Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q

Smoking the competion in Arlington

On the Cheap by Theresa Regli

The original Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q, located at 1375 Washington Street, in West Newton, was voted one of the best barbecue joints in Boston by the more than 2000 munchers of the 1998 Zagat survey, beating out both the venerable Redbones of Somerville and Jake's Boss BBQ of Jamaica Plain. Capitalizing on its success, Blue Ribbon has branched out, recently opening a second dineresque eatery and takeout counter in Arlington.

You can buy the tender, slow-cooked, pit-smoked meats (which include pulled pork, burnt ends, beef brisket, pulled chicken, and hot sausage) three ways: sandwich, platter, and "bulk." Sandwiches ($4.75 to $4.95) come with thick-sauced baked beans, mild coleslaw, and homemade spicy pickles. Platters ($6.95 to $9.95) are better suited for dinner: your selection of meat comes with two sides (go for the fresh green beans or the wonderfully lumpy mashed potatoes) and a big square chunk of slightly moist corn bread. Bulk portions (from $8.95 for a pint of smoked sausage to $17.95 for a full slab of ribs) are perfect for a party where carnivores are in the majority.

Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q No. 2, located at 908 Mass Ave, in Arlington, is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Call (781) 648-RIBS.

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