BBQ- who's got the best? Pick your favorite region...

North Carolina?

Texas?

Memphis/Tennessee?

Kansas city/Kansas?

tell us where you live, what you chose, and why you feel it's the best....

Kansas City and Texas both have some excellent BBQ sauce but Memphis has the best ribs. I like my pork pulled. :naughty:

My girlfriend's neighbor makes wonderful BBQ ribs with home made sauce. And her potato salad is world-class. Besides, I take care of my father and my cat and birds, so travelling far is not an option.

Wherever you hold it, I would appreciate a care package, FedEx'd to my home, by the next day. Packed in dry ice, of course.

Don't forget the cole slaw.

So, I vote for Brooklyn.

Seth
Forever Analog and Covered In Parrot Poop

...I vote for Brooklyn...

I miss Williamsburg.

Brooklyn- best Falafal I've ever had.

http://www.jackstackbbq.com/

Politics, religion, and barbecue.

Australia................Shrimp on the Barbie.

Although we call 'em prawns.

How about all of the above? I also like the Portugese Bar-B-Que at Pic Nic Bar & Restaurant
224 Grant Ave Harrison, NJ 07029-2759 with their homemade sangria! No conection.

Dtd.

Well.. guess since I live and cook here.. I guess I'm gonna have to say the DC region.. :p:

I watched a program last night on the Food network. the winner was Memphis.

I voted for Texas because I live here, but I've had excellent bbq in Kansas City too. Never had any in TN or NC. Now for the worst bbq, California, easy. They chop off the tough end of brisket, cook it in 45 minutes and call it tri-tip. Cretins, I tell ya.

Kinda like choosing your favorite child- oyu say you don't have one, but we all know there's oe you love just a little more...

I know this is a tough one to call- I personally like all four, and don't really have a favorite.

BBQ is good, from all four of those regions. Lately, I've preferred North Carolina style for some reason, but next month, it'll probably be something different.

The Rendezvous in Memphis has the best.

In my neck of the woods it's Joe's in Gilbert, AZ. :yes:

http://www.joesrealbbq.com/default.asp

People from North Carolina know that it's bad medicine to talk BBQ in mixed company.

People from North Carolina know that it's bad medicine to talk BBQ in mixed company.

What I can't figure out is why South Carolina doesn't have any particular claim in this game. What are they making?

What I can't figure out is why South Carolina doesn't have any particular claim in this game. What are they making?

Mustard based sauce.:drool:

http://www.scbarbeque.com/History.html

The best Kansas City-style BBQ? Kansas City/Kansas
The best Texas-style BBQ? Texas
The best Memphis/Tennessee-style BBQ? Memphis/Tennessee
The best North Carolina-style BBQ? North Carolina

I've never had good BBQ in any of these styles that I didn't like.

My favorite? Central Texas BBQ, with its wonderful confluence of German, Spanish, Cowboy, and Creole traditions.

P.S. However, in the eyes of God it's OK to pull pork, but cole slaw is still a side-dish.

;)

My family and I do summer vacations on the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
This summer we rented a house....50 yards from a BBQ restaurant.
Ate ribs and pulled pork 'till it came out my.......
Great tasting food........and I didn't gain a pound!!







I also lie a lot.

Steve

Politics, religion, and barbecue.

Just not in that order. I live in California, BBQ not great. Went to Illinois for 2 weeks for work. On the weekend I got in my rental car (unlimited mileage) and drove to Memphis. Had the full rack at "Rendevous":yes: Awesome.

The best Kansas City-style BBQ? Kansas City/Kansas
The best Texas-style BBQ? Texas
The best Memphis/Tennessee-style BBQ? Memphis/Tennessee
The best North Carolina-style BBQ? North Carolina

I've never had good BBQ in any of these styles that I didn't like.

My favorite? Central Texas BBQ, with its wonderful confluence of German, Spanish, Cowboy, and Creole traditions.

P.S. However, in the eyes of God it's OK to pull pork, but cole slaw is still a side-dish.

;)


I second that motion. It's all good, except for California bbq.

There's a few joints here in boston that get it right- excellent BBQ, but of course originated from the south.


I'd find it hard to walk away from any BBQ from any region (except maybe this California style that doesn't seem too popular).


I agree that all four are excellent, and glad we have all four to choose from.


Hoping this post stirrs some interesting discussion, but no matter what wins, I'll be taking the results lightly. After all, it's done in good fun only.

I have not had NC BBQ. But for beef, I prefer Kansas City by a small margin over Texas, and for Pork, Memphis is unbeatable. I much prefer hickory and fruit woods (cherry) over mesquite. Maybe because that is what I was raised with.

We had a family move locally from Memphis and they do awesome wings and ribs. They are good friends with the guy that owns Interstate BBQ in Memphis and I must say they put out some mighty fine vittles.

Kansas City
Arthur Bryants
http://www.arthurbryantsbbq.com/
:)

Just not in that order.

I just meant that those are three things that should be "off-limits" for board discussions. No good can come of it.

As for ranking, I LOVE barbecue, and dislike politics and religion (as defined by my old buddy, Karl Barth).

http://www.jackstackbbq.com/

Ditto to EchoWars. I preferred the old SmokeStack at 87th and Prospect, but it's closed now. I have the recipe for their baked beans. :drool:

Anyone who has not tasted all four styles locally should have their vote disqualified. :yes:

And this is likely a poll to see which state has the greatest number of active members. :smoke:

Politics, religion, and barbecue.
Rules revision? :yikes: Again!!?! AUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGHHHHHHHHHH...

