G -- Say Goodnight, Gracie's

Gracie’s has been a Vallejo institution for many years and is, by many accounts, the most revered of the Bar B Que restaurants ‘round town. Fortunately for all concerned, Vallejo is a big enough town to accommodate barbecue lovers of all persuasions.

The Process:
Today Hula Girl takes the lead, scours the phone directory and narrows out selection to three candidates: Georgina’s, Gracie’s or Goombah’s. No one wanted a bad meal just for the sake of art so Gracie’s it had to be. I do think that a good meal can be had at Georgina’s, though it’s a bit predictable and white bread. Goombah’s, on the other hand, is a bit spotty in the food and hygiene departments, but it would make for a good story, that’s for sure. Tuna has heard of the Gracie’s legend and is eager to taste for himself, though he has been a big, big D’s fan from his first taste.

The Chow:



Chicken, ribs, beef brisket all have a strong presence on the menu. I have to say that I did like Gracie’s quite a bit better when it was located in a mobile trailer in a parking lot on the other side of town. Good, simple food in a simple setting. The new location in a converted 1930’s service station is spiffy, new, with a nod to Vallejo’s history, but there’s no funk here. With a bar b que place, I believe you want some funk, not only do you want it, but the food requires it. That said, the food was good, solid and consistent, with a smoky taste. The sauce is served separately. It has a bit of a tang, but is not overwhelmingly hot or spicy, but it is flavorful. Tuna ordered the combo platter, chicken and brisket and had he paused long enough to utter a word or two, I’d reproduce his comments here, but he didn’t. The general consensus, save for this writer, was that the sides were stellar, far and away surpassing the sides at other local establishments which, for the sake of neutrality, will remain nameless here.



The Wrap:
There are contenders and there are contendas. Gracie’s always finishes the race with, well, grace. Say goodnight, Gracie. Goodnight, Gracie.
The Rating: 4 out of 5.