I used to really like Wagner's, back in the day. I liked them when they were out on Route 30 and I still liked them when they moved into Valpo. But after visiting the Holy Land of BBQ (Memphis, for those of you not in the know) and Smoque in Chicago, and Big Daddy's BBQ in Valpo, and Woody's in Iowa, and countless other hole-in-the-wall places througout the deep south, I no longer care for Wagner's.
For BBQ, that is.
I still think they offer up a pretty decent burger and a variety other sandwiches, but I have since become educated on what true BBQ is all about. I think I have had my best BBQ experience at Corky's in Memphis, Tennessee... mmmm! Good stuff, let me tell you. The difference is smoke and plenty of it. You either smoke your meat to get it tender and tasty, or you devise some other method. And any other method would not be true BBQ. If you haven't tried true, authentic BBQ, you owe it to yourself to give it a shot.
Anyway, while Wagner's still has some items of interest for me on the menu, their BBQ offerings lack appeal. The "pulled pork" sandwich with waffle fries is a typical Wagner's lunch special, but it is not typical of what you would find in the south. There--and depending on the region--you would find meat not swimming in sauce. The smoked meat would stand on its own and not gain its flavor from the sauce. Actually, in certain parts of the Carolinas, you would find a helping of cole slaw piled onto your sandwich.
Summary: Go to Wagner's for anything and expect a decent meal, but don't go if you expect authentic, southern style BBQ.
Value: 6 out of 10
Food: 5 out of 10
Cleanliness: 7 out of 10
Ambiance: 8 out of 10
Service: 7 out of 10
Wagner's Ribs
2310 LaPorte Avenue
Valparaiso, IN
219-465-9247
No comments:
Post a Comment