Anyone who has not tasted all four styles locally should have their vote disqualified. :yes:...

Humbug! I can get all four styles served to me in the greater Boston area, and although not native, the Yanks up here do a dang good job.

...And this is likely a poll to see which state has the greatest number of active members. :smoke:...

Possibly!

Anyhow, I'm sure we can all agree, no matter where it's from, BBQ is darn fine eatin'!


Anyhow, anyone who takes this poll too seriously should have their vote disqualified, and then their head examined.

All done in the name of fun...

Without question.......Texas. And, wouldn't you know it, the only decent BBQ we've found in the area (including Philadelphia) is the Texas Roadhouse for ribs. Everything else we've tried tastes like ketchup with sugar added. :thumbsdn:

Ribs are my favorite food. But I don't consider them BBQ. Shoulders and butts make the Q. Most ribs are served with a thick tomatoee, sweet sauce that I love. But you would never put that sauce on a butt or shoulder. Pulled pork shoulder, with a thin sauce. Now thats Q.

None of the above!!

GEORGIA!!!!! YEAH BABY!!!! They have a particular style that is none of the above and mostly pork-based.

Go to a place in Athens, GA called the BBQ Shack and tell me it is not the best - don't forget the banana pudding and the Brunswick stew.

Dave

It's a little hard for me to define Texas BBQ - I have eaten tons of different styles throughout the state depending on the region. Central TX conforms most accurately to the original.

Central Texas BBQ is awesome, sauce or no sauce.

But preferably no sauce. That beef has gotta breathe!

rileykill, even here in Central Texas the bbq styles vary. I love 'em all, but my favorite is Cooper's in Llano.

rileykill, even here in Central Texas the bbq styles vary. I love 'em all, but my favorite is Cooper's in Llano.

I'm referring to the "Lockhart style" I guess. It seems to be the most authentic (and maybe similar to Cooper's - I haven't had theirs). pmsummer may chime in on this ... maybe he can compare the two.

Gotta go with KC style, if for no other reason ignorance of the others.. I've been to Bryants, BB's Lawnside, and Jack Stack, numerous others, living 2 hours away from KC helps... jack stack is definitely the best of the bunch. Best pit beans in the known universe.

deli, considering your reflux thread I'm surprised to find this :nono: :)

I'm referring to the "Lockhart style" I guess. It seems to be the most authentic (and maybe similar to Cooper's - I haven't had theirs). pmsummer may chime in on this ... maybe he can compare the two.

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/3776/p7010028bt1.jpg
The "pick it" pit at Cooper's in Llano.

Cooper's (and their derivatives) are great, but nothing beats Smitty's and Kruez's down in Lockhart.

Anyone tried Woody's in San Marcos? Owned by a former Kruez/Smitty's pit man. I've heard good things.

Ribs are my favorite food. But I don't consider them BBQ.OK.....but about 10,000 BBQ joints are going to have to change their menu. :D

The thing I miss the most about TX is the food. Best BBQ there is and nothing beats TexMex. Not even BBQ.

The Texas BBQ I've grown up with isn't that wimpy Honey and Molasses everyone else makes. It's the good ol'fashioned pepper kick I love!

Guess it's time for me to visit some friends in Lockhart and sample some bbq down that way.

Guess it's time for me to visit some friends in Lockhart and sample some bbq down that way.

Read it and salivate (http://www.dallasfood.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4)!

Great thread. I have been watching it for a couple of days now. It has remained civil.

I have lived throughout the South and enjoyed the BBQ from most of the places. Texas is my favorite.

Fotno is right about NC. Those folks can get angry about BBQ. I used to run a grocery store on the coast there. One day I added a BBQ (beef) sandwich to our lunch menu. I had this old lady working for me over there, and she came in to work and found this out. My office was upstairs, and I could hear her marching up the metal stairs. She barged in with tears running down her quivering cheeks, and proclaimed that she would not serve it to anyone. I of course, was scared, so I told her that she could make it the next day. I learned then, that it was not OK to mess with peoples BBQ.

botrytis: I have been to and enjoyed the BBQ Shack in Athens GA. I did time at that fine institute of learning located there. Class of '90. Go Dawgs!

Thanks,

Dan

Gotta go with KC style, if for no other reason ignorance of the others.. I've been to Bryants, BB's Lawnside, and Jack Stack, numerous others, living 2 hours away from KC helps... jack stack is definitely the best of the bunch. Best pit beans in the known universe.

deli, considering your reflux thread I'm surprised to find this :nono: :)

I've only been able to manage the potato salad as of late. Haven't smoked a piece of pork or beef since May.:tears:

However, a few grilled sausages sneak by here and there...:yes:

Of course, I pay for it.

It's a little hard for me to define Texas BBQ - I have eaten tons of different styles throughout the state depending on the region. Central TX conforms most accurately to the original...

Good point! I've only been in a small part of Texas, and a former (Urrrp!!) fan of Tex-mex (wish I could still eat it regularly), and I could try a new TexMex joint every 50 miles and get a new "take" or "personalization" on the food each time.



Regionality doesn't necessarily breed exclusivity.



Glad this thread has stayed positive. Thanks, fellas!

Viva le BBQ!

Glad this thread has stayed positive. Thanks, fellas!

Viva le BBQ!

Hey, it's all good.:beer:

For those of you in the know, thar aint nuthin better'n a rack of beef ribs from Southside Meat Market in Elgin,Texas. Unless it's uh big ole plate of Elgin hot
sausage :drool: Damn, I'm gittin' hungry.....

