Porky Pete's Barbecue & Fixins

Located in Essex.

There two wonderful things about barbecue: 1) When it's done right, it's downright delicious; and 2) With a little practice, anyone can do it right.

Porky Pete's does it right.

Humbly located in the building which also houses the Essex Mart Citgo gas station, Porky Pete's exists solely to to serve up good pulled pork barbecue sandwiches and St Louis style ribs, with a few "Southern Sides."

Since there are no seats, it is, by default, no-frills take-out only.

Inside, there is simply a counter, to which it taped the non-extensive menu.
On the walls behind the counter are various album covers of 60's rockers, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, like that.

We ordered pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw and potato salad.
Other sides, cornbread and baked beans among them, are offered.

The potato salad is basic, a little dry, with a few red peppers.
The coleslaw is of the finely chopped variety, no vinegar, and nicely oniony.

The pulled pork is very smoky, and, unusual for barbecue pork, a bit hot. Which is fine, as it's very tasty.

So, if you find yourself on Route 153, between Interstate 95 and Highway 9, give Porky Pete's a try. It's worth it.