What's The Best BBQ You Ever Had?

quote:

Originally posted by wheregreggeats.com
The Smoke House in Braselton, Georgia.

Wheregregeats,
Great Caesar's ghost! I still haven't made it up there, only 26 miles from my very chair. And there's ANOTHER good 'cue place in Hoschton, just south of Braselton!
Looks like my "must-try" list just keeps getting longer and longer....
As If On 'Cue, Ort. Carlton in 30601-land.

quote:

Originally posted by anselmo1
I would have to say it is: Sonny's BBQ on Tyvola Rd in Charlotte, NC

Anselmo,
This isn't a part of the same-named chain, is it?
Cue'riously, Ort. Carlton in 30601-Central.

quote:

Originally posted by wheregreggeats.com
Dillard's, Buford, GA ...

Dearfolk,
And another one to try....
On Cue, Getting Hungrier And Hungrier, Ort. Carlton in Mighty Nigh On Nearby Athens.

quote:

Originally posted by wanderingjew
Best Brunswick Stew- Chad's- Buford, GA

Dearfolk,
Groan... another one.
So Near But So Far, Ort. in 30601.

quote:

Originally posted by planojim
Best cornbread-Harolds, Atlanta GA

Dearfolk,
NOW we're talkin'! It's got cracklin's in it, like used to be in Ma Groover's at her late, lamented Pig & Plate in Valdosta, Georgia (which I found in my first Sterns book ever and visited two or three times before it closed).
That cornbread at Harold's was originally made by Harold Hembree's mother, and now it is made by his widow, or so I am told... his mama would have to be 105 years old if she was still with us; the place opened in 1947.
Well-Bread (And Wishing I Had A Hunk Of It - RAT Now!), Ort. Carlton in 68-Miles-Too-Far-Away Athens, Georgia.

quote:

Originally posted by Linda A
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.

Linda A,
Thank you for your better directions to Dillard's -- it was mentioned elsewhere as being in Buford. No, it's not -- not by a dam site!
Country's has several locations. You ought to opt for the one in downtown Columbus, something like 1320 Broadway, in the old bus depot. And make sure you order you up a baked sweet potato... ooh, boy... some fine eatin' there!
As If On 'Cue Again, Ort. Carlton in Lovely Athens.

quote:

Originally posted by DoctorDan
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

Doctor Dan,
You're going to make me a busy eater when I manage the time to go try all these places! I've been to Harold's and Spiced Right, and have to admire your taste.
An old friend tells me that I haven't lived because I've never been to the Old South BBQ in Smyrna.
Now -- have you ever been to Anderson Bros. BBQ on Willis Mill Road in Adamsville in S/W Atlanta? It's a perfectly safe place; a single (Southern white) woman I know goes out there frequently by herself, and has always been treated very well by everyone.
Sometimes I think that good barbecue is the ultimate equalizer; the finest experience to be shared; the one thing you just can't hoard for yourself.
All 'Cued Up And Ready, Ort. Carlton in Athens.

quote:

Originally posted by Duesy
Famous Dave's.

Dearfolk,
Or, as I offered when one opened near me (it has since closed after only a six-month-or-so run) "Dave's can't be too famous. I've never heard of it before now."
Confucus-Ort. say: Beware of any restaurant that tells you how famous it is or how good it is. Chances are that you'll be plumb disappointed.
Saccharinely, Ort. in 30601.
P. S. That probably sums up Dave's Famous Sauce, too... gloppy and sweeeeeeeeet. Glarb.

Dearfolk,
The best I've found thusfar in Athens, Georgia (among surely 25 places) has to be Jot 'Em Down Country Store at 150 East Whitehall Road. I've only been there once and it's clear across town from my house, but it's worth the drive. It's a woodburner, too.
A place that has been highly recommended to me (but I haven't been there yet) is Carithers 'N' Scott Bar-B-Que at 4007 Danielsville Road, about 4 miles north of town. It's a real woodburner; you can smell the smoke all up and down the road. It's on OLD U. S. 29 north.
Next to Jot 'Em Down, I think I like The Barbecue Shack on Lexington Road the best.
Wishfully, Ort. Carlton in Pit(i)less Athens, Georgia.

quote:

Originally posted by Ort. Carlton.

