New Orleans, LA

Don't get me wrong; bar food has it's place in the culinary world. Heaping piles of nachos can be quite tasty and a gooey basket of cheese fries can curb a craving that can be satisfied in no other way. But when picking a sports bar where I can enjoy, what I hope to be, a good game and a few beers, I look for a place that can branch beyond the generic bar-food menu. The Ugly Dog Saloon does just that, and they do it well.

Arguably among the best BBQ joints in New Orleans, the Ugly Dog Saloon is not for the veggie-minded diner. The entree menu isn't extensive, but choosing between the Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, and Spare Ribs is difficult enough. The pulled pork is from a slow-cooked shoulder roast that always ends up juicy and tender. On it's own, the meat doesn't exude any noticeable flavors other than smokey pork, but with the Ugly Dog's tangy sauce, the tender meat becomes rich and spicy.

The ribs, on the other hand, come fully sauced and seasoned. The tender meat falls off the bone at the pinch of the fingers and doesn't require a fork and knife to enjoy every last bite. You'll want to pick the bones clean and lick your fingers after a plate of these spare ribs!

Ugly Dog platters serve up generous portions of the BBQ treats along with two sides. Potato Salad and Coleslaw are always appropriate compliments to any good BBQ. The potato salad at the Saloon is rich and creamy with big chunks of potato while the coleslaw strays from traditional coleslaw flavor. A concoction including mayonnaise, garlic pepper seasoning, molasses, and soy sauce create a dressing that gives the roughly cut red cabbage a sweet tang of it's own. Though I often find myself pushing the small cup of coleslaw on the side of my BBQ platters to get to the main attraction, I couldn't help but turn the plate to finish this peppery pile of slaw first on this occasion.

If you're more satisfied with a hot side, a loaded baked potato or an overflowing cup of chili beans can fill a place on your platter. And if you feel guilty about your carnivorous indulgence, compliment your meal with a Cesar Salad or side of Broccoli.

Whether you stroll in on your lunch break or plan to spend an evening watching a big game, you'll be totally satisfied. The inexpensive offerings and exceptionally casual atmosphere provides the perfect retreat for the CBD worker looking to get out of the office setting. And the multiple TVs, always tuned to a game or sports network, insure that you won't miss a play while paying your BBQ platter the attention it deserves.


401 Andrew Higgins Blvd.
New Orleans
504-569-8459