(This venue has closed.) A dozen summers ago, down the street from Barack Obama's first NYC apartment and a short walk from his alma mater, this BBQ restaurant supported him in name (if not pronunciation). The sale of Barack & Soul '08 T-shirts raised funds for the first Obama presidential campaign.
Also shown: shrimp and okra gumbo with tasso ham; a half-rack of baby-back ribs with mac 'n' cheese and collard greens; pan-fried chicken; red velvet cake. Some of these dishes are available at the owner's current restaurant, Charles Pan Fried Chicken.
Rack & Soul
258 West 109th St. (Broadway-Amsterdam Ave.), Manhattan
212-222-4800