Rave: BBQ shacks and smokehouses

[IMADreamer]

I don't get paying $50 for a meal when I can get some seriously awesome BBQ for under $15, and sometimes under $10. I just discovered a new place in a town near mine today. I will be eating there every time I go to this town.

I love BBQ.

[jeffbgoofy]

More BBQ places have opened in St. Louis. Recently, Kendrick's (higher priced) and Sugar Fire (moderately proced) are big favorites. Going to Sugar Fire Sunday. I still enjoy Pappy's and PM BBQ

[IMADreamer]

One of my favorite reasons to go to STL is BBQ. So many great spots to choose from. I heard there was some turmoil at Pappys. Hope it doesn't hurt the quality.

[AWvsCBsteeeerike3]

I've said this before, but there is a place called Whole Hog Cafe in Arkansas that ranks up there with any place in America (and have the track record at competitions to prove it). It's just a couple guys that got into the scene, honed their skill, started beating out the 'big boys' like Gates, Bryants, Rendezvous, etc and opened up a little shack of a retaurant. And expanded from there. Have like maybe 10 little places in Arkansas. Anytime family comes, that's the only place they want to eat. And, the best part is the cost is like $7/plate. That's pretty cheap in this day and age. And the place smells like a backyard smoker! You walk in, eat, and 20 minutes later leave smelling like you just smoked a hog.

[IMADreamer]

Sounds like heaven. If I ever get down there I'll have to try it.

[cardsfansince82]

Gates and Bryant's don't even enter BBQ competitions as far as I know. They would get beat and don't really have anything to gain from hypothetically winning, since they already have a big established customer base.

I wasn't really a big fan of BBQ until I moved to KC but it's definitely grown on me with so many good places around. I try to limit it to once every couple of weeks because of price and health concerns but a good rack of ribs is hard to beat.

[letsgocards89]

I've said this before, but there is a place called Whole Hog Cafe in Arkansas that ranks up there with any place in America (and have the track record at competitions to prove it). It's just a couple guys that got into the scene, honed their skill, started beating out the 'big boys' like Gates, Bryants, Rendezvous, etc and opened up a little shack of a retaurant. And expanded from there. Have like maybe 10 little places in Arkansas. Anytime family comes, that's the only place they want to eat. And, the best part is the cost is like $7/plate. That's pretty cheap in this day and age. And the place smells like a backyard smoker! You walk in, eat, and 20 minutes later leave smelling like you just smoked a hog.

Heck yeah, that place is great. Their potato salad is awesome.

[lukethedrifter]

One thing I hate/love about bbq joints is the sides.

[cardsfansince82]

Most of the sides are the same [expletive] anyone can buy in a plastic tub at the grocery store or a giant pile of subpar fries. But no adventure in excessive eating would be complete without them.

[lukethedrifter]

Most of the sides are the same [expletive] anyone can buy in a plastic tub at the grocery store or a giant pile of subpar fries. But no adventure in excessive eating would be complete without them.

I agree that typicall they are the same nasty bucket o slaw et al you can get at the grocery store but I disagree that I want to put them in my mouth. I love a BBQ joint that makes great sides as well.