In the last few weeks we dined at fine steakhouses, had great Italian food and went to some great sports bars. This week we are simply heading out for some good old fashion BBQ.
For me, I didn’t have to travel far as Top Notch Barbeque (9310 S. Eastern Ave.) is only five minutes away from me. With a name like Top Notch Barbeque the owner has put the pressure on himself to deliver.
Let me tell you, he delivered big time!
Top Notch got its start with a trendy food truck. People absolutely were loving this BBQ and the vehicle became very popular wherever it went.
From the great beginnings of the food truck Top Notch found a home inside Doc Holliday’s Bar on south Eastern near the 215 freeway exit. The minute I walked into the restaurant that smoky smell was right there. Don’t worry, I’m not talking about your normal smoky bar with a ton of cigarettes but rather that open flame smoke smell and flavor you will taste with this authentic BBQ.
I have been to Top Notch several times and admit I’m hooked. I have had the ribs each and every time. Whether it’s just ribs or a Rib Combo they are slow cooked to perfection with a dry rub.
I love the flavor even when I don’t add extra sauce. If you are a rib lover, trust me you will love these. The meat just falls off the bone and as I said the true mark of great BBQ is when the ribs taste perfect without smothering them in sauce.
I found his Pulled Pork to be very good as well. You can get a Pulled Pork sandwich or enjoy it as one of your meat choices in the rib combo.
You can’t have a good BBQ meal without some great side dishes and here is where Top Notch hits a Home Run again. You absolutely have to try their Sweet Potato Casserole along with what I feel is the best baked beans I have had. They have pieces of their Beef Links cooked right in the sauce giving these beans a taste all their own.
I saw a plate of pulled pork nachos, which would be just a great way to have a few cold ones and watch the game. In an age where chain restaurants or fast food places dominate our eating choices I love when I come across a mom and pop type place.
There is nothing better than seeing the owner go from the open flame BBQ grill out back to come out into the restaurant with his apron on and ask how was your meal. To me that is as good as it gets.
I have to say Top Notch Barbeque has the best ribs I have eaten in Las Vegas and second place isn’t even close. These are big meaty ribs.
Owner Jimmy Cole does BBQ right and I have become a regular patron ordering these ribs.
The only knock I possibly can have is, being a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, it just doesn’t seem right on a football Sunday seeing Jimmy cooking my ribs in his Cincinnati Bengals jersey. But the ribs are so good I can swallow my pride. Besides, football is over until August.
I give Top Notch Barbeque 3.75 Forks!
Marco D’Angelo is the senior handicapper at Pregame.com. He co-hosts FIRST PREVIEW every Thursday night at 11 pm on ESPN 1100 AM/98.9 FM. Follow him on twitter: @MarcoInVegas. Contact him at [email protected].