Crisp, juicy, marinated barbecued chicken is reason number one to make a beeline to Ardmore’s new-ish BYO—Barbacoa. We ventured there for the first time over Labor Day weekend, figuring it would be the perfect, quiet time for a first taste of this buzzed-about barbecue spot. But even with the holiday weekend this spot was packed—and rightly so.
Tables shaded by umbrellas wrap around the outside of the restaurant, a wonderful option on breezy evenings. Limited seating is offered inside, surrounded by charming, barbecue-inspired décor. Service was friendly and prompt. During our visit, Robert Hayes, co-owner of Barbacoa with Guy Buonadonna, made his way past each table, amicably chatting with diners.
The twosome originally opened the concept in Upper Darby, but overwhelmed with the restaurant’s popularity, moved the location to Ardmore, and we’re so glad they did. The house specialty is the aforementioned Peruvian BBQ chicken, pollo a la brasa, which is marinated for a dozen hours and then cooked over oak on a rotisserie for 90 minutes. Don’t skip the crispy, flavorful skin. And if you like it hot, make sure to try the chimichurri and aji pepper sauces that come on the side.
While the chicken here is Peruvian, Barbacoa keeps the rest of its offerings all-American, like beef brisket, pulled pork and St. Louis-style ribs. There are also more eclectic offerings, like a rainbow trout burger with cilantro lime tartar sauce, and a po’boy ‘q-style’ sandwich made with beef brisket, onion chutney and Cajun dressing. Be sure to order a range of sides to share—our favorites: creamed spinach with a hint of spice; a comforting cornbread pudding; and the crisp, sweet Barbacoa slaw.
Reservations are taken here and they’re certainly encouraged—if not mandatory—in order to grab a table on the weekend. Order takeout this fall on Tuesday and Wednesdays and receive a 10 percent discount. And don’t forget to BYO.
Barbacoa takes its barbecue menu seriously, but dining here is easy-breezy. Its friendly vibe and relaxed setting, along with a well-conceived and executed menu, make for a perfect culinary respite.
Check out Barbacoa, located at 64 Rittenhouse Place in Ardmore. For more information, visit barbacoaud.com or call (610) 642-0600.
Photographs credited to Laura Koster.
