An authentic BBQ joint you should know about
By: Rashad Little
Located directly across from Old Dominion’s University Village Bookstore is an appetizing, southern barbeque spot dubbed Mojo Bones.
As advertised, Mojo Bones is certainly a “Genuine BBQ Joint.” Other than the mouthwatering smell of ribs and beef brisket upon entrance, you will hear the invariable sounds of southern music, a constant reminder of the authentic southern BBQ atmosphere. Jim Beam memorabilia is scattered wall to wall with logos on stools to an enormous mural on the right side wall. The restaurant does a great job creating the proper southern BBQ environment, while still presenting delectable food and fine accommodations.
ODU student Jackie Main was my waitress for the dine-in. After seating me, she mentioned the lunch special for the day, a pulled pork sandwich and Cajun fries. I received a nice surprise of. unexpected large portions of food. BBQ is all about the meat and Mojo Bones hits this notion right on the head.
My sandwich was packed with pork as well as taste, while the thickly cut Cajun fries had a bit of a kick confirming that they were indeed Cajun. With the meal came a side of cole slaw, Texas Pete, ketchup and their house BBQ sauce. Having tasted a variety of BBQ sauces over the years, Mojo Bones’ was not very sweet. It was a tangy, smoky sauce and had more of a watery consistency for easy pouring. Unquestionably fulfilling, the meal was also full of flavor, which is one of the primary aspects you would expect from a BBQ joint.
When asked t what is the most ordered item in the restaurant, Main pondered for a moment admitting the difficulty of the question; nevertheless responding “the ‘Big Daddy’ is really popular.” This meal includes a one-third rack of baby back ribs, two pieces of grilled chicken, one-third pound of sliced beef brisket, and one-third pound of pulled pork.
Main also mentioned nightly activities and specials that occur during the week. “Monday night is country night. We have a bunch of cute girls in cowboy boots dancing on top of the bar and we play country music all night.” Also, on Wednesdays, they feature 35 cent wing night.
Mojo Bones is a college friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy some great finger licking BBQ, southern hospitality, and if of age, a few shots of Jimmy Beam. They offer affordable college student pricing throughout the day, which is always an attractive characteristic. With that being said,my only complaint was the BBQ sauce being not at sweet as I would like, but overall, I give Mojo Bones a 4.5 out of 5.
Photo by Jake Zimmerman
