What's The Best BBQ You Ever Had?

With all due respect I can't give much credence to a place that does so much beef. It may appeal to Texas tastes but that won't get it in the realm of great BBQ.

quote:

Originally posted by wfmitchell

With all due respect I can't give much credence to a place that does so much beef. It may appeal to Texas tastes but that won't get it in the realm of great BBQ.

I'm with you. When it comes to BBQ I think of pulled or chopped pork and ribs.

No question about it. Bozo's Barbecue, Mason, Tennessee.

quote:

Originally posted by wfmitchell

With all due respect I can't give much credence to a place that does so much beef. It may appeal to Texas tastes but that won't get it in the realm of great BBQ.

Now wfmitchell I don't think your opinion of beef BBQ is totally unbiased. A person's preference for beef vs. pork depends on what part of the country they are from. Beef is enjoyed by more people than just Texans. I personally prefer beef over pork most of the time, but a good pulled pork sandwich or a roasted pig are hard to beat. Beef has an equal spot in the realm of great BBQ as pork does. Everyone has a right to their opinion, but let's not totally disregard beef BBQ as an equal just because you don't personally prefer the taste. That is unfair.

quote:

Now wfmitchell I don't think your opinion of beef BBQ is totally unbiased. A person's preference for beef vs. pork depends on what part of the country they are from. Beef is enjoyed by more people than just Texans. I personally prefer beef over pork most of the time, but a good pulled pork sandwich or a roasted pig are hard to beat. Beef has an equal spot in the realm of great BBQ as pork does. Everyone has a right to their opinion, but let's not totally disregard beef BBQ as an equal just because you don't personally prefer the taste.(SORRY BUT

Outside of Texas not much beef is BBQ'd. There is nothing wrong with beef it's just that it has too much flavor of it's own compared to pork as a smoke absorbing medium. The flavors compete rather than harmonize. I do enjoy a brisket sandwich occasionally but not nearly to the extent that I do pork or pork ribs. Both these are specialties of mine to the extent that I have won BBQ contests. Ironically I cook on a Klose Smoker made in Houston. I had David Klose make one to my specs a number of years ago when I went to his facility. He had it flatbedded and sent to me up east.

quote:

Originally posted by wfmitchell

quote:

Now wfmitchell I don't think your opinion of beef BBQ is totally unbiased. A person's preference for beef vs. pork depends on what part of the country they are from. Beef is enjoyed by more people than just Texans. I personally prefer beef over pork most of the time, but a good pulled pork sandwich or a roasted pig are hard to beat. Beef has an equal spot in the realm of great BBQ as pork does. Everyone has a right to their opinion, but let's not totally disregard beef BBQ as an equal just because you don't personally prefer the taste.(SORRY BUT

Outside of Texas not much beef is BBQ'd. There is nothing wrong with beef it's just that it has too much flavor of it's own compared to pork as a smoke absorbing medium. The flavors compete rather than harmonize. I do enjoy a brisket sandwich occasionally but not nearly to the extent that I do pork or pork ribs. Both these are specialties of mine to the extent that I have won BBQ contests. Ironically I cook on a Klose Smoker made in Houston. I had David Klose make one to my specs a number of years ago when I went to his facility. He had it flatbedded and sent to me up east.

Do they even have Cows in Virginia?

I don't know. I'm not a Virginian I'm a Georgian and our cattle are to good to BBQ.

After the recent Roadfood bus tour of the great barbecue parlors east of Austin, I have a much greater appreciation of Texas barbecue. But, I'd still rather eat pork sandwiches in Memphis, more than any other style of barbecue. Truthfully, it is all good!

love bryants and gatrs in k.c. lean towards gates because they have lamb ribs my favorite meat.

TX: Kreuz Market = Nirvana
NC (Eastern style): G. Allen & Son BBQ (Chapel Hill) & Ole Time BBQ (Raleigh)
NC (Western style): Lexington BBQ
KC: Bryant's (sp) in KC, Mo

Good BBQ at Buzz & Ned's in Richmond, VA

Hope to try Memphis style someday.

