‘Crazy’ local BBQ buffet is one of Boise’s ‘best-kept secrets.’ (Ribs AND brisket?)

Big K BBQ’s lunch buffet is a smokin’ deal — literally and figuratively.

Owner Steve Kubinski slow-cooks meats ranging from tender pulled pork to fall-off-the-bone ribs, flavoring them on the grill with apple and hickory wood pellets. Manager Jennifer Polanchek emerges from the kitchen with an array of sides such as cornbread casserole and mac ‘n’ cheese — all made from scratch.

Customers at 3405 W. Chinden Blvd. grab an empty plate. They pause at the end of the intimidating table, plotting a strategy.

Then they attack.

The feast at “Boise’s only BBQ lunch buffet,” as Kubinski calls it, just got bigger. Instead of offering 15 items, including a soft drink and dessert, the spread has jumped to 20 temptations for 2020.

There’s not just ribs now. There’s also brisket — thin-sliced and succulent.

“We probably are a little crazy,” Kubinski admits.

Access to this 20-item smorgasbord costs $15.99 (or $11.99 for a “one-tripper”). It’s available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or sold out) Wednesdays through Fridays only. On Fridays, purchasing the buffet includes a free Garden City-brewed beer.

Customer Grant Collet, 30, calls Big K’s lunch indulgence one of the city’s “best-kept secrets.”

“Best barbecue in town, in my opinion,” he says, polishing off a plate.

I first wrote about Big K’s buffet after it debuted in late 2018. You’d think that piles of delicious, all-you-can-eat ribs would be a massive draw. But running a restaurant is challenging. The time had come for brisket, too, Kubinski says.

“We were getting requests for it,” he says. “The customer base was speaking!”

I don’t notice much speaking among patrons on this day. Just eating. Glorious, satisfied eating.

Between bites, I initiate discussion. Are some Idahoans possibly afraid of Big K during January — New Year’s diet time?

They shouldn’t be, Kubinski insists. “We have many keto-friendly items,” he deadpans.

Stop laughing. It’s true. Assuming that you have supernatural willpower.

Big K’s buffet menu includes ribs, brisket, pulled pork, bourbon meatballs, smoked chicken, teriyaki chicken, sliced assorted sausages, BBQ medley, potato salad, coleslaw, cornbread casserole, smotatoes (smashed, loaded taters), BBQ beans, mac ‘n’ cheese, garlic-bacon green beans, rosemary sweet potatoes, pasta salad, rolls, dessert and a drink.

Collet is on a keto diet, he says. Wait a minute. What was that on his plate moments earlier?

“It’s hard to say no to those potatoes and mac ‘n’ cheese,” he admits. “I had a little.”

““This is my second cheat meal since the first of January. I can’t say no to Big K!

“Oh, so full,” Collet groans contentedly, to no one in particular.

Kubinski is hoping more customers work up a similar appetite. After extending Big K’s restaurant hours in early 2019, he dropped back to a lunch-only, three-days-a-week format. Now Big K is primarily focused on catering, which makes up about 80 percent of business.

The buffet helps market Big K to potential new customers, Polanchek says.

“It’s a great way for them to come sample the food before they make a big catering order,” she explains.

Big K will promote its barbecue with two coming events. On Friday, Jan. 31, the lunch buffet will celebrate its one-year anniversary by operating from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be beer specials, door prizes and giveaways. And from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, Kubinski will fire up the smoker for a “BBQ Parking Lot Sale” with racks of ribs, trip-tip roast, pulled pork, sausage by the pound, peach habanero meatballs, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers and more. Call or text orders to (208) 863.8426.

Unable to make it to those events? Show up for the normal lunch buffet — hungry.

“Never disappoints,” Collet says, summoning the energy to walk out the door. “Ever.”

Online: bigkbbqidaho.com.

This story was originally published January 24, 2020 at 12:09 PM.