Let's focus on the good news first: Paul's is set to reopen next week. The BBQ restaurant was formerly located near 48th and Pioneers. Its new location will be 5650 N. 33rd Circle -- north of North Star. And yes, you read that correctly. It won't be opening at 48th and O as originally planned.
While the reopening is fantastic news, I can't help but feel sour about it. Paul's used to be located in my neighborhood. Although I wasn't giddy about it, I at least understood why they wanted to move to 48th and O (more traffic). But this new location? If I may be selfish for a moment: it's so blasted far north! Even from a more objective standpoint it feels like a demotion rather than an improvement over the old spot. It's off the beaten path, and the demographics just don't seem quite right to me. On the other hand, a location farther west, on the other side of 27th Street, would seem more up Paul's alley.
I'm probably just cranky because you folks in Paul's new neck of the woods get to enjoy their BBQ, whereas I will only very rarely (if ever) get up to that location for a meal. Maybe one day Paul's will open a second location. I hear there's an empty former Blockbuster in Edgewood right now...
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With Dickey’s BBQ opening on the North side, in a better location, I’m not sure how Paul’s will be seen as easier or better. You can’t beat spending $19 at Dickey’s on Sunday for 2 adults and 2 kids (kids eat free). And the meals are huge for both the kids and adults!
I wish Paul the best of luck, but he certainly won’t be getting any more of my business that far north.
So for us Southsiders, where is the best BBQ?
Now that we’ve lost Paul’s and The Smokehouse Deli—both of which were mere blocks from my house—we’re hurting a bit. I’ve always enjoyed Skeeter Barnes. SB isn’t as consistent as I’d like, but boy when they’re good, they’re gooooood.
There’s Famous Dave’s of course. My concerns with FD’s are more about service/atmosphere than the food.
After that ... uhh ... is that BBQ4U place still open over on 14th? I’ve never been there, but perhaps I need to try it.
BB4U is definitely still open, and definitely worth a visit. I think it’s the best barbecue in the area. 1501 Center Park Rd. (that’s in the Center Park business/industrial park, in a small building by itself). Crowded at lunchtime, not so much at dinner. Lots of takeout business. Everything’s good there, especially the ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. We used to go to the original Paul’s, but this is better. The only place in the same class was the late, lamented Haggan’s Holy Smoke BBQ from a few years ago. (Never did learn why they closed suddenly…anyone know?)
I would not get my hopes up about Dickey’s. I’ve been to two different Dickey’s (not in Nebraska) and it’s not very good or particularly authentic barbecue. There was no smoke taste in the meat at all.
BBQ4U is awesome. And of course you have the two large chains there…Skeeter Barnes and Famous Dave’s.
...as for where Paul’s is going. Best of luck to them. Amigos opened there…which seems like a decent fit being across from the high school. They did not do well in that location. I tend to think there are a few locations in town where restaurants go to die. Hopefully this is not one of them. And there are a good number of BBQ places in the area, Hog Pit BBQ is up on 14th & Superior. Dickey’s has the high traffic corner and branding behind in. Paul’s has some loyal customers…but that location is a little off the beaten path still.
Don’t forget Phat Jack’s is another Paul’s competitor.
I live in the Northridge apartments within spitting distance of there. As a transplanted Southerner i’m always excited for more BBQ,
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