This edition of Exciting about Eating takes us back to Winston-Salem and to Bib’s Downtown, a BBQ joint whose owner, Mark Little, won the 2013 BBQ Pitmasters and is a regular on the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) competition BBQ scene.

As a KCBS BBQ Master Judge, I have enjoyed BBQ at numerous establishments. I always appreciate good que and was not disappointed at this stop.

Dora here. The restaurant was practically deserted the Saturday before Christmas, but hey, everyone was probably out shopping for last minute gifts. (Or all their gifts??) Plus you know we’re earlybirds. Also, this place is downtown. Probably packed during the week, what do you think? (Tell me after you see the pics below. lol) When you’re on wheels, it’s always tough to eat downtown because of parking, but you’ll find spots galore here. Bonus!

For our lunch, we shared the half rack of ribs and pulled pork combo, but upgraded the pork to brisket. For sides, we chose white slaw, onion rings, hush puppies, and Texas toast. The standout winner on this plate was the brisket, tender, flavorful, and just the right amount of smoke. A close second was the St. Louis style ribs, cooked perfectly with just a little bite and more than I/we could finish in one seating. The hush puppies were golden brown but with a peppery soft inside, a taste that I have never experienced in a hush puppy.

Dora here. Just in case you need a better view…(yes, I’m evil like that, lol)

Wow, just wow! The brisket was amazingly tender, so moist and lean. By far, my favorite over the ribs. I’m not a huge fan of St. Louis style ribs because they tend to be fatty. These were heavier on the meat and the sauce was finger-licking great, so it was easy to overlook the fat. I usually order slaw with my que, and this was sweet but not sugary, nothing to get excited over. But the onion rings? Golden brown excellence! And if a BBQ restaurant can’t serve great okra, there’s no hope for them, lol. No problem here. This okra was crispy and delicious.

What’s your must-have side to go along with BBQ?

We rate this restaurant 5 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving outstanding food.