After a much longer hike than we anticipated, we were hungry. When we finally reached an area that once again had data service, Chris looked up brisket near us and found Bone Fire Smokehouse. Their website indicated that they had been picked for best ribs in America by Regis and Kelly as well as Virginia Living Magazine’s Best BBQ, so we thought it would be a good pick.
Currently, they are only offering curbside pick-up service, which suited us just fine. We called our order in and ran another errand while we waited. We parked in front of the restaurant and called to let them know we were outside. In just a few moments, our food was delivered by a friendly server. We had a brief but pleasant conversation about the current state of the restaurant industry.
We were about an hour from the park, so we chose to eat in the car before heading back. We didn’t want to block the spot directly in front of the restaurant, so we pulled up a few spaces. As we ate, we observed a restaurant across the street with an outdoor patio. It only confirmed our hesitancy to eat out. While the tables were outside, we noticed that they were not necessarily far enough apart for proper social distancing, and not all of the customers were following the rules about wearing a mask.
Chris ordered the sliced brisket platter, and I had the Pecan Craisin Salad. The first thing we noticed when we opened the bag was that there were no utensils or napkins included. I guess that most of their business is people ordering food to take it home to eat. Luckily, we had both in the car.
The brisket was tender, but not that flavorful. It was better with the sauce, but we are both of the mind that a good barbecue doesn’t need the sauce to be good. Chris wanted the grit cake, but they were out, so he went with the macaroni and cheese, which was bland and not at all impressive. He found the collard greens to be too sweet, an issue that would have been easily fixed if we had white vinegar. The cornbread was very dry.
The salad, with spring greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, pecans, feta, bacon, and craisins, was good. The blue cheese dressing was house-made, which is always a plus. My only complaint would be that the bacon was very salty.
There was plenty of food, enough for us to eat some and then finish the rest off later as dinner, which was nice because we were exhausted. I’m just wondering if maybe we should have ordered the ribs.
Cost for one entree and one salad $28.48.
Crazy they didn’t give you napkins or utensils! I thought that would be standard? The food looks wonderful, though.
Sounds like you had a less than stellar experience with this place.
Bummer that it wasn’t a great experience. Being in the food industry, sometimes take out food is just not as good as if it were fresh right to your table. Hoping it was just an off day for them!
That salad looks delicious! Glad you had a fork in the car so you could eat it!
So disappointed that the food didn’t taste as good as it looked. When I saw how creamy the mac and cheese seemed, I had high hopes.
I make a version of your salad often. Sometimes I’ll put in some bacon or chopped leftover chicken, chopped tart apple, or candied/spiced pecans (or e. All of the above). I usually use Girard’s Raspberry Viniagrette or Champagne dressing. SOOOO good!
Isn’t it great how we can order pick-up and delivery from so many tasty restaurants now? Like you, I’m more hesitant to eat at a restaurant still. Even though all of the ones by us are outdoors and the tables are more like 10 feet apart, I’m still hesitant. And I’ve been carrying utensils and napkins with me in the car for the very reason you mentioned! With a family of five, we don’t often get enough for all of us to eat!
Good point to have utensils and napkins in the car especially when traveling.
That sucks that the brisket and Mac n cheese weren’t that flavorful. Glad the other food was good at least!
Yum this looks delicious! I love a good barbecue restaurant !
Too bad you didn’t enjoy it that much and were disappointed. Love a good barbecue place!
We are finding with so many restaurants at this time to not be as stellar. Happy to hear you at least had a few options you enjoyed!
Sorry that it wasn’t that good! Thanks for sharing
This looks so amazing!
I completely agree with you that BBQ meats should totally be able to stand on their own without sauce. Bummer that the food wasn’t super flavorful.
Sounds like you were somewhat disappointed in this restaurant after the good reviews. The salad sounds good though.
Sounds like it wasn’t too bad of an experience! The brisket dinner looked pretty appetizing… but I agree… the meat should taste great all in its own… without depending on the sauce for flavour.
Sounds like the meal was a disappointment! You don’t know unless you try it.