Toronto’s best southern food
For pure comfort, nothing satisfies quite like bone-sucking, finger-licking, rib-sticking southern food. Here, the best barbecue and fry-ups in town.
SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN
It took four years of research and experimentation with 70 chickens, but Tom Davis got the recipe right just in time for the opening of his popular takeout joint. Soaked in buttermilk as part of an elaborate 48-hour marinating marathon, these birds are beyond juicy and swaddled in crisp, peppery skin. $12. The Stockyards Smokehouse and Larder.
RIBS
After 18 years in the business, pit master Phil Nyman does things his way: he insists on using the fattier (and tastier) side ribs when back ribs are all the rage. Four hours over Ontario fruit wood, a moment on the grill and a light brushing of Phil’s tangy sauce make these ribs the ones other barbecue cooks talk about—kindly. $22. Phil’s Original BBQ.
LOW AND SLOW PORK SIDE RIBS
These down-home southern ribs are cooked sous-vide for 24 hours and finished on a wood fire stove. The meat melts off the bone and dissolves in a whisper of smoke. $14. Back Alley Woodfire Grill.
BLACK ANGUS BEEF BRISKET
When New Orleans chef Troy Brocato lost his restaurant to Katrina, the owners of Southern Accent gave him shelter from the storm in their kitchen. Troy’s gone back to NoLa now, but thankfully, the recipe for his dark, juicy, sweet and spicy brisket stayed behind. $19. Southern Accent.
PORK HOCKS
Chef Jervis Cameron jazzes up the standard hock with some island spice, fresh thyme and a generous shot of Guinness. An hour and a half of braising later, the meat is succulent, and a thick layer of flavourful fat begs to be eaten; Cameron reports that even the most virtuous diners can’t resist. $18. Harlem.
PULLED PORK SANDWICH
The city’s juiciest pork is pulled twice for extra tenderness, then basted with the luscious pork drippings. Tossed in house-made maple barbecue sauce, piled on a modest bun—who wants to fill up on bread?—and crowned with caramelized onion, it’s just sweet enough and completely satisfying. $8. Black Camel.
No love for Lou Dawg’s? Lou Dawg’s pulled pork is a million times better than Black Camel’s. Black Camel is highly overrated. The way to make your sammie better there is to include overpriced, additional toppings and those add-up. For the same price as BC, Lou Dawg’s pulled pork can be made po-boy style! mmm cole slaw.
If you’d like to see a gentlewoman like me get down and dirty just put a half rack of the Stockyard’s ribs in front of her. Stand back and stop talking………..
I agree with GS – Why isn’t lou dawg’s on this list?! I just had their pulled pork poutine… I’m in heaven!
Went to Southern Accent last night for the brisket. Had to send it back. Went to Phil’s Original BBQ instead. Can’t recommend it either. Do not go to either place if looking for good barbecue, YMMV.
Just saw The Help. Now I want Southern Fried Chicken so this came up. Stockyards. Haven’t been there yet, but going next week.
About the comments on the ribs. Phil’s really does have the best. We’ve tried them in a few other places and always go back there. For the ribs and the brisket.
My friend doesn’t eat meat too often, so she has the Cachapas at Phil’s. We’re there once a week, so check it out and we’ll see you there !!!