Dearfolk,
The best I've found thusfar in Athens, Georgia (among surely 25 places) has to be Jot 'Em Down Country Store at 150 East Whitehall Road. I've only been there once and it's clear across town from my house, but it's worth the drive. It's a woodburner, too.
A place that has been highly recommended to me (but I haven't been there yet) is Carithers 'N' Scott Bar-B-Que at 4007 Danielsville Road, about 4 miles north of town. It's a real woodburner; you can smell the smoke all up and down the road. It's on OLD U. S. 29 north.
Next to Jot 'Em Down, I think I like The Barbecue Shack on Lexington Road the best.
Wishfully, Ort. Carlton in Pit(i)less Athens, Georgia.

I wish I could match Ort's Athens barbeque experience, but I have been to Jot 'em Down and it is indeed very good barbeque. The others will have to be really good to match it. Only downside is you can't get a Budweiser with the barbeque, so you have to take it home for that.

quote:

Only downside is you can't get a Budweiser with the barbeque, so you have to take it home for that.

Exactly why would anyone want a Budweiser?

quote:

Originally posted by wfmitchell

quote:

Only downside is you can't get a Budweiser with the barbeque, so you have to take it home for that.

Exactly why would anyone want a Budweiser?

Because it's better than Milwaukee's Best, Red, White and Blue, and Pabst Blue Ribbon for starters.

And that's just about the enders too!

I think I'd rather give up BBQ than have to drink a Budweiser. Gimme a Yuengling any day.

Amen to America's oldest brew. By the way...if taste serves me, Bud tasted different(stronger) in the 60's. The dumbing down of brands????

Little Jakes in Kansas City.

Living in Central New York, one would be kicked out of the state if they said anything but the Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse. But, I used to travel down South and the best (and friendliest) was a little joint in Covengton Ga., called Smokin Jim's BBQ Shack. Picnic tables outside and on the screened in porch. One of the few places I found that treated Yankees like folk. I don't know if it's still around, but I would always go out of my way to eat there in my travels.

quote:

Originally posted by leethebard

Amen to America's oldest brew. By the way...if taste serves me, Bud tasted different(stronger) in the 60's. The dumbing down of brands????

quote:

Originally posted by wfmitchell

Originally posted by leethebard

Amen to America's oldest brew. By the way...if taste serves me, Bud tasted different(stronger) in the 60's. The dumbing down of brands????

Budweiser was diluted in the 60's to make room for Michelob. I believe it was a project by Russell Ackoff who at the time was the dean of Operations Research at The Wharton School. The Anheuser-Busch Co. called him in to increase the sale of Bud. His team decided that the public perceived Bud as being overpriced so they needed to market a beer that was very overpriced to put Bud back into perspective. They put Michelob in a can which heretofore had only been a draft and brought it out at $5-6 a six pack which in the 60's was the equivalent of at least $40 a case in today's dollar. Then a funny thing happened, the sale of Michelob was not that bad so they called Ackoff back in to increase the sale of Michelob. Ackoff's team decided that the best thing to do was decrease the price of Michelob until it started to affect the sale of Budweiser, then increase the price back up again slightly. The rest is history. These facts have been rounded off a little but you get the idea. I was in one of Ackoff's classes and he described this case but would not mane the parties. It was pretty obvious however and when we confronted him he got very irrated. BINGO!
The facts have been rounded somewhat due to typing limitations but you get the idea. At least I think that's why it's diluted but let's face it, they know what sells. They have been at this a long time. They did miss the microbrew phenomena somewhat but sooner or later they'll be big in that as well.

Hi,
I read in an advertizing book once that american beers in the 60's were watered down to appeal to the growing female market.So...if Bud is watered down from the old days what is Bud lite....or Miller lite..or Coors lite etc. etc.Americans don't want beer,they want ice cold water they can drink one after another.So the next time you see that Hell's angel drinking a Miller lite, tell him he's drinking a girly-girl drink!!!

I think I read somewhere that American beers are made lighter (watered down) to keep drinkers from feeling full so they will drink more.

What ever the reason,you aren't drinking the BEST beer in the world. Water and ribs, nah!

quote:

Originally posted by leethebard

What ever the reason,you aren't drinking the BEST beer in the world. Water and ribs, nah!

I have to admit, just having been in Dublin, that Guinness tastes totally different over there, fresh from the local brewery. It is much creamier not bitter tasting at all, unlike the canned Guinness you get over here. Very nice.

Any British or Irish ale or stout drunk in a local pub beats American beer hands down.

Eric Idle: "Why is drinking American beer like making love in a canoe?" Because it's fu@$ing close to water.

Eric Idle...You speak the truth!