Rosedales in KC is the best I've ever had. :smoke:

OK.....but about 10,000 BBQ joints are going to have to change their menu. :D

The thing I miss the most about TX is the food. Best BBQ there is and nothing beats TexMex. Not even BBQ.

They don't have to change the menu. it can all be on one menu.. Here in the Carolina's. The whole hog is a pig pick'n
BBQ is shoulders and butts. Chopped or pulled.
Rib, pork chops and chicken are on the page across from the BBQ sandwiches and plates, but still in the same menu.
Mater of fact alot of these places serve seafood also. Seafood and BBQ. Both famous here.
Alot of these places are in Calabash NC. There you can get the world famous Calabash shrimp, caught right from the boat the day before. No farm raised there.

All that other stuff is what you eat when you can't get proper BBQ ribs.

Few to compare with the Salt Lick right down the road from me. But Southside, Kreuz's spin-offs, Iron Works, and,...and....well hell, pick just any one of the BBQ joints from Taylor to Llano and it beats the hell out of that pork stuff I've eaten in Memphis.

Texas rules:banana::banana::banana:

Alaan

...and....well hell, pick just any one of the BBQ joints from Taylor to Llano and it beats the hell out of that pork stuff I've eaten in Memphis.

Uh oh.

The gloves are off.:smoke:

Uh oh.

The gloves are off.:smoke:

Who ever heard of eatin' ribs with gloves on? :D

Who ever heard of eatin' ribs with gloves on? :scratch2:

Ya' got a point, there.:cool:

I forgot all about The Salt Lick, Alan. Great place, and great food.

Actually, I've smoked a Boston butt a few times that's gone over pretty well.

But brisket is still king!

Alan

OK if tha gloves are off Im gunna hijack thees hare thread an' ask tha question , Whar's tha best BBQ in Texas??? I vote the City Meat Market in Giddings, Texas, or my own slow cooked fer 10 hours basted evry 30 minutes with my own secret baste, not for flavur, juss to keep it from dryin' out. The type of wood makes tha flavur. I prefer green mesquite, but pecan or green oak works good too. Damn , gittin hungry agin, guess I'm gunna haf ta run late in da mornin an wait on Southside ta open up so I kin haf sum ov thet sausage fer breakfest. The only probem wit dat iz I cant haf a cold beer ta go along wit it.......:thmbsp:

Actually, I've smoked a Boston butt a few times that's gone over pretty well.

I prefer the BB over the shoulder. Takes less time, too.:thmbsp:

smoked a Boston butt once

Tha rind tasted like sh** an it screwed up the bong for a month..........:nono:

Politics, religion, and barbecue.
Ya fergot tha Fords vs Chevy's:yes:

HEYYYYY. woddys in san marcos is by far one of the best. in texas mesquite and bbq rule!!!!!!!! none like it anywhere else, the best.

regards, j garcia

for the 'hard core'



'there is only one way to cook barbecue"




As the interest in home barbecuing grew in town, Worgul wrote, local white-owned companies lobbied for Perry's endorsement of modern pits with newfangled gadgets.
Perry refused. "There is only one way to cook barbecue ... over a wood fire with a properly constructed oven and pit," he said in a 1932 interview with the Kansas City Call newspaper.





http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:-20-IV_PzIYJ:lsjournal.com/articles/2007/09/19/dining/70.txt+%22henry+perry%22+first+bbq&hl=ja&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us

perhaps the 'most pure' commercially available expression,

of Henry Perry's version of this art -

has to be cooked on - not poured on after - not a 'candy sauce'

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6208/arthurbryantsoriginalod0.jpg


http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6458/090106arthurbryantintum7.jpg

667

Well I am in Dallas today so I'll vote accordingly.

http://www.banterist.com/archivefiles/000284.html

wierd stuff from the internet -

Banterist - Backwards Swastika Brand Vegetarian Barbecue Sauce



http://www.banterist.com/archivefiles/images/nazicue.jpg
nazicue.jpg


667

http://www.banterist.com/archivefiles/000284.html

wierd stuff from the internet -

Banterist - Backwards Swastika Brand Vegetarian Barbecue Sauce



http://www.banterist.com/archivefiles/images/nazicue.jpg
nazicue.jpg


667

I've seen some strange things in my time, but this is a first...:scratch2:

Well I am in Dallas today so I'll vote accordingly.

Welcome to town! if you're hungry, head over to Baker's Ribs on I-30@Beltline Rd, or their store in Deep Ellum on Commerce. Among the best in the city (the "greats" have all gone, and we're left with the "goods"). Sonny Bryan's on Inwood @ Harry Hines is great for atmosphere, and the Q is decent.

Lookin' for used vinyl? Half Price Books on NW Hwy @ Hwy 75 is a good stop (with a fun German restaurant behind it). Forever Young Records in Grand Prairie on 360 is incredible (rock, blues, jazz, folk, gospel)... and they know it and price their stuff accordingly.

for the 'hard core'

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6208/arthurbryantsoriginalod0.jpg


http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6458/090106arthurbryantintum7.jpg


Arthur Bryant's is the Real Deal. :yes:

TomT,

This is a different, but legendary, "Bryan's bbq", but I thought you'd like the pic. ;)

http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/1338/p2130011ai9.jpg

Welcome to town! if you're hungry, head over to Baker's Ribs on I-30@Beltline Rd, or their store in Deep Ellum on Commerce. Among the best in the city (the "greats" have all gone, and we're left with the "goods"). Sonny Bryan's on Inwood @ Harry Hines is great for atmosphere, and the Q is decent.

