Fellow D Magazine staffer Rhonda Reinhart read our cover story on The Best Barbecue in Dallas and cruised out to Off the Bone. She files this report.
When I realized I had gotten the last of the ribs at Off the Bone BBQ in Forest Hill on Saturday night, I almost felt bad. Then I took my first bite. Oh, my goodness gracious. These things were so magnificent, gluttony beat out guilt even as I watched disappointed patron after disappointed patron get the woeful news.
It was about 6 pm by the time I got there, and it was right around then that the kitchen began to inform the dining room that not only were the ribs gone, but so was the sausage and the chicken and possibly some other meats. I’m really not sure. I was so hungry (I hadn’t eaten all day in anticipation of my barbecue road trip) and nervous (what if I didn’t get my ribs?!?) that I really couldn’t focus. I heard the pit master say they “got hit hard” earlier in the day, and I started to sweat some more.
Then, my Horseshoe arrived. This gargantuan baked potato comes stuffed with chopped beef, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, and bacon and is cradled on its sides by three of the tastiest pork ribs my taste buds have ever had the pleasure of tasting. There’s sauce on the table, but you don’t need it. The meat on these bones is just right just the way it is.
And the potato? Heavy, massive, stuffed to the gills. Did I mention heavy? Owner Marilyn came by as I was working my way through the potato beast, and she had just one thing to say: “I hope you don’t have anything to do later.” Well, Marilyn, I did have some plans, but I’m glad I ate the Horseshoe instead.
