Woody's Bar-B-Q

ARLINGTON: Woody's Bar-B-Q
405 N. Fielder Plaza
Arlington, TX 76012
817-460-0227
Open Sun-Thur 11-9, F 11-10, Sat 11-11
www.woodys.com

This Florida chain opened about 30 years back, and I guess they felt like what was missing from Arlington, Texas was some Florida style BBQ. The building anchors a nondescript strip center, and the interior is full of collected kitsch. Servers work the tables inside, or as I did, you can order to go directly from the bartender. He suggested the fries when I ordered the two-meat plate, and I opted for the beans alongside the sliced beef and ribs.



Beans were sweet and tasted from a can, and the fries were standard issue crinkle cut. This joint seems to shoot for a crowd pleasing level of mediocrity, and they hit that target squarely. Nothing was off putting, but as with the sides, the meats were certainly forgettable. Lean as could be brisket had little smoke, and barely any flavor besides a roast beefiness. Ribs were adequately cooked, and came from the bone easily. Again, these bones lacked smokiness, but had a bit more kick than the beef from a hearty rub. I may have gone in with some expectations that Florida BBQ wasn't going to wow me, but I came away with the clear affirmation.

Rating **