What's The Best BBQ You Ever Had?

The Cozy Corner has some really good BBQ Cornish Hen for a change of pace.

Akavar

Try to also grab a sandwich at Payne's. Sublime...

Jim -

I stopped at Payne's but they were closed that day. :-(

Oh well - just another excuse to stop in Memphis.

MilwFood -

I agree with you about the Cornish hen at Cozy corner. The BBQ spaghetti is a must have side order with your hen.

quote:

Originally posted by Akavar

MilwFood -

I agree with you about the Cornish hen at Cozy corner. The BBQ spaghetti is a must have side order with your hen.

Akavar, I agree with Jim about Paynes- The Best Pulled Pork I've had in Memphis.

I thought the best BBQ Spaghetti was at Neeley's.

The next time I'm in Memphis I will have to try the Cornish Hen at Cozy Corner

quote:

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen

lanehart,
We have enjoyed several BBQ lunchs and dinners at McClards. The best part of their dinners are the BBQ Beans they use for a side dish. They are outstanding. I would rate the ribs a 7.5 on a 10 scale... That's pretty good, but not in my top 10.

Ok - the list for the next trip to Memphis is:

BBQ bologna at Cozy Corner
BBQ (Pig)Sandwich at Payne's
BBQ spaghetti at Neeley's

It's a man's work, but someone has to do it.

McClard's In Hot Springs, AR is now serving chicken on Wednesday's.
It;s great to grab and go home with dinner already done.
Just add some sauce, side of those beans that are so good, cole slaw
that's chopped fine and it's creamy and sweet! Oh boy, I'm hungry!

At the "Mess 'o Round" in Hallandale Beach Fl.

My dad's !!! He cooked the pigs on his pig cooker and made his own sauce.

Best pork ribs - either Dreamland in Tuscaloosa, AL or House of Ribs in Johnson City, TN - different styles

Best pork - Speedy Pig - Fayetteville, GA

Best sauce - Williamson's - Marietta, GA

Best hush puppies - Outlaw BBQ - Foxboro, MA

Best BBQ beans - Ridgewood BBQ - Bluff City, TN

Best BBQ beef brisket - Bodacious - Longview, TX

Has to be Wilbur's in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

I've been very fortunate to get to eat at Bub Sweatman's in Holly Hill, SC, The Flying Pig in Lyon, SC, the Georgia Pig in Brunswick, GA, Big Bob Gibson's in Alabama, Tom Jenkin's in Ft. Lauderdale, Dreamland in Birmingham, Interstate in Memphis, and several places in North Carolina. None of these places can touch the "Da Q" at Arthur Bryant's (their original location on Brooklyn Avenue)in Kansas city, MO. It was absolutely incredible. I highly recommend it to all roadfoodies.

You poor chillien...bbq comes from NC.

Been to lots and lots of "Q" places....For me it isn't even close...Arthur Bryant's Brooklyn Ave location in Kansas City, MO! Absolutely amazing.

My Daddy's BBQ cooked in a homemade drum grill.

Simply, the pinnacle of BBQ heaven for me; The great, Louis Mueller in Taylor, Texas.

My mother has a cosin named Jimmy Smallwood and hehad a little roadside stand there in northern Alabama. That was some of the best BBQ I have ever eaten!

There is a great little mom-n-pop rib joint across from Old Town Suwanee off Peachtree Industrial in north Atlanta. It's called Dillards and you can smell the pit-cooked ribs a mile before you get there. Tiny place next to the railroad tracks; if you wear socks, you're too dressy.

Another good choice for ribs is in Columbus, GA and is called Country's. The pit aroma will drive you crazy with rib-lust! Best sides ever, too.

I don't know if it's the best bbq I've had but the place I've enjoyed the most and really miss is Starnes in Paducah, Ky. Pork sandwiches on toasted white bread with Starnes sauce, a sort of peppery and vinegary concoction......mmmmmmm good. Also, excellent ham and turkey. What I miss, though, isn't just the food. It's a great atmosphere, very friendly, very "small town". Or at least it used to be, I haven't been there for about 12 years.

