Rest of US
If geography prevents you from visiting our featured regional venues, don't despair: Tasty barbecue can be found in practically every nook and cranny of this country-from the Big Island of Hawaii to the wilds of Maine to the streets of New York. Here I present a few of my favorite hidden gems. Purists might argue these locations aren't "authentic," but I don't care-it's still darn tasty 'cue.
Daisy May's
623 11th Ave. (corner of 46th St.)
New York, NY
212-977-1500
My favorite BBQ spot in the city, owing in large part to chef Adam Perry Lang's delectable St. Louis sticky ribs. Call in advance if you want something special, like a whole or half hog or a full rack of lamb.
>> Visit the Web site
Blue Smoke
116 E. 27th St.
New York, NY
212-447-7733
Given the upscale locale and a menu that offers almost every imaginable kind of barbecue, Blue Smoke isn't a half bad place to pass an evening. Make sure to try the rib sampler-gimmicky, perhaps, but good.
>> Visit the Web site
Dinosaur Bar B Que
646 W. 131st St.
New York, NY
212-694-1777
Every time I go back to this place (tucked under Riverside Drive on the very, very upper west side) I like it more and more. The beer selection is brilliant, and the ribs pretty darn tasty. At least tasty enough to keep me coming back.
>> Visit the Web site
RUB BBQ
208 West 23rd Street
New York, NY
212-524-4300
RUB here stands for "righteous urban barbecue," and while I'm not willing to vouch for its righteousness, I am willing to say it's solid city barbecue that's easier on the wallet than many places in town.
>> Visit the Web site
Joe Morley's
100 W. Center St.
Midvale
801-255-8928
I've eaten at Joe's at least once a year for more than a dozen years. It's not that it's the best barbecue, or even that it's the only barbecue in Utah (there's also a Famous Dave's near by, and a
Q 4 U in Kearns, Utah). It's just that every time I go, Joe Morley's feels like what a barbecue place is supposed to feel like-small, intimate, authentic, and warm.
>> Visit the Web site
Campbell's Bar-B-Q
8701 S.E. Powell Blvd.
Portland
503-777-9795
With smoked turkey, homemade link sausage, ribs, and brisket, Campbell's serves up Southern goodness in a Northern climate.
>> Visit the Web site
DJ's Texas Style BBQ
1051 Main St.
Lewiston
207-577-4728
Step right up to get home-smoked, pretty darn authentic Texas-style barbecue.
>> Visit the Web site
The Original Leon's Bar-B-Q
1640 E. 79th St.
Chicago
773-731-1454
I have eaten more barbecue at Leon's than at any other place in the country. It's where I first fell in love with barbecue. Located under the Chicago Skyway on the South Side, the place was started by Leon Finney Sr. and his aunt Bertha back in 1940. Leon's son (also named Leon, what else?) uses the same recipes today. Do yourself a favor and go on the early side, while they've still got ribs. And when it comes to sauce, ask them to mix it-it's better sweet and hot than just on fire. Multiple locations.
Big Jake's Big Island BBQ
Mile Marker 106
Mamalahoa Highway
Honaunau
If you happen to be on the Big Island cruising the Mamalahoa Highway, you'll find what gets my vote for westernmost premier barbecue joint in the United States. Big Jake's is a pretty simple affair, with outdoor picnic tables and solidly smoked barbecue. And there's one huge advantage: at the end of the meal, you're still in Hawaii!
In addition, there are numerous regional chains and franchises nationwide that serve up excellent barbecue. You can use the links below to help locate a franchise in your neck of the woods. With Smokey Bones covering the eastern half of the country, Famous Dave's a good chunk of the west, Lucille's taking care of California, and Corky's helping out in the Midwest, they've got the USA pretty well covered.