Details has named a dozen 'cue shacks and rib joints to its "Best Barbecue in America" list, out in the May issue. The list tries to cover its ground well, listing establishments specializing in ribs and sandwiches, cowboy-style brisket and whole-hog pulled pork.
But given the vast regional variation in the definition of 'barbecue' and the near-religious emotionality surrounding issues like "tomato-based or non-tomato-based sauce," a "Best Barbecue" list seems a risky endeavor. I mean, blood has been shed over this stuff. If I were the author of this list, I might not sleep at night, fearing a meat fork in the eye from a furious pitmaster.
I mean, what kind of "Best Barbecue" list doesn't include Allen & Son in Chapel Hill, or Jim Neely's Interstate in Memphis!? What's your favorite barbecue joint that didn't make the list?
May is National BBQ Month and National Hamburger Month
Cupcakes, not for dessert (unless beef is your idea of a treat)
Because eating French Fries in the car is so tough
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
4-22-2008 @ 2:08PM
lauren said...
oof, what a list.
where's sam's in austin, and matt's rib shack in atlanta?
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4-22-2008 @ 2:25PM
Rob O. said...
I'd have to go with Mac's BBQ in Brady, Texas - the heart of Texas!
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4-22-2008 @ 2:33PM
AW said...
McLard's in Hot Springs AR. Shames all the rest
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4-22-2008 @ 2:45PM
Emily said...
Slick Pig in Murfreesboro, TN.
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4-22-2008 @ 2:46PM
Emily said...
Slick Pig in Murfreesboro, TN.
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4-22-2008 @ 3:54PM
dragonet2 said...
Arthur Bryant's in Kansas City was left out and they included LC's. I have to get to that place (LC's). We also have Gates and Jack Stack that are also very good. (We have a glut of good 'cue here in KC.)
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4-22-2008 @ 4:18PM
Justin said...
McClard's in Hot Springs AR, seconded. I drove 4 hours one way to eat there over the weekend. Just like I remembered it. Brought back 2lbs of ribs and a dozen tamales, just in case.
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4-22-2008 @ 6:07PM
kim said...
Pierce's PITT Bar-B-Que in Williamsburg, VA. The BEST! ;-)
http://www.pierces.com/
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4-22-2008 @ 6:18PM
gan said...
fat matt's is a joke...jim neely's is ok...try central bbq in memphis now thats some good stuff. fox bros in atlanta smokes fat matt's (pun intended)
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4-22-2008 @ 7:00PM
lhblitzer said...
smokey john's in Dallas TX
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4-22-2008 @ 8:36PM
EduDoc said...
Neely's is a joke and doesn't belong on the list. cold food-held too long-poor service
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4-22-2008 @ 8:54PM
Rita said...
How did anything in Cali even make that list?
Only one from KC? Fail. You could make an entire top ten just from the phenomenal BBQ in KC- and RJ's would top that list!
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4-22-2008 @ 9:46PM
Solar said...
Well, they've got Lexington Barbecue on the list, so it is a list of the best barbecue in America. They probably could have just stopped with that entry, though.
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4-22-2008 @ 10:22PM
RedShirt said...
They stirred up a hornet's nest on this one.
Also, did you say "'cue"? Please don't call it that when you're in NC. For me, its Little Richards in Winston Salem, NC.
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4-22-2008 @ 10:26PM
Joltin' Django said...
Neely's is NOT a joke. The Neely brothers put turn out some pretty tasty 'que.
Slick Pig in Murfreesboro, TN is good (they have GREAT chicken wings); however, the best BBQ in Murfreesboro is served at Goff's.
Finally, Memphis' Cozy Corner is the best BBQ joint in the USA. Period.
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4-22-2008 @ 10:27PM
De said...
Ditto on the Pierce's in VA! Had it tonight in fact. Hubby picked up a couple quarts driving home to DC after a business trip in Norfolk.
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4-22-2008 @ 11:05PM
Michael said...
I have to disagree with Skylight Inn. Their only sides are NASTY slaw and corn bread. I like some potatoes or collards with my barbecue. And the barbecue is mediocre. You can better barbecue downtown at Bum's or 10 miles away in Greenville at B's.
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4-23-2008 @ 10:24AM
SeanMike said...
No Rendezvous or Corky's or Blue Ridge Pig?
A barbeque place in California?
Seriously - what a crappy list. Did they just Google for places?
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4-23-2008 @ 10:31AM
Dan Tannenbaum said...
For the best, and I mean BEST brisket in the world, try Georgetown BBQ. It's on University Avenue (Rt. 29) in Georgetown. There is no other brisket that can hold a candle to it. When yo order it, ask for it with "a little flavor". It is tender, juicy and oh so tasty!
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4-24-2008 @ 9:35PM
Liz said...
Ole Country Smokehouse, Anderson, SC
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