Fodor's Expert Review 4 Rivers Smokehouse

What started as a tiny business in a former tire repair shop has turned into a multistate dynasty. The popular 4 Rivers, now with over a dozen locations and more on the way, turns out slow-cooked barbecue standards like pulled pork and Texas-style brisket. More unusual items include the addicting bacon-wrapped smoked jalapeño peppers, the Six Shooter with cheese grits, and a sausage-filled pastry called kolache. Old-time soft drinks such as Frostie Root Beer and Cheerwine are for sale, along with desserts like the kiddie favorite Chocolate Awesomeness, an indulgent layering of chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, Heath Bar, whipped cream, and chocolate and caramel sauces. Some branches have a Sweet Shop that sells whole oversize cakes.