Black Market StP — Restaurant in Saint Paul

Beef rib been calling my name. Problem is, Twin Cities isn’t exactly BBQ country. Second problem is, Twin Cities is NOT BBQ beef rib country. After an extensive search I found this to be one of the only local places to serve beef rib. BM StP also had good enough reviews to give it a go as I’m very picky about my BBQ beef rib.

The ordering process makes you wonder whether it’s worth the trouble and makes you certain it’s worth the trouble simultaneously. Why else would people place an order days in advance, then stand in the cold winter, in St. Paul just to get BBQ? The pickup process should be streamlined so folks don’t have to stand outside in the winter, maybe let us drive through or call from the curb... It’s awful cold out there for a guy not from here. Make it a tip only option so the people running the ribs make more $$.

The meat.... The BBQ beef rib... Well, those are some damn fine BBQ beef rib. Not the best I ever had as that spot is taken by a Las Vegas joint, but a close second / third for sure. I’d prefer a little less salt in my rub, but the bark is still edible nonetheless. I wouldn’t recommend eating in your car unless you have a box of wet naps and a roll of paper towels. Once you crack into the beef rib, you realize how much of a task you have to eat all that meat. I have leftovers.

The beans.... The BBQ pork n beans... Very, very good pork n beans. I used Fritos Scoops to eat mine. The only thing missing is a layer of cheddar and maybe a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of that Amana Carolina Reaper salsa I had in my fridge.

Okay, so why dock one star? The standing in the freezing cold to pickup, no sauce given, no paper towels given and only having the choice of one side... Yeah, they’re smoking some damn fine meat, but I want a meal, not just...

Where to start…

I was informed about this business earlier today from an acquaintance. Was told it’s mostly pre orders, but they do allocate for walk ups. I arrived around 6:30 to a pretty packed parking lot with a band playing and many people chowing down on delicious looking bbq. I was greeted warmly and when I inquired about anything being left I was lucky enough to be told there was a couple of items left.

Needless to say I jumped on the fortuitous opportunity. Pork shoulder and Mac and cheese. I was informed they offer complimentary water and coke (glass bottles, which was awesome) and I was given a portion of candied bacon to try as it was my first visit with them.

The bacon I ate on the stroll back to my car, it was absolutely killer. I was told the only way I’d be sad after trying it is after I took my last bite, this was indeed true. The Mac was very good and had a nice smokiness to it, but let’s be honest the meats are the star and rightly so. I’m historically pretty indifferent to pulled pork, but I thoroughly enjoyed Black Markets version. Their rub is addicting, and the pork carried the perfect level of smoke and didn’t require sauce. I’m definitely excited to try the brisket and beef ribs as I’m personally a fan of fattier cuts, but I’ll definitely be trying all of their offerings eventually.

It’s apparent that there is love behind this food, and a real care for the customers and culture created around it. Not to mention the generosity and kindness of the owner. After my first experience I can confidently say I plan to become a regular. Businesses like this are what makes the food scene in the...

This was such a phenomenal experience! I went solo so i opted for the bbq beans, they were far more then i expected. The meat that was so well incorporated that i felt like it had been as if i was eating burnt ends, and yet in the same bite i could taste full flavor of the sweet slow cooked beans. They even had complimentary coke and water on ice. It was such a perfect evening to sit and eat while being front row for a live concert! This incredible pair of musicians (Trevor and Mary i believe) who truly put on such an intimate and inspiring performance. Just an fyi*Plato and Ohio will be black market's new location starting next Saturday. This was such a great time, I'm so grateful for the great food, great company, great music, and most of all to be able to share my thoughts and appreciation for it all. The whole process was easy, from online ordering, and being able to PAYLATER, the major delay was my getting here but I'm so glad I did and I recommend this experience for everyone. It felt like home, so peaceful chill and just enough excitement to keep me fully engaged...