Barbecue is a Big-Time American Tradition: Why Not Take a Bite This Summer?
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
July 15, 2003
It's sum-sum-summertime. I don't know about you, but there's something about the long, hot days that puts me in the mood for time with friends and family to have a real American barbecue. Apparently, I'm not the only one who feels this way. Folks around the country will gather to fire up the grill, unleash the flavor, and let the fun and games begin. Others will put the top down and hit the road in search of the latest prize-winning pit. For many, it's the journey--not the destination--that counts. These folks will travel far and wide to sample a cross-section of the country's best.
The thing about barbecue is there are as many styles, flavors, and hues as there are politicians in politics (sometimes, the two may be connected.) Ask anyone from the South what kind of barbecue they prefer and they're bound to have an opinion. If variety is the spice of life, nowhere is this more true than with barbecue. However, styles and tastes differ from county to county and state to state.
Sample and you'll see that no two sauces are alike, just as no two opinions on the subject are the alike. Though a highly-trained taster might detect a hint of Texas in an innovative Alabama sauce, distinguish hickory from oak-fired meat and a Memphis mop from a Carolina rub--the truth is, what matters most is what you like. To me, any barbecue is good barbecue.
This Southern tradition has permeated my Yankee soul and sent my taste buds soaring. Since I'm a relative newcomer to the South, I've had to catch up on the doctrine of BBQ, and now I notice that it's a bit of a fascination (some might say obsession) for Southerners around the country. The good news is, the gospel of BBQ has spread. So, no matter where in the country you live, you can find some scrumptious barbecue.
With the help of our Local Secrets, Big Finds project, I've put together a list of the best examples of this country's BBQ, recommended by those in-the-know. Also listed are some of our frequent travelers' favorites. Feel free to add to my list by sending me your very own favorite BBQ spot to AskAmy@travelocity.com.
If you've got a hankering to taste one of America's greatest cooking sensations, from hot and spicy chicken and flame-licked pork to beef brisket and liver hash, check out these hot spots:
- Dreamland BBQ - Tuscaloosa, Mobile, and Birmingham, AL and Atlanta, GA. The original Dreamland BBQ of Tuscaloosa is an institution so well known, they've expanded to four restaurants around the country. Each serves up the same, original Deep South BBQ that John "Big Daddy" Bishop served at the original in 1958. Dreamland is known for serving up legendary ribs.
- Dobbs BBQ - Dothan, AL. Locals say you've never had barbecue unless you've tried it Southern Alabama style. At Dobbs, a family-owned restaurant since 1948, the secret seems to be in the tomato-based sauce, served with chicken and pork--not beef. Do not miss the Brunswick Stew and sweet tea.
- McClard's Bar-B-Q - Hot Springs, AR. If it weren't for a down-and-out traveler who offered a recipe for "the world's greatest barbecue sauce" in exchange for a two-month hotel stay, the world wouldn't know about this mouth-watering hickory-smoked beef, pork, and rib recipe. McClard's has been serving it since the 1920s.
- Rosedale Barbecue - Kansas City, KS. As Kansas City's oldest barbecue joint, they boast that nothing has changed since 1934. Rosedale cooks hickory-smoked cuts of meat in the barbecue pit, served with their own specialty sauce. Don't miss out on the ribs and extra-lean beef.
- Moonlite Bar-B-Que Inn - Owensboro, KY. Three generations of Bosley's cook up hickory-smoked barbecue, from a 40-year old family recipe at this local BBQ joint. Don't leave without trying the barbecued mutton, Burgoo Soup, and country ham.
- Caveman Bar-B-Que and Steakhouse - Richland, MO. Tucked in a cave in the Ozark Mountains, Caveman Bar-B-Que provides customers with a primitive atmosphere and "to-die-for" barbecue. Cooked with special sauce and seasonings, this barbecue is sure to surpass all expectations.
- Lexington Barbeque - Lexington, NC. A trip to North Carolina wouldn't be complete without sampling the state's legendary barbecue, known simply as Lexington-style. Locals say it's a must.
- Salt Lick Barbecue - Driftwood, TX. Less than an hour from Austin, in the Texas Hill Country, this family barbecue joint claims a recipe that dates back to the Civil War. Since 1969, Driftwood has been serving world-renowned beef, sausage, and pork ribs--drenched with the Salt Lick's secret sauce. Texans note it's well-worth the drive!
Other noteworthy BBQ joints across the country include:
- Blue Smoke - New York, NY. Who knew barbecue could stretch beyond Southern charm to be downright trendy? This only-in-NYC hotspot serves up great (big) apple-smoked fare. They say the secret is in the "low and slow" cooking style. Our recommendation is everything--plus a Lynchburg Lemonade.
- Blue Ribbon BBQ - West Newton, MA. Go to Blue Ribbon for no-nonsense grub. Served mostly as take-out, the cornbread served with combo meals of various meats and styles is "dee-lish." The combos make a great introduction to BBQ.
- RedBones - Somerville, MA. Known for "awesome" ribs and a great collection of microbrews, Redbones is also noted for its funky atmosphere as well.
- Cozy Corner - Memphis, TN. This small, family-owned BBQ pit features a self-service counter, huge smoker where you can watch the ribs cook, and a juke box that plays classic blues, soul, and R&B tunes.
Go forth this summer and discover for yourself the many barbecue tastes and traditions from around the country. At the very least, invite a few friends over and take a stab at making your own. And don't forget to get some lemonade to go with the country fare--and plenty of napkins. You'll need them!
If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week!
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