I'm sort of surprised that Paducah bbq was never mentioned in a seven page thread but then, as was mentioned, it's got got a lot to do with what you've been raised with.

Cool forum, by the way, I think I'll like this place. Glad I came across it.

I still maintain that the best bbq that I have ever had in my life came off my Daddy's oil drum smoker-grill...

quote:

Originally posted by iqdiva

I still maintain that the best bbq that I have ever had in my life came off my Daddy's oil drum smoker-grill...

Yep, that often seems to true about most things, doesn't it?

John

i would have to say that my best bbq is from my back porch, straight out of my smoker..lol

bbq chicken 1/4's


turkey breast


country style ribs


pulled pork chop sammie


country style ribs,wicked baked beans,slaw


smoke sausage and ABT's

WOW!

Not only is that question (What's the best BBQ you've ever had?) difficult to answer, I personally think that it is IMPOSSIBLE to answer honestly.

Considering the fact that there are people all over the WORLD who read this website, there are millions of "opinions" of what "best BBQ" should taste like.

The answer, whatever it may be, is totally subjective, perhaps, as it should be.

Personally, I think that the BBQ that I cook on my own grill, in my own oven, or in my own smoker, is the BEST BBQ on the planet.

BUT . .. YOU (personally) may think that it sucks big time.

Even though BOTH of us could qualify "GOOD" BBQ from crap (like a recent posting about "Famous Dave's), when we use the term "BEST", then we have a totally new ballgame!

There are so MANY good BBQ places in the South and Southwest, it could take one a lifetime to test and select the "BEST" BBQ I've (or you've) ever had.

Oh well, your question, although an interesting one, is STILL a sticky one.

Bill

quote:

Originally posted by The Travelin' Man

My vote for single best BBQ anywhere goes to Kreuz Market in Lockhart, TX. I have sampled quite a few, and there are some other contenders, but for my money, this is the number one. Sorry I don't have a better pic, but my favorite thing at the favorite place is the shoulder (found here on the right):



Next week's stop includes a trip to Arthur Bryant's, so I intend on making some serious comparisons!

The T man is right as usual. (for Texas).....I really like the NC style with a vinegar base in NC. There is a great place called Little Pigs right in Myrtle Beach.

BBQ sliced mutton at Old Hickory BBQ in Owensboro, KY

Has anyone ever been to The State Line, a bbq joint that lies right on the Texas-New Mexico border, in El Paso? I brought a friend there on a recommendation, and left thinking it was the best BBQ I'd ever tasted. I had beef brisket, and my friend ended up getting a five way combo plate of beef ribs, sausage, smoked turkey, brisket, and pork ribs. I finally had enough tenacity (read: no kids with me) to wait the required 2 hours it seems to get a table at this place. I ate so much I don't think I had anything to eat the following day.

Roadhouse BBQ, Norwich, NY

On the recommendation of elad from postings ion this forum, I stopped at the Roadhouse BBQ in Norwich, NY two weeks ago. Although this is a bit out of the way for many people I would urge you to make the trip.

Roadhouse is owned by a woman named Shannon. She makes everything from the meats to the sauces to the side dishes. I thought the items that I sampled were great.

I had the dry ribs and tried several different sauces. Shannon makes some great sauces. The side dish was mac and cheese which was as good as anything you would find in a southern "meat & three".

Also, the pulled pork sandwich was great. The "butter & vinegar" sauce that Shannon makes compliments it perfectly. This sauce did not taste much like butter or vinegar to me, but was excellent for this dish. Next time I will try it with cole slaw as they do in Memphis.

This place holds its own with any other BBQ that I have experienced. To me, the question with BBQ is not always "the absolute best" but do they do well with the style(s) they make. Roadhouse has a unique style that is well worth the trip.

Lexington #1 (NC) pulled pork and Sweatman's ribs in Holly Hill SC tie for my favorites. Ranking second place are (Columbia SC) Little Pigs on Alpine Road, Hudson's on 378, and Boar's Nest near Irmo, as well as Little Pigs in Statesville, NC - my hometown.

