Pickles and Bones in Milford

A parking lot is the most appropriate place to eat barbecue, in my opinion, or at least truest to barbecue's origins. That's one reason I like Pickle and Bones barbecue, served from a truck parked in a lot in Milford.

I have a feeling they might have an actual restaurant soon, though. This is very good barbecue, the side dishes are traditional but well-made. They must be building a good fan base. Though they have down-home dishes like banana pudding on the menu, it's really banana cream cheese mousse layered with those vanilla wafers. Best banana pudding I've ever had. 

Pickles and Bones is owned by Nicole and Josh House, who have a lot of experience in restaurant kitchens. Josh was most recently executive chef of The Golden Lamb. Nicole's first job was at Maisonette during its final years, where she ran the meat station. 

Get the brisket. They manage to make it beautifully tender and still serve it as a good thick actual slice, with a smoky, caramelized crust, as you can see.

The pulled pork is good, too, but the turkey breast was a bit bland. You can choose a sauce at the window, or grab some in little containers, the thin vinegar-based one the best if you ask me. Side dishes are all good, particularly the mac and cheese, which avoids the slimy Velveeta texture so many bbq joints rely on. The baked beans were a little hard, but that does indicate they start with dried beans, not a can, good to know. And they make their own pickles. 

They're currently parked at 1146 OH 131, www.picklesandbones.com.