All I can say is "BBQ ain't French food." I don't quite get the TV issue, especially when the Sox are in the play-offs (at least for a few more hours). I was looking on the menu on-line. Geeze those prices look much more reasonable than we've been lead to believe were logistically possible in DTL!! Imagine that!

I was so glad to hear the cornbread didn't require butter, that means it must be fantastic!

If the worst thing about VS is too many TVs, then this place is going to be amazing. Would be nice if they have a good juke box or at least music. I was also a little concerned about the lighting that I have seen walking by at night. It appears too bright. Fine for the restaurant but bars should not be bright!

GG, I could not agree more about Lowell Beer Works. The lighting is awful inside. Who wants to sit at a bar or side table with 120 Watt bulb burning overhead. You need sunglasses in there. Have they not heard of ambiance? Solution is simple - use a dimmer! No wall decor either, it looks unfinished. Other gripes about LBW:

- Music provided by stupid music channel TV station
- Hesitation to change TV stations. We asked them to put on a live sporting event instead of a repeat of a pre-season Pats game that was playing on one of their many screens. They're was some kind of fuss about it, but it did eventually happen. It made me uncomfortable to think this place was so by the book that changing TV channel has to go through a process.

I hope the LBW and VS owner reads this blog, I want nothing more than those places to be great successes.

Something for your keychain to help you dine in peace:

http://www.tvbgone.com

Went to the SMOKEHOUSE last night. All I can say is that it was absolutely outstanding. Blown away by the interior and the changes that they made. If you closed your eyes and opened them you'd think you were in Boston. Very spacious, classy, roomy, HUGE bar, tastefully decorated etc. Any kinks in terms of food and somewhat slow drink service will definitely be worked out. They arent even having the official "grand opening" for 2 weeks and are trying to keep it to locals and people who know about it now to get the kinks out. I had a combo platter w/ melt in your mouth tenderloin tips, great babyback ribs, a huge portion of beans, and a very large serving of mashed potatoes (served in a separate boat dish). All in all I could see this place really being the spot to be. I wasnt aware it will be open til about 1am as well....and the bar is a great bar to sit at and enjoy. Just fantastic. For those of us who live DTL and remember Smithwicks and Evos...its a real nice surprise to see what we have there now.

I don't know, Peter. The food can't possibly be any good. They must have sacrificed quality to keep those prices so reasonable. Either that, or they're not importing their chefs from Paris and paying them and equal wage. Sorry. Couldn't resist.

On a more serious note, tried the place out Friday. The Texas size ribs portion was humungous and tasty. A little tough, as beef ribs can be from time to time, but overall very much worth it. Will have to try the pork ribs next time out. The streak tips were very good. A pound of tenderloin for under $14. Two of us split the above. Beans on the side were good. Mashed potatoes a little bland.

Overall, an enjoyable experience. Good food. Good price. Will include it in the dining rotation. Realizing tastes differ from person to person, it is good to see downtown adding this type of place instead of the recent trend of fancy-shmancy spots.

I tried out VSH last night with my wife and am happy to report that it was an enjoyable experience. The interior of the restaurant, especially the bar area, was VERY impressive and gives us an insight as to the long renovation time. The appetizer selection was varied and interesting and we were very happy with our order of boneless Buffalo wings. My wife ordered a pulled pork sandwich, but I will only speak for my combo order of baby back ribs and brisket. I was happy to eat my half rack of ribs in about 3 seconds. I was not as happy with the brisket, but the beans and cucumber salad more than made up for it. This restaurant will certainly be a featured destination for us and I hope it thrives in its prime downtown location.

The ribs (pork) were INCREDIBLE. We had a really great experience and the staff was very friendly. The place looks great as well.

My husband and I went to VSH the other night. We sat at the bar and ordered dinner and beers. Our service was great. We enjoyed the complimentary cornbread (it came w/butter but we did not use it) and ordered buffalo tenders for an app. The tenders had a good heat and they were lightly battered, just how we like them. For dinner, I had the pulled pork sandwich. They offer several sides, but I went with a baked sweet potato (boring, I know) just because I love them and I hadn't had one in awhile. The sandwich was overflowing with pork so much so that I ended up eating it with a fork and not eating the bun, which is fine by me. I'm not a huge fan of beans but I had a few bites of the side of beans and the flavor was fantastic! In terms of BBQ, I think I've been spoiled by Redbones and Blue Ribbon, but, overall, we enjoyed our experience. The atmosphere was great and they have good beers on tap. We would definitely return here to sit at the bar for a game and enjoy some drinks and apps. I'm interested to know how the burgers are too.

