Not Trying Hard Here...
DESCRIPTION: The Village Smokehouse celebrated its 15th anniversary not long ago. It has survived that long by being the only place locally for a confirmed carnivore, not by being especially good. Over the years the beans have morphed from good pintos to over-sweet "Boston-baked" types, the french fries now sit under heat lamps rather than being made to order and the salads look and taste like they were made long ago and far away. Management continues to eliminate things from the menu that do not sell well enough (chicken fried steaks, "po-boy" sandwiches) without adding anything new. All in all a disappointment. Avoid the chicken and the gristly strip steak. The baby back ribs are quite good.
DATE: 2003-11-23
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 4
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Baby back ribs.

Overpriced and mediocre
DESCRIPTION: For a restaurant that prides itself for making great home-cooking dishes as good as your mother, Blue Plate falls short on its promise. Despite some good dishes and the using the best fresh pasta made in Boston, the sides are disappointing at best and rather small (and carefully measured on their electronic scales - just to make sure you don't get too much). Dining at the restaurant is uncomfortable - on bar stools facing the wall, unfitting for more than two persons. Now that Arlington has a 'Not Your Average Joe's', there is practically no reason at all to visit 'Blue Plate'.
DATE: 2003-03-10
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 4
AMBIANCERATING : 4
OVERALLRATING : 4
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Grilled Chicken Breast in Balsamic Sauce

Best in Town
DESCRIPTION: Sandwiches and salads are just the best. Soups and desserts are wonderful, as well. Dan--propietor and predominate counter presence--is engaging and efficient. Dan and the lunch hour rush are site you have to see.
DATE: 2003-05-04
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Chickern Curry Sandwich

The Best Marinated Cheese Steak!
DESCRIPTION: You really can not go wrong on anything you order off this awesome menu. It's even a bigger treat if Herb is there himself. He is such a sweet man.
DATE: 2001-11-09
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : EVERYTHING! Especially the fries.

Comfort Food at Its Best.
DESCRIPTION: I've been a Herb's fan since its opening in 1987 (yes, way back in the 20th century). The food is not what you would call healthy but it is the tastiest sub shop in the known universe.
DATE: 2002-02-07
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Fried Roast Beef With Bacon and Cheddar (it only makes your heart seize up for a minute)

Best Food Ever
DESCRIPTION: Hungry Herb's is a treat not to be missed by anybody who lives in the Boston area. Enough steak or chicken in every order to give you a full sandwich AND a full plate of tips. Herb himself might be the nicest guy on the face of the earth. There's always a smile on his face when you walk in, and I guarantee a smile on your face when you walk out.
DATE: 2002-02-25
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Sweet Georgia Blues

Feed Your Soul
DESCRIPTION: Quite possibly the finest sandwiches on earth. An experience so close to perfection it almost makes you cry.
DATE: 2002-04-25
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : DIVIDED SKY

Heavenly Herb's
DESCRIPTION: I don't know which to rave about; the food or the staff. The food is exactly what you've been missing, but you just didn't know it. Bring an appetite and some time to read the menu. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful, everyone there is a "friend" of Herb. Enjoy
DATE: 2002-10-11
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Jessie's Jazz Brunch/Sweet Georgia Blues

Great Food Hungy Herbs
DESCRIPTION: I found brother Herb's place about 10 years ago... every thing is good here! The problem is choosing from the huge menu.. try the chili if you can get to the back of the menu! Worth the trip from Boston.
DATE: 2002-11-16
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : combo dinners... roasted garlic potatos!

No Place Better
DESCRIPTION: I don't know if a better Sandwich exists anywhere! I personally factored in location to Herb's when I moved from one side of the city to another.
DATE: 2002-11-21
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Carolina Katie/Florentine

Sweet GA Blues!!!!
DESCRIPTION: You must try the sweet Georgia Blues Steak tips. They are incredible. I have tried just about everything in herbs menu, yes I am fat, and everything is great but the sweet Georgia Blues are incredible.
DATE: 2003-02-04
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Sweet Georgia Blues

Creee-ooohhl Cooo-yah!!!
DESCRIPTION: Herb's is one of a kind! The food is awesome. I have a menu I keep and highlight each item I try so I can go thru the whole list. But boy do I still have a lot to go! So much to choose from. I still always go back to my first and still most favorite: the Creole Cooler! HOT! Cajun Chicken Tips, grilled peppers, hot peppers, bacon and bleu cheese dressing!
DATE: 2003-02-18
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Creole Cooler and the Meat Man

