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Hi, I don't think I've ever been to a BBQ resturant or that there are any in our area,(New Lexington, Oh.) or that there were any where I am from, Col,Ohio. There may be in Col. now?!? Guess we've really missed out? When I think of BBQ, I think of meat "covered" in sauce, bet I'am thinking "wrong" aren't I,

I'm sure there is one close to you. Just ask around. These days BBQ is everywhere and it's not all covered with sauce all the time. In fact I typically ask if I can get the sauce on the side so I can taste the meat first and then what it tastes like w/ the sauce. BBQ Rocks!

Cave Man Kitchens,  in Kent Wa. not much to chose from, but you only need to one of two things or both like I do. Its simple. Its good.

In the Chicago suburbs there is one that has been around since the 30's or 40' I think it is called Russells.  The have a fairly limited menu but they keep adding on. (not BBQ add on but other stuff to my dismay)  There are others that have opened in the past years but Russells seems to be the one we go back to.  The other ones seem to be "chains" and they are all the same.
We do have a new one that opened in Chicago and I have to get there it is supposed to be AWESOME.  Maybe chicagosinger can check it out for me it is called Smoque.  From what I understand they often sell out of items.

I can vouch for Smoque as it has become one of my favorite BBQ restaurants in the Chicago area.  Keep in mind that Chicago claims no BBQ of our own so we try to learn from other better known BBQ regions like Kansas City, Memphis, Carolina, and Texas.  The Smoque brisket is not to be missed.  While I'm not a big fan of vinegar based sauces, I could drink the sauce used for the brisket all by itself.  The ribs come with a sweeter sauce which pairs nicely.  Even though the owners of Smoque aren't fans of french fries with BBQ, they have mastered them as well.  Lastly, the baked beans come with small chunks of brisket and are a nice compliment.  They do run out of items simply because of the time it takes to smoke their meats.  They do not server liquor but you are welcome to BYOB. 

Another favorite in the area is Sweet Baby Rays.  The shaved prime rib sandwich is recommended.

Sadly, the last few times I've visited Russells (Elmwood Park and Rolling Meadows) I've been disappointed.  And I grew up not far from the Elmwood Park location so I'm a long time fan.  I think they are resting a bit on their reputation.  Hopefully they will get back on track.  I have fond memories of visiting Russells after a long day at Kiddieland (sadly, closing after the 2009 season).

I used to go to Russells when I was a student at the Triton College in River Grove.  It was very tasty if I remember right!

I am a Memphis transplant to Chicago almost 30 years now and still miss the best BBQ that is everywhere in Memphis, BUT that being said, Smoque is a great addition to the Chicago BBQ scene.  They do sell out from time to time and that means you know you are getting fresh 'cue everytime you go.  Never really like brisket before (Texas BBQ) but tried it at Smoque and it is delicious.  Their pulled pork is also tops and the offering of side dishes are nice. 

It is easy to find, just south of Pulaski and Irving Park, right off the freeway.  I like to go for lunch.  Hope you will give it a try!

Another good one is Fat Willy's.  Both have websites, Google them if you need more info.

The Market BBQ in Plymouth, MN or any Famous Daves.

Sonny's in Corbin, Kentucky (also in Tennessee and Ga. that I know). They have the best baby back ribs ever! Wear my Sonny's T-shirt at least once each week.

Sonny's is the BEST!  Yum Yum....Wish we didn't live so far from it.=-(

The Pilot House in Gloucester, MA. They have the best BB-Q ribs, steak tips, and chicken. They have other things too. We eat there often.

I can tell you where NOT to have ribs!!!!!! Texas Roadhouse in Yuma, AZ.... four of us had dinner there, two had the ribs (I was one), we both got sick, my friend ended up in the hospital, where the doctor said not to eat there again. It was not a fun few days.

i'm in ohio in columbus you gotta go to smokey bones in cleveland - akron area you gotta go to old carolina by the way i've been to sonnys at the kentucky tenn border very good go for the all you can eat for $11.99

Every summer they have a BBQ cookoff in Canton... tons of vendors come and you will have by far some of the best ribs to choose from!

Any Famous Dave's - anywhere - always reliable to take guests to.  An equal match is the Rendezvous in a back alley near the Peabody Hotel in Memphis and finally, Montana's Barbeque in Gulfport Mississippi - out near the airport.

http://www.famousdaves.com/

www.hogsfly.com

If you live in New York and have traveled to  the Cooperstown or Cobleskill area, more than likely you have been to Brooks BBQ in Oneonta NY.   Brooks is a dine in BBQ house, but caters at many events throughout the Capital and Central regions of upstate New YorK.  Known for their famous BBQ Chicken Brooks also have BBQ ribs and Pork.  Recently, the Brooks Family opened their very own bottling plant where costumers may watch the process. They market their sauces in area supermarkets. Thirty three years ago, Brooks catered our wedding at the Cobleskill Sunshine Fair in Schoharie County NY.  It was wonderful!  Since then, we travel with our family to Oneonta on frequent occasions to enjoy the best BBQ around!

Well here in Northern Va , we like to go to Famous Dave's and also Red, Hot & Blue is very good.  Both offer several kinds of BBQ, wet & dry and the fixins are good in both. 

In Alabama Full Moons sauce and Jim and Nicks brisket

Here in Kansas there are a few places for decent BBQ.  There's ribs over in Williamsburg - just off I-35.  Then in the Flint Hills area there's Bobby D's in Emporia and Bad Ole Bern's.  Both have good meat, but Bobby D's gets you with their sides.  Always good to eat there!