Wildwood BBQ has your standard barbeque joint fare…skillet cornbread, wings, sandwiches, burgers, chicken, ribs, brisket, pulled pork, potato salad, cole slaw, french fries, mac & cheese, grits, collard greens and BEER. We’ve stopped in for drinks a couple of times and been completely underwhelmed. The service at the bar could be better. That’s why we were pleasantly surprised when we made a reservation with family & friend from out of town to find that it was OK!

Wildwood Bar

The decor is pretty dramatic, as this space was formerly the the ‘Park Avalon’ and later ‘Barca 18’, which were much more upscale places we sorely miss (Park Avalon had a great margarita and opened the front windows in the summer). The ceilings are high and the space is absolutely huge. Wildwood is part of the rather huge BRGuest Empire consisting of the Atlantic Grill, Bill’s Bar & Burger, Blue Fin, Blue Water Grill, multiple Dos Caminos, Fiamma, Primehouse and Ruby Foo’s, so they’ve got some cash behind them.

Wildwood Dining Area

I went with the Texas Smoked Brisket. They asked if I wanted lean or standard and offered a combo if I so desired. I did. By the way, don’t go with the lean. If you’re doing it, go for the fat. Steve had the Three Little Pigs ‘Pit Plate’ combo of spare ribs, pulled pork and double cut bacon, which was entirely too much food. It was a doggy bag and a coronary.

Our guests split a burger.  Hmmm.   It looked OK, but nothing to write home about. I’m thinking the ribs, chicken or any of the huge platters are solid enough. Granted, Hill Country is phenomenal and it’s better, however this works if you prefer table service to standing in meat and sides lines. And we’ve yet to venture up to Harlem for Dinosaur BBQ, but we tasted it at Beer, Bourbon and BBQ last year. It was out of this world. But, I hear Jimmy’s is another similar option in the same Union Square vicinity. There are lots of choices for BBQ. This is not #1, but it will do.  Particularly if you have guests from out of town who aren’t interested in wining and dining or spending too much $$.

Below is actually a small part of their extensive menu.

BBQ’S BEST SMOTHERED SANDWICHES:
All Served with Vinegar Chips, Coleslaw, B&B Pickles
Pulled Pork, Chicken or Brisket 11.00
Dirty Bird 11.95
Pulled Chicken, Pepper Jack, Bacon, Onion Rings
Barbeque melt 11.95
Tender Sliced Pork, Melted Pepper Jack, Crispy Fried Onions, Garlic Mayo

WILDWOOD ALL-NATURAL PIT BARBEQUE:
Texas Smoked Brisket 15.95
Hand Carved & Served with Wildwood Pickled Jalapeños, Corn Bread & Choice of One Side
Carolina Pulled Pork 14.95
Vinegar Mopping Sauce, Potato Bread, Choice of One Side
All Natural Applewood Smoked Chicken 15.50
Apricot Barbeque Glaze, Pickled Jalapeños, Choice of One Side
Kansas City Baby Back Ribs Full Rack 25.95 / half rack 15.50
Wet & Slathered with Spicy Chipotle Barbeque Sauce
Memphis Style Baby Back Ribs Full Rack 25.95 / half rack 15.50
Dry Rubbed with Wildwood Spice Blend
Full Cut BBQ pork Spare ribs Full Rack 25.95 / half Rack 15.50
Dry Rubbed with Wildwood’s Spice Blend
Sticky Ribs Full Rack 25.95 / half Rack 15.50
Our Full Cut Spare Ribs served wet with our Sweet & Tangy Barbeque Sauce
BEEF BACK Ribs half Rack 22.95
Smoked with our Texas Rub & Glazed with our Traditional Barbeque Sauce
Fallin’ Off the Bone Beef Short Rib 24.50
Prince Cut — 1 Giant Rib

http://www.wildwoodbbq.com/
225 Park Avenue South at 18th St. – Union Square