Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Mr. Sprigg's Real Pit Bar-B-Q


OKLAHOMA: Mr. Sprigg's Real Pit Bar-B-Q
1017 S Air Depot Blvd

Midwest City, OK 73110

405-733-8578

Open Daily 10:30-9

www.spriggsbbq.com


Mr. Spriggs gained national appeal because of a catchy BBQ love song that's made the rounds on Youtube and even found it's way into a John C. Reilly guest appearance on the Jimmy Fallon show. This was a place that seemed to have a sense of humor about advertising and the restaurant business, so when I visited I was expecting some happy folks behind the counter. What I found instead was disinterested and rude service with an attitude of disgust that I would bother to ask for food in return for money.



The large helpings on the three meat combo platter did a little to lessen the sting of what may have been one person's one bad day at work, but the quality of the meat placed all of the meal's flavor responsibilities on the sauce. A hot dog like hot link was grilled rather than smoked and was just a mealy link with little heat. The ribs were a bit tough, but the sweetness in the rub provided a good flavor punch. Chewy fat remained on the large spare ribs, but the overall flavor was pleasing but in need of more smoke. Brisket was the most disappointing. Sliced very thin and piled high, this meat was sure to dry out quickly, but the secret weapon to keep it moist was either a dunk into or a liberal brushing of beef broth. This is somewhat common in competition cooking to keep the meat salty and moist, but here it just made the meat taste like salty pot roast. I've been known to endure poor service if the protein payoff is there, but despite the great greens and okra, I just don't see the need to bother again here.

Rating **
Mr Sprigg's Real Pit Bar-B-Q on Urbanspoon

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DISCLAIMER:

Each joint is judged on the essence of Texas 'cue...sliced brisket and pork ribs. Sausage is only considered if house made. Sauce is good, but good meat needs no adornment to satisfy. Each review can only be based on specific cuts of meat on that particular day. Finally, if the place fries up catfish or serves a caesar salad, then chances are they aren't paying enough attention to the pits, so we mostly steered clear.

-THE PROPHETS OF SMOKED MEAT