Thank-Q! Review by Stephen Patrick Clare

If you’ve got a real hankerin’ for a hearty, hungry-man’s chow-down, a taste of the Deep South can now be found here on the East Coast.

The recently-opened Q Smokehouse and Southern Barbeque on Argyle Street in Halifax is the real deal for beef and pork ribs, suckling pig, brisket, chicken and hickory-smoked turkey.

There’s nothing fancy about the tender, fall-off-the-bone beef ribs (3 for $16) smothered in “bad attitude” hot sauce. Simple, straightforward and scrumptious, the well-seasoned sides slide succulently down the palette, settling well in the belly. Complimentary side-orders of corn-bread and grilled onions and red-peppers do well to compliment the main meal.

The sweet and savoury Pulled Pork Sandwich ($9) proved moist and meaty and more than a mere mouthful. My dining partner, the Divine Miss M, noted that the bread had a fresh, home-baked quality. The old-school coleslaw was a nice touch too.

Be sure to sample the House Made Sweet Lemonade ($2.75) which transforms into a Lynchburg Lemonade ($5.50) with a shot of Jack Daniels. The Q Root Beer ($2.50) is excellent also. For more adventurous spirits there is a selection of beers and liquors, as well as both “wine” and “drinkable wine.”

Although the atmosphere at Q is open and spacious – think old-style mess hall complete with a hand-washing trough – the service and décor give the restaurant a quaint and cozy warmth that is welcome on the city’s ‘restaurant row.’ ~ Stephen Patrick Clare

1580 Argyle St, Halifax
902.407.4006
http://www.qmeats.ca/