Arlington’s 225° BBQ is halfway to being a great barbecue restaurant, and it’s the best half.
The pork ribs and brisket rank near the top, and the Mexi-cue tacos, birria ramen, chipotle chicken nachos and brisket-stuffed habaneros are firing up downtown Arlington.
The food is fine. The new indoor 225° BBQ, 601 E. Main St., only needs a few expected conveniences.
LIke maybe … a sign.
Right now, 225° BBQ is a hidden hole-in-the-wall with no sign in a former sports bar on a dead-end street.
You have to know where to find it — a block north of East Abram Street — and look for the tiny numbers “601.”
Also, 225° BBQ might need some basic comforts.
Like, say, more napkins or paper towels. And some hot sauce. And maybe a light bulb or two in what is still a dark bar.
But that’s all really small stuff for 225° BBQ, making its debut after five years as a prize-winning barbecue food trailer and mobile stand.
In a city where state No. 1 Goldee’s is nearby and the barbecue ranges from first-rate Hurtado to eclectic Smoke’N Ash to old-school David’s or Jambo’s , the little 225° BBQ stand owned by Joyce and Rene Ramirez has built a reputation for big flavor and little hype.