Blue Ribbon Barbeque   

910 Massachusetts Ave
Arlington, MA 2476
781-648-7427
www.blueribbonbbq.com

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Part of a growing cadre of small, mostly takeaway barbecue places that are making the Hub a smoked- meats contender, Blue Ribbon does line-out-the- door business in both their Arlington and West Newton locations. The brothers Janowski (owners/pitmasters) are Midwesterners who converted to the low-and-slow barbecue gospel after spending some time in North Carolina. From the cardboard containers to the foil trays, the Carolina vinegar sauce to the black-eyed peas, their dedication shines through. Ditto the counter seating and vintage tin (West Newton) and chrome (Arlington) dcor at both locations.Things are beautifully simple when it comes to the chow. Sandwiches are the way to go, given their size, which is on a WWF scale. One nice thing about eating 'cue up north is that you can secure all the different traditional styles. So you'll find Memphis ribs, Texas brisket, North Carolina pulled pork, Kansas City burnt ends, Cajun sausage, as well as sides and specials all on one blackboard, sans controversy. Pulled pork is the in-house champ -- tender, tangy and luscious. The ribs can range from falling-apart fabulous to just OK. Among the sides, the mac-and-cheese (a special), the mashed potatoes and the rice-and-beans are all ringers. Regulars are also known to swear by the barbecued burritos and pulled chicken sandwiches.