely smoked, had a nice fire-ring, and were fairly meaty

BRISKET - 4 Splats
Dry and a little chewy (of course, being from the north and a seaport at that, we should probably cut them a little slack)

BEANS - 3 Splats
Tasted like they came right out of the can

SLAW - 3 Splats
Ho hum

SAUCES - 2 Splats
This is the one that kept this restaurant at a 5 splat rating. First, the sauces had little flavor and less substance (thin and watery.) Then, to add insult to injury, they brought them out in little tiny paper cups (you can see one in the picture - right by Red Bull.) I sent my waiter back 4 times before I got smart and asked for a sampler plate (4 little cups of sauce...)

I'm torn - it was okay, but I'll probably look for a new place when I next visit Boston.