Lunch at Bubba's Q

Since I returned to Cleveland a couple of years ago it has been a goal of mine to find good barbeque. When we lived in Columbus it was a no brainer, whenever I had to get my "-que" on I just went to City Barbeque. Most people in Cleveland that I've talked to about the subject either don't have an opinion or don't really offer a passionate recommendation. Since we were going out to North Ridgeville for our godson's birthday, I figured it would be a perfect time to visit Bubba's Q in nearby Avon.

We met my two brothers-in-law, since they're always up for this type of food. Let me start by saying the place is very clean and grease free. There's typically a sticky factor that goes into most BBQ places, but there was no grease in the air, no sticky floors or tables. Very pleasant.

I knew since this is such a haul for us distance wise, that I wasn't going to be back anytime soon. That being said, I decided early on that I was going to try as many different things as I could. I ordered the appetizer sampler, which had good sized portions of pulled pork, beef brisket, three St. Louis style ribs, fries and a small side of chili. I also added a side of baked beans because I'm obsessed with good baked beans. Since the missus is able to excercise restrain,t she ordered the smaller pulled pork sliders with sides of cole slaw and green beans. One brother-in-law got the $40.99 MVP platter which consists of 1/2 rack of St. Louis style ribs, 1/2 rack of baby back ribs, 1/2 chicken, 1/4# pulled pork, 1/4# smoked brisket, coleslaw, baked beans, and fries. Ugh. He ate half and took the rest home. My other brother-in-law had the beef brisket with sides of Mac n' cheese and cole slaw.

My overall impression was that it's a good place. My wife and I both felt the pulled pork was a little dry for our liking (I felt the brisket fell in that category as well). We were also plus minus on the sauce. It's a sweeter sauce that I would put a notch above Open Pit. I enjoy a sauce that has a more vinegar in it. On the up side, we loved the ribs, coleslaw, and baked beans. The ribs were top notch, on par with City Barbeque. Perfectly smoked with a crispy exterior these ribs were very good. The baked beans had a brown sugar base that was absolutely delicious. Although I didn't have any of the coleslaw, Mrs. Dine O Mite gives it a huge thumbs up (with a special nod to the fact that's it's made in house).

If you're Jonesin' for some barbeque and don't mind trekking out to Avon, you've got to give Bubba's Q a shot. It's the best I've tasted, so far, in Cleveland.

Bubba's Q
820 Center Rd
Avon, OH 44011
(440) 937-7859
www.bubbasq.com