As the temperature in Tallahassee drops slightly below a comfortable chill, only one remedy comes to mind that can stave off the cold. Forget stopping by CVS for some Theraflu, what you need is a heaping helping of some barbecue. With that first nip of the early morning air, I already know what to get to nurture my frozen bones--a saucy pulled pork sandwich.
Since my excursion into the vehicular cuisine of Food Truck Thursday, I've been more open to trying those curbside delights. That, coupled with the recent closing of Shane's Rib Shack and Famous Dave's, I was prepared to step outside of my comfort zone to try some street Barbecue. My brother introduced me to a little place on the corner of Pensacola and Ausley called King's BBQ. Sharing a parking lot with a vacant gas station, it was exactly what I had in mind.
Practically every day you can see a familiar sight standing on that corner, Mr. King tending to that huge iron smoker. He serves up generous helpings of his signature ribs and barbecue chicken for anyone who stops by. After seasoning the deliciously marbled meats, he places them into the iron beast, and, through the miracle of convection, a hearty meal is born.
Of King's delights, the ribs are what put it on the map, and they're definitely my favorite. They're meaty, not too saucy and have an aromatic smoky flavor that both eases the mind and subdues the palate. The chicken was deliciously juicy with a light and crispy skin. The barbecue sauce brought it all together with lip smacking amount of sweetness.
I took home the BBQ sampler just the other day. Large portions of barbecue chicken, ribs, and sausage filled the Styrofoam box way past its recommended carrying capacity. Lugging that baby home was a burden I was willing to bear. That right there is pretty much everything that makes barbeque great.
After a quick chat with Mr. King, I learned that there was more to the man than his great food. He's been in the barbecue game for over 10 years and has run a few restaurants in his day. After a tragic car accident in 2006 that complicated his life, his entrepreneurial spirit drove him to get back on the scene. His mouthwatering barbecue and loyal fan base has kept his business alive. That's why every day you can continue see Mr. King work his magic on the grill. The man's got heart, and you can taste it in his food.
If you're in the area, I'd highly recommend stopping by Kings Barbecue to pick up a box of ribs or some juicy chicken. The portions are huge, and for a cool $10.75, you can't beat it. The home cooked feel brings color back to any dreary winter afternoon. Mr. King will be cookin' all day for your tasting pleasure. Be sure to bring cash because there's nothing worse than smelling the heavenly aroma of barbecue and not being able to have a bite.
Tags: Barbecue, BBQ, Florida, Food, King's BBQ, Tallahassee
Pedro SemperteguiPedro Sempértegui is a recent graduate of Florida State University's English department. After growing up in the quiet suburb of Coral Springs, Fl, he moved to the capital to pursue writing. Since Tallahassee's nightlife has introduced him to new music, awesome food, and delicious microbrews, it's only right that tries to pass on that knowledge.
