Andre’s Blue Ribbon Barbeque
6047 State Hwy 7
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 222-1816

One of our customers told us about this joint on Route 7 in Oneonta. It’s just a few miles past the Oneonta institution of Brooks’ House of Bar-B-Q. Brooks’ ribs & chicken are pretty much what you’ll find at every town fair, church benefit or fundraiser in the greater Delaware County area. To be honest, they do have some fairly nice chicken. I’ve always felt their other food was more grilled than smoked, but that’s just my opinion. Regardless of what you may think about their food – however – one thing is undeniable: Brooks’ has quite a lock on Oneonta.

Or did until Andre’s Blue Ribbon Barbeque. I give Patrick big props for opening in the shadow of Brooks’. He’s a far braver cook than I. He’s got a “joint in a house” style place with a few tables. Look off the end of the porch & you’ll be able to check out his Old Hickory smoker. A hand written menu lists pulled pork, chicken & ribs plus a variety of sides. The night i went, he was also offering brisket. I went for the brisket with beans & buffalo chicken salad. Cherie had a sampler plate with chicken, ribs & a bit of pulled pork plus beans & macaroni salad. Two sauces are on the table: a standard ketchup based sauce & a spicy vinegar sauce.

Solid down home style cooking with chicken FAR superior to Brooks’. Nice crispy skin with juicy smoky meat. Good texture & pull to the pork though I would have liked a bit more smokiness. The ribs are dry rubbed (always a good thing) & have the right amount of tough to tender ratio. Not falling off the bone (ribs should NEVER fall off the bone) but not tough. I was somewhat disappointed in the brisket. I was good beef but not nearly smokey nor tender enough for my tastes. A tad too roast beefy for me. Then again – I am a bit obsessed with brisket.

While we often get up to Oneonta for BBQ supply shopping (thanks BJ’s Club & Lowes), we do not often get this far out Route 7 & usually not as late as Andre’s opens. I believe their hours are 4pm – 9pm & I cannot remember what days they might be closed. Guess I’ll need to make a return visit soon.