Gotta disagree here.

Sonny's used to be pretty good - many years ago - when they really were a local Central Florida BBQ joint with only a few resturants.

Today they are just another chain where the Sysco truck pulls up every morning.

Went to Fat Willies Rib Shack in Chicago this weekend and really enjoyed it. The atmosphere was fun and the food, amazing. I had hot links and a half order of rib tips which came with fries and Texas Toast. Everything was excellent, including their spicy BBQ sauce. I only wish I could have taken my leftovers home. Plus they had a selection of Goose Island beers (including 312, my favorite) AND they participate in Restaurant Rewards!

http://www.fatwillys.com/

After going to Lillie's Q in Chicago, I wonder if I may have found my favorite BBQ place, period. I like it better than the Salt Lick, which is saying something.

Homemade sauces for Carolina, Memphis, and Kansas City style BBQ - check.

I had the ribs, which DIDN'T fall off the bone - intentionally. And they were sublime. The sides were also outstanding. Best sweet potato fries I've ever had, bar none.

And an amazing beer list that includes a brew custom made for Lillie's Q by Chicago's own Metropolitan Brewing Co. Also they (get this) make their own moonshine in two stills behind the bar. And drinks are served in mason jars for that down home touch.

Uncle Dewey's Outdoor BBQ in Mizpah, NJ.

Ate at Oklahoma Joe's for lunch today. And had Gates yesterday. Some things are wonderful about living in KC. Maybe I'll go to LC's tomorrow...

Chris

+1 for Blues City Cafe. Amazing ribs. Period.

Kinders BBQ in Stockton, CA

Apparently they're all over Northern CA and Reno. I was very impressed with this one, they had a lot of sides (including a delicious tortellini ranch pasta salad) and a good selection of meats. I had a hot links sandwich and was impressed by the quality of the bread and the amount of sausage I got. I want to go back again to try the Ball Tip and some more of their sides. The service was quite good too.

near downtown Austin
 

If you are ever in the area, this one is worthy of your patronage:

http://www.franklinbarbecue.com/

Used to be a food trailor operation, but now in their permanent location at 900 East 11th Street.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

Out of Denver, Yazoo's up on Broadway, Champa and 22nd is by far the best dry I've ever had. Heavily smoked. Place is a bit weird to go into, but well worth it. Moreso on the way to the Great Divide brewery just a block or two away.

Sam Taylor's (Cherry St in Cherry Creek) used to be a favorite, but the ribs at least have gone a bit downhill over the last few years.

I ate at the Sonny's in PNS on a cross country drive. Perhaps a chain, definitely not just another chain compared to what's available west of Texas and north of the Mason Dixon.

Smokey's & Uncle Grube's (used to be Uncle Dave's) in Elkridge, MD has some good BBQ - hit or miss depending on your tastes, like all good BBQ. Open generally weekdays for lunch

As a Texan who moved to New York City a few years back, I was surprised to find good BBQ here and it's only gotten better.

NYC:
Best Brisket - Hill Country BBQ
Best Beef Ribs - Tie: Daisy Mays & Blue Smoke
Best Pork Ribs - Dinosaur BBQ
Best Sides - Tie: Daisy Mays & Blue Smoke

A few others are decent (RUB & Fette Sau in Brooklyn), but I got to the above mentioned fairly often.

If you are ever in Port Chester, NY give Q a try.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

Beach Club BBQ in Hardy, Arkansas is best BBQ I have ever had. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

I haven't read all of the posts. But, try Piggy Sue's in Monticello, Ark. I go there about twice a year. Good!!
Was in Memphis last week also and went to Corky's . Good BBQ and friendly folks.

Miss the food but not the heat/ humidity!

BW

I still have a fond memory of trying to talk my 11 YO daughter into going into a Sonny's and asking the hostess, "If this is a bbq place, how come there's no smoke coming out of that big chimney?"