Oh, and Northerners should know that in the South, BBQ is a NOUN, not a VERB. It sounds strange (We don't laugh, though...) to hear someone ask if we're going to BBQ hamburgers on the grill.

Faux Paws

Several off-topic posts were deleted. Please stay on-topic and remember the 'respect for others' opinion guideline. Personal remarks that are disrespectful will be deleted.

Al-The Mayor-Bowen?

Were you an old Waggoner HS alum?

IMHO when you are in Texas eat brisket and sausage. When you are in Memphis or the Carolinas eat pork. When in KC eat both.

If you are in Texas and don't want to eat the brisket, have some ribs - many BBQ places make them. Or try a CFS.

quote:

Originally posted by Akavar

IMHO when you are in Texas eat brisket and sausage. When you are in Memphis or the Carolinas eat pork. When in KC eat both.

If you are in Texas and don't want to eat the brisket, have some ribs - many BBQ places make them. Or try a CFS.

Sound advice. A true "diplomatic" solution.

My favorite......Wilber's in Goldsboro, NC.

Forget the BBQ. I want to eat that fried thang.

quote:

Originally posted by twinwillow

Forget the BBQ. I want to eat that fried thang.

Wilber has good fried chicken also.

Another vote for the GA Pig. They also have fabulous Brunswick Stew!

When I drove through Lexington NC looking for bbq the first time, I was surprised that I didn't see one place and I had heard there were a ton of them in town. I finally saw a police officer sitting in his car in a parking lot and pulled up along side and told him my dilemma. I really wanted to try the BBQ Lexington is known for. He smiled, said follow me, and gave me an escort to Lexington's #1. I was on my way to GA so got some to go and the first time I tried it, I thought, sheesh, this isn't very good. But the next day I found I was craving the stuff. Thank heavens there were left overs!

Memphis: BBQ Shop and Interstate BBQ also Corky's on Poplar. Don't forget Topps, Gridley's and Brian's.

Nashville: Neeley's, Center Point BBQ in Hendersonville, Judge Bean's, and Jack's.

Knoxville: M&M's TD's and OTT's, Buddy's(Icky chain)

Greenville: Stan's (And this is the answer for all of upper east)

Johnson City: Dixie BBQ.

Mountain City: Mike's BBQ

TN BBQ answers in case you didn't know.

How do I edit???

It's Bryant's not Brian's (Brian is my cousin)

quote:

Originally posted by twinwillow

Forget the BBQ. I want to eat that fried thang.

That skin sure looks good from here

I live near Atlanta and I have a few favourites here. One is Fat Mats Rib Shack on Piedmont in Atlanta, and another is Pig & Chick just north of Atlanta. I also just went to a place called Swallow in the Hollow, and it was pretty good, although I didn't try the ribs, just a sandwhich. I'll admit that I'm a BBQ newbie. Growing up I always thought BBQ was just anything you cooked on a grill, but moving to the south I have been re-educated on the BBQ front. Now I search them out.

quote:

Originally posted by pdmiller

I live near Atlanta and I have a few favourites here. One is Fat Mats Rib Shack on Piedmont in Atlanta, and another is Pig & Chick just north of Atlanta. I also just went to a place called Swallow in the Hollow, and it was pretty good, although I didn't try the ribs, just a sandwich. I'll admit that I'm a BBQ newbie. Growing up I always thought BBQ was just anything you cooked on a grill, but moving to the south I have been re-educated on the BBQ front. Now I search them out.

Well now you're ready for the big time. Dreamland serves the best ribs I've ever had. I have finished highly in several BBQ Rib contests but these are as good as the ones I make. Go there and report back to me. I don't live close to a Dreamland so I need to live vicariously.

Dreamland BBQ
Peachtree Corners
5250 Peachtree Parkway
Norcross, GA 30092
(770) 446-6969

I spent ten years in Rochester, NY where there was a bbq place named Smitty's. Have since moved to the Miami area. Trying to locate the recipe for the sauce. Was vinegar based. Haven't been able to find it on line anywhere. Can anyone help?

quote:

Originally posted by mar52

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!

quote:

Originally posted by mar52

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!

