Mug of the Day: Moonlite BBQ

This glorious mugs come from my hometown, Owensboro, KY, and the place that Presidents visit: Moonlite BBQ. Started in 1963, Owensboro calls itself "Barbeque Capital of the Word," but we know that folks from Kansas City, Texas, Memphis, and North Carolina will loudly dispute that. In any case, what Owensboro does have that no one else has is Mutton BBQ.

So, how did Mutton become big in Western KY? Well as it turns out, there was a tariff in 1816 on wool production in the "western" U.S. causing an increased sheep population. Mutton is from the old sheep that no longer produces good wool, and is fit for eating. Due to tough meat, however, the sheep had to be slow-cooked, and thus we get the wonders of BBQ Mutton. 

However, my favorite Mutton BBQ comes from a restaurant across town, Old Hickory BBQ. The webpage for it is rather horrible -- see for your self -- but the Facebook page is much better. But, they've got the craft down. It's a simple menu, with a winning result.

At Old Hickory Bar-B-Q in Owensboro, KY our entire hickory smoked BBQ menu is custom made with the fresh ingredients. We have been a family owned and operated restaurant since 1918 with 6 generations of our family serving customers in the Owensboro and Henderson, KY areas.

If you ever find yourself near Owensboro, KY drop into either of these fine locations. You won't regret it.