Must admit the last one is sometimes a tad dry, but always wonderfully smokey. Which I love.

City Market, Luling, Texas.

quote:

Originally posted by BunglingBill

WOW!

Not only is that question (What's the best BBQ you've ever had?) difficult to answer, I personally think that it is IMPOSSIBLE to answer honestly.

Considering the fact that there are people all over the WORLD who read this website, there are millions of "opinions" of what "best BBQ" should taste like.

The answer, whatever it may be, is totally subjective, perhaps, as it should be.

Personally, I think that the BBQ that I cook on my own grill, in my own oven, or in my own smoker, is the BEST BBQ on the planet.

BUT . .. YOU (personally) may think that it sucks big time.

Even though BOTH of us could qualify "GOOD" BBQ from crap (like a recent posting about "Famous Dave's), when we use the term "BEST", then we have a totally new ballgame!

There are so MANY good BBQ places in the South and Southwest, it could take one a lifetime to test and select the "BEST" BBQ I've (or you've) ever had.

Oh well, your question, although an interesting one, is STILL a sticky one.

Bill

Hi Bill,

I did not ask what anyone thought was the worlds best BBQ but what was the best BBQ they have had. You think the best BBQ comes from your grill so that is the correct answer.

John

Cyrano -

I have fond memories of City Market in Luling. Unfortunately they are closed on Sundays and my last trip through that area was on a Sunday during this past January.

I opted to go up the road to Smitty's in Lockhart. It was a perfect lunch on a cold and rainy Sunday.

Shorty's in Miami for me. The original version, on South Dixie Highway. I've been to one on Bird Road but the atmosphere isn't remotely close.

Shorty's has great ribs but lately I've been choosing the beef sandwiches and dumping their terrific barbeque sauce on them. The corn on the cob is fantastic. They always deliver it quickly so you can enjoy it as a standalone before the main order arrives.

That place was a staple of my childhood. We'd go there to celebrate Dolphin wins when they were in their early '70s heyday. Then it burnt down and took about a year to re-open. More recently when I'm in Miami I go to Shorty's with my parents after Canes games. The team may have fallen off, short term, but a trip to Shorty's almost makes up for it.

quote:

Originally posted by V960

You poor chillien...bbq comes from NC.

Indeed; Eastern Carolina to be more precise.

I've lived in Dallas the past few years and do enjoy Sonny Bryan's brisket, but the secret to survival for anyone craving the "real deal" is simply to go to any good 'cue joint and order pork, "hold the sauce". (They have pretty good slaw, hush puppies, and sweet tea at most any joint in TX).

Then, whip out your bottle of Scott's Sauce, apply to taste and you'll remember fond memories of Wilbur's in Goldsboro. My wife and I use it for a bunch of dishes at home; we go through 12 pint bottles every year or so. www.scottsbarbecuesauce.com

Just as we were about to leave the D.C. area a really good local BBQ joint opened up in the Willard Road industrial park area of Chantilly, VA: Willard's.

Willard's is a BBQ "factory" which offers something from every "style": Memphis, TX, Carolina, etc. All the offerings are good and some are wonderful. We ate there 5 or so times and were always satisfied.

In D.C. get a Carolina 'cue sandwich from Weenie Beenie. I like the "big" size, hold the slaw, add hot sauce, large Mountain Dew.

This is a walk up with just a few picnic tables. Consume on-site, even in your car if you must.

Just off 395, Shirlington exit. Corner of Shirlington Rd. and S. Four Mile Run Drive. Despite appearances, this is a very safe place in the daylight - the only hours they are open.

Wide menu with a lot of great stuff. I always loved it and miss it terribly.

I cast my vote for the original Sonny Bryan's on Inwood near Harry Hines in Dallas. Everything there is delicious, but the beef brisket is superb!!!!!!! Another good spot in the DFW area is Angelo's just west of downtown Fort Worth. Great atmosphere with good barbecue, but not quite on the level of Sonny Bryan's.

Mine of course!

But, there was a place called The Taste of Texas in Montgomery, NY. Unfortunetly they moved out!

