Jorge Jose

Review of Hardys Meat Co.

With all the great BBQ spots popping up in the Val...

With all the great BBQ spots popping up in the Valley as of late, it's pretty amazing that Hardy's continues to fly under the radar. Only available on weekends until they run out, this is one of the best hidden spots you'll find in the Valley.

It's really simple, you order inside of the market, then they bring your order in a sytrofoam container, wrapped up really well and tight in plastic wrap, and then you enjoy. For $20 you get a lot of one meat or not as much (but still a lot) of two. I tried the Ribs and Brisket. The baby back ribs are already cut individually and you get four to an order. The brisket? You get a ton of that. I couldn't even finish it. Had to take it home. Everything is served dry, meaning without sauce. And in reality, you really don't need it. They both have great smoke and the flavor of the meat really comes through. You do get some sauce, but only three little cups which is nowhere near enough for this size of an order. You're probably best to take it home, and use a sauce you really like on this or just eat it dry.

Sides are OK. There are only three hot sides and except for corn on the cob, they're not the ones you expect to see with a barbecue plate (Spanish rice?) The corn was a full ear but no butter to spread on it. Lots of prepared salads to pick from, so I went with the standard cole slaw and like the meats, this was also dry. This time, being dry is not such a good thing. I would have liked some more dressing. Otherwise, I might have well been eating cabbage straight.

But you're really here for the meats, and Hardy's totally delivers (except they don't deliver). Definitely worth a try and you'll save a few bucks over Barrel and Ashes anyday.