Durham BBQ - Elkton, MD

Durham BBQ

175 Fletchwood Rd
Elkton, MD 21921

 Durham BBQ kept itself hidden away just across the state line of Delaware in a shack really.  A few years ago they moved across the street to a small strip that allows for inside seating.  It's not vast or very restauranty...it's still mostly a take out counter that has a few tables out front.  But that shouldn't deter you in the least.

We sampled the ribs, pulled pork, ham, turkey and kielbasa.

Durham's meats don't really have a consistent style. You can't really say that it's all influenced from Texas or the Carolinas or the Midwest as different meats seem to be influenced from different regions.  The kielbasa, while having a commercial consistency, has good flavor. When at a BBQ restaurant I tend to think sausage...not kielbasa and have never really thought that much about the difference.  But I expect that sausage feels more homemade and kielbasa feels more commercial.  None of that should deter you from getting the kielbasa as it's quite satisfying.

The ham and turkey are both very clean tasting.  Not a lot of excess.  Just pure clean meat.

The pulled pork is pulled to very small pieces...almost chopped.  The other big difference is the sauce is already applied.  And it's fully mixed in.  Not just on top but fully mixed.  It tastes perfectly fine but the fact that the sauce is so intricate a component of the pork, I can't really tell about the pork itself.  

The ribs are the best meat they have.  These are a dry rub with a little bit of heat.  There is just enough spice to make it interesting.

We didn't have any of the brisket this time but I've had it before and there is a reason that I won't order it.  It's chopped and not sliced.  This isn't just about preferred presentation.  The cut of meat they use does not allow itself to be sliced.  I've had them slice it before and it doesn't work.  It just chuncks up rather than carves.  The flavor didn't overwhelm me and if you can't get it to me sliced, then I'm just not interested.

So, in order of preference...

Ribs
Ham
Kielbasa
Turkey
Pulled Pork

Now for the sides.

Beans.  Nothing special.  Just barbecue beans.  Cole Slaw.  About the same really.  Mac and Cheese.  I have a hard time not liking mac and cheese.  This is very basic and good.  Broccoli salad is good.  I'm a big fan.  The corn muffins are average.

I hope that if you are ever in the Newark, Delaware area, you'll give Durham a try.  It's a welcome experience in an area that isn't known for good barbecue.