I would have to say the best now is the Hickory on Rte. 28, Kingston, NY.

Dry rub only, no sauce.

Fat Willy's

(Chicago, Illinois)

Pete Jones BBQ in Ayden NC...hands down the best.

Lots of good BBQ in the greater Atlanta area. In no particular order:

Sam & Dave's (2 locations in Marietta)- brisket is outstanding.
Harold's in south Atlanta - cracklin' cornbread, yummmm!
Old South BBQ in Smyrna - nearest to me and always good.
Spiced Right BBQ in Lilburn (also now in Roswell)just rite Brunswick stew.
Williamson Bros in Marietta - excellent sauce.

you can't go wrong at any of these places, but currently, my
favorite is Spiced Right.

Doctor Dan

I know it has been panned here before but I love the "real" Rudy's in Leon Spring, Tx. outside San Antonio.
We have no good BBQ here in Las Vegas although Salt Lick recently opeed at Red Rock Casino. I'll try it soon.

Southside Market in Elgin, TX. Their sausage in sort of grainy the way I like it (as apposed to mushy like hot dogs). Loved their mutton. Also open on Sundays.

I also enjoyed Southside Market in Elgin. You can get good pork BBQ as well as brisket and sausage. I did not try the mutton - will have to do that next time.

Coopers in LLano, TX. !!

Tie between Angelo's in Fort Worth (sliced brisket) and the Rendevous in Memphis (ribs).

I managed to get to Cooper's once. While I was standing in line I struck up a conversation with some local folks who were very gracious to talk to this invader from NJ. They told me that one of their neighbors raised goats and sold them to Cooper's for BBQ.

Unfotunately Cooper's had no goat that day so i will have to try it the next time I am there. However, my dining partner enjoyed the brisket so much that she actually stood in line a second time - in the middle of the Sunday after church rush - to buy a whole brisket to take back to Dallas with us. We ate Cooper's in Dallas for the next few days.

quote:

Originally posted by ptalley

Tie between Angelo's in Fort Worth (sliced brisket) and the Rendevous in Memphis (ribs).

I've been to both. Rendezvous was ok, but nothing special, Angelo's was kind of dissapointing, I found the brisket to be dry and rather lacking in terms of its smokeyness, a day earlier I was at Luling City Market in Houston which blew Angelo's right out of the water

To be honest....my own.

I guess it would depend on what kind of BBQ you wanted.

Smittys for Sausage
Kreuz for brisket
Lexington Smokehouse for Pork (previous owner)
Dreamland for ribs
Dreamland for sauce.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

quote:

Originally posted by Sundancer7

I guess it would depend on what kind of BBQ you wanted.

Smittys for Sausage
Kreuz for brisket
Lexington Smokehouse for Pork (previous owner)
Dreamland for ribs
Dreamland for sauce.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Great minds think alike!

I concurr with Kreuz for brisket and Dreamland for ribs!!

The best BBQ I have ever eaten was at a little hole in the wall in San Jose, CA that was named the PIT. They cooked their baked potatoes right next to the brisket and both had the flavor of the wood smoke that permeated the entire neighborhood. They also had an individual blackberry deepdish pie ala mode that was as good a pie as I have ever had. Alas this place closed years ago but it is remembered fondly by everyone in my family.

Theedge was fortunate enough to be able to stop in Kansas City last night and eat at one of his favorites, I think now I can say most favoritist, Oklahoma Joe's. The place was packed, so I got a jumbo pork sandwich, a jumbo brisket sandwich and an order of frys to go. Zipped back to the Sheraton over at country club plaza and had a feast. Both the beef and pork were the best I've had anywhere, large piece of lean moist meat with a nice hint of smoke. I hardly touched the sauce at all.

Now I'm browsing for places to eat down here in Brick Town, Oklahoma City. I had a late lunch at Abuelo's, blech, two thumbs down. The cheese cake was decent.

I took a wrong turn and saw Leo's BBQ, now that looks like my kind of place, I'll try that tomorrow. I swear I smelled some good q coming from a few blocks away....going to follow my nose on that one.

