Delaware, Ohio City Barbeque opening day preview

DELAWARE, Ohio — City Barbeque, the latest addition to the thriving restaurant scene in Delaware, Ohio, opens its doors for business Monday, February 6. Founded in 1999 by CEO Rick Malir in Columbus, City Barbeque is a fast-casual chain growing across the country.

City Barbeque is renowned for its brisket, and the new joint in Delaware, Ohio is no exception. Each City Barbeque location is equipped with three on-site smokers, which never turn off. The pitmasters use local hickory and years of experience to craft the best barbeque in town, using all 24 hours of the day to perfect the slow-smoked meats.

MORE: A Delco Pizza review, with pineapple on top

Thursday and Friday, City Barbeque had a “dry run” where they made 600 invitations available for a free limited meal to put their staff through the paces. AJ and I, foodies ourselves, made sure to snatch up our invites, which quickly ran out after we broke the news of their official open date (more on that) and dry run, to give it a try. AJ taking the drive-thru, and myself going inside. I have to disclose, this is my first time going to a City Barbecue

From the moment I pulled up to their new location, I was welcomed by the irresistible smell of slow-cooked barbecue that had my taste buds eager for what was to come.

As I entered, the team was at the door, checking off names, and the excitement in the air was noticed . The interior design of the restaurant is a blend of modern and rustic, with wood accents, stainless steel appliances, and large TVs displaying the menu.

Ordering at City Barbeque is simple and efficient. You are greeted at the cash register and then wait for your name to be called when your order is ready. The staff is friendly and seeing this was a new location not knowing this was my first time there treated me like a regular, making the experience even more enjoyable.

MORE: Coffee speak, earning a degree in “Coffeeology!”

I ordered the award winning “More Cowbell” sandwich, which is a beef brisket sandwich with provolone cheese, sauteed peppers and onions, crispy onions, all on Texas toast. As I am not a fan of horseradish, I asked them to leave it off.

I was offered two sides so I paired my sandwich with hush puppies and french fries. As soon as I made my selection, I was offered bacon and cheese to top my fries. I thought to myself, “score,” I mean who doesn’t like bacon and cheese on their fries? To wash this all down, I chose diet Mountain Dew to wash it all down.

Off to pick my seat, I stopped by their condiment station. As I approached the station, I was greeted by an array of barbecue sauces ranging from original to sweet to spicy. There were also packets of mayonnaise, ketchup, and the traditional salt and pepper. I went with the sweet barbecue sauce, The condiment station was well-stocked and organized, making it easy to add the finishing touches to my meal.

Now the moment of truth,  I picked my sandwich up and took my first bite, the meat was tender and juicy and well balanced with the peppers, onions, and cheese. And with the sweet barbecue that I put on, it truly did the sandwich justice. The french fries with cheese and bacon, that was a win, the bacon was rather noticeable, and you could taste the pieces. Really, it was perfect because again, who doesn’t like bacon? The hush puppies, I dipped in my ketchup, and we’re cooked to a golden brown, there too I have nothing bad to say.

The meal was truly mouth-watering, with the tender and juicy meat and the sweet barbecue sauce making the perfect combination.

In the drive-thru, AJ ordered a brisket sandwich, along with fries and baked beans. He said the brisket had plenty of flavorful bark and as tender and juicy as described above. There was a small delay getting fresh fries to the drive-thru, but nothing out of the ordinary. The fresh-cut fries came out hot and crispy. AJ said he wishes he would have remembered to ask for malt vinegar.

While I was finishing up my meal, I had the pleasure of meeting the manager, Tyler Camella. He grew up in Sandusky, Ohio and has relatives that work for the city of Delaware. He shared his excitement for the opening of City Barbeque telling me that they were rather surprised how quickly their dry run tickets sold out. They said it was within a matter of hours where it’s normally a week.

Continuing with our conversation Tyler told me how they are already getting involved with the local community. Tyler also informed me that at the end of each day, all their leftovers are packaged up and donated to local homeless shelters, which he is particularly proud of.

City Barbeque’s grand opening is on Monday, February 6th and is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. They are located at 1200 Sunbury Rd, Delaware, OH 43015 near Meijer.

The menu includes all your favorite BBQ offerings, from brisket to pulled pork, turkey to mac and cheese, with sides like collard greens, baked beans, corn pudding, and cornbread.

Overall, my experience at City Barbeque was outstanding, and I can’t wait to go back. For more information, visit their website at www.citybbq.com.