Lookin' for used vinyl? Half Price Books on NW Hwy @ Hwy 75 is a good stop (with a fun German restaurant behind it). Forever Young Records in Grand Prairie on 360 is incredible (rock, blues, jazz, folk, gospel)... and they know it and price their stuff accordingly.

Wish I had more time. I was only in town two nights; I am about to head out to the airport. I ate at Mi Cocina last night, very loud but good food and great crowd.
No BBQ, but Tex mex is Texas also!

Welcome to town! if you're hungry, head over to Baker's Ribs on I-30@Beltline Rd, or their store in Deep Ellum on Commerce...

Ahhh... There's a new bar in my old neighborhood that serves old-style cocktails. a real trip to go to, with excellent mixologists on board.

It's called Deep Ellum.

I wonder if it gets it's name from that town?

I assume Deep ellum is a town, am I correct?

Texas. Hands down.:thmbsp:

Texas. Hands down.:thmbsp:

Hands down?

Then how do you eat?:scratch2:

Ahhh... There's a new bar in my old neighborhood that serves old-style cocktails. a real trip to go to, with excellent mixologists on board.

It's called Deep Ellum.

I wonder if it gets it's name from that town?

I assume Deep ellum is a town, am I correct?

The bar near you probably got it's name from Leadbelly's "Deep Ellum Blues".

Deep Ellum (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Ellum) was/is the neighborhood adjacent to the far eastern end of Elm Street (one of the three "main" streets through downtown Dallas, and therefore deep Elm). It's famous as a German/Jewish/African-American community. It's Blues Scene was legendary, sprouting and hosting such luminaries as Blind Lemon Jefferson, Robert Johnson, Huddie Ledbetter, and Bessie Smith. All of Robert Johnson's recordings were made there.

You would have liked it in the 1980s through the mid-'90s.

Today, it's a place where white suburban kids go to get drunk, tattooed, and rolled.

Looking at the voting, one thing is clearly established...

...the Chisholm Trail wins.

Been from Maine to Spain, Boston to Austin: for BBQ it would be mighty hard to beat Texas.

Well, for me, it's no different than tubes vs. SS, or East Coast vs. West coast speakers- whatever you like, like it, and get on with it.

Well, for me, it's no different than tubes vs. SS, or East Coast vs. West coast speakers- whatever you like, like it, and get on with it.

I like it all.

I like the best of all regions, dislike the mediocre and worse.

But cut the cole slaw on my sandwich, OK?

It must be said that there is a flavor for everyones BBQ taste in the Lone Star State

OOOps, Sorry,
I haven't chimed in on this thread because I thought it was in TOL.:D Scientifically speakin', Texas wins.:tresbon:

Did anyone ever eat at Billy Blues on Richmond ( I think) in Houston when it was open? Darn good live blues bands/Performers and pretty good BBQ also. They had a giant saxaphone outside of the building that used VW hoods as the valves. One other thing about the place is they had original pictures of artists such as Gatemouth Brown, Muddy Waters etc. It was a very cool place:thmbsp:

Did anyone ever eat at Billy Blues on Richmond ( I think) in Houston when it was open? Darn good live blues bands/Performers and pretty good BBQ also. They had a giant saxaphone outside of the building that used VW hoods as the valves. One other thing about the place is they had original pictures of artists such as Gatemouth Brown, Muddy Waters etc. It was a very cool place:thmbsp:

I was the lead electrician on that job! It got so wild and wooly, the neighborhood filed charges on them for disturbing the peace. Fabulous Thunderbirds opened their first show. Most of the materials used in the "Smoke Sax" were electrical conduits and fittings, that we supplied the artist.

Oh,... GREAT BBQ!
Sorry the pic is so small, the bottom curve of the sax IS a VW bug.

The expanding "business end" of the Sax was flexible PVC wrappeed around a re-bar frame.
The mouth piece you see at the top is a full sized surf board.

edit: sorry, didn't mean to screw up the thread.

That's It!!!!!!!!! It was a cool place, I was there several times, brings back memories. What ever happened to the place?

Does anybody remember Buster's over in Pasedena? If so that was th eplace my great uncle used to run.

Texas for sure!

<ahem... all rise.>

Texas, Our Texas! all hail the mighty State!
Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, withstanding ev'ry test
O Empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest.

[CHORUS]
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.

Texas, O Texas! your freeborn single star,
Sends out its radiance to nations near and far,
Emblem of Freedom! it set our hearts aglow,
With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo. [to chorus]

Texas, dear Texas! from tyrant grip now free,
Shines forth in splendor, your star of destiny!
Mother of heroes, we come your children true,
Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you. [to chorus]

<..with no disrespect to the other wonderful purveyors of authentic barbecue, and those of chopped pork with cole slaw.>

We used to sing this every morning during the indoctrination years.

They say here in NC that it's the best. I'm from NY and BBQ is something you do not something you eat. Due to it's popularity 'round these parts I find it very offensive and vile. Not because it actually is but just because everybody thinks it's the best thing in the world. I think Italian Sausage is leaps and bound better than all of it. Thanks for listening.

I love Italian sausage.

Had a nice plate of Italian sausage with buttered noodles just this week. Great stuff! Love that anise flavoring!

Yep. Texas BBQ'd hot eyetalian sausage is great.

They say here in NC that it's the best. I'm from NY and BBQ is something you do not something you eat. Due to it's popularity 'round these parts I find it very offensive and vile. Not because it actually is but just because everybody thinks it's the best thing in the world. I think Italian Sausage is leaps and bound better than all of it. Thanks for listening.