I too grew up with Stern's and I miss them dearly! While I have no specific recipe, I do have an observation that may bring back some memory of the sauce. As I recall it was of the Texas tangy variety (a little sweet and maybe even a little bit of spice) and I think the secret was that they chopped up some of their brisket into the sauce. I clearly remember how chunky the bbq sauce was. I have had some other bbq sauces that came close and they always had meat chopped into them.

It may be as close as we get but find a sauce you like as a base and chop the meat into it. Wish I could be of more help, maybe just the memory will be enough!

If you're ever in Oakland,Ca. you have to try Flint's on San Pablo ave.The ribs and the hot links are the best.The medium sauce is just right in the heat dept. A cold beer is all you need to wash it all down.

It would have to be "Stick to Your Ribs
"Texas Bar B-Que", in Stratford, CT., during the 1980's.
I worked in the area at the time and always went every Friday and bought a bunch of wonderful stuff.

They had a gigantic smoking oven and made the best brisket, pork shoulder, pork ribs, beef ribs, and other stuff. (The pork ribs were my favorite. They were beautifully cooked and mahogany colored, with a perfect smoke ring).
They made 3-4 homemade sauces, ranging from mild to blistering hot.

When the shopping center in wich they were located went out of business, their business slowly failed.

I wish I could find another place like that.

I'm not really a BBQ person and don't go around testing it or anything, but all the same, I'm going to say Goode Company in Houston. I always get the brisket and Czech sausage.

The main thing that stands out about Goode Company for me, though, is their potato salad. I really don't care for potatoes, as a rule, and whenever I normally get potato salad, I eat a couple of bites and give up. Goode Company's the only place I've found that makes potato salad that I actually like. Down to the last bite.

What's different about it?

The best BBQ I've ever had probably has less to do with the Que, than the situation. About 12 years ago , my buddy and I had just spent 12 days backwoods camping, portaging, and canoeing up in the Canadian Boundry waters. About 7 days in to the trip, a bear climbed the tree we had strung the food up in durring the night and had a feast while we watched from the tent flap. All the remaining fresh food was destroyed, and a fair amount of our dried food too. We decided to stick with the original trail plan and just live off the land as best we could. Meals the next 5 days consisted of dehydrated corn, dehydrated peas, dehydrated potatoes, scant wild mushrooms and eadible plants, dehydrated eggs, a couple walleye and pike(bear broke one fishing rod, and we had to jury-rig the other), but was mostly bland, unsalted(bear stomped all spices), and calorically lean considering our daily workload.

Back at the trailhead we packed up with stomachs growling and hit the first restraunt we came across. It was a small BBQ shack on the outskirts of a small town in northern Minnisota. We ordered up a feast of ribs, pulled pork shoulder, and brisket slices with all the sides. Way too much food for two people. We polished it off. Our bodies desperately needed the protein and fat, the smoky meat and sweet spicy sauce was an expolsion of flavor compaired to the last week of lean bland bear leftovers.

I'm sure the Que was pretty average at best, but to this day my buddy and I still reminisce about that one meal and just how amazing it was at that moment in time.

Having just been...Cozy Corner, Memphis!

Wonderful.

I've only been to one BBQ restaurant that cooked the baby backs so tenderly and with sauces that made them so succulent that I wanted to go back the next day for more: "The Whole Hog Cafe" near downtown Little Rock.

On the first page of this thread, I rated Baker's Ribs (Dallas) as my number one and, Louis Mueller's (Taylor) as number two. 
Given that those ratings were made a few years ago, I would like to bring my current favorites up to date.
(1) Louis Mueller's. Taylor, Texas.
(2) Smitty's. Lockhart, Texas.
(3) City Market. Luling, Texas.
(4) Southside Market. Elgin, Texas.

That said, I must be honest and say, I have not had the opportunity to experience BBQ in Kansas, Memphis, and the rest of Tennesee or, either of the Carolina's. But, I'd like to.

