Hubbard’s Cave Brewery & BBQ: The Best Local BBQ

For those who didn’t travel over spring break, some might have needed to fill their time by trying new things while their friends were gone. In my case, my family tried Hubbard’s Cave Brewery & BBQ in Niles after recommendations from two family friends.

We ordered takeout, but this place doesn’t look like a regular restaurant, in fact, it almost looked like a warehouse. Nonetheless, my parents told me that the environment was wonderful, and they thought that I would enjoy it. I haven’t been there myself, but I will be going to check the place out in person.

This place is great to visit during the summer. Out in the back of the restaurant, they have picnic tables and a stage where they have live music on Wednesdays and Saturdays once the weather is warmer. If you don’t want to sit outside, you can enjoy the music from the inside through these large garage doors that open up.

I ordered the pulled pork sliders, and what I loved about their takeout was that it was almost like a build-your-own situation because they gave you the buns separate from the meat, and they gave you a cup of pickles. This meant that the bread wasn’t soggy which was greatly appreciated, although I did enjoy the pork on its own more than with the bun. The meat was very tender and was good on its own, but the sauce is what took this experience over the top. The taste of the sauce was hard to describe at first, but it reminded me of a sweet and sour sauce at the beginning, but then it hits with this nice heat and smokey flavor. There was a perfect amount of pork for one person to enjoy (though other reviews online have said these portions are small) and there was enough to make the four mini sliders with the buns they provide, but you can also enjoy just the pork alone like I did.

My mom ordered the Mango Sausage, which was a sausage topped with pimento cheese, coleslaw and pickled jalapeños on a hotdog bun. My mom was definitely a fan of this meal. The sausage was very flavorful, and while she didn’t mind the pickled jalapeños, she wasn’t a fan of the coleslaw. She thought it was too vinegary and she would have preferred a creamy coleslaw. However, it didn’t take away from her enjoyment of the meal and the general experience with the restaurant.

My mom’s meal came with a side of mac and cheese and let me tell you, this was the best restaurant mac and cheese I’ve ever had. I am not a fan of creamy mac and cheese, which is what I was expecting, but this was a perfect balance. It had five kinds of cheese in it, but the ratio was just right to where you tasted the cheese but also the pasta (which was cooked perfectly al dente). The mac was also a cavatappe noodle, which held a lot of cheese. I think the next time we eat here I will just order mac and cheese.

My dad got the brisket, which was very tender and juicy. His meal came with a side of fries that were heavily seasoned, but very good. He also had a pimento cheese spread which came with bread. He thought it was amazing.

Prior to trying Hubbard’s, I had only eaten at a barbecue restaurant once in Nashville. My dad said that the combination of the food and the music at Hubbard’s was very similar to the feeling of a restaurant in Nashville.

Because of all this, I think this will become a frequent choice for my family. It was also reasonably priced for the quality of the food. My sliders were $13 and my mom’s sausage was $14. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who doesn’t eat barbecue too often, or to die-hard BBQ lovers. Everyone can find something they enjoy at this restaurant, whether it’s on the menu or not.

Hubbards is located at 6343 W. Gross Point Road in Niles.