Where there's smoke ... there's barbecue

For a taste of authentic Kansas City-style barbecue, you don’t have to look any further than Burke’s Bar-B-Que Barn, a new take-out restaurant on Grand Avenue in Baldwin.
With it’s county-like design — large silver milk cans, roosters and quaint benches — Burke’s is a small place that’s big on taste, with competition-quality food.
Owners and Baldwin residents Kathy and Jim Burke have turned a hobby into a venture. Not just husband and wife, the pair are teammates on the BBQ circuit.
Their food has won numerous awards, including first place for their pulled pork and BBQ sauce at the Grill King competition, as well as racking up their share of trophies and awards in various local events sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ society. The Burkes are the reigning New York State champions for chicken at the Battle of the BBQ Brethren competition held each year in Sayville.
Their menu offers starters such as smoked hot wings, sweet potato fries, BBQ sandwiches and a tasty item invented by Kathy herself called Pulled Pork Wontons. Served with Burke’s original BBQ sauce, the wontons are made hot, slightly crunchy, and filled with tender pork. This creation was a nice surprise.
One of our favorites was the BBQ chicken, cooked with a sweet honey-glaze and plump with tender chicken. The rack of ribs were flavorful and dripping with sauce — you should definitely have a pile of napkins at hand. The pulled pork was delicious, and can be ordered on a Kaiser roll with some side dishes. Speaking of sides, the baked bean dish was well seasoned and included Burke’s award-winning meats, almost making it a meal in itself. The BBQ spaghetti was a nice take on a traditionally Italian dish, and also including small cuts of meat. The garlic mashed potatoes were creamy, and with just a few “homemade” lumps to reminding you of grandma’s cooking. I loved the Mac ‘N Cheese —which is also found on the children’s menu — creamy, thick, gooey and yummy as were the
garlic smashed taters.
Don’t feel like cooking tonight? Along with starters, plates and sides, Burke’s menu boasts family combos and a “youngin’s” menu for the hungry little buckaroos in your house.
Burke’s Bar-B-Que Barn offers take out and delivery service. They also cater for all occasions, and are open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Burke’s
Bar-B-Que Barn
2092 Grand Ave.
Baldwin
(516) 442-0909
Fax: (516) 442-0910

Herald Recommendations:

1/2 Rack Ribs
BBQ Chicken
Family meal (ribs, chicken, sides)
Pulled Pork Wontons

Smoked Hot Wings
Sweet Potato Fries
Mac ‘N Cheese
Baked Beans