Italian Sausage when soaked in beer German style for a while then cut long wise and grilled to taste is a true delight. Last time we were in Portland, OR had the outside cook at the Broadway Bistro fix mine like that it was excellent.

I love Italian sausage.

Had a nice plate of Italian sausage with buttered noodles

Buttered noodles???:scratch2:

You need to treat the Italian sausage a little better! :yes:

I unexpectedly had to stay over Friday night in Dallas again and finally got some ribs.
They were great!

(no buttered noodles served with them!)

In my neck of the woods it's Joe's in Gilbert, AZ. :yes:

http://www.joesrealbbq.com/default.asp


Gotta agree with you. Waldos on Main is pretty good as well

http://www.waldosbbq.com/

We have great BBQ right here in Tampa.
Hey,, this IS Florida.
We have people here from all over making BBQ JUST like back home.

Arkansas Dry Ribs at Simm's. They serve the sauce on the side. We have many BBQ places that are 40+ years in service and it shows. Nothing beats an experienced bbq joint no matter what state you are in as most new spots just ain't seasoned enough.

If you have to cover them in sauce they ain't that good.

Nothing beats an experienced bbq joint no matter what state you are in as most new spots just ain't seasoned enough.

If you have to cover them in sauce they ain't that good.Definitely agree with your first statement, but not the second. I like a good sauce. And a good one is almost as difficult to find as good BBQ.

Back to your first statement, Julius Rib on south Seneca in Wichita, KS is pretty decent. Must have learned his craft in TX. :thmbsp:

Few to compare with the Salt Lick right down the road from me.....
Alaan

MMmm....the Salt Lick.... *drool*

ate there once, and I swear I gained 20lbs that day. Was staying in Austin at the time, LaQuinta Inn up on "the hill", whever that may be.

I couldn't get the hang of the roads there for the life of me.

Born and raised in NC, so gotta go with my roots, but I haven't come across very many BBQ's that didn't have some redeeming value. Only style I don't really care for all that much is the South Carolina mustard-base stuff (Maurice's).

Lockhart BBQ joints. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqxkoGeBMBQ)

Smitty's is my fav.

Luling City Market (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C2We_mMShs) (Texas).

Nice, good to see a post that was considerd by many to be taboo and not worthy of posting about, carrying on so well.

Thank you fellas, for all the great contributions.

:thmbsp::thmbsp::thmbsp:

Lockhart BBQ joints. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqxkoGeBMBQ)

Smitty's is my fav.



They left out Chisolm trail ( AKA Floyd's). It's where the locals go to get their Q with all the trimmings. Less tourist and their chicken is great. A 2 meat plate runs you about $5.oo with sides.

Much better than arguing about politics.

Someone said it before -- good 'cue is all about WOOD!

My favorite place, considered the mecca of Eastern NC barbecue (not Western! totally different animal) is Wilber's in Goldsboro. http://www.ncbbqsociety.com/images/trail_images/wilbers_web.jpg
Here's a pic of the grilling area. Note the SMOKE!
http://hkentcraig.com/WilbersTwinSmokehouseGrillAreas.jpg

They're roasting the meat -- whole hog -- under the plates on the left. The space on the right is for overflow for when they know it's going to be busy.

You can drive their anytime of the day or night and they have the fire going. They do up 'cue right. If you're ever in that neck of the woods, check it out.

When old man Stubbs was still alive, his original place in Lubbock was some of the best I've ever had. Good Texas bbq and a cold shiner.......... can't be beat :thmbsp:

When I lived in Oregon I got my dry rub from a place called North Main Barbecue in Eulis,Texas don't know if they are still there.A place called Campbells in Portland is real good.

in memphis-corkys -great sauce and sides
rendevous-dry rub with the best baked beans- these two are different yet equal in wow factor
but the best bbq rest.-arthur bryants in st. louis!

gone but not forgotten-javans,columbus,ohio. gave arthurs a run for his money!
i ve found the best bbq to be the side of the road stands. i stop at many and haven t really had a bad one yet. bbq people take a great pride in their product,unlike other foods.they hold theyre heads high and ask if it is the best you ever tasted.confident they have a superior product.best food and the best people are bbq ers!

They say here in NC that it's the best. I'm from NY and BBQ is something you do not something you eat. Due to it's popularity 'round these parts I find it very offensive and vile. Not because it actually is but just because everybody thinks it's the best thing in the world. I think Italian Sausage is leaps and bound better than all of it. Thanks for listening.

Yes, I'm sure that "havving a Bob b que at the shore" is much better than enjoying some good hickory smoked pork served in any one of several varieties in NC.

Not sure why you find the popularity of good pork BBQ "offensive and vile".

When I go to Philly, I'm not offended at the popularity of cheesesteaks.

By the way, we know our pizza can't compare to Vinnies down at the corner of Toid and Toidy-toid avenue. :D

Lighten up brother. You can get eye-talian susage here in NC. Enjoy all that is great about living in NC. It's a wonderful place! :yes:

Much better than arguing about politics.

Someone said it before -- good 'cue is all about WOOD!

My favorite place, considered the mecca of Eastern NC barbecue (not Western! totally different animal) is Wilber's in Goldsboro. http://www.ncbbqsociety.com/images/trail_images/wilbers_web.jpg
Here's a pic of the grilling area. Note the SMOKE!
http://hkentcraig.com/WilbersTwinSmokehouseGrillAreas.jpg

They're roasting the meat -- whole hog -- under the plates on the left. The space on the right is for overflow for when they know it's going to be busy.

