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Clem's Wood-Fired BBQ

Route 220 and McFarland Road, Charlottsville, PA - (814) 360-1140
Posted By Jack Barry on 2/11/2008 1:14:00 AM
Clem’s Barbeque may lack four walls, but this Central Pennsylvania establishment certainly compensates for its architectural shortcomings by serving up excellent barbeque. Located by the side of Route 322, seven miles northwest of State College, the trailer, carport, and collection of tents that comprise Clem’s define Roadfood. Several wooden barrels provide a fine countertop to those who prefer dining outside over takeout. Around dinner-time, the line outside the trailer and around the barrels can swell with a variety of hungry patrons, in which case the hood of a car can serve as a table.

While Clem’s offers boneless country ribs (also known as pork steaks), whole barbequed chicken, and pulled pork, it is their succulent baby back ribs for which they are most well-known, proving that good barbeque can be found north of the Mason-Dixon Line. These ribs are served wet, with a delicious homemade barbeque sauce. Dinner rolls are provided to soak up the pool of leftover sauce that lines the inside of the tray. A brief selection of side orders is available in both small and large containers, at additional cost. The baked beans are unique: a mixture of chickpeas, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Clem’s coleslaw is flavorful and refreshing, the perfect complement to the tangy ribs. Red-skinned potato salad and garlic smashed potatoes are also offered.

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Scorecard

4 - Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip
Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip
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Reviewers Photos [Upload Your Photos]

Clem's pulled pork sandwich is more like a pulled pork hoagie and a real bargain at $4.50.
"Clem's pulled pork sandwich is more like a pulled pork hoagie and a real bargain at $4.50."
Cliff Strutz





Clem's well-sauced baby back ribs are some of the best you will find north of the Mason-Dixon line.
"Clem's well-sauced baby back ribs are some of the best you will find north of the Mason-Dixon line."
Cliff Strutz


A close-up of Clem's baked beans; note the mixture of three different bean types.
"A close-up of Clem's baked beans; note the mixture of three different bean types."
Cliff Strutz


From left to right: small coleslaw, large baked beans, a dinner roll ready to mop up the superb barbeque sauce, and a half-rack of fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs.
"From left to right: small coleslaw, large baked beans, a dinner roll ready to mop up the superb barbeque sauce, and a half-rack of fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs."
Jack Barry


A view of the menu, side orders omitted, hanging from Clem's carport roof.
"A view of the menu, side orders omitted, hanging from Clem's carport roof."
Jack Barry


This sign says it all about their hours. I've never been there during the posted times when they weren't open.
"This sign says it all about their hours. I've never been there during the posted times when they weren't open. "
Sarah McCracken


No seating is available at Clem's, though several wooden barrels act as a fine substitute for those patrons who prefer eating here over takeout.
"No seating is available at Clem's, though several wooden barrels act as a fine substitute for those patrons who prefer eating here over takeout."
Jack Barry



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