NOT FOUND: restaurant review1.jpgThere are very few places to get barbecue around this neighborhood. One place that has become a staple with its familiar smoke pit out in front nestled on shady, winding Elverta Road is “House of Chicken & Ribs”. I put the name in quotes because the joint is like a good storybook. Fabled among its customers, worn on the edges but easy to slip into. Many of the patrons are like family; they’ve been coming since the restaurant opened . Dwight and Kim are the owners - a married couple whose son, grandsons and nephews can be found working behind the counter, bussing tables and asking you if you need anything from extra Tabasco to a drink refill. If you’ve never been, make sure to know that it’s all about family here. If you’re not part of the “old reliable” customers, you can quickly become one, just make sure to smile when you order, leave a tip in the jar, and know that the next time Dwight sees you he’ll give you a good handshake or a hug. If you’re comfortable with that, you’ll fit in just fine.
I’ve seen a few online reviews making note of the “interior décor” - mind you, if you’ve traveled the world whether in Oakland, Atlanta, or Texas some of the best laid barbecue restaurants are not fancy, but the kind of place you can walk in, and get comfortable. It’s the place where you gather with friends over drinks and wings.
NOT FOUND: restaurant review2.jpgNow if you’re not about sauce - you better tell them in advance. They slather it on generously in either spicy or mild. It’s a sweet, peppery bbq on very tender meat - we suggest the pork ribs, the chicken (I prefer the white meat combo). They have fish as well and while its offered as fried on the menu, they will prepare it for you without the breading, over an open flame.
When it comes to “soul” or southern food, and you need a fix, they offer greens, yams, and potato salad. Everything is made from scratch. The macaroni and cheese is good -- that’s my preferred side along with the greens but if you want something totally unique (and probably the best thing on the sides menu ) get the Flips, homemade potato chips. They aren’t at all greasy, but crunchy and tender all at the same time. They also offer sweet potato fries. If you’re anything like me, its important to have your potatoes made right.
NOT FOUND: restaurant review3.jpgGood sweet tea (real sweet tea) can be found here as well as a fine sweet potato, apple pie and depending on the day, banana pudding and peach cobbler to finish off your meal.
They are closed Sundays, and Mondays. Check out their website for some of their offerings, at thehouseofbbq.com.
Use plenty of napkins and tell them the North Sacramento News sent you!