Guru: Thanks for the great meal, Big Mike’s

The walls at Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse in Houma pay homage to some of the area’s best barbecue this side of the Mississippi River.

“Thanks for the great meal, Big Mike’s,” one guest writes. “We’ll be back,” another promises. “Houma’s Big Mike’s ROCKS!” another touts.

Step inside the Barrow Street smokehouse and you’re swept away by the smells of Mike Lewis’ youth. Mike and wife Judith have had some hard knocks on the way to their 3034 Barrow Street – the stuff blues songs speak about. The Florida transport returned to his Houma roots in 2008. It wasn’t long after, with his family’s encouragement, that he opened his own shop doing what he most loves: Cooking.

March 18, 2008, he plated his first rib meal. Lewis took over a local chicken shack at the corner of Barrow and Bond streets. By August 2008, locals realized Big Mike’s barbecue was every bit as good as his chicken. But Hurricane Gustav hit and cost the restaurant its entire product. And on Nov. 29, 2009, a fire claimed the store.

But Big Mike Lewis is made of the same grit the singers coming from his current site’s speakers sing about. You know, the people who are laid low – heartbroken, sure; but not out by any means. By December 2009, he spread the word: Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse was back and better than ever.

Scattered with wooden tables and chairs, a few booths and a bar for those eating alone, the dining room is casual and inviting. The walls bare photos of some of Lewis’ favorite blues icons – Howlin’ Wolf, Janis Joplin, bluesman Bo Carter and Jimi Hendrix. Other walls serve as a canvas for guests. Reading the messages from locals and visitors around the globe is a great pastime while you wait on some of the best barbecue you’ll ever enjoy.

Make no mistake, Big Mike’s knows barbecue. Ribs, brisket, pork, turkey, sausage and burgers … Mike does it all.

On this particular visit, my guests quickly opt for a Tri-Plate ($13), which comes with three choices of meat, and a half rack of baby-back ribs ($13.99), both of which include two sides and a couple of slices of white bread.

For her trio, my guest orders a spare rib, brisket and pulled pork. The rib immediately gets two-thumbs up. Even with a plastic fork, the meat is fall-off-the-bone good. The outer blend of spices and barbecue sauce and moist insides teamed with the perfect amount of smoke flavor wins over the entire table. As one guest aptly put it, “This is a splendid food for those who know that sauce is meant to be eaten and worn.”

Likewise, the baby back ribs, brisket and pork are amazingly tender. Big Mike’s special barbecue sauces – there are two on the table; a sweeter ketchupy-flavored sauce and a smokier hickory blend – add the perfect kick, too.

Even the sides – coleslaw and green beans – are good. The beans are loaded with onions and bits of bacon, and make you happy to eat your veggies. Granted, the slaw has a slightly sweet, drier taste than many traditional Southern slaws, but it is an ideal topping for the Carolina-Style pork sandwich ($6.50), which I ordered. It instantly made my list of favorites along with Big Mike’s jambalaya – also the area’s best in my opinion.

The half-rack includes about six of the most mouth-watering, finger-licking good ribs. Add the coleslaw and perfectly baked beans and you’ve got another hit. My guest promised our waitress she’d return, even if she didn’t write it on the wall.

With plenty of leftovers – here’s an interesting aside: all meals come in Styrofoam boxes so just close the lid and you’re ready to go – it was hard to even contemplate a dessert. On a second trip, my guest took the plunge, selecting a slice of Chocolate Pie ($3.99). A chocoholic’s dream come true, the multi-layer pie included a coco-covered swirl of whipped cream atop a layer of chocolate mousse atop a brick of dark chocolate atop a chocolate crumble crust. The explosion of flavors was a nice ending to a great meal.

It’s worth noting that Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse does cater events, big and small. The menu (available online) includes meals designed to feed a family, medium and large-sized gatherings. Also, Big Mike’s has a few fried options but with barbecue this good, I’m not sure how often those are ordered.

If you like live entertainment with your meal, on various Friday nights, blues performers accompany diners. Check Big Mike’s website to see the month’s lineup.

Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse, located at 3034 Barrow St., Houma, can best be described as a genuine barbecue joint. Owner Mike Lewis has deservedly earned a reputation among locals as being a master at his craft. For more information, call (985) 876-4477 or visit www.bigmikesbbqsh.com.