There is one Bar-B-Que joint that brings a enormous smile to our faces simply at the thought of it….Sweet Lumpy’s BBQ .  Located in Old Town Temecula, California, this sweet haven of ribs, brisket, chicken and pork is located on 3rd street right next door to Old Town Salon.  Which means, ladies you have a place to send your husbands & kids while you get pampered! 

John Syroka, owner, came up for the name for Sweet Lumpy’s from his brother who they affectionately call “Lumpy”.  John was able to finagle his brother’s recipe for barbecue sauce with the promise that it would be named after him.  Sweet Lumpy’s was born!  And oh how grateful we barbecue lovers are.  This Sweet Lumpy’s Original BBQ Sauce brings a nice twist to barbecue sauces…tangy, sweet, and oh so perfect over a pulled pork sandwich.  It’s not a thick sauce like those one would typically associate with barbecue sauce, more along the lines of a syrup, which makes it even more appealing. 

My hubby can not get enough of those delectable ribs.  Now, I thought that we had been served the most succulant ribs before…but I’ve never been able to gently pull a bone and have it slide right out!  Some even just fell right off.  Love that!  (especially since I have an insatiable hate of eating any food with bones)  We joke all the time about having John freeze them and ship them up to us.  It could happen. 

You walk into Sweet Lumpy’s BBQ and instantly feel right at home.  There are peanut shells all over the floor and a big barrel as you come in to help yourself to a bowlful while you gaze at the menu…trying desperately to make-up your mind.  And if you need to buy some time, grab an appetizer of the Lumpy’s Famous Garlic Chips.  Believe me, you will not be disappointed with that appetizer.  They are addictive…coated in butter and fresh minced garlic.  Oh yeah!    Or you could go the Beer Battered Zucchini…that’s my #2 choice. 

If you’re not a rib lover…then I highly recommend the pulled pork.  I L-O-V-E their pulled pork sandwiches.  Actually, I end up discarding the bun top because I don’t want the bread to take away from that wonderful pork.  Then I use it to mop up any of the sauce leftover on the plate when I’m done.  And if you love fries, then great, but if you want to try something different, then go for the beer battered onion rings. (I’m not an onion ring lover, but these are my choice every time instead of french fries, they are just that good)  Or take a trip into beefland with the Dad’s Ultimate Steak Sandwich or a plate of Texas Brisket. 

To get a really good tasting of what Sweet Lumpy’s has to offer, take a couple of friends or family members and place your order for the Mini “Q” Sampler (feeds 3-4).  This is what we usually get so that we can bring home enough leftovers to enjoy later.  Although you don’t get a full appreciation for the beautiful 1/2 rack of ribs that extended to the hot link sausage, blame it on Charming since he couldn’t wait to take half of the ribs before I shot the picture.  It comes with: Hotlink Sausage, Half Rack Of Babyback Ribs, 5 oz. Pulled Pork, 5 oz. Texas Beef Brisket (to die for!), 5 oz. Tri-tip, Choice of 3 Sides (may I suggest the coleslaw, cheesy mac & cheese, and the baked bean) and 3 cornbread muffins.  And for dessert, a fudge brownie a la mode. 

And then you just drizzle the Sweet Lumpy’s BBQ Sauce all over everything…or just enjoy it as it comes.  The meat is just amazingly tender and you can’t help but let out an “Oh!  Mmmmmm!” with every bite.  Another option is the Spicy version of Sweet Lumpy’s BBQ Sauce…and it is spicy.  I made the mistake of grabbing the wrong bottle and putting it on my 3 year old’s pulled pork one time…thus, she won’t even try the original sauce.  (whoops)   But if you like your sauce to have a spicy kick, then it’s perfect.

If you’re really up for a tummy challenge, or you have about 6 friends to join you, then the Family “Q” is an even better option.  A Fill Rack of Babyback Ribs, 10 oz. Pulled Pork, Whole BBQ Chicken, 10 oz. Texas Beef Brisket, Choice of 3 Large Sides, 6 Cornbread Muffins, Dinner Salad and a Fudge Brownie A La Mode.  I’m telling you, this is just an amazing flavor adventure for your taste buds.  You will not be disappointed.

Now for something original, and for those who like some heat, there is the Spicy Pulled Pork Burrito.  A flour tortilla filled with pulled pork, spicy BBQ sauce, warm nacho cheese, onions and jalapenos.  Oh yeah…I watched my Charming’s face speak volumes when he took the first bite.  Complete extasy…followed by that “Whoa!” face and gasping for air that only hot chilies can bring on when they hit the back of your throat.  I laughed.  Couldn’t help it, I just had to laugh.  But he said that it was one of the best ways he’d ever had pork…especially with the cheese sauce in it.  (Charming LOVES cheese, especially in sauce form)

There are even little basket options for the kiddles.  My girls love having their choice, but 9 times out of 10 they go for the Mini-Cheeseburger Basket (in which the cheeseburger really isn’t mini).  Other kid basket options are: Kids Ribs, Kids Q (pork or beef) Sandwich, Chicken Nuggets or All Beef Hotdog.  Each kid’s basket comes with a drink, fresh cut fries, pudding cup and a Tootsie Roll Lollipop.  The trick is grabbing the lollipop before the kids get it in their mouth. 

So if you are ever in Southern California, or are taking a trip down the I-15, stop off in Temecula, visit the wineries and venture into Old Town.  There are a number of shops and restaurants there to fill your morning thru afternoon…but don’t you dare miss Sweet Lumpy’s BBQ!