After months (years?) of anticipation, I’ve finally made my way up to St. Clair and Bathurst to try out the BBQ place that the west side has been raving about: The Stockyards. A smoke house & larder joint that specializes in pulled pork, brisket, and buttermilk marinated fried chicken. (My mouth is watering again already). Apparently the best dish on the menu is their ribs, which they only serve on specific days, so check their website and twitter for exact details.

Because pulled pork is my comfort food of choice (give it to me in a burrito, sandwich, what have you), I had to go with the classic, and I was not disappointed. Unlike cheaper pulled pork, which sometimes can appear to be shredded mush, this pork actually looked like meat that came out of an animal, that was actually prepared earlier in the day. As for taste, it was perfectly sweet and spicy, and nicely complimented by the toasted “Store-bought bun.”

My biggest revelation though? Their own ice tea brew, made with a healthy dose of ginger. I ordered a 2 liter jug, and even though I ended up bringing part of it home with me, I wish I had brought another with me all the way to Danforth East.

So to put it simply, if you like BBQ, and you were a fan of Phil’s, you’re going to love Stockyards. Be warned though: the place is tiny, with basically no seats, to be prepared to do takeout if you are claustrophobic. Also, if you are planning on getting the fried chicken, call ahead, because it takes 20 minutes to prepare.