Jimmy Z's Barbecue Bistro-New Tampa,FL

From the first time I noticed it, "Barbecue Bistro" seemed like an oxymoron to me. I imagined suit-clad patrons daintily nibbling small portions of heavily garnished meat, and washing it down with sweet tea from a wine glass. Eventually though, my curiosity got the better of me, and having exhausted most other lunch options in the immediate area, I gave it a try.

The interior was bright, spacious and clean, though paper pictures and fluorescent lights may not be exactly what you'd expect to find in a bistro:

Service seemed a little slow for as empty as they were. I ordered the rib plate with potato salad and barbecue beans, while others in my party tried sandwiches, fries and red cabbage slaw.

 While the portions were good size, the food quality was hit and miss. My four ribs were a little tough and very bland. Their sauce didn't impress me either. There was plenty of meat on the ribs, but in the end I didn't even finish them. The pork sandwich was a little better but still short on flavor. I did enjoy the potato salad and unusual, but surprisingly good cole slaw. 

All in all it was a mild disappointment. If I had to describe this place in one word, it would be: halfhearted.

FOOD RATING: 2.5 OF 5

OVERALL RATING: 2 OF 5

Willard's Bar-B-Q Junction, Jacksonville, FL

Recently opened on Roosevelt Blvd. just north of Orange Park, Willard's caught my eye the other day while working nearby.There is no inside seating- it's mainly a drive through with limited parking. But I wanted to peruse the menu, so I ordered at the walk-up window:

I ended up choosing the sliced pork special with fries and slaw. It also included two slices of garlic toast. The whole order was ready quickly and served piping hot.The meat and garlic bread were very flavorful, while the cole slaw and fries were a little bland. I didn't care much for the sauce. It was very thin, tangy but with little actual flavor. Besides the bread, the portions were a little smaller than other places, but adequate for lunch. No real complaints here, though I can't say it was terribly impressive either. It would be worth a try if you're in the area.

FOOD RATING: 3 OF 5

OVERALL RATING: 3 OF 5

Bessinger's Barbeque, Charleston, SC

 

   If I had to trace my fascination with southern barbecue back to one source, it would have to be Bessinger's in Charleston. As a teenager in the early to mid '90s I had a job with a traveling construction company that took me to many areas of the country. We spent a good amount of time in the Charleston area during the rebuilding following Hurricane Hugo, and this was one of the crew's favorite dinner spots. The spicy mustard sauce and sweet, doughnut size onion rings kept us coming back for more. Several times we even drove an hour or more if we were anywhere close.

   I've been back a couple times since, but not in the last five years, so when I had a business trip to Charleston scheduled this summer, Bessinger's was at the top of my list of places to visit.

   They are located just south of downtown on busy Hwy 17, but the front porch, complete with porch  swing, leads you through the double doors to a quieter, relaxing atmosphere. You place your order and pay at the counter, and they give you a buzzer to let you know when your order is ready to pick up. (They have also added a buffet type restaurant through the entrance on the left side of the building, but I have only visited and reviewed the original sandwich shop.)
   Everything I've tried here has been good, especially the pork sandwiches. On this trip, I ordered the rib plate, which I hadn't tried before.

 

   This was a huge slab of meat, as you can see. The ribs were cooked perfectly, very tender and with delicious flavor. Still, with two sides, bread and the one onion ring, it was more food than I could handle. Thankfully, I had my family there to help. It was simply too good to waste.

   I was glad to find this place was as good as I remembered. As good as it is, I don't remember ever seeing them packed full. I would attribute this to the multitude of dining options available in the Charleston area. Hopefully they are able to continue cranking out awesome barbecue for years to come. I will be a repeat customer whenever I'm anywhere close.

FOOD RATING: 4.5 OF 5                                                      

OVERALL RATING: 4.5 OF 5