You can drive their anytime of the day or night and they have the fire going. They do up 'cue right. If you're ever in that neck of the woods, check it out.


I'll second a vote for Wilbers. My wife is from Goldsboro and my in-laws still live there. I can't get within 50 miles of there and not stop in.

What I can't figure out is why South Carolina doesn't have any particular claim in this game. What are they making?

If you're ever in Charleston SC, be sure to eat at Thomas Bessingers on Savannah highway.

Onion rings as big as bagels, light and fluffy. :drool:

And of course, mustard-based sauce.

check out the website www.bessingersbbq.com

It'll make you hungry! :yes:

Much better than arguing about politics.

Someone said it before -- good 'cue is all about WOOD!

My favorite place, considered the mecca of Eastern NC barbecue (not Western! totally different animal) is Wilber's in Goldsboro. http://www.ncbbqsociety.com/images/trail_images/wilbers_web.jpg
Here's a pic of the grilling area. Note the SMOKE!
http://hkentcraig.com/WilbersTwinSmokehouseGrillAreas.jpg

They're roasting the meat -- whole hog -- under the plates on the left. The space on the right is for overflow for when they know it's going to be busy.

You can drive their anytime of the day or night and they have the fire going. They do up 'cue right. If you're ever in that neck of the woods, check it out.


Had to make a business trip to LaGrange NC Tuesday. On the way back, stopped at Wilbers for an early dinner.

Good example of the Eastern NC style.

Something a little different about the fries there, very good.

Very good hushpuppies too. And of course, excellent sweet tea.

Just my 2 cents worth, but....

One must kill a hog and dig a large hole in the ground in order to have decent barbecue. One must also have hickory wood in that hole, burned down to coals.

I'm sick of beef brisket.

Corky's in Memphis was always my favorite. Their slaw is incredible, and the onion rings fried in a loaf are just unbeatable. Pig and Whistle in Bartlett was also a great place for a bunch of guys on whatever night it was they had all-u-can-eat.

Just one more reason to move back to east Arkansas.

I've eaten all four types mentioned here in their native locals.

And I favor Memphis style which should really be called lower Mississippi Valley style as it's what you get also in Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana. This is the style we get most often in Chicago because the majority of Black people in Chicago are from that region of the south. And in Chicago Black rib joints set the bar. Just as Chicago has the best Blues it has the best BBQ and for the same reason---the Illinois Central Railroad.

I ate lots of Texas BBQ and it ranged from pretty good to vile. I'm not that keen on BBQ beef anyway and I'm not a big brisket fan except in a Jewish deli. I like Texas smoked sausage alot though. Best Texas BBQ I had was a little hole in Lampasas, worst was in Kerrville, made me sick as a dog. All In all I think Texas food is mediocre. I had bad meals in San Antonio, Dallas, Kerrville, Brownsville, Galveston and South Padre. In Austin I gave up and ate at the Cracker Barrel, at least I knew what to expect.

NC style I find a little bland compared to lower Mississippi. I've eaten in several NC joints; mountain, flats and shore. But always good.

The ribs I had in KC were wretched, I didn't even finish them, threw them in the trash. Some place downtown that locals told me was better than Bryants, don't recall the name. If the place was typical KC I can do without it. Hard to judge fairly going by one joint though.

Now here in Kan-tuk-kee they BBQ mutton but I haven't had the nerve to try that yet. I had BBQ last night at a local joint called Billy's. Very good pulled pork, good baked beans and excellent fresh cut fries. Good cornbread but mediocre cheese grits. We have a Corkie's here but it's not as good as the one in Memphis, the one in Memphis being one of the glories of the state of Tennessee. Sticky Fingers in Chattanooga ain't bad and BB-Cuties in Nashville was really good.

There's a place in Greenville , SC on Wade Hampton Blvd. , called Henry's. It's a shack with a stack of split hickory out back (they split the wood "in house"). You can see the meat being prepared from the counter where you order. All the meats are served dry , the sauces are on the tables (molasses or mustard based). It is the absolute best barbecue I have ever had. After that , it would have to be the hog roasts we had where I grew up (Davie , FL) Shoot 'em at dawn and put 'em on a spit , close to the wood so the smoke wrapped around it , and by 5 or 6 PM the meat could be removed , served , and eaten with a fork. Now I live in OH where "BBQ" is ground beef swimming in KC Masterpiece. :puke:

"Now I live in OH where "BBQ" is ground beef swimming in KC Masterpiece."


Don't feel bad, next state over the Hoosiers are keen on fried brain sandwiches.

Don't feel bad, next state over the Hoosiers are keen on fried brain sandwiches.
:puke:

You would think the limited supply would have killed that fad.

:puke:

You would think the limited supply would have killed that fad.

Limited supply of Hoosiers with brains?

Best things I ever got out of Texas were a six-pack of Lone Star and my @$$. I did basic training in Texas so I just don't have real fond memories. Didn't care much for the beef there , seemed kinda stringy.

As a general rule, BBQ in the South is going to be pork and in texas it'll be beef.

I prefer pork, but individual tastes vary.

When I travel, I try to sample the local BBQ joints. (not the chains).

It sure does vary greatly! :yes:

Found a tiny hole-in-the-wall place in Redbank TN called "Sportsmans BBQ" or "The Sportsman". Exceptionally good. :drool:

I have found that BBQ, like a lot of other things, is somewhat of a what you grew up with thing. I grew up with mustard-based sauce on pork BBQ and it's stlll my favorite, but I sure have tasted a lot of good BBQ of different types and in different places!

