Carolina Brothers Ashburn - Local Classic Delivers Solid BBQ
TL;DR - The sides are great and the location is perfect(right next to W&OD); the BBQ seems to be hit or miss though
A couple days ago I went on a bike ride with some friends and stopped by Carolina Brothers Barbeque in Ashburn on the way back from the ride. We got a ton of food, which has been a part of my uncontrollable food spending spree that has been happening recently(hopefully at the time of writing this, it has stopped). The service was good(typical for a "fast casual" type since they just loaded up your plate and you went on your way), but the lady that was preparing our food gave me green beans instead of baked beans when I came asking for a side of baked beans. That did result in me trying another menu item though, so I guess that is a plus.
Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich: I don't really like/eat pork, mainly due to its taste and how dirty most pigs are(probably imparted on me from my family), and partly due to religious reasons(it is mainly just unclean). I thought the pulled pork sandwich was what they specialized in, so I chose to get that; to my dismay, the pulled pork sandwich was mid at best and really wasn't that good unless paired with the sides(which I guess should be as expected, but great barbeque spots usually have meats that can stand on their own and be delicious—take Black Hog BBQ off Route 7 by Sheetz). However, I have heard that the good barbeque is on Saturdays(they serve brisket), so I'll have to come by later and see how it is. Score: 6.5/10
Mac and Cheese: The Mac and Cheese was honestly bomb—however, I do believe that it was missing something. It was really good when paired with the other sides or the protein, but on its own, it was still good—it just was missing some flavor. However, it was creamy, and the texture was great. If the Mac and Cheese was baked/had breadcrumbs, it would easily be a 9+/10. Score: 8.5/10
Baked Beans: The Baked Beans were the most delicious side I had at Carolina Brothers. The texture was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and the flavor was complex yet not overwhelming. There was pepper, a hint of tang, and the signature baked bean flavor everyone knows and loves. When paired with the other parts of the meal, it raised the meal to a whole new level. My friends said they would come only for the Baked Beans as a snack, but I believe that pairing it with the Mac and Cheese would be the ultimate snack/meal. It for sure is a must try side when going to Carolina Brothers. Score: 9.5/10
Coleslaw: My friend told me the coleslaw would be hit or miss, and he was right—it was a miss. The coleslaw was flavorful, but it just didn't have mayonnaise/cream. Score: 7/10
Green Beans: The Green Beans were an accidental review. They were okay—maybe it's just that I don't really like green beans. They had a bit of spice, which was a tasteful touch. Score: 7.5/10(personal preference)
Cornbread: My friend told me the cornbread tasted like cake, and he was right—the cornbread in fact did taste like cake. It was a bit too sweet for my liking, but the texture was still spot on for cornbread. Score: 8.5/10
BONUS Prime Ice Pop Review: The hype is real—Prime Ice Pop is really good. It's kind of sweet though—I still wouldn't substitute it for gatorade(watch the food theory video). Score: 10/10
Comments
Post a Comment