HaP's pulled into the unpromising southeastern corner of Jefferson and 24th Street back in 1994. As all barbecue afficianados know, the quality of the rib house directly correlates to the funkiness of the neighborhood it's in. That's why you rarely find great barbecue next to a gated community, or a Mercedes dealership.
HaP's original surroundings sure proved this point, but, the Darroch Family proprietors, after having moved to their current location at 48th St. and Washington have proven that the move hasn't affected the cooks. Indeed, right now there may be no finer barbecue parlor in town!
Of course, it all starts with the ribs. HaP's has latched onto some wonderful bones, exceptionally meaty and virtually trimmed of gristle. Just as important though, after obtaining this meaty raw material, HaP's knows what to do next. The ribs are then rubbed with spices, smoked over hickory and lightly charred. The result is pure, tender pleasure - you need just a bit of gentle tooth-tugging to pull this incredibly delicious meat from the bone.
HaP's Barbecue Sauce fits the ribs just like a glove. Not too assertive, it's got a hint of smoke, tang and sweetness and gives the meat a "flavor boost" without getting in the way.
HaP's doesn't rest on it's rib laurels though, everything on the menu is heart-stoppingly and rib-ticklingly good! Take the hefty Sandwiches, which all require two hands to grab hold of. The in-your-face Beef Brisket is packed with enough beefy juices to make you want to thump your chest in primal delight! Pulled-pork is more subtle, but the experience is every bit as intense.
HaP's PIT BARBECUE doesn't treat the barbecue sides as an after thought. You could easily make a meal out of them. The Old Settler Beans are flat-out superb, goosed up with meat, smoke and sugar!