Famous Dave's.

(waits for it)

Haha, sorry, couldn't resist. Seriously, Tom's Place in West Palm Beach...unlikely city but the St. Louis ribs are reason alone for the 16-hour car trip. And the amazing French fries (with extra, heated house sauce), perfectly crusty and sweet corn muffins, GREENS...everything but the sweet potato pie, which is vile.

I'm glad to see so many Dallas area posters praising the brisket at (original location only) Sonny Bryans.
Their sauce is excellent too.
One reason is because they put some of the brisket (fat) drippings in their sauce. That will explain why your apt to get a wretched case of heartburn afterwards. It's worth it!
However, for the best pork ribs (St. Louis style) in Dallas: Baker's Ribs. (Greenville Ave. location only)
Best beef ribs in Dallas: Big Al's on Inwood at Cedar springs.

Having travelled the country and hit almost all of the major ones listed. I have not gone in with a bias over what area is the best and have enjoyed each for it's own varaince from a common theme. Over the years I found that just to embrace the differences and the arguments: NC vinegar, SC mustard base, Tomato base, dry rubbed, parboiled, beef vs pork, pulled vs chopped, chicken, sausage.

I enjoy each and every quest to try something local and different.

Here's one not mentioned that I have enjoyed:

Head Country BBQ in Ponca City, OK

And when go to visit my folks in Illinois it's always a stop at Jim's Rib Haven in Rock Island, it's what I grew up on and one taste of the sauce and I'm transported back in time.

Locally here in Baltimore, Andy Nelson's, is the local place that I go to for sides.


On another note, I'll be in the Western NC area next week (Ashe county/Boone, Lincolnton) any good recommendations down that way?

B&S,

I can't vouch for any Boone bbq spots, but Dellorie's restaurant there is very, very good.

Thanks Duesy,
I'll give it a try.

quote:

Originally posted by Theedge

Theedge was fortunate enough to be able to stop in Kansas City last night and eat at one of his favorites, I think now I can say most favoritist, Oklahoma Joe's. The place was packed, so I got a jumbo pork sandwich, a jumbo brisket sandwich and an order of frys to go. Zipped back to the Sheraton over at country club plaza and had a feast. Both the beef and pork were the best I've had anywhere, large piece of lean moist meat with a nice hint of smoke. I hardly touched the sauce at all.

Now I'm browsing for places to eat down here in Brick Town, Oklahoma City. I had a late lunch at Abuelo's, blech, two thumbs down. The cheese cake was decent.

I took a wrong turn and saw Leo's BBQ, now that looks like my kind of place, I'll try that tomorrow. I swear I smelled some good q coming from a few blocks away....going to follow my nose on that one.

Be careful taking 'wrong turns' in that part of town!
There's an Earl's Rib Palace in Bricktown. They have some good Q. And also try Iron Starr at 36th and Shartel.

quote:

Originally posted by iceomat

quote:

Originally posted by Theedge

Theedge was fortunate enough to be able to stop in Kansas City last night and eat at one of his favorites, I think now I can say most favoritist, Oklahoma Joe's. The place was packed, so I got a jumbo pork sandwich, a jumbo brisket sandwich and an order of frys to go. Zipped back to the Sheraton over at country club plaza and had a feast. Both the beef and pork were the best I've had anywhere, large piece of lean moist meat with a nice hint of smoke. I hardly touched the sauce at all.

Now I'm browsing for places to eat down here in Brick Town, Oklahoma City. I had a late lunch at Abuelo's, blech, two thumbs down. The cheese cake was decent.

I took a wrong turn and saw Leo's BBQ, now that looks like my kind of place, I'll try that tomorrow. I swear I smelled some good q coming from a few blocks away....going to follow my nose on that one.

Be careful taking 'wrong turns' in that part of town!
There's an Earl's Rib Palace in Bricktown. They have some good Q. And also try Iron Starr at 36th and Shartel.

I went to Leo's 4 1/2 years ago (in fact I mentioned it in my first trip report on Roadfood.) The Brisket and beans were outstanding!