21 Congress Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone: 603.430.9582
www.muddyriver.com
BBQ is the single greatest food in the world. That isn't an opinion or a judgement call, it is a scientific fact. Now, this isn't to say that BBQ can't be the crappiest thing I've ever eaten but it would be incorrect to say that it wasn't the crappiest form of the greatest food ever created. I've traveled all around the United States specifically to try BBQ. You read that right, I've gone to Kansas City with the intention of eating some BBQ (we're talkin' Arthur Bryants, Gates and Sons, Rosedale, Jack Stack). I went to Texas (Smitty's, Iron Works, John Mueller's). And I went to Minturn, CO (Kirby Cosmo's). Honestly, the last one there blew the others out of the water. No kidding, it's just the best BBQ I have ever had. That is neither here nor there though as we are talking about Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Suffice to say though I've eaten a lot of BBQ and spent my fair share of time trying to recreate many of these things at home (usually to no avail). Muddy River in Portsmouth though offers a few dishes that could stand head to head with their counterparts in KC, Texas, or Minturn, Colorado.
Ribs;
Delicious and offered in three styles (St. Louis, Texas, and Baby Back). The St. Louis are the messiest and the most delicious. Sticky, sweet, just about the best rib I've ever had. Definitely hold their own to, and possibly even surpass, the ribs from their namesake home state.
Pulled pork;
Good although depending on the night it can be dry (even lathered in a slightly too oily sauce). When the pork is good it is amazing, when it isn't at the top of its game it is no better than what I make at home with an oven and an allrecipes.com sauce.
Sides;
Muddy fries are heart attack inducingly good (fries, or even better, homemade chips, slathered in cheese, bacon, sour cream, and scallions). The sweet potato fries are flawless - crisp and delicious.
Beer;
What a terrific selection of locally made beers and specialty beers (Shipyard, Long Trail, Redhook, Rogue, a great selection of British favorites and more) - something literally for everyone (except children of course...)
Great atmosphere with the picnic tables and giant fake trees, not to mention the ginormous black board with the menu listed on it. Fun place to grab a meal, grab a few beers, make a mess, leave contented. Although occasionally hit or miss with some items, it would be impossible to come here and not get at least a few hits throughout the course of the meal.