What's Your Go-To Item(s) When Checking Out a New BBQ Spot for the First Time?

[jumbo7676]

I'll usually go with a sampler that includes brisket and pulled pork, plus rib(s) if there is a 3rd meat option to get an overall feel for the place.

Like most Pit members, it's rare that I find something that I don't believe I could do better myself, but I still like to try out a new place every now and then. Part of me is proud that I can go to place with great reviews and leave thinking that I can do better. The other part of me is sad that all of those people giving glowing reviews for mediocre (and sometimes bad) bbq don't realize the great things they could do with a hunk of meat, a way to smoke it, and a trial membership to amazingribs.com's Pitmaster Club.

[THE Humble Texan]

Combo plate of brisket and pulled pork.

[radshop]

At a new BBQ joint, I usually try the ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, sausage, okra, coleslaw, beer, and pie. If I’m still undecided, then I go for whatever else they have and more beer.

[Harry]

Main meat House specialty - pulled pork if the place says that's their feature, brisket if it's brisket, and those have to match what our favorite places offer or we don't go back. We NEVER order ribs unless, after several visits (which is rare - we are picky; see first sentence), we've liked their PP/B. Even then, we usually fix our own ribs when in the mood.

Sides - mac and cheese which can be a deal-breaker (bad? we don't go back unless the meat is worth taking out), beans (southern green or baked), cole slaw for wife and potato salad for me. Again, so-so sides weigh against returning unless the meat is superb.

[DiverDriver]

Alcohol Available

[JGo37]

Everyone has gotten this right from one angle or another. I travel a lot, otherwise I'd be happy with my own Q - so this is what I do:

General: regional variances HAVE to be researched and tried. Always sample what the area is known for. For instance - don't miss out on LA pork ribs in white sauce (no- not Los Angeles rookie!), or Texas Dalmatian dry rub brisket.

My go to's level-set samplers are -

Lunch: burnt ends while they still have them, and corn bread. Otherwise the brisket. No beans when I'm going back to work!

Dinner: beef ribs and slaw.

My quest is inspired by my wife's current goal to find the best Mac and Cheese ever; I've joined her passion. I don't think anyone can top my St Lou porkies, so I don't make them try. Missoura knows BBQ pork!

[tbob4]

Exactly what I was going to write. I don't eat BBQ out a lot but my son does. He has lived here (obviously), Louisiana, Texas and Florida and has spent time in Georgia and Alabama. He loves BBQ and gets samplers sometimes. However, he knows the local "specialties" in terms of protein and that's what he goes for. He is not often disappointed with that approach.

[Ground Chuck]

Sounds like our wives would really hit it off! Mine is a cheese junkie, too .

[tamidw]

We have a small little restaurant near us (in Longview, WA) that has some awesome pepper jack mac & cheese. I am not a fan of mac & cheese (gasp, I know!), but find this great. Place is called Hop & Grape.

[smokin fool]

I usually get a sampler plate or tray.
Must have brisket then try what ever suits my fancy that day.

[Dadof3Illinois]

I just order what I’m in the mood for at the time. Figure if their a reputable place all of their food should be good.

[Red Man]

I usually try brisket. I just can’t help myself, even though I’m usually disappointed. I’ve found one place, that’s an hour away from me, that does fantastic brisket. I haven’t even found anywhere else that can slice it right.

[Bumby]

I usually go for brisket, ribs and then some other meat that they are excited about. Then I focus on veggie sides.

[bardsleyque]

I rarely get bbq when I go out, it usually turns into disappointment!

[Red Man]

Try Gabriel’s Fire in Mountlake Terrace...their brisket is fantastic.

[Polarbear777]

Locally, I’ve not had good brisket ever from a restaurant, so that isn’t a differentiator.


Usually can gauge by how their pork ribs are. Seems like there’s more room for error. If they aren’t cooked right or drowned in super sweet sauce you can tell right away.

[N227GB]

I'll try some local BBQ when I'm traveling, at least once a week. Is it better than mine? Well...

Look for local joints on Yelp. Check out the photos on Google Maps - beware of electric smokers.

[58limited]

I'm from Texas, I try brisket, pork ribs, and sausage as my go-to sampler plate at a new BBQ joint.

[texastweeter]

brisket, chicken, sausage and beef ribs if they have me.