First look: Harborque

The Point is not too far to go for good pulled pork (and hush puppies). (Credit: Michael Cook)

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Like barbecue? How about word play? If you answered yes to one or both of those questions, Harborque (pronounced Harbor-cue) may be the spot for you. Locust Point's new Carolina-style barbecue joint has taken over the Lawrence Street location once filled by the Pit Stop.

Crowd: A mixed crowd of construction workers and professionals came by Harborque for lunch, though on our weekday visit, most diners took their food to go.

Food: Sandwich selections can be accompanied with an array of sides including collard greens, hush puppies and mac and cheese. All the sides are homemade. As hush puppies are a rarity in Baltimore, it's a relief to find that Harborque makes them well; hot and crisp with a nice oniony flavor. The pulled pork was perfectly tender and came piled high on the bun. It was mild, yet tasty. Various sauces can be added, including spicy barbecue, honey mustard and pig picking, which is a zesty vinegar sauce that tastes just like what Carolina barbecue ought to taste like.

In addition to sandwiches, the menu includes wings, ribs and dessert. Perhaps the most interesting things on the menu were the two appetizers: Carolina-style nachos, which are nachos covered with pulled pork and barbecue sauce, and a BBQ sundae, which consists of baked beans, pulled pork and coleslaw layered in a cup. Delicious or just weird? We don't know, but we're definitely going back to find out.

Drinks: Bottled sodas, juices and waters of the traditional varieties are available. (Although Snoasis is right next door, for those looking for something sweeter/frozen/more exciting.)

Digs: Harborque's signs reading "Carolina 'que with a Baltimore view!" play up the view of the water from Harborque's big deck. Unfortunately, the deck also overlooks five-lane Lawrence Street. Nonetheless, it's a good place to be in good weather. Lots of seating is available inside as well. The interior theme could be best described as "fire truck-red linoleum." It ain't fancy, but when's the last time you encountered a white tablecloth and fine china barbecue spot?

Bottom line: Though it might not be as good as the barbecue in Carolina, Harborque is about as good as you'll do in Baltimore, and since the next nearest hush puppies and collard greens are many miles away, Harborque fills an important niche. It's a good addition to Locust Point's food scene.