Spectacular Smoked Duck at Righteous Urban Barbecue

Published on Tuesday, June 12, 2007, by Mark Hokoda / Edit Post

Chowhounds disagree heatedly over Righteous Urban Barbecue—as they do over most every barbecue house in town—though most rank it among New York’s best. ScottK, while not entirely won over, allows that the Kansas City–style smoke joint does some things better than anyone else, including burnt brisket ends and chicken wings.

To that list, he adds the frequently sold out “Szechwan” smoked duck (which gets a decidedly un-Chinese raspberry-habanero glaze). Having analyzed the cooking process, Scott concludes that much of the fat is shed during smoking, leaving meltingly tender meat under skin rendered beautifully crisp, in part by the sugar in the glaze. “It was amazing,” he sighs. “The combo of the not overly sweet glaze on the crisp skin, the great taste of the remaining fat, and the perfectly cooked duck meat was incredible.”

Righteous Urban Barbecue, a.k.a. RUB [Chelsea]
208 W. 23rd Street (near Seventh Avenue), Manhattan
212-524-4300
Map

Board Links: R.U.B. Smoked Duck Amazing
RUB

ALLNew York City Digest
POST A COMMENT |2 Comments

COMMENT

  • I ate at RUB a few nights ago and was suprised with very dry brisket and baby rack ribs (3 ribs for seven dollars) which tasted like they were soaking in liquid smoke. What made me write this was a pastrami sandwich I had for lunch today at Katz's, which was so good I can't even describe it. As barbque is the debut siecle New York I find it odd how they have trouble getting even brisket right as...+READ

    I ate at RUB a few nights ago and was suprised with very dry brisket and baby rack ribs (3 ribs for seven dollars) which tasted like they were soaking in liquid smoke. What made me write this was a pastrami sandwich I had for lunch today at Katz's, which was so good I can't even describe it. As barbque is the debut siecle New York I find it odd how they have trouble getting even brisket right as New Yorkers have been nailing that particular cut for generations.-COLLAPSE

  • 8/4/07 - The St.Louis ribs come in different forms; a full rack or 1/2 w. 7 ribs from the short end, more tender, or 1/2 w.6 ribs from the center, more meaty. We thought the ribs were kind of skimpy. They more like resembled Chinese Spareribs than really good Bar-B-Que.

    The Duck, on the other hand, was fantabulous. It was meaty, moist, tasty, and just unbelievabe. The sides were great as well....+READ

    8/4/07 - The St.Louis ribs come in different forms; a full rack or 1/2 w. 7 ribs from the short end, more tender, or 1/2 w.6 ribs from the center, more meaty. We thought the ribs were kind of skimpy. They more like resembled Chinese Spareribs than really good Bar-B-Que.

    The Duck, on the other hand, was fantabulous. It was meaty, moist, tasty, and just unbelievabe. The sides were great as well. Onion strings were thinly sliced and delicately fried, mmmmm! The mixture of collard greens, spinach, and I think kale was excellent as well.

    The atmosphere was typical BBQ minimalist style w. dark small tables. All food was served for finger licking bliss. The paper takeout boats for bones, plenty of paper towels, and real flatware was perfect.

    Beer should be served in chilled glasses, not plastic cups. We're not at the carni.

    The wait staff was great, patient, and friendly and I would definately return to this really good BBQ establishment to try other things and to get more duck.-COLLAPSE