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How excited would you be if you heard some of the best Texas style barbecue in the area was just over County lines in Ridgefield, CT? That’s exactly what’s going on at HooDoo Brown Barbeque, where they take no shortcuts and stick true to that low and slow moniker, resulting in some expertly made ’que.
If you go during peak hours, expect a wait but don’t fret, they have plenty of local brews and craft cocktails to sip on while you await piles of 16-hour smoked meats. A good, boozy drink to start with is the smoked maple Old Fashioned made with bourbon and moonshine, muddled ’shine-soaked cherries and orange, and the maple syrup. The smoke in the ice cube is created by melting ice in the smoker, letting the water infuse a bit, and then refreezing it. If you like your cocktails on the lighter side, Hoodoo has a handful of those to choose from too.
When you sit down, hopefully with family and friends, order a variety and as much as your crew can handle. After all, that’s the most fun way to eat barbecue. Sides aren’t forced on you at HooDoo Brown, neither are combo platters. If you just want meat you can do that. Whatever your prerogative, make sure you include the brisket, it is fall-apart tender with a legitimate smoke ring and a coarse exterior from a simple salt and pepper rub.
While the barbecue is noteworthy, you’ll want to try the cracklin’ pork belly (smoked, then crisped up in the oven like a chicharrón), and the house-made jalapeno cheddar and provolone parsley sausages. Sure, Hoodoo has ribs, smoked chicken, and turkey, but if you’re looking for something gigantic, they offer beef ribs that average 1 ½ pounds each. Even though you don’t have to order a side, you should order the sweet and smoky pit beans made from a bunch of “top secret” ingredients.
After all the savory you will need something sweet, you’ve already come this far, so why not? There are always a few pies on the menu and one on special. On this night it was a slightly tart Key lime complete with a sandy, buttery Graham cracker crust. Almost all the desserts are made by the owner’s mother. Don’t let her down!
There are a lot of great things at HooDoo Brown BBQ, probably more than you can handle in one visit. You’ll become a fan, go back for more, and enjoy many post-BBQ naps.
HooDoo Brown Barbeque
967 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield, CT
(203) 438-6033; http://hoodoobrownbbq.com/
