Ramon's Smokehouse BBQ

1730 Alpine Blvd
Alpine, CA

Are we just gonna sit here like bumps on a pickle and wish we were back at Lucille's for some pulled pork and fried onion strings. No. There's work to be done. BBQ to be explored. Spin the wheel and let's see who's next. The wheel is spinning slower, and slower ....... and the winner is.... Ramon's Smokehouse.
Let's go!

This place was a little bit of a drive, but hey, the Good Bros have travelled farther than this to find good BBQ. We actually drove past this place because it's tucked away in the corner of a little shopping center, almost embarrassed to show itself. Eventually we double-backed and found it, not by our usual method of "follow your nose", but through the keen eyesight of Good Bro #1. He spotted the little sign out front.

Ramon's looks like a small town restaurant, with the seating capacity for a about a van-load of people. The restaurant is very "dog themed", specifically chihuahuas. There was a slight smell of smoke in the air, but is it going to be on the meat? Who knows? Let's order.

Dr. Q and his assistant were with us on this outing, which meant we could try just about everything on the menu. The list of food we ordered included beef ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, and hot links. To our disappointment, nothing was worth trying a second time. The brisket, pulled pork, and hot links had no apparent smokiness to them. Alright ribs, it's up to you. Can you save the day? Not today. The ribs did have a smokiness to them, but they were dry and fatty at the same time. The BBQ sauce here was another Wrangler version with quite a bit more vinegar taste. The coleslaw, looking wilted and worn out, was a big disappointment to me because I like coleslaw. The beans were OK, if you don't expect too much, but nowhere near the full, smoky flavor of a great bowl of beans. Good Bro #1 took the time to really enjoy the corn bread muffin, it was chewy and tough like something that would be reheated.

The one thing Ramon's has going for it is that it is original. It's not just another fast food BBQ joint like many others spouting up all over town. It also provides a place for people in Alpine to go get their BBQ fix, if they're within walking distance. If you are a hunter, you can smoke your bird for $1.25 per pound - what a deal! If you have the keys to the van though, load up and head out to one of the few good BBQ places we've reviewed. Have fun on the BBQ trail.

D+