New ranking of the best BBQ places in the US!!

[LA Pork Butt]

I’ve checked out a lot of barbecue joints across the country written up in national magazines. Some have been a disappointment and others have from my point of view been right on. I have never tried any of these top 25. They make me wonder.

[barelfly]

Interesting to see a spot in Tucumcari, New Mexico. You could hit two spots in one day traveling interstate 40 in Amarillo and west to Tucumcari.

But being that Tucumcari is such a tiny town, I’m curious how this spot got selected. I’ll report back if I ever travel east out of Albuquerque any time soon.

[Arsenlael]

I saw this report as well and I have to admit, I'm curious too.

[Mark E.]

I did not bother to read the article. Why? One it is the writers opinions. Two. HGis editor and publisher may be pushing certain places. Any of these places pay to get their name on the list via a discount for the writer if he ever visits?

I have been exposed to numerous top whatever number lists and they tend to favor certain places/products only.

The own backyard people have a point.

M.

[Potkettleblack]

That’s actually the type of mischaracterization when you don’t read the article. They used a Yelp algorithm of average review by number of reviews, rather than a set of editors.

[Mark E.]

Thanks for the comment. I realize the pitfalls of not reading an article but that's my personal conviction.. Now you mentioned Yelp and their use of an algorithm. I once had a good friend, in fact I was his best man, exclude my daughter from his wedding based on an algorithm relative to adult only weddings..

[phrogpilot73]

Being in an industry where you put your self on a plate and leave yourself open for all to criticize I am not the biggest fan of "yelpers." Many are just idiots while others fancy themself renowned food critics because they can tell the difference between Al pastor and Carnitias on their whole wheat flour tortilla with salsa on the side. Others focus simply on cost or portion size etc.. now there are many who do an honest good job of reviewing but those seem to be fewer and fewer these days as negatively tends to motivate more than complimentary words.

I am referencing Yelp all the time mainly to check other places to try at a later date, not for work. People are cruel and negative to places and owners who provided me a fabulous sandwich, service or a plate. So take this list with a GRAIN OF SALT. It was compiled with an ALGO as mentioned.

I was a big time Yelper when it first rolled out. Then it started growing, and the quality of the reviews (and the reviewers) went down. Makes sense, just by its very nature - anyone can join. I once read a negative review of my favorite Italian joint, and the guy smugly said "I have to pull out my NYC card and let you know this is very Americanized, not very authentic." I showed the review to the friend I was dining with (born and raised in Italy, served in the Italian Navy, and still goes home to visit family a couple times a year), and he laughed and said "he may be from NYC, but he doesn't know authentic if he says this place isn't."

I started to back away from Yelp at that point. I still write the occasional review, but I haven't written anything below three stars in a LONG time (and I've only ever written one one star review - and that was for a Jeep shop that did a lift, bumpers, etc and the bolts were HAND TIGHT when my wife drove off). I know how much heart and soul goes into the business, and I'm more than happy to scream from the top of a mountain about my favorite places - but places that make me go "meh", I just don't bother to write a review.

I also filter the reviews in my own way - I read the ones from guys that I know and/or follow - and are consistent. Pretty much ignore the rest.

Which reminds me, it's time to write my five star review of the Arepa place that just opened up...

[HouseHomey]

Yes sir. Post away, the wo lid,needs you.

[Potkettleblack]

Chicago restaurant reviews have what I call the "Vegan at a Steakhouse" problem. There is, inevitably, someone who goes to a meat centric place, and complains about the lack of options that fit their limited diet. You have to filter out the folks who are clearly not like you. Authenticity police, vegans, and so on.

[kamileon]

I at least have to agree with the Little Miss BBQ in Phoenix. I eat there pretty regularly and its good.

[droopie69]

Nothing in Memphis....I call BS. Although the Rendevous is the most well known, there are several mom and pop places that are incredible. And recently on a trip to Missouri my boss took me to lunch in Cabot, AR at the Mean Pig's House. I mean the name alone should get it in the top 20. And the food was mighty fine, especially their ribs!

[Spinaker]

Everyone please keep in mind that this is "JUST A LIST" More so you can get a look at some of the other BBQ spots around the country. I realize that not everyone's favorite or most popular names are on the list. I bet there are 100 rankings every year. Some establishments and cities are left out but this is a list that Meathead thought y'all might find interesting, so I threw it up. It is in no way an endorsement of anyone or anything, we just thought some would like to see some fresh names. This, like any "Top 25 list", should be taken with a grain of salt.