Following my review of the BBQ scene in San Jose, reader R. H. wrote in to ask about my view of the San Carlos-based Mack’s Smoked BBQ. I was intrigued, especially as his letter proudly announced that he was flinging clean ribs out of his window as he typed a message to me. I admired not only his abilities at one-handed typing, but also the opportunity to explore a culinary adventure.

Put simply, Mack’s BBQ is delicious. Thank you, R. H.! Mack’s is a neighborhood barbeque joint that fights off the strip mall feeling with attempts at homey decoration, sports on the tube and local newspapers throughout the eatery. The compact space is packed at lunch, so much so that the end of the day can see shortages of Mack’s staples of pork, ribs, tri-tip or brisket. When I went, the lunch rush claimed all the brisket as its victim.

The full-rack of ribs, running $20, is enough to share, meaty and served wet. The succulent pulled pork is best described as divine. I got it by the pound, and the server prepared my styrofoam container with care, providing alternating layers of sauce and pork.

As for the sides, I was very pleased with the baked beans but confused by the cornbread. While tasty, the cornbread is too small for its $0.99 price tag. According to its menu, the cornbread does not come with the pulled pork sandwich combo. Mack’s also offers a variety of unique brews: beer, root beer and cream soda. My root beer was the best I’ve ever had. It went down smooth and served as a great supporting actor to my meal.

All in all, Mack’s is a great place for BBQ, especially for lunch. Just remember Mack’s hours: Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.