Sad to report the demise of one of the country's truly great Bar B Q restaurants, Williams Smoke House in the Acres Home section of Houston. The fire in the pit got away from them and it burned to the ground (gotta watch that wood)a few weeks ago. Mr. Williams reportedly indicated that he would likely not rebuild. I got the impression that his advancing age and the pressures and long hours of running a family owned and operated business with little outside help were major factors in his decision. As anyone who ever visited his restaurant will attest, its a big loss of one of the truly original style Bar B Q A"joints" and Houston will miss it.

Haven't eaten a lot of BBQ outside the greater Atlanta area,
but I really like Sam & Dave's (2 locations in Marietta), Spiced Right in Lilburn and another place in Ballground, GA whose name escapes me for the moment.
Ate at Arthur Bryant's in KC but that was a long, long time ago.
I remember getting the meat and two pieces of white bread, a drink and not much else. Of course it was good!!!

Doctor Dan

I am reluctant to name any Q joint ouside of Texas as the best I've ever eaten but there is a place just off exit 3 north I 95 in Kingsland Ga called Blues. Just a roadside stand with a huge pit on wheels and the man can cook some ribs.
Now that Budweiser has started this insane "born on date" and the useless Budweiser Select. If I want beer with my Q it's Shiner. And if it wasn't so expensive Hefe Weisen.

quote:

Originally posted by Legran22

Sad to report the demise of one of the country's truly great Bar B Q restaurants, Williams Smoke House in the Acres Home section of Houston. The fire in the pit got away from them and it burned to the ground (gotta watch that wood)a few weeks ago. Mr. Williams reportedly indicated that he would likely not rebuild. I got the impression that his advancing age and the pressures and long hours of running a family owned and operated business with little outside help were major factors in his decision. As anyone who ever visited his restaurant will attest, its a big loss of one of the truly original style Bar B Q A"joints" and Houston will miss it.

I don't know if it is the best BBQ I have ever had, but it was my favorite BBQ joint in Houston. I was on the phone with a friend the other night planning a possible trip to Houston and it saddened me when I realized that I wouldn't be able to stop at Williams for some darn fine 'Q.

I'm having one of them days where as I sit here at my desk at 10 am simply dying for a plate of burnt ends, some white bread and a side of sausage. Anybody else?

BrisketBoy,

SOUNDS GREAT!! When you get that heeping plate, let me know and I will be right over!

That Ribb Place (now closed) in Decatur, AL. Very close to Dreamland. The sauce was divine!
Best pulled pork? Johnny Rays in Birmingham.

Just a newbie but the bar just keeps going up. I like to think the best is a question that I'll have to answer with my last breath...I'll have my wife post.

To date, I'm very partial to the fat Ga Pig on 441 in Fort lauderdale FL. (No kidding)
i always thought they were the only franchisee of the GA Pig (owner tried to franchise)off 95 in Brunswick GA but I was set straight by the original owner's son who is now the owner/pitmaster/sandwichmaker.
he told me that the owner of the GA pig of road food fame is actually a scoundrel who took the name from a family owned location in Brunswick. That location and owner were revered by the town but this interloper is an outcast. He further indicated that the name wasa legally his and his dad's but they just never bothered to go to court.
As to his sandwich, he only does Boston Butts...he chops the meat himself and if you ask for extra burnt ends he scouls and says he won't cheat someone else. His burnt ends to meat ratio is very carefully arrived at and he chops with the attention of a surgeon cutting. Other tasks are left to tohers but he is th only one who chops or slices meat, tends the pit and chooses the butts. His ownmade sauce is a thin vinegar/tomatoe with a nice bite...enhances like it should...doesn't cover at all.
The place is on the West side of 441, State Road 7 just South of the Davie Boulevard intersection.
It's a little hard to find because the sign blew down in a hurricane a few years ago. owner's response..."It's kinda nice...keeps the crowds down and leaves room for the regulars."
I've been gong there since the 70's and it's just gotten better and better.
I know I may be speaking heresy but I've been to the Brunswick pig twice and will not go back.
Both times the pit was closed and cold, the barbecue only passable and the staff so rude I wondered if they were being paid by my exwife.
The South Florida Pig may not be the best in the country...I hope to be able to judge that with an adequate personal sampling one day, but it is defintiely the best chopped pork sandwich in South Florida.
As to my facts, recalled only from a conversation laced with my own drool waiting for my sandwich...I can't attest to any or all of it. perhaps a real expert on the board can affirm or deny for me.

