When Righteous Urban Barbeque (RUB) first opened, I was happy Dallas had a little competition (and that good-idea-sad-execution modern health food place in this location went away). As I stood at the window reading the menu I heard a man next to me talking on a cell phone: “They want twice as much as anyone else for barbeque? They’re crazy.” When New Yorkers call you crazy, I thought, you’re really crazy.
But the prices aren't really that bad. The menu configuration mixes big by-the-pound and platter prices with normal servings, which can lead to sticker shock. A sandwich and a side for $13 ain't cheap, but it's good and totally filling.
We tried the Patrami and BBQ Brisket sandwiches along with two sides, the potato salad and greens of the day - collard greens mixed with spinach. It's hard not to feel a little disappointment with the dull presentation of the sandwiches unless you grew up with Kansas City-style BBQ; they're served dry, minus the smoothering sauce you might find in North Carolina or Texas. But there's sauce supplied to customize it. I liked the pastrami better with the signature burnt ends. In fact, it was better with a little mustard and without the so-so rye bread, eaten straight.
The potato salad was alright but a little bland. I would have added pickle vinegar. The collard green/spinach mixture however was delicious, tangy with a little heat and alone worth the trip.
I wasn't blown away, but I liked it enough that I plan to go back to try a proper order of ribs.
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