Palmiro


I've only been to one BBQ restaurant that cooked the baby backs so tenderly and with sauces that made them so succulent that I wanted to go back the next day for more: "The Whole Hog Cafe" near downtown Little Rock.

I've heard that place is very, very good. Thanks for the tip and, welcome to RF. 

I'm certainly not well traveled, but I've got to say my favorites are:
 
B's Barbecue, Greenville, NC
Boss Hog's BBQ, Washington, NC

Toss up between Rigas Barbecue in Birmingham, AL and Bobby B's in East Ridge, TN, both establishments now somewhere beyond the rainbow in barbecue heaven.

Hands down...the Skylight Inn.......Ayden, NC

The best ribs I've ever had came from Bob Sykes in Bessemer AL ( going back next month! ); the best Lexington-style ( NC ) was from the now-defunct Wallace Bros BBQ, which was in Virginia just across the state line from Mount Airy NC; the best brisket came from Arthur Bryant's in KC; and my all-time favorite Q ( any style ) can be found at the Ridgewood Restaurant in Bluff City TN. 

I lived there for seven years and Sykes is fine but nothing I've ever had compares to Dreamland BBQ in Birmingham. And they are not even baby backs. Nothing like them here in Virginia.

nocarolina


The best ribs I've ever had came from Bob Sykes in Bessemer AL ( going back next month! ); the best Lexington-style ( NC ) was from the now-defunct Wallace Bros BBQ, which was in Virginia just across the state line from Mount Airy NC; the best brisket came from Arthur Bryant's in KC; and my all-time favorite Q ( any style ) can be found at the Ridgewood Restaurant in Bluff City TN. 

I'll agree with you on Ridgewood. I'm a green horn when it comes to BBQ but Ridgewood made a believer out of me!

On my way down to the Roadfood Festival in N'awlins, I ate at McClard's BBQ in Hot Springs AR. Sorry, Bob Sykes, but you're no longer my #1 rib place; the ribs at McClard's are truly wonderful. Lousy bbq beans though; all you taste is vinegar. And McClard's tea is unsweetened and surprisingly weak. If there's a next time ( I hope! ), I'll have a Coke instead.  

Not where you would expect good BBQ but the RBC Center in Raleigh, home of the NC State Wolfpack and the Carolina Hurricanes, serves a great BBQ sandwich. The pork is unsauced, tender and tasty. There a bottles of Eastern and Western NC sauces available. The best sandwich I've ever had at a sporting event.
 

 
This is a great sandwich.
 

The best Eastern NC style BBQ I have ever had was at the Skylight Inn in Ayden NC.... it's always great.

The best Western NC style BBQ I have had was at Lexington BBQ in Lexington NC.


Dennis in Cary

I have eaten at many of these places listed. Love most of them. But I tell you a BBQ in a gas station in Kansas City called Oklahoma Joe' IS amazing!!

Earlier this evening, I had dinner at Twin Anchors, a bar & restaurant on Chicago's north side that's been around for decades and specializes in ribs. My meal was the ribs and roast chicken combo, with sides of barbecue beans and coleslaw, and a Coke to wash it down. I'm happy to say that this place serves some dynamite ribs, possibly the best in the Chicago area. Lean, meaty and delicious, with a very tasty ( and spicy ) BBQ sauce. Great chicken too. The beans are excellent, but the slaw is only so-so. Overall, a wonderful meal that I wouldn't hesitate to order again.

In a small town, Indiana,PA (Jimmy Stewart's Birth Place) i found Pa Barbeque ! My family shared different entrees and pulled pork and their ribs are at the top of my list.

http://goodiesbbq.net/
Goodies
5841 Hamilton Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45224

I think this is the best bbq place in greater Cincinnati

I lust after their ribs, rib tips, fried okra, red beans and rice and chicken

nocarolina


The best ribs I've ever had came from Bob Sykes in Bessemer AL ( going back next month! ); the best Lexington-style ( NC ) was from the now-defunct Wallace Bros BBQ, which was in Virginia just across the state line from Mount Airy NC; the best brisket came from Arthur Bryant's in KC; and my all-time favorite Q ( any style ) can be found at the Ridgewood Restaurant in Bluff City TN. 

