T-Bo's House of BBQ

In the city that I live in, we are slowly getting more BBQ joints. I honestly wonder how many more Asian, Mexican, and Italian restaurants we can have. The biggest problem with most BBQ restaurants is that they either are very mediocre, or they are in a poor location. T-Bo's is a new restaurant in Santa Clarita that is worth going to. It is located in the same building where Rattlers used to be. It is a good location, plenty of parking, and plenty of seating.

My friend Guy had invited us to go to T-Bo's to celebrate his anniversary with his Wife Lori and daughter Ashley. He was nervous to ask me and wife to go, knowing that I am very particular about the fine art of BBQ.

When we walked in, the entire decor had changed from the last restaurant. The colors were patriotic and subtle, and in a way made you feel like you were sitting in someone home. There are signs posted on the wall describing the type of meats and the different styles that you are in store for. There is even a sign telling you how long they smoke the meat...I already needed a bib for all the drool that was coming out of my mouth. Hanging on the wall is a bust of a Bull with a name tag that says, "Chuck." "Hello Chuck!" I said. "You are looking mighty delicious indeed."

I happened to run into a dear friend at T-Bo's that evening. Her name is Ginger. I saw her as I was walking to the restrooms to wash my hands after a long day at work. She was there with a group blind people that she has dinner with once a month. She lovingly calls them "Her Blind Dates." One of her dates suggested that I try "The Road Trip." "The Road Trip" is a sampling of all their different styles of BBQ that they showcase at the restaurant.

So when it was time to order I suggested to the wife that we try "The Road Trip," and there were no arguments. These are all the mouth watering types of meat we got; North Carolina Pulled Pork, Texas Brisket, Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip, Kansas City Style Ribs, and Alabama Style White Sauce Chicken. First and foremost, none of the meat was over cooked or dry. There is enough food on one plate for a couple with maybe some leftovers.

The North Carolina Puled pork was lightly seasoned and very moist. They have a Mustard Vinegar Sauce that is available on the table that is a great paring with the pork. I would definitely consider any of their sandwiches featuring the pulled pork!

Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip was a tasty piece of meat. I was raised in Santa Maria from preschool through 1st grade. I often visit Santa Maria when I go on a wine excursion with the wife. I am a huge fan of the Tri-Tip bbq'd from that area. Even though it was pretty tasty, I felt it was more like their own version of Santa Maria Style. I would also enjoy eating this in one of their sandwiches.

The Alabama White Sauce Chicken...WAS DELICIOUS! I have to be honest when I say this. I am not a huge fan of chicken. Chicken is just a bland piece of meat that is way of delivering your favorite spices or sauces to your tongue. After eating this Alabama White Sauce Chicken, I might change my thoughts about chicken. It was a very succulent and scrumptious piece of meat. Very Tender, Very Moist, Very Smokey, And Very Tasty. I would eat a plateful of the chicken any day...and time. Did I mention how much I enjoyed this chicken?

Kansas Style Ribs are one of the types of ribs that I pride myself in. When ever I prepare some for friends or family, they usually have a hard time ordering ribs from a restaurant again. Well the ones at T-Bo's are right on par! I picked up the ribs, and they were prepared perfectly. The meat was hanging on the bone, but easily gnawed off. The bark on the outside was sweet and tasty. Lots of finger sucking during this moment at dinner that was for sure. I pulled of the pork one bit at a time tasting it, feeling it, enjoying it. I really enjoyed them, and would have them again.

Texas Brisket is one of the hardest things for me to prepare. I have tried 3 times to cook brisket on my own...and it always turns out dry. Sigh. After talking to the owners about being a BBQ enthusiast, they had the Pit Master, Robert come out and talk to me, the wife and my friends. Robert and I were talking Q and having a great time. He gave me some pointers that I will have to try. If all works out, I will be making a video on the 16 hour cooking process of the all mighty Brisket.

We then enjoyed a couple desserts. We shared a T-Bo's Smore (OMG!!!) and a Granita. The T-Bo's Smore was a moist brownie with graham cracker covered in toasted mini marshmellos in an iron skillot. So Rich! So Delicious. I should have asked for a cup of coffee or a big glass of milk! The Granita was a refreshing and delicious way to finish the meal. It cleansed our palettes and very light.

All in all, T-Bo's was a very nice experience. I would recommend every one go and eat anything that they serve. There service is great and the staff is a delight. I can not wait to go back!
Don't forget to say, "Hello!" to Chuck. He is usually hanging out at near the waiting area.

This is where they are located:

19403 Soledad Canyon Road
Canyon Country, CA 91351

661-250-2100

I hope you enjoy it!

-Dave