I tried the place this weekend. I didn't have the opportunity to go insinde, i was able to send one of my minions to pick up some takeout. I have to say the Ribs were absolutely fantastic. The size of the meal i got for twenty dollars was enough to feed me and my overweight wife. What a baragain. I have never even seen ribs this size before in my life. The baked beans were to die for and the mashed potatoes were almost perfect.( i had to add a little butter) Even my wife who is miserable and doesn't like anything said to me, " Hey Gobbs, these ribs are delicious". I responded, "Yeah sweetheart i know". Next time i'm gonna take the wife down there so we can check out the bar. This proves that you don't need to hire and overpay chefs from boston and charge ridiculous prices to have a succesful restaurant here in Lowell. I'm telling you, this place is blowing Cobblestones, and Centro, and Paradiso, and Fortunados outta the water. Two thumbs up for the Ribs!!! Atta baby guys!!!

Why would any of you disparage ANY of the restaurants in DTL. Don't we want to encourage more business for all of the establishments in our little city?
I enjoy all the restaurants that "Gobb" mentioned for different reasons. To call any of them "garbage" is just ridiculous. I look forward to trying the VSH and will continue to patronize all of the others as well for the different qualities they each possess.
You are turning this blog into just another trash talking forum that can be found on Topix.com.
Shame and you and GG for allowing it to happen.

This is a forum in which we are allowed to state our opinions. Are you saying that no "DTL" restaurant should receive a bad review so nobody's feelings get hurt? If i said that Mcdonalds served food that was "garbage" would you get all bent out of shape SAngria? If people have to keep their opinions to themselves according to you, then why do we even have these forums, and backtalks, and editorials? Grow up and stop crying.

Hmmm, I don't remember saying anything about anyone keeping their options to themselves. I read this blog to find out what other's options are. For the most part it is done in good taste.

Just went, Outstanding. I will be back many many times. Like Gobbs said, I have never seen (beef) ribs this big in my life. Sauce was awesome, cornbread was awesome, my 3 item meal was great. I refuse to be extra picky just to have something negative to say. A+++, 5 stars, 3 thumbs up etc. etc.

WELCOME TO TOWN!!!!!!

I wrote a lengthy comment a couple of weeks ago that was not posted. I truly hope that this one is posted! There is a huge difference between specific reviews of a restaurant and what is coming across as nasty, nonspecific negative comments about a restaurant and or chef/owner.
I believe such comments should not be posted.

This blog is supposed to be informative and fun. That does not mean that specific and valid criticisms should not be posted.

Gobbmeister: You make me happy that I am not married!

We went to the smokehouse on Saturday 10/18 but our experiance was a little different from yours. Our waitress seemed to be new to waitressing so that part of the experiance was just ok not as good as it should have been. we sat in the bar at a pub top table which was nice, no waiting to be seated. I found the drinks to be overpriced $9.00 for a margarita the size of what they served was a bit steep. We both got the pork ribs & steak tips, the ribs were good the steak tips better. I would go back but having gone to Redbones a few weeks ago, I found the ribs to be better there. We liked the bar area even with all of the TV's would go back to watch a game & get some apps.

First of all, what they did to the place is amazing. I think the ribs were generous and good though a little tough. I'd like to try the catfish or burger next time. The Country music was a little too slow/boring for a friday night. Will go back and think a great addition to DTL.

Darla,

I've hed Redbones several times due to having some obnoxious friends studying at Harvard. IMHO it can not touch this place. There are a couple places in the area I used to love as much as this place, but since both require a Drive to Waltham or Arlington, Village Smokehouse is BY FAR my new favorite. (One of these places only has a couple tables).

BTW Redbones is my least favorite place. Ribs are nowhere near as good as many other places around AND I don't enjoy being jammed into a small table that itself was shoehorned into the dining area.

Peter, I agree with you Red Bones was OK, but definetely nothing special. You can get a better meal at the outback, or the 99s than at red bones. I also tried a couple of different places this past weekend. The first one was Feng Shui in chelmsford. Absolutely amazing. The sushi, sahimi, and "regular" chinese food was amazing. They really do have something for everyone there. And the place is beautiful.
The other place i tried was also in chelmsford. At the old ground round actually, it's called Moonstnes.

Gobbmeister,

What's the deal? You seem to have quite this issue with Mr. Plath and his establishments? I'm guessing you're a disgruntled ex-employee.

