BBQ

[Tom Ames]

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There's also a South Carolina mustard-based BBQ, but that [censored] is nasty.

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I just spent a week in SC and couldn't agree more. What an unpleasant surprise.

Anyone who considers anything other than pork to be BBQ is sadly misinformed. That said, my three favorite places for ribs are (in no particular order):

Memphis, TN--Rendezvous

Tuscaloosa, AL--Dreamland. They now have other locations but the only other one I've eaten at is the one in Mobile. It reminds me of a fern-bar rather than a BBQ joint. Dreamland in Tuscaloosa used to have a brilliant sign on the wall reading, "No beans. No slaw. Don't ask!"

Hattiesburg, Mississippi--Leatha's. It used to be located in an old run-down house on a dirt road (more like a cow-path) outside a much smaller town. Perfect for a BBQ joint!

[Phat Mack]

If you're in Austin and can get south of town, try the Salt Lick. Bring a cooler of beer. Follow the signs to Camp Ben McCollough.

Give Rudy's a pass. Thier meats are fair, but their sides are an abomination. It's sort of a franchisey place.

If you are around the University, go to Ruby's (that's RuBy's, not RuDy's), at 29th and the Drag. Great meat, great sides, kinda pricey.

Kreuz's is in Lockhart, not Luling. If you haven't been there in a few years, you will be gravely disappointed. Once the best BBQ in Texas, there was some kind of family squable that moved it to a new location north of town. Not worth going to.

[EMc]

For take out BBQ, Dinosaur in Upstate NY is amazing. Ive been to Tenneesee, and this easily beat it. Im sure anyone from around the area will confirm. For a chain restaurant, Famous Dave's does the trick pretty well.

Im also a huge fan of homemade BBQ. Most of what I have to offer has been said already, and I agree totally with just about everything. While basic, I think a good old fashioned hot dog is a winner, especially with a nice toasted bun, a little burnt and the ends split. Add some mustard, some beans on the side, and 10 minutes later a great meal.

[Benjamin]

If/when any of you come to Asheville, NC, our only good barbeque is 12 Bones down by the river. http://www.12bones.com/ The ribs are freaking amazing, so good that I've never tried the brisket or other options that people also rave about. Their barbeque is top notch, but what makes them stand out amoung barbeque spots I've been to around the south is their sides. A+

Down the mountain a ways, if you happen to be passing Saluda, you might consider stopping off for Green River Barbeque in downtown Saluda. Their barbeque is very good, if not great, and their sides are delicious. Worth the 5 minute trip of of I-40. http://www.greenriverbbq.com/

For Memphis barbeque, several have mentioned Rendevous. I had a bad experience there where my ribs were overcooked to a dry toughness, which I didn't appreciate given that they were priced for perfection. My favorite Memphis barbeque joint is the Blues City Cafe, though I read on their site that their chef died this summer so I hope the great barbeque continues. http://www.bluescitycafe.com/

I've also had Neely's Interstate Barbeque in Memphis. Very good, but not quite up to Blues City's.

Other's comments about the beauty of eastern NC vinegar based chopped pork barbeque are on target. That [censored] is good!

B.

[Costanza]

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Also, to the guy that mentioned Dreamland in Birmingham-I used to love that place too when I lived there.

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Dreamland in Birmingham is still good, but it's just not the same as the original because it's too... well... nice for a BBQ joint.

There's just something about going back in the sticks (as if Tuscaloosa isn't the sticks to begin with) and pulling into the gravel parking lot, seeing the stray dogs picking through the trash in the back and walking in to see the "No Farting" sign that's part of the experience. That, and that you can almost still hear Keith Jackson saying "Whoa Nellie!" in the background somewhere.


Interesting Dreamland trivia/rumor: They got in trouble with the IRS back in the day because they didn't use a cash register or keep any financial records. When you left they'd just ask you what you had and charge in cash. Instead of being thrown in jail, strings were pulled by a certain politician from Alabama you've probably heard of so they could stay in business. That's how good those ribs are.

The ribs themselves are pretty good, but their sauce is unique. You can mail-order the ribs, but I'd just make my own and get the sauce. It's great on chicken also.

[gumpzilla]

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Bryant's sandwiches and fries are the bomb. Although this one isn't smothered in sauce yet which really wrecks the aesthics IMO. Let us pray on all that is good and holy that it will be soon.

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While the meat looks pretty solid, I'm guessing I'd like the looks of that sandwich a lot more if it weren't on what appears to be Wonder bread.

My girlfriend used to live near a barbeque place on Wisconsin Ave. in DC. It made for nice smells on the walk over.

[jjp]

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Small place in Lomita, CA called Harry's Oklahoma Style Smokehouse BBQ. I think it's only carry-out. I haven't been there for a while, but I remember it as being very good. Based on the pictures on the wall it seems they do a lot of catering for show business. If I get the chance to go again I'll report.

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I've been to Harry's. It's good, but not great. Probably the best in the South Bay area of Los Angeles though (at least the areas I am willing to get out of my car in).

Another good, cheap smoker is the Chargriller Smokin' Pro with the Side Fire Box

Pretty cheap at Lowe's, it can be a smoker and a grill. Plus its pretty big, so you can put a lot of meat on it. If you need something bigger than this, then you need a serious smoker.

As for websites, I love the barbecue bible website.
www.barbecuebible.com
Steven Raichlen (website owner) has written a few barbecue books, "How to Grill" is a great introduction to grilling/barbecuing book with lots of detailed pictures. If you are new to grilling, get this book. The pictures make all the difference.

[Duke]

I don't know if a "ribs" place would fit in this thread, but I'm a huge fan of Michelbob's down in Florida near Marco Island. They're the best I've had in my life, and I sadly haven't made it down that way for about 10 years now.

[El Diablo]

Duke,

Definitely ribs fit in this thread!

Speaking of ribs. Fat Matt's Rib Shack in Atlanta. Yum.

Also, for fast-food BBQ, Harlon's BBQ in airports is surprisingly good. I like their brisket sandwiches. Might be a little too sweet for some, but I enjoy my BBQ sauce a little on the sweet side (sweet, spicy, and a little hot, preferably).

[suzzer99]

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While the meat looks pretty solid, I'm guessing I'd like the looks of that sandwich a lot more if it weren't on what appears to be Wonder bread.


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You're questioning Michelangelo's use of color here.

It's good, trust me. They way they've been doing it for the better part of a century and they aren't going to change now.