Sandmann’s grills to perfection

Several weeks ago, our daughter Stephanie brought home takeout rib tips from Sandmann’s Bar-B-Q. Enhaling the wonderful aroma, my wife Sandee and I knew we had to try some for ourselves. It looked and smelled that good. Friday night we made our pilgrimage to the corner of Wealthy and Fuller where Sandmann’s holds court in what was a gas station in a former incarnation.

Sandmann’s is primarily a takeout, though there are a couple of small tables inside and a few picnic tables outside. Unfortunately parking is a problem for them. There are a few spaces in the mini-lot in front of the building, but be prepared to hunt down on-street parking and hike in. There is a private parking lot across Wealthy from them which looked like you might be able to sneak in for a few minutes.

Stephanie ordered the Rib Tips basket ($8.75) which comes with a half pound of crinkle-cut fries. Sandee and I each opted for the Rib Tips dinner ($9.75) which comes with two sides, or “siders” as they call them, and bread. All of their “siders” are homemade based on family recipes.

An old friend once offered that Grand Rapids must have an ordinance mandating dining out on Friday nights. That ordinance was being observed with religious fervor when we were at Sandmann’s, so I wasn’t surprised that we had about a 15 minute wait for our to-go meals. Also, noise is a big part of the Sandmann’s experience, marrying together the conversations of the assembled crowd, the standard kitchen commotion, and what sounded like the hammering in an auto body shop coming from somewhere behind the kitchen. (Sandee explained that preparing ribs is rarely a quiet procedure.)

Our meals were well worth the long trek home. The rib tips tasted every bit as good as they smelled, and the folks at Sandmann’s don’t scrimp on portion sizes. A couple of my tips were a bit on the tough side, but the sauce, oh Mama, the sauce more than made up for it. I didn’t mind a few extra chews just to suck up more of its heavenly homemade goodness. Stephanie ordered the basket just so she could dip her fries in it. I had to power wash my beard later, but it was a small price to pay just to savor the tips and sauce.

The “siders” were just as good as advertized. Sandee and I both had their luscious potato salad made with just enough mustard. I helped Sandee with her baked beans after inhaling my creamy cole slaw. We never missed the bread that they forgot to include until the end of our meals, but by then we were too full and contented to really care.

Sandmann’s was a wonderful experience that calls for repeat performances. Check out the menu on their website. I think you’ll be surprised at the varied options, from Polish sausage to the many entrees of their Soul Food Sundays menu. You might want to consider them to cater your next event. In the mean time, cruise by the corner of Wealthy and Fuller, roll down the windows, and just see if you can resist the magnetic aroma.

Sandmann's  ( Rating: out of 5 )

Where: 1200 Wealthy, S.E. @ Fuller, Grand Rapids
Hours: Tues. to Thurs. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight, “Soul Food Sundays” 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
Ambiance: Takeout barbecue joint
How much will it cost you: Too many items to sum up! Check out Sandmann’s complete menu here.
Credit cards: All major
Alcohol: No
Reservations: No
Contact: (616) 459-0900
Online: http://www.sandmanns.com