Don’t shoot the messenger…that’s their slogan!
Photo courtesy of Lisa Foster
City Barbecue, obviously, is all about meat – ribs, brisket, chicken, turkey, sausage, and pulled pork. The restaurant is actually the brainchild of a competitive barbecue team that compiled their closely guarded recipes and techniques to form a business in 1999. That business is now thriving and can be found in 14 locations, including the new home of the Columbus Clippers, Huntington Park Stadium.
The Tastecasters visited the brand spankin’ new location in Westerville – one thing you’ll notice about City Barbecue is the consistency of the decor, service, and food, regardless of how new a location is. The Westerville location is airy and rustic, reminiscent of a traditional southern barbecue.
You Want Barbecue? You Can Find That Here.
City Barbecue is incredibly generous with their portions – in fact, it’s a safe bet that are not likely to leave hungry. We started with the ribs ($17.99 for a full slab, $10.99 for a half slab), a City Barbecue staple. The ribs were meaty and topped with the perfect amount of sauce. We did notice that the meat tends to be pink, which can cause alarm, given reports of the dangers of undercooking meat. However, rest assured that the meat is supposed to be pink – it’s actually a smoke ring, which is an indication of true slow-smoked barbecue, which also gives City Barbecue’s meat its unique flavors.
Of course, no visit to City Barbecue is complete without its signature beef brisket ($5.99), which has been voted the best brisket in Columbus by countless publications.This is how brisket should be cooked – tender and juicy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Beef Brisket, courtesy of Lisa Foster
For the traditionalist, you have to try the North Carolina pulled pork ($5.99). This is true southern barbecue – pulled pork topped with vinegar and slaw. Once you try this, you won’t be able to eat pulled pork any other way.
Not Done Yet? How About a Side or Two?
Clockwise from top: green beans and bacon, corn pudding, baked beans with brisket, mac & cheese
City Barbecue is also famous for their side dishes ($1.89 each), particularly the corn pudding, which has been described as buttery, though a better description is that it’s like a creamy version of corn bread.
City Barbecue’s mac and cheese is supreme comfort food – gooey, cheesy, and creamy – a rich combination of flavors that envelop you.
Green beans and bacon are quickly becoming a staple – the beans are expertly seasoned and cooked with bacon.
Finally, we were treated to the baked beans with brisket. These beans are rich with a hint of bourbon flavor.
Something for Everyone
City Barbecue works hard to maintain an affordable dining experience for everyone, especially families, which is why they offer the Family Pack ($19.95), which includes Pulled Pork sandwiches, two homemade sides and warm corn bread for two adults and two children.
Also, the next time you stop by City Barbecue, be sure to ask about Buck-a-Bone Tuesdays.It’s a great way to try their ribs and to save a few bucks in the process.
Catering
City Barbecue caters events such as weddings, parties, and corporate events, plus there are two banquet rooms available at the Reynoldsburg facility (maximum capacity is 45 people). Should you need “tech” stuff, the following items are available free of charge:
32’ TV/VCR/DVD
Overhead Projection Unit
Full Size Screen
White Board with Flip Chart
Special thanks to Molly and the Westerville City Barbecue team for making us feel welcome…and stuffed!
Review and photos (unless otherwise noted) by Sara Barton
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The TasteCasting Team Members are not professional food critics. TasteCasting combines socially networked people and the social media platforms and applications they use to help establishments build awareness, announce grand openings, introduce new menu items, distribute special offers and encourage people to visit the establishment.
Got buck a bone Tuesday marked as a weekly repeat on my iPhone.
Awesome photos! My husband and I love City Barbecue. We always pick up a few sides when we have to bring something to a family picnic.
I’m a big fan of the new Westerville location. Everything I’ve tried is terrific, but I keep coming back to the brisket.
You can also get $4 off their platters on Mondays – enough for 2 people.