Extol Sports August 2017 | Page 19

LOCATED off State Street in New Albany, Shawn Pitt’s blues-inspired BBQ joint offers a delicious ensemble of award winning BBQ delights. Pitt’s was friendly as ever, finishing up a massive catering order and offering a plate of his finest ribs with a side of beans and potato salad (made daily by his mom). Pitts’ particular style comes from Tennessee. “It’s something I always say, the Tennessee in me. I learned from my older relatives, they’re from Chapel Hill, Tennessee,” Pitts said. “The rest is improvisation. That’s gotten me here.” Despite his history of tournament placements and local acclaim, Pitts was as humble as ever, frequently inquiring if the spicy-sauced BBQ held up to customers’ standards. It did, of course, largely contributing to the growing local BBQ stronghold in Southern Indiana. “I’m pretty new (three years). I know there are some other guys popping up that are pretty new. I guess there’s a demand for it,” said Pitts. Pitts takes pride in his slow-cooked dry rub, smoking his meat the old-fashioned way. His sauce is made in-house, included with both “tame” and “spicier” options. “I cook it the slow way,” Pitts said. “If you go farther up north you’re not going to find a smoker anywhere.” Stop in, carry out or call in a catering order of Shawn’s sauced or un-sauced BBQ. But if you ask him, he would lead you in the direction your taste buds are seeking. “I eat the chicken more than anything.” SHAWN’S SOUTHERN BBQ 822 State St. New Albany 502.741.7836 17