Chris and I don't usually indulge in BBQ, not because we don't like it, but because it's generally an invitation to over-indulge - comfort food extrordinaire - especially since ribs are among my most favorite foods. However, every month when we get our current issue of Berkshire Living we scour it for things to do - shows, exhibitions, sales and restaurants. Among the restaurants featured this month was a new BBQ restaurant, Route 7 Grill in Great Barrington.
We went Sunday at a little after 5 (we were at the movies). If we had been later our chances for a table would have been slim since it was a beautiful snowy weekend; and this seems to be a good stop for skiers on their way home and families with young children. The room is informal, with a fireplace and clean, well-spaced tables. We got there right after opening so had our choice of tables.
The menu favors local and artisinal producers (predominately Niman Ranch for pork). We were torn between ordering old favorites or trying some of the interesting new dishes. Predictably we did a little of both. I started with the special house- smoked pheasant with beans and shitake mushrooms. The Pheasant was OK (it can be hard to deal with on the bone) but the mushrooms and bean combination was excellent. I had to fight Chris for them. We followed with ribs. I had the 'Texas Beef Ribs' which were big and brawny but falling off the bone. Chris had the 'Baby Back Ribs' that were unusually meaty. I usually avoid the baby back ribs because they aren't worth the trouble but these were different and one order can easily be shared by two people with normal appetites. We had a selection of sides, coleslaw (Chris likes it without mayonnaise), Kale (yech, but Chris likes it), an unusual Baked Bean dish (good) and Mac & Cheese (outstanding). All washed down with a pint of ale.
All in all, a pretty good meal (and pretty cheap). By the time we left the place was filling up with families coming from skiing. We counted 9 children right around us, all under 10. Fortunately, they were exhausted and pretty quiet. I think we'll go back, but during the week (note: I tried to go back with our neighbors Steve and Lil Barker but they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!)
999 Route 7
Great Barrington, Mass.
413-528-3235
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