Oceanside Restaurant Spotlight: That Boy Good

by Food E

​If you close your eyes and allow the smell of smoky bbq sauce to fill your nostrils, the sound of blues music, laughter and the game to ring in your ears, you will most likely open your eyes in Oceanside’s That Boy Good BBQ restaurant. Chef Mark Millwood and wife Kim have brought the South to Southern California. From the swinging screen door, blues music, distinct Southern décor and the food, oh the food…That Boy Good gives you the smells, sights, sounds and definitely the taste of the South! The nondescript brown and yellow building that reads BBQ and Cold Beer on the outside gives no hint to the wonderful Southern culture awaiting you inside.

​Walking into TBG we were quickly seated, but noticed that when there is a wait you will have the pleasure of lounging in rocking chairs and couches straight from Grandma’s house decorated with her hand woven quilts and pillows. The scene immediately gives you the feel of being welcomed into someone’s home for a great meal. And a great meal it was. My meal consisted of many things (I am not ashamed to say) and I thoroughly enjoyed it all. I will highlight my favorites picking an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert.

Appetizer
The Crossroads Cup. This is listed as an appetizer and honestly I cannot tell you why. This is a bowl (not a cup) layered with lip smacking goodness from bottom to top. Flavorful smoked beans, Creamy mac n cheese, your choice of pulled pork or brisket, topped with coleslaw.  I add bbq sauce once it gets to the table and I am one happy girl. My suggestion on eating this is to go from the side digging your fork to the bottom pulling out every layer. This will give you the true understanding as to why this dish works. The flavor of the beans mixed with the creaminess of the mac n cheese, the tender pulled pork and the cold crunch of the coleslaw. It is truly a delight. This is a full meal, not an appetizer!
Honorable Mentions: Cornmeal Crusted Delta Catfish Strips, Country Fried Chicken Thigh & Waffle, and Dirty Fries.
 
Entrée
Country Fried Chicken Thighs & Waffles w/Hand Cut Fries. You cannot get much more Southern than Fried Chicken. Truth is, in the South you can fry just about anything and it is considered a delicacy, but Chef Mark certainly gets it right with his perfectly fried chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are flavorful and tender on their own, but the seasoning of the fried coating on these chicken thighs take them to another level of deliciousness. This fried chicken embodies the art of southern frying. The waffles and hand cut fries are a great complement to the chicken and drizzling warm syrup over it all…Yes, please, more, and thank you!
Honorable Mentions: BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Cornmeal Crusted Delta Catfish, Hand Cut Fries, and Cole Slaw, BBQ Pork Ribs.
 
Dessert
Chocolate Chip Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich. This dessert, no… this delectable work of art, is the only way to top off such a delightful meal. The two crispy waffle quarters, filled with chocolate chunks, are just warm enough to cradle the generous helping of ice cream sandwiched between them. Sprinkled with powdered sugar and chocolate sauce served on the side, this thing is perfection.
 
Drinks
True sweet tea is not something that you will find in many restaurants here, but no BBQ restaurant is worth their sauce if they don't serve it and TBG offers it with unlimited refills! Warning: it is SWEET! This is not a nice light tea; it is the real deal. For those that want something harder to drink, TBG offers a number of different beers on tap, cocktails, frozen drinks and even their signature BBQ Bloody Mary that come with a rib on top!
 
This place is great. Customer service was quick, accommodating and very pleasant. The décor is truly authentic. The food is wonderful. That Boy Good BBQ in Oceanside is a taste of Southern home cooked heaven.
 
Food E

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