Review - KBQ Real Barbecue 7.26.08

Only open for less than a year, first glances upon this tiny restaurant do not conjure up any special feelings nor give any indications for what's in-store. Located a few miles outside of D.C. and nestled in a suburban shopping center in Bowie, KBQ Real Barbecue's simple façade doesn't jump out at you as a traditional BBQ joint like those found graced along southern highways. Once inside it’s a different story.

KBQ Real Barbecue is a personal homage to legendary music and "Q." While maintaining its simple theme, the walls are covered with posters and photos of blues and jazz legends, there are a handful of occupied tables to your left, a blown-up menu to your right, and a small counter in front of a window into the kitchen straight ahead. Once you taste owner Kerry Britt's food, his simple approach is amplified and distinctly displayed in good tasting, quality ribs.

With the juices still flowing out of the ribs (and sometimes to its detriment) one bite into your cut and you will find that Mr. Britt does not try to overwhelm your mouth with competing flavors – the most dominant taste is smoke, but peppery spices are evident through his rub. His ribs are well prepared and well cooked – tender while maintaining its composition. Between the two of us, our cuts were consistent with one another, one cut was a bit fattier than the other, but neither felt that one received a significantly better plate than the other.

The ribs come dry, but the sauces available at each table compliment the ribs well. Although the differences are only subtle, the two sauces: original; and sweet and spicy, both add to the total flavor and taste, without over powering the meat.

This is our second trip to KBQ Real Barbecue. Both times the quality, flavor and taste were consistent. Most notably about the entire experience, Mr. Britt takes the time to greet all of his customers, answer questions, and just make small talk with all those who enter.

Mr. Britt has a genuine respect for barbeque and is a true professional who has studied the industry and clearly believes that no job, from cooking to clearing tables, is too small or unimportant for him.

The ribs platter costs $12.99 and comes with two sides (we recommend the mac-n-cheese) and choice of bread (two types of cornbread or a dinner roll). A half rack contains between six and eight ribs.

In addition, if you are hungry – make sure you order KBQ's original sausage. Crispy skin, spicy, with outstanding overall flavor – it’s worth a trip on its own.

Our ratings (see how we rate on the side bar):

Presentation/Visual: 8
Tenderness: 8
Taste/Smoke Flavor: 9
Sauce: 7
Overall Impression: 8

Recommendation: One of the best – come often.

KBQ Real BBQ:
12500B1 Fairwood Parkway
Bowie, Maryland, 207201
http://www.kbqrealbarbecue.com/