Imagine a place where the aroma of slow-cooked meats wafts through the air, drawing you in like a cartoon character floating towards a freshly baked pie.
That’s Big Bore Barbecue in Hanover, Minnesota.
Nestled in the heart of Wright County, Big Bore Barbecue is the kind of place that makes you wonder if you’ve stumbled into a carnivore’s paradise.
This unassuming joint, with its corrugated metal exterior and neon beer signs, might not look like much from the outside, but don’t let appearances fool you.
It’s like that friend who always shows up to potlucks with the dish everyone fights over – unpretentious, reliable, and packing a flavor punch that’ll knock your socks off.
As you approach Big Bore Barbecue, you’ll notice the rustic charm of wooden picnic tables scattered outside.
It’s as if the place is saying, “Come on in, pull up a seat, and prepare to get messy.”
And let me tell you, getting messy is half the fun here.
The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by an interior that’s equal parts cozy and cool.
Edison bulbs dangle from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the space and making everything look like it’s ready for its Instagram close-up.
But let’s be real – you’re not here for the lighting fixtures.
You’re here for the meat, and boy, does Big Bore deliver.
The menu at Big Bore Barbecue is a carnivore’s dream come true.
It’s like they took all the best parts of a backyard barbecue and cranked them up to eleven.
Their prime ribs are the stuff of legend – so tender, you could probably cut them with a stern look.
But don’t worry, they provide actual utensils.
They’re not barbarians, after all.
Now, let’s talk about their sandwiches.
The “Big Bore” is a behemoth that lives up to its name.
It’s piled high with your choice of meat, and it’s so big you might need to unhinge your jaw like a snake to take a bite.
But trust me, it’s worth the effort.
If you’re feeling adventurous, give the “Buffalo Chicken Wrap” a try.
It’s like Buffalo wings and a burrito had a delicious love child.
The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, cool ranch, and tender chicken is enough to make your taste buds do a happy dance.
For those who like to play with their food (and really, who doesn’t?), the “Build Your Own Tri-Tip Steak Quesadilla” is a game-changer.
It’s like edible Lego, but instead of plastic bricks, you’re working with juicy steak, melty cheese, and a variety of toppings.
The result?
A quesadilla that’s uniquely you.
It’s self-expression through cheese and meat – truly, the best kind of art.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“But what about the sides?”
Fear not, dear reader, for Big Bore Barbecue has not forgotten about the supporting cast in this meaty production.
Their “Mac & Cheese” is so creamy and indulgent, it should come with a warning label.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to hug the chef and ask them to adopt you.
The “Big Bore Brussels Sprouts” are a revelation.
They’re flash-fried and tossed in their house bourbon sauce, proving once and for all that vegetables can be just as exciting as meat.
It’s like they took the vegetable everyone loves to hate and turned it into the cool kid at school.
And let’s not forget about the “Sweet Potato Fries.”
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and sprinkled with a hint of cinnamon sugar, they’re like the dessert of side dishes.
You can even add marshmallow dip for an extra dollar, turning your side into a full-blown sweet potato casserole experience.
It’s like Thanksgiving decided to crash your barbecue party, and honestly, who’s complaining?
Speaking of desserts, Big Bore Barbecue doesn’t skimp in this department either.
Their “Cookie-Dough Stuffed Chocolate Bundt” is a chocolate lover’s dream come true.
It’s like they took all the best parts of baking cookies – the dough and the finished product – and combined them into one glorious creation.
It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to skip the main course altogether, but don’t do that.
You’d miss out on all the meaty goodness.
The “Chocolate Chip Banana Bread” is another standout.
Served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, it’s like a hug for your taste buds.
It’s the perfect way to end your meal, or to start it if you’re one of those rebellious types who eats dessert first.
Now, let’s talk about the atmosphere.
Big Bore Barbecue has managed to strike that perfect balance between casual and cool.
The walls are adorned with an eclectic mix of neon signs and local memorabilia, giving the place a lived-in feel that’s instantly welcoming.
It’s like walking into your coolest friend’s garage, if that garage happened to serve amazing barbecue.
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The staff at Big Bore are as warm as the smokers they tend to.
They’re quick with a recommendation or a joke, making you feel less like a customer and more like a guest at a really awesome cookout.
It’s the kind of place where you might come in as a stranger, but you’ll leave feeling like part of the Big Bore family.
And let’s not forget about the smokers themselves.
These behemoths are the unsung heroes of Big Bore Barbecue, working tirelessly day and night to bring you meat so tender it practically falls off the bone.
It’s like they’ve discovered the secret to time travel, transporting you back to the best barbecue you’ve ever had with every bite.
One of the things that sets Big Bore apart is their commitment to quality.
They’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here – they’re just making sure that wheel is the best darn barbecue wheel you’ve ever tasted.
Their meats are smoked low and slow, allowing the flavors to develop and deepen over time.
It’s a process that requires patience, skill, and a whole lot of love – three things that Big Bore has in spades.
The result is barbecue that doesn’t need fancy sauces or gimmicks to shine.
It’s honest, straightforward food that lets the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the pit masters speak for themselves.
And boy, do they have a lot to say.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“This all sounds great, but what if I’m not a meat eater?”
Well, first of all, I admire your bravery for stepping into a barbecue joint.
But secondly, don’t worry – Big Bore has got you covered.
Their “Potato Salad” is a creamy, tangy delight that could easily be a meal in itself.
And the “Side Salad,” while simple, is fresh and crisp, providing a nice counterpoint to all the richness around it.
It’s like they knew that even in a temple of meat, sometimes you need a little green to balance things out.
One of the things I love about Big Bore Barbecue is how it brings people together.
On any given night, you’ll see families, couples on dates, groups of friends, and solo diners all enjoying their meals side by side.
It’s a testament to the universal appeal of good barbecue – it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, everyone can appreciate a perfectly smoked piece of meat.
It’s like a United Nations of food lovers, brought together by the common language of deliciousness.
And let’s talk about the portion sizes for a moment.
Big Bore doesn’t mess around when it comes to feeding you.
Their plates are piled high with generous servings that’ll make you wonder if they misheard you and thought you said you were feeding a small army.
It’s the kind of place where you might want to wear your stretchy pants – you know, the ones with the forgiving waistband that understand your life choices.
But even if you do end up in a food coma (and let’s be honest, it’s a distinct possibility), you won’t regret a single bite.
Because that’s the magic of Big Bore Barbecue – it’s not just a meal, it’s an experience.
It’s the kind of place that becomes more than just a restaurant.
It becomes a destination, a place where memories are made over shared plates of ribs and pulled pork.
It’s where first dates turn into long-term relationships, where family traditions are born, and where friends gather to celebrate life’s big moments – or just the fact that it’s Tuesday and they’re craving some good barbecue.
In a world of fast food and trendy restaurants that come and go, Big Bore Barbecue stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, well-prepared food.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the most straightforward – a perfectly smoked piece of meat, good company, and a relaxed atmosphere where you can kick back and enjoy both.
So the next time you find yourself in Hanover, Minnesota, do yourself a favor and stop by Big Bore Barbecue.
Come hungry, bring friends (or make new ones there), and prepare for a meal that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your first.
Because once you’ve experienced Big Bore, ordinary barbecue just won’t cut it anymore.
You’ll be ruined for life, in the best possible way.
For more information about Big Bore Barbecue, including their full menu and hours of operation, visit their website or Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your own barbecue adventure, use this map to find your way to flavor town.
Where: 10940 4th St NE, Hanover, MN 55341
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
And who knows?
You might just find your new favorite spot in Minnesota.
Happy eating!