Glad to hear your enthusiastic reviews of Feng Shui and Village Smokehouse, but I think I am going to take your comments about Moonstones with a hefty grain of salt!

I agree that the ribs were pretty good, but we were curious whether or not they even smoke the food on the premises because the brisket didn't have any visible smoke rings...it kind of resembled deli meat. And where was all the hot sauce? Peter, I am in SHOCK that you would say that Redbones is your least favorite place. But everyone is entitled to their opinion. When I read your posts in the future, I'll just have to keep in mind that you and I have differing opinions when it comes to food. =) In my opinion, Redbones and Blue Ribbon are EXTREMELY tough to beat when it comes to BBQ and I'm speaking strictly about the food, not the fact that a place has only a few tables (Blue Ribbon)...if you are truly craving the best BBQ (or the best of any type of food) then atmosphere shouldn't really matter. If you're looking for a night out with decent food and atmosphere DOES matter to you then, yes, I would recommend this place. As I said, I would DEFINITELY return to VSH to enjoy a night out in a great atmosphere, but I wouldn't necessarily be going for the BBQ. I'd get some apps., a burger or a salad. I'm with Darla on this one.

Brian said:

"First of all, what they did to the place is amazing. I think the ribs were generous and good though a little tough. I'd like to try the catfish or burger next time. The Country music was a little too slow/boring for a friday night. Will go back and think a great addition to DTL. "

This is exactly what I would've said, down to "I should see how they do for burgers" - if only they were open for lunch! The ribs were a little on the tough side but that's ok, and as silly as it sounds, I thought the beans were amazing.

I would like to see a few different sauces or dry rub options, but I'm not going to complain because they've used this formula in Brookline for decades so they must know what they are doing.

But please, can the country music I can't stand it!

Yeah Blue Ribbon is definately up there, as is Bison County. Do youself a favor though. HAve Redbones within a week or so af any of the other three and you'll see what I mean.
If you read up on how smoking works you'll see that the rings are not necessaruly going to be visible.

If you find it still worth driving to Sommerville for redbones when we have this here now, more power to you!

Mgg, i'm not an ex employee of Mr. Plaths. I would never work in the restaurant business. I was a huge fan of Cobblestones when it first opened, they used to serve a delicious seafood stew there. And i actually admit they did have some interesting martinis at the bar.

I went to the grand opening and it was awesome. Yes there was a little wait to get the food. But at real good resturants you have to wait a little. if you want it faster go to McDonalds or Burger King. The portions were very suprising and the tastes were great. This is going to stay for a long time. mainly because people are getting tired of Mexican and asian resturants all over the city. It is about time to have some good old American Classics for a change.

VSH - WELCOME ADDITION TO LOWELL RESTAURANT SCENE!

As someone who moved to the chelsmford/billerica/lowell/tewksbury area a few years ago from the city, the absence of many good restaurants has been the toughst adjustment to make. (this board and chowhound have been a great resources for sourcing out local restaurants!). Having been a fan or VSH in Brookline village for years we were thrilled to see them come to Lowell. Being barbecue fans, we've eaten there 3 times over as many weeks it's a hit. The decor is great, exposed brick, and it has a great bar area perfect for noshing on appetizers, watching a game and having a drink from a great drink menu. it's not just a beer and bbq place, they have great margaritasand martini drink menu also (have tried both!) Ribs are great, fred flintstone size beef ribs and my favorite yummy pork ribs. I've also had the cheeseburger and BBQ chicken and they were both perfectly prepared. They all come with great baked beans and I think an additional side dish you can pick. Besides the ribs, they've got chicken i mentioned and fish, and a great build your own salad menu.
Service was attentive and prompt with an eagerness to please the customers. This is our new favorite neighborhood place and definitely worth checking out!.

We went twice and will be back again soon! The beef ribs are outstanding. The BBQ sauce is really really good. It's nice and tangy without a strong vinegary flavor. The sweet potato side is delicious, moist and buttery soft. I'd put this stuff up against anything else in the area and I've had them all. Next time I'll order the ribs with the sauce on the side if I'm in mixed company, but slather them up extra messy if it's just me and the boys!

THANK YOU FOR COMING TO LOWELL!!!!!!!!

The space itself is impressive and well done. I must say I was disappointed with the baby back ribs. They just seemed to be hanging around a while, as if in a warming tray or under a heat lamp. Don't get me wrong, they were good but didn't come close to Redbone's. Will give it another shot in the coming weeks to see if this was just a fluke.