I faced a pretty serious dilemma on July 4. I wanted to fulfill my duties as an American and consume copious amounts of barbequed meats, but had to do so without its most important component, a grill. Instead of shaming myself by eating hot pockets (what I usually do), I decided to try a local favorite, Adam’s Rib Co. I didn’t really know what to expect from a local chain, but I quickly realized that it was far from fast-food.
I really, really, enjoy a great, grilled burger. Hot dogs, steak and sausage are good too, but nothing compares to a burger that’s just been taken off the grill. That’s exactly what my bacon cheeseburger from Adam’s Rib tasted like. I could taste the grill smoke in every bite, and the memories of great July fourth’s in the past flooded back to me. It was so good that I had to force myself to keep eating, which was tough do so because the burger was easily twice the size of a normal one.
If you’ve ever been to a barbecue restaurant, you know the side dishes are going to be high quality, it was no different at Adam’s. The baked beans were sweet with just a hint of spiciness to keep you coming back, and the Mac & Cheese was sufficiently gooey and cheesy. Along with the two sides I got a 7 oz. chopped pork dinner, altogether the meal incredibly filling and was less than $10.
You don’t have to own a grill to have great barbecue in Gainesville. Nothing quite beats having a backyard party with your friends and family, a grill of your own and some great food. This is pretty close though.
