Bodean's BBQ

03-07-2009
Leandra Box  0 

There are five Bodean’s diner-delis across London - in Soho, Westbourne Grove, Tower Hill, Clapham and Fulham. Their menu boasts some great offers and ever-popular specialities from the oak-burning smoke pit, like barbecue ribs, chicken and pulled pork; and Bodean’s famous burnt ends – slow-cooked chunks of beef brisket served in a light bbq sauce. We tried most of what was on offer and came out barely able to move!

Bodean’s has also imbued itself with some famous American customer service as the staff from the hostess through the waiting staff and even the chef were friendly, polite and could not do enough to make sure that our visit to the restaurant was enjoyable.

Bodean’s in Westbourne Grove is an interesting affair, all dark wood, American style diner booths, bedecked with antlers on the walls. From the outside it looks like a small place but is set over three floors and includes several private dining/ party options.

We had a platter of starters including very delicious wings ordered to taste in terms of spicing, baby back ribs (with plenty of meat attached), quesadilla with pulled pork ( a little soggy, but still tasty), crab cakes and dips. I have to say I could have left at that point feeling like I had eaten a meal, but no, our mains were still to come! We ordered a combi meal of chicken ribs and pulled pork, and the speciality Jacobs Ladder Beef ribs - steak on a bone in effect and my favourite, (how anyone can eat five of the things I have no idea!) Unfortunately there had been a run on the burnt ends which came highly recommended so I can’t pass comment on those, but the fact that they were sold out by 8pm must say something!

All the meat was tender and well seasoned; the chefs at Bodeans season and spice the mean before slow-cooking it for up to 12 hours in wood smokers in the restaurants. This makes the meat so tender that it simply falls off the bone! There are lots of sides, the ubiquitous fries (with chilli cheese), macaroni cheese, onion rings, and salads to name a few.

All this was followed up with the apple cobbler and ice cream, I really thought no more could be eaten, but our waitress was so enthusiastic about it, I really felt I ought to give it a go, and it was pretty delicious!

The prices are mid range, however with some of the promotions that they have running; you can really eat well very reasonably. I was particularly impressed that kids eat free (and it definitely a child friendly establishment) and that you can dine out for £10 with their ‘Pig Out for a Tenner’ deal.

Bodean’s is a veritable carnivore dream! Meat, meat and more meat. Their strap line is – “serving up the best-tasting American bbq food this side of the Atlantic” and they may well be right.

Leandra Box, myvillage

Leandra's profile      Other reviews by Leandra      Places Leandra likes     

12-01-2009
Jack in Notting Hill  0 

Awesome place for when you're totally hungry and ready to feast!

Jack's profile      Other reviews by Jack      Places Jack likes