A Local Find - I Love You Herbbie
DESCRIPTION: Your cardiologist will groan, but you will love the decadent treat. Herb's takes standard fare and adds a flair. All sorts of combos with steak or chicken tips at the base. The quality of the food is well above average for the type of place it is (basically a sub shop). I love Herb; when I go in he greets me by name (even though I eat there once a month at most).
DATE: 2003-07-31
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Black and Blue chicken (with extra bleu cheese dressing)

An Orgasm on a Roll
DESCRIPTION: I can remember it like it were yesterday; August 2, 1998 was my first trip to this exquisite eatery, at which time my first impression was one of curiosity and mild hesitation. Hungry Herbs may not look like much, but you can bet your Superman skivvies that this establishment is most definitely a diamond in the rough. The price? Just right. The taste? Impeccable. The portions? Better get a doggie bag. All in all, being a devoted customer for five years running, Hungry Herbs is an absolute staple of the dining community. I whole-heartedly recommend it for one and all.
DATE: 2003-10-17
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Sweet Georgia Blues; Buffalo Station; Pizza Fries

Home Away from Home
DESCRIPTION: Ever since I was a tiny tot, I was eating at Herbs. Living in Medford right down the street, I was always there with friends or family. If my cousin and I got a good grade on a test my aunt and mother took us there, If we were suddenly hungry (winkies) Herbs was where to go. A group of like 10 friends (back in the day at the age of 14) would go to Herbies, shoot the bull with Herb himself (who knew us all by name), and order as much as the money in our pockets would allow. I was so sad when I found out they were closing their doors. Such a waste, Such a Waste now all thats left are memories of his food!
DATE: 2003-11-23
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Teryaki or blackened Cheesesteak!!!! yuminums

Ready, set, read this
DESCRIPTION: if u like spicy stuff, this is the place, mild-lovers, BEWARE!
DATE: 2001-03-26
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 6

GREAT Food!
DESCRIPTION: Fantastic food. Great burgers, great pullled pork sandwiches and the stuffed pork loin is FANTASTIC. This is the best barbecue I have tasted in Waltham. Their North Carolina Barbecue sauce beats the heck out of Jake and Earl's.
DATE: 2002-04-29
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : stuffed pork loin, pulled pork sandwich

Best Ribs in Boston
DESCRIPTION: Awesome baby back ribs with garlic mashed potatoes and beans. Huge portions good price and terrific food.
DATE: 2002-06-26
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Baby Back Ribs Texas Style Mild

What's the Big Deal?
DESCRIPTION: OK, when Blue Ribbon first came to Arlington, it seemed to be enjoying immense popularity, and it made that particular part of Massachusetts Avenue smell like heaven. The sad truth is, it tastes like hell. The incredible smoky taste of the ribs or barbecue pork sandwiches is equivalent to sitting in a small room jam packed with heavy smokers. I figured this particular type of BBQ was an aquired taste that many southerners have learned to love. But I simply can't comprehend why a restaurant of this particular type of "pit-smoked" BBQ eight miles outside of Boston can be so popular. I can only rate this restaurant as being just so-so.
DATE: 2001-04-28
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 4
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Order at your own risk, everything has a very smoky taste

Not from Around Here...and Better for It
DESCRIPTION: Anyone who is not from Mass. knows that the locals suffer from a peculiar backwardness when it comes to civilized eating. If you've ever tried to find Sunday brunch with good food _and_ good service at a reasonable price, you know what I mean. By those terms, Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q is one of the saving graces of the Cambridge/Arlington area. It's almost enough to make up for the damnable traffic up here. Yes, it's that good.
DATE: 2002-06-23
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Full rack of ribs, dry rub. Chipotle mustard. Black-eyed corn. Peach cobbler.

Delicious, Not Nutritious, and Proud of It
DESCRIPTION: I can't say enough about this place. It's fast, friendly, reasonably priced and has a fun vintage atmosphere. I happen to prefer the smoky, dry-rubbed flavor of their ribs (I recommend the "one third slab + 2 sides" as a starting point, unless you're a lumberjack) and Texas brisket to the sloppy, saucy, sweet stuff slopped out over at Redbones in Davis Sq., the nearest BBQ competitor. Note there's no liquor license, and not too many tables, but hosted my birthday dinner there for 16 people and we all left happy. Yummy cookies and brownies, too, and the butteriest mashed potatoes. They also cater platters. My only regrets: I really can't eat there every day, and they took down the little beanie baby cow, pig, and chicken they used to have hanging over the pickup window. Enjoy!
DATE: 2002-11-11
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : rib and sides platters; brisket sandwich; pulled pork or chicken platters; burnt ends!

