The Potter's Rib, Greensburg

They say writers should write what they know. That is equally good advice to restaurateurs. The most successful independent restaurants are extensions of their owner's experiences and personalities. If you know Italian food, don't open a Greek place! The Potter's Rib in Greensburg is a terrific example of how the Bailey family has taken two things they know much about - BBQ and pottery - and come up with an establishment unlike any other restaurant in the world - BBQ and a pottery studio all under one roof.

First a word about the pottery. The artist in the family is son Joshua. He is the Master Potter and Owner of JMB Studio in Greensburg. Joshua has a BFA from Indiana University, one of the best ceramics programs in the world. Joshua's specialty is salt-fired ceramics which results in enhanced coloration and one-of-a-kind pieces. Joshua's work is displayed in the restaurant's dining room. Most of the pieces are usable art - cups, steins, platters. These are lovely pieces of art. Custom pieces are also available. Joshua can be reached at 812-663-2098 or by email.

Now for the BBQ. First a disclaimer. I am notoriously hard on BBQ restaurants. I've often lamented that Indiana is woefully lacking in quality BBQ. I ate lunch at the Potter's Rib this week while passing through Greensburg. I had not heard of the place but looked up to see it at the exact moment my stomach was telling me it was time for lunch. The first good sign was that this place was busy. Once I entered, my nose gave me the second good sign, it smelled like BBQ - smokey sweetness. I stepped up to the counter and took a look at the menu (available here) on the wall above the counter window - baby backs, chicken, pulled pork, brisket - the four basic BBQ food groups.

I usually don't order ribs for a couple of reasons: (1) They are messy and I would rather get all sticky in the privacy of my own home than in public and (2) ribs are usually not very good even at places that do some of the other stuff well. For some reason, I decided on the ribs. One reason is because they offer a third of a slab ($7.95) rather than the just the standard full and half. The other is the "rib" is in their name. I might as well try the ribs. They came with a choice of two sides and a corn muffin. I asked what sides were most popular and the cashier informed me that mac and cheese and cheesy potatoes were customer favorites. I decided on the cheesy spuds and sweet-n-sour slaw.

I sat down and within five minutes my lunch arrived. Everything looked good. There were four nice-sized ribs with just the right amount of sauce. There was a generous heap of potatoes on the plate and a small cup of slaw. Actually a lot of food for the money. I went for the ribs first. Guess what - these are the best ribs I've had in Indiana and they are neck-and-neck with the best ribs I've EVER had, including my own (and I love my own!). They were amazingly good. The dry rub used must be magical - Pixie Dust for pork, if you will. The meat was smoked to perfection and the sauce complimented the pork perfectly. My slaw was fresh, crunchy, and had the perfect yin-yang you expect from sweet-n-sour slaw. As for the potatoes, they were stick-to-your-ribs heavy (in a good way). A mountain of cheesy goodness. I am trying to watch my calories (thus the third of a slab) so I only had a bite of the potatoes. It took all my resolve not to shovel them away. 

The Potter's Rib is a destination. I will make plans to go out of my way to visit again...and again. Please, please, please check them out. They are located at 826 North Michigan Ave. in Greensburg. They are open 11 am to 7 pm Tuesday through Saturday. They can be reached by phone at 812-662-000.