I haven't tried the place in Greenville on Wade Hampton, but on my next trip there, I will!

Once, many years ago... I was at a place in Kentucky that had unbelievable brisket. I wish i could remember the name but I think I'm getting senile. Is that normal for people in their late 20's?

This summer I went to Fat Matt's Rib Shack in Atlanta. Let's just say that Fat Matt isn't fat for no reason. That place was killer - great ribs and beans. Cold beer. Goodness.

http://www.fatmattsribshack.com/

Around my area of Maryland Bare Bones is about as good as it gets. Well except for right here when done with Florences's Deam Man's Revival BBQ sauce.:D

Had to make a business trip to LaGrange NC Tuesday. On the way back, stopped at Wilbers for an early dinner.

Good example of the Eastern NC style.

Something a little different about the fries there, very good.

Very good hushpuppies too. And of course, excellent sweet tea.A business trip to LaGrange? When you drive by there on US 70, it doesn't look like there's anything there at all.

I like the tea at Wilbers, but it's almost too sweet for me. I'll typically order unsweetened there and dump Splenda in it. My favorite iced tea is at Stephenson's BBQ at McGee's Crossroads (exit 319 off of I-40). They also have some of the best fries ever. And good 'cue.

A business trip to LaGrange? When you drive by there on US 70, it doesn't look like there's anything there at all.

I like the tea at Wilbers, but it's almost too sweet for me. I'll typically order unsweetened there and dump Splenda in it. My favorite iced tea is at Stephenson's BBQ at McGee's Crossroads (exit 319 off of I-40). They also have some of the best fries ever. And good 'cue.

Well, it's not quite the LaGrange that ZZ Top sings about, but....

Actually, they are building a new regional water treatment plant there.

Thanks for the tip about Stephensons BBQ. Will check it out on my next trip in the vicinity. Always ready for good BBQ! :yes:

I haven't tried the place in Greenville on Wade Hampton, but on my next trip there, I will!

Henry's is west of Grady Miller's Honda and the big cemetery , ' bout 1 mile , on the opposite side of the road. There used to be a Sherwin Williams store on the left and a veterinary hospital on the right. Get there on a Friday around noon and it could take 20-30 minutes to get your food.
There's nothing BANG or in your face about the food , just fresh , local meat cut and smoked by people who give a sh*t about the taste. The taste of the meat comes through above the smoke and sauce. :thmbsp: They also prepare quantities for take out. Take a couple of chickens home for later.

Well, it's not quite the LaGrange that ZZ Top sings about, but....

Actually, they are building a new regional water treatment plant there.

Thanks for the tip about Stephensons BBQ. Will check it out on my next trip in the vicinity. Always ready for good BBQ! :yes:Stephenson's is about three or four minutes off the interstate. Exit 319 is NC 210. Not sure if it's called West or South, either way you'd take a right off the exit if you're coming Raleigh. Then the next big right is NC 50 North, heading back towards Raleigh. Go about a mile or so and it's on the right. You can't miss it.

The knock I've heard on Stephenson's is that the barbecue is inconsistent. Well, I've eaten there a dozen times and only once was it less than excellent. One of my favorites.

Lexington Bar-B-Que in Lexington, NC or Whispering Pines in Albemarle, NC. Two of the best in the world. :banana:

It's all about beef vs. pork. For ribs, go to Memphis (I like the Rendezvous); for pulled pork head to Carolina, and for beef (brisket), it's off to Texas (KC's good too). I like 'em all. When it comes to firing up my smoker at home though, it's pork shoulder.

It does bother me, however, that some Carolina places chop the hell out of some perfectly good pulled pork. What's up with that?

My girlfriend's neighbor makes wonderful BBQ ribs with home made sauce. And her potato salad is world-class. Besides, I take care of my father and my cat and birds, so travelling far is not an option.

Wherever you hold it, I would appreciate a care package, FedEx'd to my home, by the next day. Packed in dry ice, of course.

Don't forget the cole slaw.

So, I vote for Brooklyn.

Seth
Forever Analog and Covered In Parrot Poop

Hey, it's all good.:beer:
To my taste buds, there's nothing like a good dry-rubbed, smoked and heated over charcoal rib for a soul-satisfying meal, so I voted for Memphis.
Sacrilege or not, the best Memphis-style pig I've ever eaten was at Virgil's (http://www.virgilsbbq.com/) in New York City. Any naysayers who find themselves in this neck of the woods can get in touch with me, and I'll take them there!
The Other Seth

Personally, the travel I do for work takes me to the same BBQ Joints on a regular basis. Bills BBQ in Richmond is the hometown favorite since I grew up there. (Always get the limeade with my order)... but really not until I get to North Carolina do I experience major anticipation and plan my trips around visiting the following at mealtime...

Greensboro NC- Stamey's /Coliseum Location
Lexington NC- Lexington BBQ (tradition... very difficult not to stop there when traveling on I 85
Charlotte NC- MACS is the new KING in town for BBQ... second choice is Bill Spoons

By the time I get home I don't need any BBQ for a couple of months...

Beef Ribs;

I smoke them all day long with Cherry wood , until the meat is just a tad pink in the middle.

And that's it, they are delicious just like that, sweet, tender and juicy.

For pork, I use Apple wood, and of course, cook them all the way through.

If I want some sauce on them---Sweet Baby Rays.

