After all the controversy, I tried Bob's again last night (after all, the walk can be shorter to Bob's than it is to my car) We had: baby back ribs, rib tips, greens, beans & rice, and a corn muffin (and a nearly microscopic coleslaw which came with something) all for under $18. Uberspouse, Sparky and I all ate our fill (tho admittedly, the spouse & I ate a lot of Sparky's)

While I wouldn't go across town for Bob's, (and obviously need to for SS BBQ) I still thought it was a very good value - the greens, again, were cooked just right and not fussed with too much. The ribs were meaty and chewy and a bit dry, not in a bad way. I'd agree that the sauce isn't fantastic, but certainly I've had worse. I'm guessing you get a better meal if you go between 5:30 and 6:30, as it's probably a matter of turnover and how long something's been on the stove.

The muffin, however, didn't do it for me - it's more Southern than, say, Boston Market, but it's still slightly sweetened and lacks that hard crust.

Mhays wrote:The muffin, however, didn't do it for me - it's more Southern than, say, Boston Market, but it's still slightly sweetened and lacks that hard crust.

You know, the last couple of times I had Bob's muffins, they seemed sweeter than the first time I had them. I noticed the difference because, like you, I don't like sweet cornbread. I wonder if the first batch I had was a fluke or if they changed the recipe.
Also, I like Bob's "hot" sauce much better than the mild sauce. Aside from the hot, it seems like a completely different recipe. The last time I was there they didn't have any. I think the "hot" sauce may come out of a bottle.

I stopped in at Bob's the other day and got the wing-tip combo deal. Not a bad deal for $5.45 but I wasn't impressed with it. Wings were ok at best. The tips were small and lacked a smoky flavor. Won't go out of my way to go there but the price was right.

Bar-B-Que Bob's on Howard is now closed. I guess this is where the Southern Pride Smoker that was on Craig's List came from. Too bad as they were just starting to hit their stride lately.

If you want some good Baby Backs, Brisket, Skirt Steak, on ocassion
Tri Tip or pork shoulder, head up the to the north shore where Sunset Foods has a store. About 18 months ago the purchased an outstanding smoker ( WOOD) which they can move from store to store. They currently have 4 locations and usually move to each one on a weekly basis. Call to find out WHERE.

Their baby backs are VERY GOOD. I'm a customer and request yellow mustard on mine, prior to spicing & smoking. AS TAUGHT BY
PROFESSOR G. WIV. They come out dry.

Their ribs are skinless. very tender !!!

Worth the drive!!!!!!!!!!!

Wally Wade

walter wade wrote:They currently have 4 locations and usually move to each one on a weekly basis. Call to find out WHERE.

They've been posting the upcoming location of the smoker on the calendar on their website (click here).

In addition to their current locations in Highland Park, Northbrook, Libertyville, and Lake Forest, they will be opening their fifth store location this coming week, in Long Grove.