Real Barbecue
"We barbecue everything but the baby. We boil him." Big Shoe's, Terra Haute, Ind. That's one of three "Great Barbecue-Joint Slogans" in the new edition of Real Barbecue, by Vince Staten and Greg Johnson, first published 20 years ago. (It quickly became a barbecue bible.) The others are "You don't need teeth to eat Mr. Jim's beef," from Mr. Jim's Barbecue in LA, and -- yes -- "Hogs smell better barbecued" from our own Andy Nelson's Southern Pit Barbecue.
Andy Nelson's is one of two Maryland places reviewed in the book. The other is Johnny Boy's Ribs in La Plata. This is where I would usually ask if anyone reading this has eaten there; but frankly I don't think I would get any takers. From the photo it looks like one of those places that you either live in La Plata or you have to be writing a book on barbecue to find it. ...
(Robert K. Hamilton/Sun Photographer)
Correct me if I'm wrong here.
Those are the only two Maryland places highlighted in the book, but the reviews are leisurely, and the authors start reminiscing about the now defunct Cafe Tattoo -- "RIP to the only barbecue joint where you could chow down on great 'que and get Mother stitched on your bicep in one stop."
I'd forgotten all about the Cafe Tattoo, which was on Belair Road. I can't even remember when it closed, but when I get into work I'll hunt around in the Sun archives and see if I can dig up the year, unless someone else knows.
Comments
I grew up in La Plata -- Johnny Boys has to rank up there as one of the best, if not the best BBQ in the DC-Balt area. It also has that we-don't-need-your-buisness attitude that makes it a classic stop on 301.
I'd be surprised and dissapointed if more people in this area didn't know Johnny Boy's....
Posted by: Rob | July 23, 2007 11:01 AM
I've been to Johnny Boy location in Capitol Heights, MD (Southern Ave). I'm not sure if this is the same people as the La Plata location. I'm from NC home of some of the best BBQ and Johnny Boy meets my standards.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 24, 2007 8:48 AM
I'm one of those who believe only pork makes good barbecue, but I've found an exception. A new stall in Cross Street Market has a great beef BBQ sandwich. Can't remember the name, but it's the second stall on the left from Light Street.
Posted by: Jim from Federal Hill | October 12, 2007 9:53 PM
Johnny Boy's was a stop a lady i dated in La Plata always liked to visit.I'm a fan of Andy Nelson's up my way, near Bel Air, but when in Southern Maryland, Johnny Boy's is terrific. Easy to get to, plenty of parking, and fine service from folks who know Southern Hospitality.
Unfortunately the lady friend moved to North Carolina, and i no longer head south to La Plata...but when ever i do, it's a stop at Johnny Boy's.
Posted by: Todd Holden | December 18, 2007 8:59 AM
Andy Nelson's is my favorite place to get BBQ! I am so glad i found it because it's such a small and inconspicuous place in the middle of hunt valley. I can't really compare it to the any other famous places but I rank it first in my list. I have to try Johnny Boy's.
Posted by: Tina Anonymous | February 6, 2008 2:48 AM
The only one that beats Johnny Boy's in La Plata is Allman's Bar-B-Que in Fredericksburg, VA. It's worth the drive. The best North Carolina BBQ I have ever had.
Posted by: ann | June 13, 2008 7:03 AM