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
Uh oh.
Dan Rodricks is usurping the Queen's territory. His blog has a listing of barbeque joints in Maryland, sent in by his readers.
Click here and then scroll down about one-third of the page.
Posted by: Susan WNAJ | July 9, 2008 8:14 AM
Where is Big Bad Wolf? Andy's ribs just don't compare and I am from Georgia.
Posted by: baltimoregal | August 14, 2008 12:25 PM
Baltimoregal,
BBW is on Harford Rd in the Hamilton/Lauraville area, right up (coming from the city) from Los Amigos and Clementine. It is on the right hand side immediately before the light for White Ave in a tiny yellow house that was formerly a Toddle House I think. Their food is great, I just picked some up last night!
Hey, how come no mention of Alabama BBQ, a little further down on Harford by Chameleon Cafe? Their BBQ chicken sandwich with the Alabama white sauce rocks, I am totally addicted.
Posted by: KLC | August 15, 2008 10:21 AM
I love Andy Nelson's, but my top pick has to go to corner Stable. Was the most and still is one of the most popular places in Cockeysville/Timonium Area to get dinner. The ribs aren't traditional, but they literally come off the bone using only a finger, and the sauce is to die for.
I would suggest getting half-a-rack with a crab cake. It's not the best in town, but it's damn good, and makes for one of the best (and most filling) meals in own.
Posted by: Andrew Pasternak | August 19, 2008 5:59 AM
I love Nelson's for the Pit Meats. But the Stable is the Place for Ribs and Crabcakes, and I would say it is the best in town, and if you appreciate quick service, you can honestly sit down order you ribs and crabcake and be eating within 7 minutes. It is ridiculous how fast the food comes out. Go on a tuesday or wednesday night and you don't even have to wait for a table.
Posted by: Josh O | August 19, 2008 7:56 AM
I stop here on every return trip from nc and points south. I love the beef bbq and definitely recommend the side dishes. Make sure to try the baked beans and cole slaw. They remind me of my mother's home cooking and church suppers I grew up on. Yum. Marilyn
Posted by: marilyn | February 10, 2009 1:03 PM
The best BBQ in Maryland is not even in a building! Blues BBQ in Frederick, MD.is sold out of a large blue step Van in the parking lot of a motorcycle dealership off Rt. 355 just south of Rt. 70. worth the drive from baltimore to get a big sanwich of NC BBQ, or brisket and tons of seasoned fries
Posted by: Robb | February 17, 2009 3:56 PM