On Thanksgiving (November 24), we were invited** to try out the new Bodean’s BBQ Smokehouse in Muswell Hill. We hopped two short buses from Islington to Muswell Hill where we quickly spotted the big Bodean’s sign overlooking the Broadway.
Bodean’s is famous for its all-American BBQ classics including burgers, flame grilled chicken, seafood and their famous ribs, so we came with appetites to match. The first thing the boys noted was that NFL games were playing on three big screens around the room. Bodean’s also show other US sports plus all Premier League football. Big bonus if you have sports fans in the house.
I liked the fact that we had our own coat stand right by each seating booth, so you could avoid the faff of needing a cloakroom ticket or picking up your kids’ jackets off the floor for the umpteenth time in a row. The decor is sort of cowboy cool, with a nod to pop icons and hillbilly memorabilia.
The waiters quickly arrived with our menu and the standard colouring sheets. Almost 11 now, Ezra is a bit old for crayons and colouring but Jed got stuck in. Ezra is also past the stage of wanting kids’ meals, ordering an adult portion burger and chips. Jed chose a burger and chips and ice cream from the Kids Menu and I have to say there wasn’t much difference in size… although he did nick a few extra fries off big bro.
For starters, we tore into a plate of Buffalo Wings with Diablo hot sauce on the side (if I was without kids, I’d have it slathered all over). The wings were jumbo sized and darn tasty.
Then the boys entered happy burger munching mode while I gazed in awe at my rack of Baby Back Ribs. Serious chewing ahead.
I’ve been spoiled when it comes to ribs, having enjoyed what I consider to be the best ribs in London from The Rib Man stall. We had them almost every Sunday when the Babe Papa worked on Brick Lane.
Bodean’s baby back ribs don’t quite hit The Rib Man’s ‘Holy F*ck’ level of greatness, but they’re still a cut above. It’s little wonder Bodean’s has earned a rep as one of London’s top spots for carnivores. So many enticing sounding dishes — e.g. Boss’s Famous Thunder Thighs, Jerk Chicken Burgers or Bodean’s Classic 1lb Burrito.
I saved half my meal for afters and the ribs tasted even better for lunch the next day. Dishes here are good value for the amount of food you get and Bodean’s is worth checking out if you want to get together with family or friends and eat yourself into a stupor.
I enjoyed a glass of Sauvignon Blanc with my meal, followed by a Woo Woo cocktail (Vodka, peach schnapps and cranberry juice), so I was in top spirits by the time dessert came round.
Thank goodness I saved room for pudding as my chocolate brownie with ice cream was drool-worthy. Just the right level of ooey-gooey fudge melting in every direction.
Since it was Thanksgiving, we took some time to share what we were most grateful for today, this year and in general. I loved the babes’ answers:
‘I’m thankful that God created me. I’m thankful because I’m lucky that I have a lot compared to some people. I’m also thankful that God gave me a talent, football.’ – Ezra
‘Today I’m thankful for having a nice meal. This year I’m thankful for making new friends. In general I’m thankful for a great Mummy and for God creating me.’ – Jed
What else to say but thanks for having us Bodean’s!
NB: Kids Eat Free at Bodean’s daily noon until 5pm (special offer). Visit http://bodeansbbq.com/offer/kids-eat-free/
**We were guests of Bodean’s for this review, all opinions strictly my own
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