I'm a KCBS BBQ judge and travel regularly through most of the great BBQ areas in the US. After much sampling and contemplation, I now believe that the absolute BEST BBQ comes from central Texas. However, there is also a lot of mediocre BBQ in Texas, and several major metros in the state have very little excellent Q to be found. I think the MOST CONSISTENTLY GREAT BBQ comes from North Carolina, specifically the whole hog joints. Nothing better than a spicy, vinegar based sauce IMHO.

I think Memphis does some excellent Q as well, but the one region I just can't get behind is Kansas City. The burnt ends don't do it for me and certainly not the thick, tomato-based, sugary sauces.

I have enjoyed following this thread and just figured I would add in a couple more data points. Like microbreweries, it seems like BBQ is experiencing a bit of a renaissance - certainly a trend we are all benefiting from.

Enjoy your personal favorite Q