Wow, I haven’t had them. Must try, because that’s the right way to do it.
Yeah, no chain comes even close to Sonny Bryan’s, IMHO. It’s as good as most standalone places. Dickey’s is edible, but it isn’t what it once was. Rudy’s is the best chain in a gas station, but their sauce leaves a lot to be desired. I’ve never been a fan of any of the other chains in the area (Spring Creek or RH+B: blech, I’d rather have Dickey’s).
However, the worst BBQ chain in our area is Riscky’s. Don’t go there.
Pecan Lodge? It’s worth the wait, but you kind of have to plan your day around it. They’re one of the places that may have run out of meat if you get there around 1pm.
If you’re getting TX barbecue, get the brisket. The ribs are kind of an afterthought, and sometimes only beef ribs are available, which are much harder to make tasty.
Ill cast a vote for Smoky Bones. Red Hot and Blue was cool 15 years ago but now is the Olive Garden of BBQ joints. JMHO, and your not required to agree.
Ten-50 is definitely solid, if a bit overpriced and fancy.
Oddly enough, I was totally and completely underwhelmed by Arthur Bryant’s in KC, even having eaten at the old Brooklyn St. location twice. There’s nothing offensive about it (other than the service), but they could really stand to put a LOT more smoke on their meat.
Same thing for Mike and Ed’s in Auburn, AL. Pretty bland stuff, unless you sauce it up, which is pretty much missing the point.
In general, you know it’s a bad sign if a BBQ place touts their sauce rather than their meat. Or that a particular style requires some arcane sauce to make it good.
Good to see all the like for Rudy’s. I agree wholehoggedly, having tried their Waco, Bryan and Houston locations and all were quite pleasing. Not that they begin to approach any of the Lockhart et al legendary establishments but for a chain they’re pretty damn good.
One chain I’m growing less fond of is Goode Co. Used to like it but it’s been less than satisfying the last several times, Kirby and 290 both.
Afraid I can’t agree with you on this one scabpicker, I’ve always had good food and service at all of their locations. I’d certainly put them far ahead of Red Hot & Blue as well as Shady Oak. And miles ahead of Dickey’s.
I like their all you can eat beef ribs and take my nephews there. As a plus, we’ll take the rib remains home. My dogs love rib night at Riscky’s. I am sure a future archaeologist is going to think my backyard was some sort of abattoir.
When we lived in Florida, I loved Woody’s BBQ, and Sonny’s was a close second. Then we moved to Md. I was never really impressed with RH&B - we’ve been to 2 of their locations around here and they were OK, but I’ve not felt inclined to go back - plus one has since closed. We’ve also got Famous Dave’s, which is OK most of the time - their brisket is quite good, as are their ribs.
I really miss Woody’s smoked turkey - I could live on that stuff. We recently got our own smoker, and turkey is next on the list to be tried. But I do wish we had *any *place around here with good BBQ. One place that we tried - well-raved by the locals - was pretty awful. Maybe Merrylanders don’t know BBQ…
Dickey’s failed hard in the St. Louis area - I think all their former locations are closed now. We tried them twice and both times were pretty disgusted - mediocre food, high prices, and the sanitation (at more than one location) was sorely lacking - flies absolutely everywhere and no one seemed to care.
One of their former locations is a Sugarfire now - I don’t think they count as a chain, but they have three locations locally and they’re our go-to place now. Really, really good stuff, creative sides that change daily, and they do well at the big competitions. They’re branched their desserts off to a location called Sugarfire Pie, which is also wonderful, and I highly recommend stopping in there (for the locals, right next to the Olive location).
Bandanas is a semi-local chain that’s decent, but not spectacular. They did have a problem with consistency for a time, but that seems to improve. I’d rather go to Sugarfire.
I’ve been to Famous Dave’s in other towns (we don’t have them here) and liked them. Pretty decent stuff, but not what you get at some of the non-chain places. I’d chose them over Bandanas.
The three I’ve been to around here (San Jose, CA) are Famous Dave’s, Dickey’s, and Armadillo Willy’s.
I like Famous Dave’s. I’m pretty easy to please, though, since I’m not fond of overly spicy or saucy meat. I like the naked ribs and the corn bread.
Dickey’s is overpriced, shockingly calorific, and not that great, though I do like their rolls.
Armadillo Willy’s is meh. The spouse likes it, but I’ve never been too impressed. When he gets a taste for BBQ (which he does more often than I do), I try to point us at Dave’s.
If you go back to Tulsa, there’s a place called Knotty Pine BBQ. I haven’t eaten there in years; but that place used to be THE place for BBQ in Tulsa.
Maybe some of the Texans can help me with thie name of this one… When I used to live in Dallas, I worked in the mid cities area (Hurst/Euless/Bedford) and we would go to a place that I think was open only on Fridays. It was one price for all you can eat BBQ; and you could either drink their tea or bring in your own beer. We would take off work on Friday at lunch; go to this place with a gigantic cooler of beer and eat until we were ready to explode. It was either in Euless or Bedford. I’ve lived in GA for 20 years now, so it was some time ago but it was awesome BBQ. Does that ring a bell with anyone?
There’s a DreamLand near my house that is pretty darn tasty. No variety on BBQ sauce though, which I like.
About 15 years ago, there was a Famous Dave’s by me. My husband was away and my son who was 10 at the time wanted to take me out for my birthday. So that’s where we went. Talk about a letdown - it was awful. I imagine that’s why it closed so soon after it had opened. My poor son was on the verge of tears because he wanted to give me something “special.” It ended up fine - we left and went to Baskin Robbins and pigged out for awhile.
Woody’s and Sonny’s are pretty good, for chains. IIRC, the smoked turkey salad at Woody’s was damn good.
But of course, one of the local places that was drive-through only and operated on the west side of Jacksonville was miles better. Sadly, they’re closed now. I’m sure my friends back home have a new favorite place.
I’m sure my friends back home have a new favorite place.