Look, I'll admit that I'm more than just a bit bias when it comes to my adoration of the Hickory Pit in Walnut Creek, CA. You see, I've been going there pretty much my entire existence. It is a restaurant me and my family are quite familiar with. It's a small little BBQ/diner spot that's been around since 1958 and it's still kicking, thank goodness! If my mom and grandpa are to be trusted, my great-great grandfater even built the original smoker that the Hickory Pit uses to cook their signature selections of meats. And while they have plenty to offer, let's be real:, this place is all about the ribs.
I can't really speak to the concept of whether or not it's because I grew up with them that I love these ribs so much, but I can say that I've shown the place to several of my friends and they've all become believers. First off, the ribs themselves taste excellent, even before you sauce them up. You can taste the smokiness of the hickory on the flesh of each perfectly cooked rib. I've never, not once, had a single over or undercooked rib from the Hickory Pit, each one is somehow perfect. These babies are the real deal and chock-full of flavor.
For an extra kick, your order of ribs comes with one of two house sauces: The brown sauce is, which is the HIckory Pit's signature sauce., Or you could opt for the red sauce, which has more of a spicy, zangy, kick to it. I'm personally more of a red sauce feella myself. It's just got more of what I look for in a sauce as the brown sauce just doesn't have as much umph.
I'm not a big fan of Walnut Creek in general, but the Hickory Pit Has brought me back to the city an number of times throguhout the years and the ribs have always been worth it. Be sure to grab some and try them yourselves if you ever find yourself in the neighborhood!
