Rub BBQ
208 W. 23rd St., Chelsea, NY
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A long time ago, we met a man named Calhoun the Superhero. He ran deliveries for Rub BBQ, and he was awesome. Feel free to read all about him in our Highline Challenge feature from 2009. We assume that he’s moved on by now to a new job or been elected to public office, but it was Calhoun that first made us love Rub. Any place that will employ a guy like that is good in our book.
We’ve eaten at Rub several times since that first fateful meeting, and realized it was overdue for a review. This certainly isn’t the best BBQ in New York City, but it’s better than good, and worthy of some Immaculate attention.
What you need to know about this place is that it’s perfect in a pinch. When you’re stuck in Chelsea and looking to eat anything other than tapas, Rub is there for you. The prices are good, the portions are huge, and it will satisfy any BBQ craving that you might be feeling. They even serve one of our favorite beers on tap, New Orleans’ Abita Light. Just the thought of that stuff makes us shake a little bit from Jazz Fest flashbacks. The key here is to order wisely, and bring some friends for maximum sampling opportunities. Just like any good BBQ, the food at Rub is best when ordered in bulk…as are the beers. Now excuse me while I sit at the bar and see how many fried Oreos it takes to make me go blind*.
*the answer is three.
Food Rundown:
BBQ Chicken Wings
We love the wings at Rub, even though they aren’t of the Buffalo variety. These juicy pieces of bird have been treated with a nice spice mix and won’t let you down.
Barbequed Pulled Pork
When it comes to pulled pork, we’re picky. Serve me something dry and bland and I might throw a tantrum. I mean it. Luckily, Rub’s barbequed pulled pork passes the Infatuation test, and then some. We prefer it on a sandwich instead of served in a pile, but do what makes you happy. Just make sure to add some of the vinegar sauce you’ll find on the table.
Baby Back Ribs
We’ll be honest. The ribs are not what we come to Rub for. That said, these baby backs are the best of the bunch, and won’t do you wrong. Just don’t expect magic.
BBQ Beef Brisket
Here’s the thing to skip at Rub. We’ve never been able to get down with the beef brisket. It lacks flavor, and it’s fatty…and not in a good way.
Burnt End Dinner
If this is available when you’re at Rub, you should order it. Burnt ends are delicious little pieces of fatty beef tips that you can find in lots of BBQ joints in this country. They’re awesome. This “dinner” comes with two sides, which you should know can be on the small side.
Onion Strings
The best side on the menu. These are super thin fried onions, seasoned with a whole bunch of good stuff, including a touch of sugar. So good.
Deep Fried Oreo
A delicious, deep fried Oreo cookie. This is going to wreck you.
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