Why Come Here? The hands down best barbecue in New York
When you think of the great BBQ capitals of the US, New York probably doesn’t come to mind. We didn’t invent it and we generally don’t have the space to slow roast a whole animal. In fact, you can pretty much go to any Southern town and pick up something better at the gas station than most of what’s offered up here.
But most is not all. Incredible barbecue is in fact attainable, although you will still need to make a not insubstantial trek to the south. In the land subways forgot known as Red Hook, you’ll find that New York can in fact mess with Texas when it comes to ‘cue. Miles from the center of Manhattan, Hometown BBQ is situated in a space that’s large enough to believe you’re in the Lone Star State and even has the feel from the worn out barn wood to the live country music.
The menu starts with favorites like brisket, pulled pork and ribs – all expertly smoked and spiced. You won’t go wrong following this traditional path. But what makes Hometown one of the country’s great barbecue meccas is that it’s influences go way beyond the American South. Chinese Sticky Ribs. Lamb Belly Banh Mi. Oaxaca Marinated Chicken. The depth is incredible. The only knock I could give this place is that the sides are good but don’t live up to the greatness of the meat. But maybe that’s why they call them sides. Here’s what I tried:
Brisket 
I’ve had brisket all over the state of Texas. This is as good as it gets. Moist without being fatty. A hugely flavorful rub that manages not too be too salty. This is brisket perfection, whether your Texan friends will admit it or not. It doesn’t need sauce but if you add one, use the sticky.
Lamb Belly 
One of the specialties at Hometown is the rarely seen lamb belly barbecue. I’ve previously extolled the virtues of lamb bacon and consider a sheep’s underside to be a very underrated meat. The slow cooked version here is no exception. It hits its peak when dipped in their spicy & sweet sauce.
Pulled Pork 
My first BBQ experience growing up was North Carolina pulled pork thanks to my mother’s heritage. The pork here is very good, but not quite at the same level as it’s darker meat friends.
Chicken Normally the chicken at a barbecue place is reserved for the guy who has a serious cholesterol problem from years of a smoked meat diet.ย But here it’s a legitimate option. Its comes in a sweet & spicy Oaxacan marinade with a salsa verde and pickled red onion. Feel no shame in ordering it.
Potato Salad Potato salad is a basic picnic food that’s hard to get excited about. But the light use of mayo and heavy heaping of dill means if you’re a fan of the herb, you’re going to want an order of it.
Beans, Coleslaw, Cornbread 
Overall the sides here are good but not going to blow you away. The beans are tasty but also about 50% meat, which you may or may not need. The slaw and cornbread are well done, but they definitely won’t detract your focus from the animals.
Interior Photo Credit: Johnny Prime Steaks
Hometown Barbecue
454 Van Brunt Street
Brooklyn, NY
