Research Road Trip - Honest!

[Mr. Bones]

Gimme a heads up, stop on by!
Hot BBQ, ice-cold Guinness, great bourbons!
It'd be my pleasure, Brother!

[MeatMonster]

You bet!

[RonB]

Please post your estimated itinerary. I'm sure some members would be happy to meat up with you if possible.

[JTpellets]

In dayton ohio i can tell you I haven't found too many bbq joints to write home about. Hockory river in dayton has very good pulled pork though. Its definitely worth the trip.
Breweries: colummbus brewing company, platform, or world of beers, which has over 250 beers buts its not a brewerry, in Columbus. Warped wing, yelliw springs, toxic in dayton. Rhinegheist, 50th west, madtree in cincinnati.
If you come through dayton contact me and I can show you around. There are plenty more breweries to see.

[Huskee]

Stay away from chain BBQ restaurants like Sonny's, Famous Dave's, and Smokey Bones. Not that they're terrible, they're ok, but they're NOT what you're looking for if you want that authentic roadside shack BBQ.

[sos2979]

If you make it to Dallas, Pecan Lodge would be a quick hit.

[dahcopilot]

anywhere in north carolina you can find local craft brews and bbq. in eastern nc we can also help you get rid of some single malt!

[N227GB]

Just don’t forget to try and visit some of the small Mom and pop places. Over the years I’ve found some really good BBQ in these smaller restaurants.

Couldn't agree more. Since this is a road trip, there will be many chances to discover gems in out of the way places. Here are a few samples from my recent travels.

Jerry Mikeska's Bar-B-Q about halfway between Houston and Austin. When I was there Mr Mikeska stopped by every table to chat and ask how the food was. He served in the Army Air Corps in the 1940s. One wall was covered with proclamations and photos of famous people that had stopped by.






Big Texan Steak Ranch. If you pass through north Texas you'll see billboards like this. A tourist trap if there ever was one, but in a good way. They do have BBQ, but I've never tried it because steak is what they're known for. They have a 1/4 version of 72 oz steak that comes with shrimp, baked potato, salad and a roll. I can't even finish that! There's a guestbook by the bar where the recent winners of the steak challenged have signed. Some of the comments are hilarious. "I really liked the slice of pie for dessert, too!" What!? They also do a good breakfast.






Papa Turney's in Nashville TN. It's nestled on a long winding road that leads to a small marina on a lake. Papa is another owner that likes to chat with his guests. His wife works in the kitchen. Sometimes they have live music, and he joins the band on a Fender Stratocaster. Great 'Q, great music, and a great view.





Rib Cage BBQ in Hot Springs AL. Just a trailer by the side of the road, but good stuff to be had.





I have to do some other stuff now, but I'll be back with some more suggestions later today or tomorrow.

[MeatMonster]

Thanks for all the information! Quick update, looking around August time frame for the trip, to coencide with Brewdog AGM. Will report back as things get firmed up.