‘Cue done right

Brian Medlin, owner of Smokin’ Aces BBQ on Government Street, knew that opening a barbecue restaurant in Baton Rouge that both locals and travelers would love would be a challenge. However, since opening in October last year, the “shack”-style joint has maintained a loyal customer base. The crowd favorite is undoubtedly the spare ribs. “It’s the way we slow-cook them with our spices and extra brown sugar,” Medlin says of the special recipe that has been passed through his family for years.

The menu consists of brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sausage, boudin, chicken, turkey, gumbo and an array of crowd-pleasing sides. After ordering, you can find a seat at one of a couple of picnic tables under the awning, or you can just take the ‘cue to go.

The Red Stick has plenty of strip-mall barbecue and full-service restaurants. But for good barbecue, the neighborhood should wake up to the smell of hardwood smoke, and that’s exactly what Smokin’ Aces delivers in Mid City.

When asked what he hopes for Smokin’ Aces as it continues to grow in popularity, Medlin says he wants locals to say, “That little shack on Government? We know what that is.” 2504 Government St., facebook.com/SmokinAcesBBQBatonRouge