Estes BarB’Que

Granted, this is based on a single experience, but I was a bit taken aback by Estes.
It’s good. Really good. Good as in «first time I’ve ever asked for slaw on a sandwich and was glad I did» good.
Estes is not a hardcore single-​style barbecue joint. They seem to be going for regional meats — the ribs I had were Memphis Dry (and amazing) and the pork is advertised as Carolina. They have multiple varieties of slaw and said they are expanding their corn muffins to eight varieties (with the option to pick up a half dozen).
The combination is a mix-​and-​match menu, meaning even the pickiest eater can go in and walk out with a big bag of exactly what they want. Judging by the customer service and general attentiveness of the staff, what you get is exactly what you want.
And you should. Go. Go right now and get you a big bag of barbecue. It’ll be $ 10 damn well spent.

You know how you have those meals that just make you giggle with joy? I went into the new Estes takeout shop having never had anything from there before, and only because someone posted a picture of a sandwich on Twitter, and they were reasonably close by. I am now giggling with joy.
The pulled baby back ribwich ($ 6.50) topped with mountain slaw is as good as any BBQ sandwich I’ve ever had, and I’ve had plenty (even slung cue in Memphis for a while). It was so good that when I finished and was considering the chunks of meat that dropped out, I realized that there was an unopened sauce container in the carryout box, so I opened the sauce and dipped the bits of leftover meat in there. Then I drank the sauce. Sweet, tangy, with a spicy finish… brilliant. Next I turned to the spicy citrus slaw ($ 1), and again, just awesome. It’s a cross between cabbage slaw and kimchi, with vinegar and citrus flavors and what I think is a decent hit of Old Bay. Hot enough to be remarkable in its not-​normal-​slawness.
This isn’t an eat-​in place, unless you don’t mind just standing there, but it is SO good.

Alas! A BBQ place within walking distance of my office! Estes gets one star JUST for that. Another star for being a food cart — I love food carts. After today, I will be making a weekly visit. They have 3 different sauces to choose from AND take cards, not just cash. I got the $ 7 platter which includes a BBQ sandwhich (sans the bun for me), baked beans with pineapple tidbits, cole slaw that is not your traditional southern slaw, and a drink. I was very pleased with the portion sized and they also let me try all 3 sauces. The sauce made with hardywood was definitely my favorite, but they were all very good. If you are near 11^th and Broad during lunch hours, go here. I sure am glad I don’t have to get my BBQ fix from the Tobacco company any more! :)