Dave

Duh, the poll is for the best region, my Bad.:stupid:

Well, I live next North Carolina, so I would have to say that--------
--------Kansas City had the best Ribs I have ever eaten, bar none.:D

Carolina BBQ is okay, but a tad too vinegary for my taste.

Dave

Sorry guys - GA has the best BBQ! I lived 2 blocks from a place in Athens, GA called The BBQ Shack - it was a shack but the BBQ was to die for!!!

If you haven't eaten at all four of the locations (like myself), then you can't really compare and judge the four regions. I've heard good things about all four regions. I voted for Tx, simply because I have eaten at some of the top places in Tx. BTW, I plan to be in Greenville, SC this weekend, so I'll make a stop at Henry's to see what the fuss is all about.

Here's a sample of some Tx venues (you can draw a 50 mi circle around Austin and find most of these places):

Lexington, Tx - Snow's BBQ
(I don't know whether I can eat BBQ for breakfast. That's pretty much what you need to do to eat at this place)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pJED3BMLCM

Taylor, Tx - Louie Mueller's BBQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xw2kpnH7q4&feature=related

Lockhart, Tx - Kreuz's BBQ (pronounced “Krites”)

BBQ served on brown butcher paper. No side dishes or forks.

Sign inside Kreuz's:

NO BARBEQUE SAUCE
(NOTHING TO HIDE)

NO FORKS
(THEY ARE AT THE END OF YOUR ARM)

NO SALADS
(REMEMBER NO FORKS)

NO CREDIT (CARDS ALSO)
(BANK DOESN’T SELL BARBEQUE)

NO KIDDING
(SEE OWNERS FACE)

Driftwood, Tx - Salt Lick BBQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvOA7OEuuc4&NR=1

Slow's Barbecue on Michigan Ave in Detroit. They have a pulled pork sandwich there called The Reason that'll flat out knock your socks off. But the best part is that they have a beer list unrivaled in any restaurant I've been to. It could use a few more taps, but they have an incredibly impressive array of bottled beers.

I smoke them all day long with Cherry wood.

Does the cherry wood help you keep them lit? Every time I light up a beef rib, it goes out on me.

Only place I havent tried is - Memphis but a local place has Memphis-style BBQ.

Remember - South Carolina - Georgia is PORK

Texas and Kansas City is Beef.

Memphis is either.

Only place I havent tried is - Memphis but a local place has Memphis-style BBQ.

Remember - South Carolina - Georgia is PORK

Texas and Kansas City is Beef.

Memphis is either.

In Texas, the brisket is beef, while the ribs are usually pork.

The sausage is whatever we find on the highway.

BTW: here's a great Tex-o-centric BBQ site...

http://fcg-bbq.blogspot.com/

As mentioned before, BBQ in North & South Carolina will be pork.

But the "style" of BBQ in the Carolinas will vary depending where you are!

There are 2 different styles of BBQ associated with NC, one with a ketchup-based sauce and one with a vinegar-base.

There is a mustard-based sauce that is associated with the Bessinger Family in SC that I am fond of.

But the "style" of BBQ in the Carolinas will vary depending where you are!

There are 2 different styles of BBQ associated with NC, one with a ketchup-based sauce and one with a vinegar-base...

I sure like the vinegar style in NC.Haven't been East for a while,though.My vote goes for KC area to eat out.A local Kansas pig roast and ranch rodeo is hard to beat(if you're in the band you eat good and stay clean!),but I prefer my own local deer,buffalo or beef BBQ. ....I'm hungry!

Lexington Bar-B-Que in Lexington, NC or Whispering Pines in Albemarle, NC. Two of the best in the world. :banana:
+1 for Lexington BBQ. That and Wilbur's in Goldboro are my favorites, hands down.

Louisiana - TJ's, Baton Rouge

Louisiana - TJ's, Baton Rouge

Lousiana - Clarence, LA (up north on the Red River) - Grayson's

Henry's Smokehouse in Greeneville , SC. I love SC BBQ. Texas , however , has brisket nailed. So , beef BBQ=Texas , pork BBQ=South Carolina.

For most of my life living in NYC it has been a veritable desert of good BBQ. Over the last 15 years or so we have made great strides in improving that culiunary defect. Starting with Virgil's which brought a multitude of styles of BBq to the city. Following them was Pierson's Texas BBQ which was very good but is sadly no longer with us.
Of late the money has poured into BBQ restaurants here, Blue Smoke, RUB, Dinasour BBQ and Hill Country. The last one is modeled on Kreutz's, the pitmaster interned there and they truck the mesquite up from Texas weekly. I'm sure it is a pale imitation to the real McCoy though. I've been lucky enough to eat at some good real BBq joints around the country and each one has it's virtues.
The Pink Pig in Levy, SC between Hilton Head and Savannah was excellent, the County Line restaurant in Oklahoma City had great smoked beef ribs and the Georgia Pig in Brunswick is as authentic as it gets.

+1 for Lexington BBQ. That and Wilbur's in Goldboro are my favorites, hands down.

I know someone who lives in Lexington, NC. I've had that BBQ many times!! :yes:

Anyone ever been to the Salt Lick in Driftwood, TX? Now THAT is some good BBQ!

I would also have to say KC BBQ stands alone in it's flavor as well. But I've had some killer BBQ in Memphis too!!!

Soooo much good BBQ, so little time! :D

I'm surprised that Texas Q is leading, i would put NC in front of that. I'm from KC and grew up on Gates, Arthur B's, Smokestack and other. Texas Q is too sweet for my tastes.