Bubba Q or BBQ

I was in Avon Ohio today and stopped by a place called Bubba Q. Great little place if you like true southern BBQ.

The waitress hands you several napkins saying “one for your lap and one for your lip, no use wasting a sleeve.” Great attitude, bright and cheery with her hair pulled back, quality southern draw. I would've felt like I was deep in the Carolinas if she would've given me a high quality Jack O’ Lantern grin. But she didn’t. That was the only disappointing thing about the place.

I met the owner Al Baker. He played DE for the Lions, Browns and Vikings in his younger days. Al has a larger than life personality that can be heard all over the restaurant. A customer requested a fork and Al got him one but everyone knew a guy in a tie asked for a fork in a southern BBQ joint. Al says “These are my Mama’s recipes and I don’t think they have ever been eaten with a fork but I’ll get you one; right away!” As he walks across the room he laments out loud “Do you people believe this guy wants a fork? Down south we just ate with our hands.” On and on he went, all the way form one end of the restaurant to the other. The whole place was laughing, even the guy in the tie.

I had the pulled pork with sweet potato fries and sweet tea. Quality goods! It had the right amount of apple wood smoke.

As I left the waitress suggested that I keep the sun on my face and the wind at my back. I was headed back to Cincinnati and I was happy to be able to take her advice.

Al Baker pictured above.