MFP’s Picks of the Month – January 2019

If you haven’t noticed, we go out to eat a lot. It’s sometimes hard to keep track of the best spots we’ve visited each month (and week and day). That’s why we’ve decided to put together a monthly list of our top picks. You can expect restaurants both young and old on this list — we’re always discovering new spots on our foodie adventures.

Here are our top picks for January 2019.

Pittboyz BBQ

When you think of Little Havana, what’s the type of cuisine that comes to mind? Usually, we think of Latin food. The last thing we would associate the neighborhood with is BBQ, but Pittboyz BBQ behind Bar Nancy is one of our new favorite spots for ribs and chicken. The Grilled Young Chicken — whole cornish hen brined 24 hours and topped with a tangy Carolina gold sauce — is a must, as is the Bahn Mi with braised pork belly.

We suggest you order all the sauces, as they’re only $1 each; the House Malta BBQ is legit. In fact, everything is priced reasonably so you can stuff your face for cheap. Find Pittboyz BBQ at Bar Nancy Tuesdays to Saturdays.

B Bistro + Bakery

If you come for the weekend brunch at B Bistro + Bakery, leave your diet at the door. Everything here is massive, from the Swag Burger (cheddar cheese, bacon jam and the kitchen sink) and Truffle Bun (a decadent breakfast sandwich) to the Pastelito Pancakes and Spicy Tuna Toast.

The burger and pancakes, in particular, are standouts; they’re as flavorful as they are big. If you do want to try and eat healthy(ish), the tuna toast is tasty and B Bistro + Bistro offers a variety of (sizeable) salads as well.

El Bagel

After months of anticipation, we finally made it to El Bagel. The popular bagel truck sets up shop at Boxelder on Saturdays and Vice City Bean on Sundays; we visited the latter location 15 minutes before opening and were already met with a modest crowd. Although we waited 45 minutes for a bagel — thanks to the person ahead of us who ordered for 20 people — it was well worth the wait.

The bagel sandwiches are sizeable and filling, and we loved the B.E.C.: Proper Sausages thick-cut bacon, double cage-free fried egg and cheese. The Avo Spesh was another favorite with smashed avocado galore, cucumber, radish and cream cheese. Regardless of what day you visit, make sure you get there early — they sell out fast and for good reason.