Because it's going to be months before your grill sees the light of
day. Because hot sauce is a sure fire flu chaser. Because you can only
eat so much soup. And because huddling around heat lamps on a rainy day is a good way to make new friends, BiteClub is sending you all to Buster's Southern BBQ.You know the spot. It's been at the crossroads of Hwy 29 and Lincoln Ave. in Calistoga like, I don't know-forever. Most of us blast on by on our way to fancier Napa affairs, afraid of a little sauce on our shirts and tri-tip stuck in our teeth. It's so un-Napa. So paper-plate and picnic table un-chic, where ordering's done at a screen window and the eating's done on the parking lot porch.
Bring a jacket and an appetite. The tri-tip sirloin steak sandwich is what you've come for--hick slabs of beef piled on garlic toast. A ladle of sauce goes over the top, hot or mild. But be warned that hot is exactly that. Hot. Don't try to be a hero unless you really like the fire. My take: This sauce hails well south of sweet Kansas City style, but with a similar heft and tomato tang. Vinegar's not the star here (thank goodness), instead smoky pepper takes the lead.
With the $7 'wich, you get a single side, which should be their sweet, pineapply coleslaw. Unless you're more of a bean fan. There's also corn bread, potato salad and macaroni salad. For $1.25 to $1.50 each, splurge on a couple to keep your options open. Leave room for fresh lemonade and sweet potato pie. Bring a few Wet Naps. And dream of summer.
Buster's BBQ, 1207 Foothill Boulevard, Calistoga, 707.942.5605.
Posted By: garliccrouton (18/02/2008 5:09:21 PM)
Comment: BBQer - /the restaurant that is opening slated for 2/20/08 is called Bluegrass Bar and Grill, Jack London Village in Glen Ellen****bluegrassbarandgrill.com or 935-4488
Posted By: Atamblin (05/02/2008 11:09:21 PM)
Comment: That place is great...I stop all the time...Need to make a trip soon.
Posted By: David (03/02/2008 7:14:43 PM)
Comment: I grew up in the south. BBQ is enjoyed all year round. I have to say that I personally tried Buster's...It was GREAT.
Posted By: BBQer (01/02/2008 4:49:29 PM)
Comment: I hear there is a new BBQ restaurant opening in Glen Ellen. Does anyone have details?
Posted By: Petaluma Sue (01/02/2008 1:22:27 PM)
Comment: The best sandwiches, thanks to the garlic toast and their hot sauce, which they sell by the jar. Not the friendiest people working there, but food makes you look past that!
Posted By: BBQ Boater (31/01/2008 9:27:38 PM)
Comment: You cannot help to stop there on your way into or back from Napa. Great Southern food. Kudos on that Hot sauce, it is freakin' HOT!!
Posted By: Sandy (31/01/2008 5:01:40 PM)
Comment: Yum. I am ON my way. Thanks for the tip.
skip Buster's....it's a huge chain restaurant...we have them up here in Washington State....mediocre stuff....
I think you are confusing this with Busters Texas BBQ which is indeed a chain that has restaurants on the West Coast...
Buster is a real person who opened this BBQ joint many years back in Calistoga...drive by any you'll see what I mean...
nope....this is just called "Buster's Barbeque"....no Texas in it at all....probably one and the same as what you have....they have them up here in Washington and Oregon...
PAY ATTENTION!! Don't give a place a bad rap when you don't know what you're talking about. You're in Washington for crying out loud. Buster's was started by Buster. It's a tiny hole in the wall dive and is LOCALLY owned. Come visit our beautiful wine country and see for yourself.
Here is the web page for Buster's Southern Barbeque in Calistoga:
http://www.busterssouthernbbq.com/index.html