Almost the Real Thing
DESCRIPTION: I live within smelling distance of this place, and I love BBQ! Real smoked BBQ is pretty hard to find in New England, probably due to the common attitudes represented by "Dan" above. A lot of people in this area seem to prefer bland food. Fortunately, there are enough to keep Blue Ribbon hopping pretty much all the time. They have a good selection of smoked meats, great mashed potatoes, and some other respectable side dishes. Portions are HUGE! One dinner plate is enough to feed two normal people. The quality and authenticity is easily enough to rank it the top BBQ in the Boston area. They've definitely got the smoking procedure DOWN! My only complaints are that the meat is often too lean to stay moist during the smoking process, and that the hot sauces are not really hot at all. Even the sauce marked "XXX Hot Sauce" is pretty darn tame.
DATE: 2003-06-25
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Pulled pork, burnt ends.

Best BBQ Around
DESCRIPTION: I think Dan has not found the taste for real dry rub slow cooked meat. It had better be smoky and it is deliciously smoky and real. Better than Redbones or the Porterhouse on Mass Ave. in Cambridge. Thumbs up. I have been to both Arlington and Newton and prefer Arlington. This is a takeout heaven. Not so good for eat in.
DATE: 2003-11-22
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Everything

Very Tasty BBQ
DESCRIPTION: I'm from Texas where real meat is smoked and slow cooked just like Adam said. Sorry, Dan, you may only know Northeast barbeque which is not the real thing. The burnt ends, though lean (to my liking) and tender, weren't burnt a bit. It was more like pulled pork and, though not what I expected, was good. The hot barbeque sauce was just right for me. The XXX was hot and not so tasty as the more mild hot, so we didn't enjoy it as much. We arrived before the rush and got to sit at a table. The ribs were moist and tender, tasty yet some were very burnt and served to us anyway. The inside dining situation is fine if you know what to expect...a counter with stools and a few tables with chairs. Don't expect fine dining. Rustic and quirky decor representing the major barbecuing regions of the U.S.
DATE: 2004-02-22
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Ribs (request they not be burnt) and burnt ends (they aren't burnt!), potato salad, baked beans

its good and i know it
DESCRIPTION: I hate bar-b-q usualy because of the burnt food and the gallons of sauces used to hide the flavor of the meat. But at Blue Ribbon in Arlington it is the exact opposite. There is something there for every one. The meat quality and freshness is unmatched and the sauces are light enought that the savory beek or chicken flavor is present. The food comes in great porportions for the money you spend and the sides are unbeleivable. It is definatly worth the wait in line.
DATE: 2004-07-26
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Ribs with spicy bar-b-q sauce, mashed potatoes, green beens, corn bread, and sweet potato pie for dessert.

JOHNNY RIB!
DESCRIPTION: Well I have been eating at West Newton since day one. I think they are going to engrave my name in one of the stools at some point. Other benefits of kindness have been implemented to acknowledge my frequent business. I am a southerner, but usually stay away from pork and beef, however- watch for the smoked cheese burger special- best burger I've ever had. Even if you stay away from the red meat diet- Arlington (and Newton) often has a Mahi Mahi roll-up, or other fish specials for real short money. You will not find anything like this anywhere in Boston for $5.95!!! And if the sauces are "not hot enough" for you, with extreme caution, try a drop, just a drop, of the habenera sauce. I think you should ignore any mention of sauces not being hot. The general menu is consistent for both restaurants and so is the quality (as of 2004). West Newton has Ruben and team creating new specials daily, where Scott in Arlington is exercising his own creativity with other spice treats. You can't go wrong here, unless you are on a low cal diet- well you could get a "big green salad" I guess. There is no other restaurant like this. You can't get these ingredients, done this well, at this price, on this planet, forget about north/south. But don't come here, I'm tired of waiting for a place to sit down and eat my lunch. Johnny Rib?
DATE: 2004-08-21
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Jerk Chicken Burrito- with 'gold sauce', or (special) Porchetta spiced chicken sandwich!

Worth the Drive
DESCRIPTION: What a treat. We drove from Seacoast NH, and it was well worth the drive. The food was fantastic, the people were friendly, and the value is right on the money. I'd recommend this to anyone who loves to eat, cook or dream about slow cooked BBQ food.
DATE: 2006-02-19
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Texas brisket