WingmanBBF

The best Sliced brisket, pulled pork and pork ribs I have ever eaten ......HEMPHILL BBQ in Hemphill Texas. Right on the Toledo Bend Reservoir off Hwy 83. Gotta Try It. Off the beaten path. The sauce is very thin. Slighty tangy and sweet. Ask for th onions, pickles and peppers on the side. YUMMO!!!!!!!

Any BBQ from Texas or Louisiana will be a taste bud explosion that will hook you for life. All Texas and Louisiana BBQ joints will mark a place in your food memory that you will have to revisit from time to time. The list would be too long...and it would depend on your BBQ craving on that day as to which BBQ place would fit your longing....try them all and you will taste what I am describing. Texas and Louisiana BBQ is a way of life, passed down for generations, and no where else in the world can you find a collection of fabulous BBQ spots to fill your BBQ fancy in just 2 states....try any town in either state and you will find a BBQ experience that is unique to each small town....these families have spent generations cooking their BBQ. Each BBQ sauce is unique too....always homemade....no recipes.

In Memphis, they only cook pork which took some getting used to. While Memphis BBQ is much less smoky than Louisiana and Texas, the dry ribs from Rendezvous are the best I have ever tasted...so far. Rendezvous’ BBQ shrimp are delicious too and don't forget to call ahead if you want them tonight. Interstate, Neely’s, and some of the other smaller family owned BBQ places are very good.....well worth repeat visits. You can taste the generations of experience and love in their BBQ. Corky’s is too bland for my taste.

I would not consider Texas or Louisiana in the top 10 of states in which to get BBQ. They are: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kansas, Florida, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Arkansas and Missouri. I have never had Louisisan BBQ and have never really even see it when I traveled there frequently during my career.

If you grew up in Texas then you can probably tolerate smoked beef. I'm only good for eating it about twice a year. I did buy my pipe steel smoker from David Klose in Houston however. He makes an excellent product.

quote:

Originally posted by wfmitchell

I would not consider Texas or Louisiana in the top 10 of states in which to get BBQ. They are: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kansas, Florida, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Arkansas and Missouri. I have never had Louisisan BBQ and have never really even see it when I traveled there frequently during my career.

If you grew up in Texas then you can probably tolerate smoked beef. I'm only good for eating it about twice a year. I did buy my pipe steel smoker from David Klose in Houston however. He makes an excellent product.

Everyone has a right to their opinion and I respect yours and agree that Georgia and Alabama have very unique BBQ that is delicious. Once you experience BBQ in Louisiana, you will see that there is more to BBQ than pork. In my opinion, Louisiana and Texas are in the Top 10 states that excel in mouth-watering and distinctive BBQ.

Hi Wingman BBF I couldn't agree with you more about Georgia Pig in Ft. lauderdale. I've been going there since the 70's also when we lived in Tamarac. Ga. Pig has the best chopped(not pulled) sandwich there is. The southern potato salad and coleslaw also first rate. The first thing my wife and I do after getting our rental car in West Palm Beach is head down I-95 to Georgia Pig.

Sodawater43 - Try Tom Jenkin's on Federal Highway in Ft. Lauderdale. After you're done, you can still head west to SR 7/441 and the Ga Pig. Maybe stop at the casino first....

quote:

Everyone has a right to their opinion and I respect yours and agree that Georgia and Alabama have very unique BBQ that is delicious. Once you experience BBQ in Louisiana, you will see that there is more to BBQ than pork. In my opinion, Louisiana and Texas are in the Top 10 states that excel in mouth-watering and distinctive BBQ.

Yeah, like I lay awake at night dreaming of Texas BBQ. I often crave the taste of a burnt tire.

Did somebody really just write that Texas is not in the Top 10 for barbecue - - and Delaware, Virginia, Etc are...?? I have to believe that was written just to incite the reactions.... When brisket is done right in Texas, it is unbeatable.

vwtgo, I agree with you on both. Yes! Texas brisket is mouth watering delicious!

When pigs can fly they need to go to Texas so they can have real BBQ.

You're right. There's lots of good barbecue around this country, but the best I've had outside Texas wasn't as good as the "Q" inside Texas.

When it comes to barbecue and chili, there's something magic about that state line.

It sounds like you've not been out of Texas much. Do you realize you live next to a great BBQ state? Go visit Arkansas.

I do like Texas chili and Mexican food.

wfmitchell, for everyone's peace of mind, maybe you should give Texas BBQ one more try....we can't all be wrong.

quote:

Originally posted by wfmitchell

It sounds like you've not been out of Texas much. Do you realize you live next to a great BBQ state? Go visit Arkansas.

I do like Texas chili and Mexican food.

