Where? Poland Street, Soho

Bodeans serves great American-style food and is, in my opinion, the best smokehouse in London for that authentic and unmistakable barbeque flavour.

The opinion at Bodean’s is that ‘fingers were invented before knives and forks’ so the idea is just to get stuck in. Sticky ribs, fat burgers, pulled pork and chicken wings tempt you to ditch the cutlery.

House specialities from the wood-burning smoke-pit oven include baby back, spare or beef ribs or barbeque chicken and combo feasts such as a quarter of chicken served with a portion of baby back ribs and their special pulled pork. Other alternatives on the menu include shrimp jambalaya, or  melt-in-the-mouth fillet steaks with chipotle butter and jumbo gamba shrimps.

There are two sections to this restaurant. The upstairs is more of a ‘fast food’ eating area, with a table service area downstairs-”deli-up, diner-down” is what they call it. Upstairs is modelled on an American diner with a more snack based diner menu. Then downstairs is a complete change to street level. You enter down a back stair case and arrive in a dimly lit basement space with tables and booths.

Upstairs Bodeans

I stayed upstairs after hearing that the downstairs  menu is more expensive-Why? I don’t know.  long high tables, high stools (not as uncomfortable as you would think) and two large 42” Plasma Screens featuring live, and pre-taped sporting events straight from the US of A (North American Sports) and Prem League Football. Upstairs the service was quick and efficient. I simply had to grab a seat, order at the counter and await my food, and it wasn’t a long wait either. The menu offers a variety of old- fashioned American favourites priced under £10-£15. Not too bad for quality food.

As a first-timer, I opted for a half slab of BBQ baby-back ribs served with fries and coleslaw (£9.95) and chowed down American-style (with fingers!). The rich bbq sauce is what makes the ribs mouthwatering and a pleasure to eat. I remember thinking that they were one of the best that I’ve ever had! What a complement. I also had a satisfying side of onion rings (£3.95).

Just two minutes’ stroll from London’s retail jungle Oxford Street, Bodeans is great if you’re looking for a quick meal of good, old-fashioned American food especially BBQ or a nice sit-down evening meal.

Bodeans sign