Goodwood Barbecue Company

Riverdale Utah has gone through a renaissance in businesses in the last 5 years. From undeveloped fields, and abandoned oat factories – local eateries are starting to open up as the City has stimulated new business to build and grow.

While we lived in Riverdale, we would take our Daughter to and from her appointments at the local high school, choir performances and the like – we saw this place grow from the ground up. Before, we move too far – I have a confession. I love BBQ. I love great BBQ. This place is good BBQ. Let’s not convince ourselves that this place will win Memphis in May. However, it is a good place to go and get a nice bite to eat in a very comfortable environment.

I love the interior. I know – decor comments from a food guy. However, it is very rustic and cabin feel like – imagine a man cave / kitchen. The tables are nice and big to allow for the food – and the 4 tops can comfortably seat 4 adults with full service. The wood chairs are surprisingly comfortable and a nice find. As a large guy – I appreciate the mix between booths and tables. You might have the same challenge – booths are tight – other Roadhouse establishments have maybe a few tables – you will feel comfortable here.

Service here can be finicky. When they first started – the wait staff was amazingly flaky. However, as they started to learn the ropes – the wait staff started to get really good. The Management are very warm and inviting. While management staff churns just as much as the rest of the staff – they try their best to maintain a consistency to their operation. Managers will have staff dinner and discuss operations generally about 4 PM.

I see managers talking to staff in an instructional way, and as a result the wait staff tends to find things that are falling through the cracks. I mention this not as a critique – but a note that , this is how a dining establishment that focuses on improving the dining experience should work. When your staff stops talking – you stop improving. That can kill a business.

Back to my first dining experiences, the wait staff would forget to fill beverages – deliver the wrong orders. After a couple of weeks, and the months to come – the service has improved steadily.

The Food:

Did I mention I love BBQ? This is good BBQ. This isn’t going make you smack your grandmother. However, it is very good to have a nice smoked piece of meat. It’s juicy and presented well.

I have some photographs here of visit in 2011 where the family and I had lunch. However, what I choose to share with you are our highlights – so when you go there – you can ensure you have a good meal.

Appetizers:

Idaho Potato Skins
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ultimate Nachos

Salads and Soups:

Blue Ribbon Chili (actually has bbq brisket in it)
Garden Side Salad (very nice and their Blue Cheese dressing is the bomb)
Strawberry/Apple/Pecan Spinach Salad (Think Strawberry Fields Forever type Salad)
Sliced Brisket Salad (Good Sized Salad for Guys with smoked brisket!)

Sandwiches:

Carolina Pork Sandwich – This by far is a must try. They have the Eastern Carolina vinegar sauce down to a T!
Barbecue Brisket Sandwich (brisket is good here)

Barbecue Platters – get the 3 meat combination:

Brisket
Beef Ribs
St. Louis Ribs

* Note: I judge a BBQ joint on their smoked Turkey and Brisket. Brisket is very good – turkey can be inconsistent. It varies from dry to somewhat moist. Never, moist and well smoked. I believe they smoke to high of a temperature.