This review is specific to the one and only Red, Hot, and Blue (RHB) in Annapolis, Maryland. I've been to other franchise locations and they simply are not as good; their menu not as deep as the one at the site of the famous flying pigs on a windmill in Annapolis, no more than an hours non-rush-hour drive from most points in Carroll County. It's worth the trip and yeah I know all about the rib shacks and restaurants in Carroll County & nearby Baltimore County, including Dave's and Andy Nelson's pig palaces. Keep driving!
Why drive that far, as I once did in a blizzard for some expected guests at my home?
It's the dry rub Lousiana - style ribs man! The menu at RH&B has many great entrees and sandwiches but it's the ribs that make the drive more than worth it. Little wonder I recently needed a triple heart bypass!
There are pork spare ribs and then there are those at RH&B whcih are extra meaty and the rack is so big it hangs off both sides of the plate. Yes, you can order a 1/2 rack or even a sampler plate with a few ribs on it but if you are driving to Annapolis to eat ribs, go for the full rack and take some home for breakfast the next day. The ribs are acccompanied by a choice of sides but I find the collard greens and special zingy baked beans to be the best. Where else you gonna get collard greens, Burger King?
Most rib places slather on some gooey sauce which hides the flavor of the pork and doubles the calories. The calories on dry spice rubbed ribs at RH&B are just fine the way they are, although you can ask for them prepared with a sauce if you wish. There are also 4 kinds of sauce on each table, 3 of increasing heat and one just a special vinegar for those collards and the ribs.
There are many appetizers available at RH&B, with the crispy onion loaf being the most popular...unless you are a RH&B insider and know that the best one isn't on the menu. You have to ask knowingly for the smoked sausage and cheese platter to really get a jump on the meal, although, considering the large size entree portions you may want to save the dough and go straight to the main meal, which will likely be served by an enthusiastic and talented young person who knows how to work for a tip.
The pulled pork sandwich is as popular as BBQ sandwich, each coming with your choice of two sides. There is a full bar with several beers on tap. The one negative I have for this restaurant is that they do not take reservations so if you arrive at a typical dinner hour any day of the week, you're in for a wait - the place has been there for decades and is very popular with all sorts of folks who enjoy this style of home cooking.
That full slab of ribs will cost you $21.00 Overstuffed Sandwiches run around $10.00. Be sure to sign up for their birthday club so you receive an invitation once a year for a free entree.
RH&B is a quirky kind of place with quirky decor and of course blues music playing all hours of the day and night. Don't go with the thought of having a McRib sandwich there - this is the real deal.
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