(12/14/12)

Maine BBQ:
First Look at Buck's Naked in Portland

Buck's Naked started as a tiny barbecue shack on Route 1 in Freeport, then expanded to larger digs up the road (with an expanded menu that included steaks and internationally-inspired fare), then to a second location in Windham. I've often said that trying to be all things to all people rarely works—but I've also often said that Buck's Naked is the one example that defies that mantra. With its comfy seating, long bar, kid-friendly play area and family-friendly menu, you'd think the barbecue would get lost in the shuffle, but it doesn't. That's why I was glad to see Buck's Naked open its third outpost in late 2012 in downtown Portland, right down the street from Street and Company.

On a recent day off to grab some snacks and solitide, the newest Buck's Naked was my second stop. I'll save the in-depth descriptions for the formal review, to be based on future visits that are a given. For now I'll let the photos do most of the talking, but for now know that the sides were so-so, the smoked wings good, the pork ribs very good, the beef ribs great, the overall rub and smoke levels very high and the service very solid.

Smoked sampler with 3 pork ribs, 3 beef ribs, 4 wings and 2 sides.

Beef ribs unsauced, which is why it's called Buck's Naked.

Pork ribs. I substituted these St Louis cut for the babybacks.

Another view of the beef ribs.

A closer look at the pork ribs.

Wings. I got these glazed just to change things up.

Wings.

Another view of the beef ribs.

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