We  had a Bob Sykes in Jasper AL until they burned down.  I couldn't wait to eat there back in the 1970s - when I lived there.

Man, this is one that is hard to answer. I have been to many of the spots mentioned, Sonny Bryans, Arthur Bryants, Rendezvous, Corky's, Neely's, and too many places over the years to keep track. But for me, one that really stood out was Joe Allens in Abilene, TX. Great brisket and hot links and terrific sides.

Pulled Pork platter at Boston Butz in Ross OH

I'm sure there is much better to be had elsewhere, but that is indeed the best I have had, and imo and for what its worth, the best bbq in Cincinnati

TJ Jackson


Pulled Pork platter at Boston Butz in Ross OH

I'm sure there is much better to be had elsewhere, but that is indeed the best I have had, and imo and for what its worth, the best bbq in Cincinnati

This place is great - we were there many years ago and I believe I liked their ribs the best, and some of their sides.

Third the nomination for stlouisguy's picks.
I add:
Rudy's  Austin, TX
Big Al's   Dallas,  TX
City Barbecue  Columbus, OH

stumpworks73


Third the nomination for stlouisguy's picks.
I add:
Rudy's  Austin, TX
Big Al's   Dallas,  TX
City Barbecue  Columbus, OH

If you tried the City BBQs in SW Ohio you might not think as highly of them.

The BBQ I make at home...that's the best.

Vince Staten's Old Time BBQ in Prospect, KY for the ribs, Peak Bros in Wavery, KY for the mutton and ham, and the Moonlight in Owensboro, KY for the spread of their BBQ buffet.  I have also eaten and enjoyed the beef brisket from the Central Texan in Castroville, CA.  I have eaten BBQ in Texas, Missouri, but never the Carolinas which I very much want to do and now I may have to take a trip to Alabama.  Road Food trips are the best way to travel.

willybonk


has anyone had Rudy's down in texas? I'd say the best in the major cities down there.

I have eaten at Rudy's in San Antonio.  It was actually my introduction to Texas style BBQ, and thogh I've eaten at quitet a few  other Texan joints, I still remember Rudy's because it was an eye opening experience and far cry from the KC style I grew up with in Iowa.

#1-Elmer's It Be Bad BBQ in Tulsa-Badwich, pork ribs, beans
#2-Jack Stack-Martin City/Kansas City, MO
#3-Luling City Market-Luling, TX, Houston, TX
#4-Salt Lick-Driftwood, TX
#5-Dreamland-Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, AL

macphile


I'm not really a BBQ person and don't go around testing it or anything, but all the same, I'm going to say Goode Company in Houston. I always get the brisket and Czech sausage.

The main thing that stands out about Goode Company for me, though, is their potato salad. I really don't care for potatoes, as a rule, and whenever I normally get potato salad, I eat a couple of bites and give up. Goode Company's the only place I've found that makes potato salad that I actually like. Down to the last bite.

I'm with you on the potato salad at Goode Co. I usually don't care for potato salad but they really do have delicous tater salad there. I get cravings for it sometimes. And for that poster who says pork takes on a smoke taste and that beef taste overwhelms the smoke hasn't tasted Jim Goode's brisket. A very delicate mesquite beef balance. I think many people do not understand that different regions of Texas have different styles of BBQ. The sweet sauce you find in East Texas is completely diffent than the vinegar based sauce you find in the Hill Country. And the drippings based sauce you will find at Goode Co. is much diffent than either of the others. Overall, I prefer Louis Muellers as their brisket and coarse gound German style sausage and their two types of sauces that you shake onto the meats along with the BBQ Joint Ambiance ( you got to appreciate that Stevie Ray Vaughan was a regular and you can see his written adulations tacked to the walls) IMHO its the best BBQ place there is.

Somewhere in N.C.   I agree with the boys in this video..
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ubTQfr_tyY