Eating Out: Blues Barbecue | Billings, MT

My husband and I recently got back from a week-long Wyoming adventure. While we were in WY, our car rental’s tire went poof, so we had to drive up to Billings Logan International Airport from Cody, WY to get our car replacement. With the donut tire going at 50mph on roads with a speed limit of 75mph, we weren’t stopping until we got to our destination.

Thankfully, we made it to the airport, got our car replacement and after I spoke to the very helpful lady at the airport’s Visitor Information desk, we were tipped off about a not-so-fancy barbecue place frequented by locals. At that point, we were hungry, so whatever.

Blues Barbecue is located in a gas station. Yes, you read that correctly, a gas station. It shares space with a convenience store.

It’s family-owned with a very welcoming atmosphere and pretty fast service. There were other people who ordered food for take-out, but possibly because it was way past lunch time, we didn’t wait long for our food.

There was a sign outside that mentioned their ribs, so if they say they’re good with ribs, then my goodness, we’ll order ribs! Ordering was easy. We walked up to the counter and ordered from their menu, then they brought our food to our table.

We ordered the Large Rib and Brisket plate (4 ribs, 4 oz. brisket) for $13.99, which hubby and I shared. No sales tax, believe it or not. Their combo plates came with 2 sides and a fountain drink. For our sides, we had garden salad and baked potato.

We’ve never had barbecue like Blues. Oh my goodness! The magic was in the rub. I suspect it was Dalmatian rub (salt and pepper), but what do I know? Their ribs weren’t smothered in sauce. It was very tender, juicy and flavorful, the sort that pulls off the bone easily, not falling off it. In other words, it was pure belly-filling, bone-sucking goodness. I fell in love more with the ribs than the brisket although the brisket was pretty good too.

Based on our experience, you go to Blues for the barbecue, not the sides. Other sides included potato salad, coleslaw, pit baked beans, ranch pasta salad and baked yam.

On our way out, one of the employees asked where we were from. Told her we were from Connecticut. “You’re a long way home!”

As the saying goes, “don’t judge a book by its cover”. Did I imagine we’d find delicious barbecue at a gas station? Definitely not! That’s what makes finding Blues Barbecue a sweet thing.

If you ever find yourself in Billings, MT and you’re on a budget, then drop by Blues Barbecue. You shouldn’t miss out on filling food that’s friendly on your wallet coupled with friendly service.

Address:
Blue’s Barbecue
523 Hilltop Road Billings, MT 59105