Warning signs that betray a low-quality barbecue restaurant
A barbecue restaurant might sound appealing, but some signs on the menu and in the premises reveal that it's not worth it.
Barbecue restaurants often sound appealing, but finding one that's consistently good is difficult. Ordering specific dishes helps you determine if a place is truly good, and there are also telltale signs that reveal those that aren't worth your time.
The first red flag is the lack of a smoker. Even if it's not visible, its aroma should be noticeable: a good establishment smells of burning wood and meat cooking in it. This sign carries more weight than others because, if the meat isn't smoked on-site, it's likely of lower quality and the restaurant buys it from another supplier.
Other clues appear on the menu. An extensive menu, with many regional styles, is a bad sign, especially if there's no smoker in sight or smell of smoke. A restaurant specializing in a particular style is more likely to be good.
Finally, a good restaurant should offer simple, classic dishes that are well-prepared. Overly elaborate dishes or complex combinations of seasonings are not necessarily a sign of quality. The priority should be good cuts of meat and dishes prepared daily on-site.
