C&G's Smoking Barbecue

Drive down Nicollet past 47th and you will, as often as not, smell smoke. More specifically, wood smoke, and where there is smoke there is barbecue. In this case the barbecue is tucked into a small storefront next to a gluten-free bakery and a gas station. Don’t expect to see a blues band and T-shirts for sale, just a humble counter with a smiling face and down-home items such as fried catfish ($7.29) with okra ($2.39), hot-water corn bread ($.99 for two pieces), tasty chicken wings with thick Jo Jo potatoes ($4.99 for six), and burgers topped with Detroit-style chili. But C&G’s is really all about ribs, ribs, and more ribs. Toothsome and tender with a nice rub that brings out the smoke and what some call the pigginess, it is clear that slow cooking and a practiced hand are at work here. They are available in whole and half racks, plus rib tips. Prices start at $8.50, which includes sweet or hot sauce (get the hot), slaw, and fries. It all comes with a few slices of white bread that, along with the smell of the pit, just about shouts authentic as you motor away.

4743 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-825-3400