Madison Magazine's Restaurant Week is coming up starting on Sunday (July 24th), and this week I got a sneak peek when I checked out Brickhouse BBQ on Gorham Street.
Readers of Madison Magazine named it Best New Restaurant of 2010, so I was curious to see if the hype was deserved.
My companion Karen and I decided to check out the new restaurant on Tuesday..and our visit started out great because we got rock star parking at a meter just outside the restaurant.
We decided to try a variety of items that the restaurant had to offer. We started off with some appetizers..Brickhouse Nachos and quesadillas, each made with pulled pork. Neither of us had ever tried these items made with pork before, and we were pleasantly surprised. Our server told us that all of their meat products are organic, and come from Niman Ranch, which works with family farmers who raise livestock traditionally, humanely and sustainably. All that's wonderful, but how did it taste? Delicious, that's how!
Our friendly server (sorry I didn't catch his name) also told us that Brickhouse is all about local ingredients..buying lots of produce every Saturday down at the Farmers Market. And the barbecue sauces are all made in-house.
The array of food just kept coming. Next we tried the smoked ham topped with pineapple salsa, and Karen and I agreed it was the best we ever tasted...tender, flavorful, and not salty. The Brickhouse ribs were tender and not too greasy..although I will admit my napkin was well-used by the end of our dinner.
We also tried the blackened catfish, which was nice and spicy, and presented beautifully.
While Brickhouse offers 40 different beers on tap, we opted for the lemonade which was delicious, thirst quenching, and much better than the Crystal Light type stuff you get at so many restaurants.
The atmosphere was crisp and clean, and urban in feel. When we were there the outdoor patio was closed due to the heat, but I hope to check that out when conditions are more temperate. And those happy hour specials look tempting too.
Check out their Restaurant Week Menu here.
Brickhouse BBQ menu here.
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