Pork rinds are the hidden gem at this barbecue joint

The pork rinds at Bub-Ba-Q in Woodstock, Ga., are addictively seasoned, not-too-oily, crunchy and fresh. Photo by Ligaya Figueras

Credit: Ligaya Figueras

Credit: Ligaya Figueras

The pork rinds at Bub-Ba-Q in Woodstock, Ga., are addictively seasoned, not-too-oily, crunchy and fresh. Photo by Ligaya Figueras

Dish of the Week: Pork rinds at Bub-Ba-Q

William Latimer, aka Bubba, is a heavily decorated competition barbecue pitmaster , but he sure has something special going with the pork rinds he serves at his restaurants.

Walk into either of Latimer’s Bub-Ba-Q locations – there’s one in Woodstock and another in Jasper, Ga. – and when you take a seat, your server will set you up with a complimentary bowl of pork rinds “just like a Mexican place gives out chips and salsa,” says Latimer.

William Latimer, co-owner of Bub-Ba-Q. Photo by Ligaya Figueras

Credit: Ligaya Figueras

icon to expand image

Credit: Ligaya Figueras

Yep, this snack also happens to be free. But it’s not just the gratis part that wins us over. It’s that these pork rinds are among the best you’ll ever eat.

While some chicharrones are so hard and crunchy you risk breaking a tooth, the ones made fresh throughout the day at Bub-Ba-Q are airy and crispy. They take a dip in the fryer just long enough to achieve that perfect crackle without being weighted down with oil.

Then there’s the addictive seasoning, the same house-made, all-purpose dry rub used on Bub-Ba-Q’s award-winning ribs, pork and chicken.

Would we really trek all the way to Jasper or Woodstock for pork rinds? Absolutely. (But, while we're there, we're also going to stuff our face with Bub-Ba-Q's wet ribs, pulled pork and the barbecue-style chimichanga called the Hog-A-Chong-A.) And we can’t leave without ordering a big brown takeout bag of these off-the-menu crunchy munchies – though they won’t last the car ride home.

Bub-Ba-Q, 1976 Hwy 53 W. Jasper, Ga., 706-692-7929 and 10020 Hwy 92, Woodstock, Ga., 678-402-1662, bub-ba-q.com.

RELATED CONTENT

About the Author