I went to Two Fat Guys BBQ in Massillon for the magic, and I stayed for the food. Literally.
Wendi and I made the journey from Wooster, Ohio, to nearby Massillon because Kevin King, an area magician who has performed around the world, invited me to be the guest of honor at the inaugural Mega Magic Nite at Two Fat Guys BBQ. You can read about my experience here.
Kevin has performed around the country and has had his share of barbecue, and he told me Two Fat Guys has some really good food. I never eat before a performance, so I patiently waited until all the magicians had performed close-up magic at the tables, and I wrapped up the “stage” portion of the magical night. Once the magic show was done and group photos taken, Wendi and I sat down to enjoy some food. I saw coworker Art Holden and his wife, Jean, had ordered the Belly Buster with four sides, and it looked really good.
The Belly Buster featured four meats: Ribs, pulled pork, smoked bone-in chicken and brisket. Normally, it comes with two sides and cornbread, but it was on special when we were there Saturday, March 31, 2017. The restaurant offered two extra sides for the same price. So, Wendi and I ordered the Belly Buster to share. Because I don’t like dark meat chicken, we asked for the breast/wing portion instead of the leg/thigh.
I loved the pulled pork and chicken breast. They both had a nice flavor. Two Fat Guys BBQ offers three sauces: Sissy Sweet; Sweet and Spicy; and Firebreather. Wendi enjoyed the Sissy Sweet, while I mixed the Sweet and Spicy with the Firebreather for a nice sauce. The ribs and the brisket had a little toothiness to them. What was nice about the ribs is the high profile of meat on the bone. Normally, when I order ribs at a restaurant, the only meat is between the bones, not on top of them. At Two Fat Guys BBQ, the meat is on top, too. We also ordered some burnt ends.
Our friend, Ron Maxwell, had come out to grab a bite to eat and watch some magic. He told me about the burnt ends he had and how good they were. So, Wendi and I could not resist getting twice-cooked brisket in a caramelized barbecue sauce. They were very good. As for the sides, we ordered the fries (very good), macaroni and cheese (pretty good), garlic mashed potatoes (would have liked them creamier) and a side salad. I do not remember if the mac and cheese was smoked, but if not, then they might want to consider finishing it off in the smoker. Buehler’s Fresh Foods makes a smoked macaroni-and-cheese, and it is great.
Art and I were talking at work, and we both enjoyed the food there. Both of us would go back. And, we both got more than one meal out of it. Wendi and I had it for dinner Friday and lunch on Sunday.
If you want some good barbecue, head over to Two Fat Guys BBQ, and if you want to have a magical experience, do so when the restaurant has its next evening of magic.
