It's Hog Heaven at Bootleg Barbecue in Louisville, Kentucky

Voted us the best barbeque, ribs, and wings in the Louisville area by The Courier Journal, Bootleg Barbeque serves a variety of home-cooked, Southern food, including slow hickory-smoked barbeque. Their motto is "So Good, It Oughta Be Illegal."

PERSONAL REVIEW:

As a former resident of Louisville, my husband discovered Bootleg Barbeque many years ago and knowing how much I love ribs, he readily introduced me to the place. It is consistently one of our favorite stops when visiting the Louisville area, meaning-we eat there a lot!

When you walk in, you'll notice the establishment has an understated rustic appeal. A family-friendly setting, eating there reminds me of a summer picnick in a friend's back yard. You'll even find checkered table clothes and paper towels on each table, but thankfully, no ants to disturb the day.

Don't let the décor fool you, though, the food is absolutely top notch! Savory pulled pork, meaty ribs, and juicy chopped chicken barbeque are among our favorite dishes.

If ribs are your thing, you will not be disappointed here. Coated with a flavorful rub and hickory-smoked, they are equally delicious with or without a douse of barbeque sauce.

I prefer the chopped chicken to the pulled pork, but both are delicious. The beef brisket is very tasty too.

A variety of sides are available, our favorite picks are the Down Home Tator Salad which has a perfect tang, and the Smoke House Beans. The Hillbilly Chilly is an excellent compliment to the pulled pork dish, or it makes a fantastic meal by itself.

My husband and I disagree over the rolls-they are the standard white roll variety-he says they are a necessity and I say, save the room for the really good stuff.

Other comments we and other family members are prone to make are:

- Oh, that's soooo good.

- Let me have a bite of that.

- We need to order more (substitute ribs, pulled pork, beans, etc. here)

- hmrpph, mrrpph (meaning a variety of things from pass the BBQ sauce to give me another napkin because the juice is dripping down my chin. Used when we are unable to articulate clearly because we are too busy savoring our mouthfuls of food.)

- I can't believe I ate all that.

If, by chance, you actually have room left after indulging in your mouth-watering barbeque feast, also try the Bread Pudding with Honey Bourbon Sauce. Your taste-buds will do another happy dance.

SERVICE:

Bootleg Barbeque is a front counter order family-style sit down restaurant. You will have to help yourself to drinks, condiments, utensils, napkins, a table and so forth, but in spite of the fact that you are not waited on, the staff is always super friendly and ready to help you with your questions and needs.

PRICES:

Dinners average $5 - $10 per person. Family packs from $15 - $22.

Catering is available.

LOCATION:

9704 Old Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40291-4418 Phone (502)-239-2722 for hours of operation, reservations, and catering information.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

If you are looking for a barbeque place to write home about, with incredibly affordable prices, Bootleg Barbeque fits the bill! We whole-heartedly and happy-tummy-ly agree with the owners of Bootleg, the food is So Good, It Oughta Be Illegal.