Originally Posted by
pinniped
In addition to debates about barbecue styles, there also seems to be the parallel underlying debate: must a truly great BBQ joint be a grungy, smokey shack? Or can it be a "nice" restaurant? In KC, that'd be the LC's (east side, smokey shack that occasionally has "issues" with city inspectors) vs. Jack Stack (a place you'd comfortably take business clients for an upscale dinner). I happen to love both places.
Interesting question, since there aren't a lot of "nice" places. I'm in KC often because I have family there, and have to say I'm not a fan of Jack Stack, but they all love it. It's not that it isn't good, it just isn't as good to me as Joe's or Arthur Bryant's. But perhaps it's also a mind trick, where I've never associated a nicer restaurant with good BBQ. I'll have to pay more attention next time!