Review of 'Porky's'

Located right across from the walls of Camden Market this American BBQ joint is likely to be crawling when the market is in full swing on Sundays. It has the typical wood floors and bare walls but other than that the interior is very “cool” with vintage rock paraphernalia on the walls.

We visited on a Friday just before the evening rush so there were only a few people in the restaurant. The menu is a two-sided placement with drinks on one side and food on the other. It was nice to see that a full column was devoted to non-alcoholic drinks including “mocktails” (as opposed to simply soft-drinks) since we both are not really drinkers - I had the “Passion Punch” (£4.50) - “Passion fruit puree & juice, mango juice, vanilla and grenadine” - that was a bit tangy but quite tasty. My companion had the “Pomegranate Spritzer (£4.50) - “Pomegranate juice, soda, lime” - That was far more tart but still quite refreshing.

The menu is quite basic containing what you might expect though I did try the Catfish (£9.80), to be different, a small portion of catfish “goujons” lightly battered and seasoned - Very nice if not exactly a flavour sensation. My side was an order of “Cheesy corn hush puppies” (£4.50) no where near as pleasant - quite liquidy and very strongly flavoured (not quite sure what cheese it was but it was much stronger than I would have expected). I was hoping to have the hush puppies of my memory - A light deep-fried corn bread and slightly sweet. This was nothing like that.

My companion had the star of the menu: “Memphis meaty ribs & tips” (£9.75) that were absolutely amazing served with a small tasty side salad of sliced beets (also very nice). The three ribs were extremely thick with tender meat coated in a wonderful dry-rub. The tips were extremely tender and marinated in a wonderfully sweat, dark sauce. The portion size was very generous here (I had to help her out quite a bit). Her side was a not terribly inspired “fries” (£3.00) that were not much better than you might get at a burger chain.

We had no room left for dessert but there are only three on offer so no great loss (baked cheesecake, chocolate brownie sundae and apple cobbler - No sign, unfortunately, of pecan or key lime pie…).

Stick to the key bits on the menu and you will be fine - Skip the fries.

Rating: “A bit better than average”

Review Date: 2014-04-05


Cuisine: American/British

Address: 18 Chalk Farm Road, Camden NW1 8AG

Public Transport: TUBE Camden Town

Location: London (England) - Camden Town

Map:

 

Show in Google Maps  Get Directions

Telephone: +44 (0) 207 428 0998

URL: http://www.porkys.co.uk/