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Percy Street BBQ's neon sign shines bright on South St

Percy Street BBQ recently opened up on 9th and South, bringing authentic Texas Style BBQ (that means meat that is dry-rubbed and smoked for hours) to the City of Brotherly Love. The restaurant is the combined effort of Michael Solomonov (of Zahav), Steven Cook (of Xochitl), and Erin O’Shea (former chef of Marigold Kitchen). With that kind of pedigree I had high hopes when checking it out, and it didn’t disappoint.

The atmosphere feels homey and communal as soon as you walk in, and has great down-home-on-the-farm touches. Even though I was there on a Monday evening, the place was hopping. Wooden accents, blackboard-sized menus on the walls, and a unique bar with lights made from wine jugs hanging overhead all add to the laid back feeling and got me in the mood for some BBQ.

There’s a long list of spirits and a good selection of wines to whet your palate, as well as signature southern cocktails and an eclectic list of beers on tap. I recommend one of the cocktails made with sweet tea, lemonade, and/or peach juice to get in the southern spirit. If you’re more into beer, try the Wolaver’s Alta Garcia. It’s a fabulous chocolate and coffee porter that’s incredibly smooth for a heavy beer.

They recommend ordering about half a pound of meat per person, which you can do either a la carte or from the combo menu. The combos are served family-style, and my favorite option was the “Double Down.” Each person gets two choices of meat (totaling half a pound) and two sides, for just $17. All meats are served with white bread (“Texas Toast”), pickles, onions, and a bottle of delectable house made hot sauce, which is perfect for creating your own sandwiches. All of the meats are succulent and flavorful – after all, and the kitchen crew traveled to Texas to perfect their recipes.

You can’t go wrong with the spare ribs, which fall right off the bone, or the brisket, which you can get either moist or lean. The chicken is great slathered in the sauce, but the soft, juicy, smoky pork belly was my absolute favorite.

All in all, Percy Street offers up a deliciously authentic Texas BBQ experience. Just be forewarned – your clothes and hair will smell like smoked meat the next day! Mmm!

Percy Street BBQ
South Street and Percy St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 625-8510
www.percystreet.com