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Mmmm BBQ. What is the best barbecue in the US?

Mmmm BBQ. What is the best barbecue in the US?

Old Sep 29th, 2004, 07:12 PM
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Mmmm BBQ. What is the best barbecue in the US?

I don't care if this topic has already been covered. I'll dedicate this thread to the Salt Lick in Driftwood, TX, if I have to! If not Mr. cher_cher's pork ribs!
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 04:43 AM
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For ribs, Spanky's in Chapel Hill, NC. Nothing else even comes close.
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 04:55 AM
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The problem, of course, is that the word "barbecue" can mean totally different things to different people. If you are trying to to determine the best of something, you need to compare apples to apples... or maybe "ribs to ribs".

When I think of barbeque, it has nothing to do with ribs. It's Eastern North Carolina pulled pork... and Bullock's in Durham is the best purveyor as far as I'm concerned.
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 05:10 AM
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Had BBQ in a lot of places. Kansas City is good, as is Texas, NC and many parts of the south. No place comes close to Memphis though. Thought so even before I found myself moving here.
Ribs and pulled meat.
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 05:32 AM
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CW's BBQ in Hobe Sound Florida. Chef Christopher creates Turnip greens, Blackeyed Peas etc. to accompany Snook, Pulled Pork, Chicken and Venison. His Bread Pudding sells out early. He was Sous Chef at the Boca Raton Resort with Culinary School background. Ask Greg Norman what he thinks of it!
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 05:50 AM
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What a nice thing it would be to be able to speak knowledgeably about this, based on a couple hundred samples. Better than visiting all the major league ballparks, I'll wager.

That said, personal best is Abe's BBQ at the Crossroads of the Blues in Clarksdale MS. You could sell your soul there, and you wouldn't be the first.
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 05:59 AM
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Funny you should ask...The American Royal BBQ contest is this weekend in Kansas City--here's a blurb about it from the website: (www.americanroyal.com)

"The American Royal Barbecue is the opening event of the American Royal, and the season finale for the competitive circuit. Spreading over 20 acres in Kansas City?s historic Stockyards District, and with almost 400 teams competing in four culinary contests, The Royal is the largest barbecue contest in the world. Combine this with the ?Best On the Planet? Sauce, Rub and Baste Competition, and a barbecue related trade expo, and this two-day food festival is truly the ?World Series of Barbecue?."

I went for the first time last year and it is a BLAST!! It's like one giant tailgate, with such yummy food and smells. If you're near KC this weekend, I'd make a point of going.

(I know this probably sounds like I'm advertising for this thing, but it's just so great--I think everyone should go at least once if they love BBQ!!)

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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 06:04 AM
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Here's another vote for KC BBQ. It's definitely the best! It's all about the meat! You don't need sauce! If you don't believe it, just stop by the world's largest BBQ contest this weekend!!
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 06:39 AM
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"The problem, of course, is that the word "barbecue" can mean totally different things to different people. If you are trying to to determine the best of something, you need to compare apples to apples... or maybe 'ribs to ribs'."

No problem there! I think it's interesting to know what people's favorites are, whether carne asada in the SW, pulled pork in the South, ribs in the Midwest... Bring it on!
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 10:42 AM
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McClard's in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 11:33 AM
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A Dreamland BBQ place just opened here in Baton Rouge. I understand they are from Alabama. How does this rank with those of you who've tried it?
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 11:35 AM
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Well which one?

Ketchup, mustard, or vinegar based?
 
Old Sep 30th, 2004, 11:38 AM
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Dear GoTravel
Ketchup first, then vinegar. Haven't tried mustard based altho my baked bean recipe has ketchup and mustard in it.
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 11:40 AM
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Vinegar!
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 11:41 AM
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Maurice Bessinger does the best mustard.

There is a dump in Lexington North Carolina (I cannot remember the name) that does the best vinegar.

As far as ketchup based, I think Jack Daniels original is the best.
 
Old Sep 30th, 2004, 01:30 PM
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Memphis Championship Barbeque in Las Vegas -- in addition to superb bbq and a yummy vinegar-based sauce they have baked beans to die for
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 02:23 PM
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OMG isn't this the food network's quest of the summer. Turn it on, they have completely lost the gourmet focus. You might get some hints here and then you can seek out the best hot dog. Sorry I had to throw in the jab. Really annoyed with the food network this summer back to PBS for quality shows on culinary excellence.
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 02:30 PM
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Lexington Barbecue in Lexington, NC.

Vinegar all the way!
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 03:58 PM
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Montgomery Inn or the Boathouse in Cincinnati (both owned by the Gregory family). Only place I'd wait 2 hours to eat...I can smell them now...and I'm in Florida.
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Old Sep 30th, 2004, 04:26 PM
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Maurice Bessinger makes great bbq, but i wonder if giving him business is funding his racists screeds.
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