Simple, tasty BBQ

You've likely plowed past the guy standing on University Place passing out those BBQ flyers on your way to and from classes. Or maybe you're an upperclassman who remembers the days when the now-shuttered BBQ of University Place was the only place freshman drank. But if you haven't tried Eighth Street's BBQ restaurant, you should give it a chance.

It's understandable if you haven't yet. This is NYU after all, let alone New York — where just the thought of stepping foot inside a greasy pizza or burger joint could make any model, vegan health freak or animal activist shudder. And food lovers know that BBQ is no Dinosaur, Virgil's, Blue Smoke or Rub.

So don't come to BBQ if you're a picky food critic looking for carefully smoked, tender and tangy barbeque. But if you're simply a carnivore tired of Spice and University Café (which we all know is way overpriced), then I'd suggest giving BBQ a try. And remember: All those fancy barbecue restaurants have prices that exceed $15 a meal. BBQ offers cheap options, such as $5 meal specials. Just because the food is commonplace doesn't mean it isn't satisfying.

"The food was simple, but great, as was the service," CAS sophomore Easlin Anderson said.

Hungry students may appreciate a $6 dollop of juicy pulled pork on a bun, with an enormous bowl of mac 'n' cheese or fried potatoes on the side (all sides are included in the price). The mac 'n' cheese requires its own review. Although the bowls of cheesy noodles were enormous, according to Anderson, they "left much to be desired."

For the over-21 set, BBQ may be most famous for its cheap, strongly flavored margaritas. You'll probably find yourself here at least one night during your time at NYU.

The only thing memorable about BBQ was that it certainly wasn't trying to be authentic, nor was it trying to be hip. Everyone there seemed to enjoy being down-home casual and unpretentious, and Marvin Gaye playing in the background gave the whole place a good vibe.

3 out of 5 stars

21 W. Eighth St.