Aunt Bibby’s – 12A Princes Avenue
Across the UK, it seems as though American-style smoke-houses have seriously taken off. Nearly every pub in the surrounding area offers something smothered in BBQ sauce, or pulled pork.
Now, don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining. I mean, quite frankly I’m a big fan of pulled pork (when it’s done right), still these places can get quite monotonous.
However, ‘Aunt Bibby’s Smoke House & Saloon’ is not just your average pub that serves a standard burger, with a healthy helping of pulled pork suffocating a badly treat meat patty.
No, this aptly named ‘Saloon’ is about as authentic as they come in Hull, with swinging saloon doors, an array of American cocktails and beers and the décor to go with it.
On arrival at first, I must say their windows covered in Brooklyn beer signs aren’t the most attractive of sights, and they really do stand out for all the wrong reasons, yet the atmosphere is nothing but friendly.
Their (majority bearded) staff welcome you in; with the sound of Guns ‘N’ Roses bellowing out from the speakers and yeah, it looks pretty cool.
Their menu, as expected, is as extensive as you can get in an American style saloon, and personally I have been stuck for choice many a time.
Now, as a former student, I know that a cheap eat every now and again really does help. So, if like me you can avoid spending an arm and a leg but still enjoy a good meal, you’re going to do exactly that.
Bibby’s really does cater for all, with a wide selection of ‘Teasers’ and ‘Light bites’ you could quite happily order their ‘Burnt Ends’ or some ‘Buffalo Wings’ and sit with a beer.
Though, if like me you want something a little bit more substantial then (I would) go for a burger.
But wait there – these aren’t just any old burgers. These are not for the faint hearted. Forget your ‘Handmade Burger Co.’ or a ‘Big Mac’, these are jam-packed full of meat, sauce and all sorts of American deliciousness.
Nevertheless, here comes the bad part. The first few bites are quite clearly amazing, the meat is soft, the condiments compliment each bite and it all works well. But – and this is a pretty big but – they are almost too much.
If you’re going out for a meal and a few drinks, it is quite impossible to fit anything else (food or drink) inside your bulging stomach after tackling half a Bibby’s burger, considering these also come with a portion of chips and a side of coleslaw.
Having been more than once and after making this mistake the first time, I decided to opt for their ‘Chicken Burger’ instead of the ‘Fat Pig’. This would usually mean a nice piece of chicken neatly perched in a delicate sesame bun.
Not at Aunt Bibby’s, the piece of chicken (or maybe ostrich) was enormous. Again, the food tasted fantastic, nothing could deny that, but it really does kick the ‘manliness’ right out of you if you can’t quite clean your plate in front of your other half.
Still, if this is the only negative to take away from a dining experience at Aunt Bibby’s then so be it. After all the food tastes delicious and the place looks great.
WHAT TO EAT
If you’re a man’s man, then by all means try tackle one of their burgers, they really do taste great. However if you want something a little smaller, their selection of meals ‘From the Pit’ offer the same amazing meatiness, just without the added bits.
Their ‘Half & Half’ of baby-back ribs and pulled pork is a real winner should you find yourself stuck between which meat to go for – and at £12 this is almost a no-brainer.
Or… Maybe you fancy one of their amazing hot dogs. These come in all shapes and sizes (although they are again all pretty hefty).
However, two go-to sides for me are their ‘Trailer Trash Fries’ and their ‘Mini Mac & Cheese’. These two are unbelievably good. On the one hand, you have fries and sweet potato fries, topped with caramelised onion and cheese – no explanation needed. And then, you have their mac and cheese; this is creamy as you like, without overdoing it. It really is good.
http://www.auntbibbys.com/#Our_Menu
WHAT TO DRINK
Aside from their endless list of American beers and bottles, the cocktails at Aunt Bibby’s tick more than one box. Not only do they taste great, but they are pretty strong too.
Having tried a handful of these poisons, I would recommend the ‘Old Fashioned’ for you Bourbon lovers. This is just £5.50 and is worth every penny.
Elsewhere on their cocktail menu, you could go for the Bramble. This refreshing little potion cuts through their rich food perfectly and is fragrant with lashings of Gin.
http://www.auntbibbys.com/#Drinks_Menu
WHAT’S NOT SO GOOD
Personally, I wouldn’t go for a burger if you are hoping to move on from Aunt Bibby’s for a sociable ‘few’. Obviously you are not obliged to clear your plate, but I tend to feel the need to do as best I can when I’ve paid for a nice meal.
Like I stated earlier, these taste great, but with a side of chips and coleslaw added on the side, you will do well to walk out the door with room left for a pint or three.
P.S – Just ignore the painted windows as you’re walking in.
Images by @sawcawley
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