Bandana’s Bar-B-Q
Several locations in the MidWest US
2336 Missouri Boulevard (Location visited)
Jefferson City, MO
Last week, when I wrote about “local” dishes, I mentioned about St Louis style pizza. Today’s post is about the other “local” specialty, in this case, barbecue. I won’t delve into the hundred of different forms, variations and what not. Rather, I will take what I was served and go from there. However, there goes the question: since it is supposed to be a “local” specialty, which restaurant? Since I had only one shot, I had to choose “carefully”… Ha! I was driving around without really a clue of where to go (but somehow I knew I was going in the “correct” direction), when I ended up in Bandana’s BBQ.
One thing that not sure if should have worried me or not was the fact I couldn’t really “smell” that burnt wood/charcoal as a result of slowly cooking the meats. I won’t say it distracted me but, assuming it was something prepared on a daily basis, even when it was at night, I would have expected that smell to linger.
The dining room, not sure if expected or not, was quite simple. For example, check the lamps! Anyway, to the food. I was looking for BBQ and hit into yet another wall. Which meat? I mean, there is chicken, turkey, pork, beef or ribs! And then, there is the question of sides: BBQ beans, coleslaw, potato salad, green beans or baked potato… Decisions, decisions… While in the decision making process, the waitress dropped by and started explaining to me the different sauces. In fact, they had five of them. Unfortunately, there was an information overload and do not remember all the details.
You got to love a place where, to clean yourself, the give you a whole roll of towel paper!
After explaining them, I made my decision: no fowl this time. So, I ended up ordering a platter with three type of meats: beef, pork and ribs with a side of BBQ beans and coleslaw. And, oh yeah, there is also garlic bread but, reality is, that felt more of an afterthought.
And, just in case, a closer look at the different parts of this dish:
Coleslaw. It was slightly creamy but not overly so.
BBQ beans. I think it was a bit too “sweet” for my liking; but then again, I should have expected it.
Pork, you got to love pork!
Ribs and, slightly out of focus, the beef.
And, yes, I tried a bit of all the sauces!
Overall, it was good in its own way and there was a bit of disappointment at the same time. The meats were tender; however, they were barely lukewarm. Sure, it is something that ought to be sitting there and serve when ordered. It is just that I wished they kept it at a higher temperature. Now, some might argue that will dry up the meat but, if you know your fu, that should not be a problem. As for the sauces, though not memorable, it got along with the meats really well. One thing that I noticed was that their “hot” and “spicy” was not hot and spicy enough for me. I guess my tolerance is higher than what I thought… Would I come back? Not sure! I mean, given that I am not a local, I might be tempted to go to other places before deciding myself!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
awwww sorry that you were disappointed.. which place is your favorite restaurant so far?
Pearl, well, I can’t say I was totally disappointed. As mentioned, it had its good points. However, the key part is that I need to compare it to other (nearby?) BBQ shops before I can make a good/bad assessment. Unfortunately, it was my last night in Jefferson City…
I can’t say I have a favourite restaurant (there is still a lot out there to be discovered); however, if you ask me my most memorable meal (with somebody who is not family/relative), I will have to say a dinner I had with a friend for her birthday (she would choose the place, I would foot the bill). It has been among the best $200 I have ever spent. Unfortunately, the owners closed it to re-open it with a different name (and style).
Great looking pictures KimHo; I felt like I got a piece of your experience. Was there a clear winner with the 3 meats? Have you been to Memphis Blues in Vancouver? I haven’t been in a few years, back when they would sell it in packages that I could ship, but I enjoyed it. I realize that might not say a lot as Canada (let alone Edmonton) isn’t exactly a hot spot for BBQ, so I haven’t had regular access to BBQ.
Raidar, out of the three meats, I think I will have to say the pork, with the ribs really close behind. Yes, I have been to Memphis Blues and, due to the visit to Bandana’s I went to Memphis again! Yes, that means there is a post for Memphis Blues in the queue, hehehe. Canada not a hot spot for BBQ? Not sure, I can think of at least 4 or 5 places in Metro Vancouver (though I admit I have only been to a couple).
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