Problem is, I don't get to Texas often enough!

I've eaten barbecue throughout the U.S., but Texas hangs the moon on "Q". Sometimes I can't get that slow-cooked brisket or succulent Elgin sausage off my mind.

Someone hand me some brisket and sausage wrapped in butcher paper, some saltines or white bread and pickles, and let me be. ~(;-D)

MellowRoast - you are making me hungry! I have eaten many a meal off of butcher paper....going to Texas in a few weeks and plan to have my fill of brisket and sausage.

quote:

Originally posted by yaya adley

wfmitchell, for everyone's peace of mind, maybe you should give Texas BBQ one more try....we can't all be wrong.

Well I visit my brother in Conroe about twice a year. We try to eat as much Mexican as we can and will even have at least one brisket sandwich. It's just nothing to write home about if you've eaten BBQ in Alabama for example. We both kind of snicker at the beef BBQ and he's lived there 45 years.

I have been looking for the Stern's BBQ sauce for a long time but with no luck. Stern's was a restuart located near Culver City, CA. on Washington Blvd. We ate there often due to the BBQ sauce they put on there Hoagie type sandwiches (it was great).
Can anybody help with the recipe for the Stern's BBQ sauce?

Mumfords in Victoria Tx has some of the best BBQ i have ever had. It is in a rundown old store and at lunch it is very busy, most of the tables are taken up and have to wait on one. The sides are off the hook as they say. The place is off of state road 87 near downtown not far from highway 59 south. Wish they were in Houston.

Dennis, The sauce at Stearn's in Culver City has been a life long quest.

We used to have it every Sunday for dinner.

The guy behind the counter used to call my mother and my aunt the Lean & Thin Sisters when they got up to the counter. It didn't matter that they had a standing order with him for years. They'd always tell him to cut the brisket lean and thin.

A pound of meat, a dozen rolls, a pint of Stearns sauce, cole slaw and a pickle.

You couldn't beat it and nothing since comes close.

My brother would probably give you $5000 for the reicpe!

We grew up on it and then they took it away from us.

Did you pull out the middle of your rolls and dip it in the sauce?

I'd probably add my own $5000 if you ever find it!

Dry ribs:The Rendevous in Memphishttp://www.hogsfly.com/

Smoked shoulder: Cozy Corner in Memphishttp://www.cozycornerbbq.com/ or http://roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=220

Mixed pulled pork would be Bozo's in Mason, TN

quote:

Originally posted by tennthomas

Dry ribs: The Rendevous in Memphis

They're dry alright....dry as a bone. Cooked over charcoal at too high a heat, I'm not sure they even qualify as BBQ. They may have been great at one time, but these days just another tourist attraction.[url='http://tennesseeguy.wordpress.com/2007/11/06/memphiss-rendezvous-a-review/']This[/url] guy tells it like it is. pb

How bout my own!

I can't say for sure if it was the best bbq meal I have ever had, but my visit to Clark's Outpost in Tioga, Texas is on the very, very short list.

Leatha's on Hwy 98 in Hattiesburg, MS.

leathas.com/

Has anyone ever been to Sweatman's BBQ outside of Charleston? Any good?

quote:

Originally posted by porkbeaks

quote:

Originally posted by tennthomas

Dry ribs: The Rendevous in Memphis

They're dry alright....dry as a bone. Cooked over charcoal at too high a heat, I'm not sure they even qualify as BBQ. They may have been great at one time, but these days just another tourist attraction.[url='http://tennesseeguy.wordpress.com/2007/11/06/memphiss-rendezvous-a-review/']This[/url] guy tells it like it is. pb

Ate there this past week and the ribs were moist, tender and delicious. I guess that I visited on an "off" night.

Savannah BBQ is perfect at The Pink Pig!

I am a lover of fine BBQ and want to recommend to other enthusiasts a real gem! Just over the Savannah River in Hardeeville, SC is BBQ heaven! The Pink Pig is well priced and delicious. The atmosphere is unique with an eclectic blend of music playing rather than only country.

For the umpteenth time and, probably not the last time, LOUIS MUELLER'S in Taylor, Texas. After you eat their BBQ, you will never go back to Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kansas, or the Carolina's. Oh, I left out New Jersey.
Bushie, back me up on this one. I may need it. I don't want the nice folks from the above states coming after me with their shotguns and BBQ'd roadkill.

Watch the video. it explains it all. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/taste/stories/DN-nf_BBQtrail2_0521liv.1.State.Edition1.be0fe8.html