With Bird Dog, the hunt for good barbecue is over

The worst thing about ordering food to-go from Bird Dog BBQ is not having much time to look at the many photographs of dogs on the tables. The best thing, of course, is the food, which holds true whether dining in or taking out. It’s been more than a decade since my last review of this popular venue for smoked meats and traditional sides.

I’m pleased to note that nothing has changed in terms of service and quality; unfortunately, prices have increased as a sign of the times, but not enough to drive people away. Bird Dog has three locations: on Powers Boulevard, in Fountain and on Centennial Boulevard, where our order was made online for pickup. Although our order wasn’t entirely ready at the scheduled time, the delay was negligible and it was nice knowing that everything was packed fresh, rather than waiting for us.

I think this made a difference because neither of the two sandwiches we ordered was soggy by the time we arrived home. The Porkhouse Sandwich: Pork sandwich topped with coleslaw (The Gazette: Cody Van Hooser) The bun for the Porkhouse ($11) sandwich, for example, held a significant amount of pulled pork and fresh coleslaw while maintaining its shape and texture. Containers of tangy barbecue sauce allowed us to add the desired amount once we were ready to eat.

The pork was tender with a barely detectable smokiness, which meant the focus was on the meat. The slaw added creamy and crunchy elements. The Doghouse Sandwich: Open-faced bun with choice of meat, covered in beans, sausage, cheese and a heavty side of french fries.

(The Gazette: Cody Van Hooser) The Doghouse ($15) was, in terms of looks, a mess of an open-face sandwich with a mound of sliced turkey, baked beans, sliced kielbasa and shredded cheese. The winning combination of flavors far outweighed how unattractive it was. In an effort to sample as much as possible without breaking the bank or snapping our belts, the unglamorous-named Dog Pile ($30) is more than enough for two to three people with hearty appetites.

This includes half a smoked chicken, 1/4 pound of meat (we chose brisket),3/4 pounds of pork ribs (four ribs for us) and two sides. The Dogpile: Choice of 1 meat, plus ribs and a half chicken. With a side of mac n cheese and baked beans.

(The Gazette: Cody Van Hooser) Brisket is my favorite of smoked meats, and Bird Dog’s ranks among the best. It’s tender with little fat and a lot of flavor. The same can be said of the ribs; the meat practically fell off the bones.

There was an offer to cut up the chicken, but the recommendation was to leave it intact until ready to eat so it would be juicier. I’m glad we heeded the advice. Our sides were macaroni and cheese and baked beans.

We added potato salad and french fries ($4 each), the latter to see how well they would travel without getting soppy or losing their taste. I recommend skipping them for takeout. The beans were tangy with a subtle element of smoke.

Everyone enjoyed the creamy mac and cheese and the potato salad, which was rich and toothsome. Back to those photos: Patrons are invited to share pictures of their dogs and from a brief look, all breeds and sizes were well represented. Each table includes a haphazard collage under glass, which protects them from spills.

The variety is impressive, but the food more so. Bird Dog BBQ Oklahoma-style smoked meats. Location: 4153 Centennial Blvd.

Contact: 1-719-368-0428; birddogbbq.com Prices: $9 to $30 Hours: 11 a.m.

-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.

m. –8p.m.

Sunday Details: Credit cards accepted. Wi-Fi. Takeout and dining in.

Favorite dishes: Smoked brisket and ribs. Other: Gluten-free options available..