Bubba’s is just about to celebrate its fifth birthday, quite a feat in a fickle city like Shanghai. We recently went back to check up on the barbecue joint / Texas-themed sports bar, and we’re happy to say that things haven’t changed a bit. Bubba’s is still Shanghai’s premier spot for barbecue.

Most of the food here is best eaten with your hands, so don’t even bother with the knife and fork. First up was a plate of eight chicken wings (RMB55). They’re all drumsticks, so true wing lovers may be disappointed, but they’re easily in the running for best in town. Fresh off the grill with the char marks to match, they’re supremely meaty and succulent and pair perfectly with the creamily irresistible blue cheese sauce its sided with.

Next up was the two-person platter (RMB200), a huge plate of meat that allows you to choose two of the three meats on offer: chicken, beef brisket and pork ribs. We went with the latter two and were well rewarded. The beef brisket is supremely succulent, lined with the right amount of juicy fat, and though the tender ribs are less exciting, they more than hold their own. The platter comes with your pick of two sides as well, but these didn’t quite stack up–the cornbread we had was too doughy for our taste and the onion rings were far too deep-fried.

It’s worth noting that we had our meal late one lonely Tuesday night, way past peak hours and at a time that usually brings out the worst in restaurants. That quality and service remained high at that hour is a testament to the consistency of the bar and its fare–it’s hard to hide bad barbecue. So happy fifth birthday to you, Bubba’s. We’ll be back, and next time we’ll be sure to try one of your vaunted beef burgers.

DETAILS

What: Bubba’s Texas Style Bar-B-Que & Saloon

Where: 2262 Hongqiao Lu 虹桥路2262号

Tel: 6242-2612