Field Testing – Barbeque Installations, Nationwide
Note: PHE experts consider barbeque a noun, denoting a meat (beef or pork only) that has been slow-cooked over a smoldering hickory fire. A sure sign of good barbeque is a pile of hickory wood in the back and the smell of hickory smoke coming out of the chimney. A sure sign of a novice is someone who thinks barbeque is a verb that means to cook food over a grill.
We admit that our evaluations are subjective and personal, but we’ll attempt to provide enough information so that everyone can find these highly rated spots and try them out for themselves!
The PHE BBQ Hall of Fame
Captain Bobby’s (formerly Whites), Route 17, Hertford, NC. Classic pulled pork North Carolina style that consistently gets the highest rankings in our office. Sweet smoky flavor with only a vinegar/pepper sauce. Also try the Brunswick stew and hush puppies.
Bobby E.’s Home-Cooked Pig, Warner Robins, GA. Although you cannot get this BBQ on the open market, in good conscience we could not keep this pick out of the Hall of Fame. Bobby is an exceptional Natural Resource Manager at one of the predominant Air Force bases in Georgia, but he is a master when it comes to the three letter word. Bobby only cooks his pigs for those special occasions but, boy, it is worth the wait. The pig is whole -- you just pick what you like and dip it in some of that homemade (secret recipe) hot or sweet sauce, pile up the fixins and, whew, I'm getting hungry just writing this.
On Their Way to the Hall of Fame
Bubbas, Avon and Frisco, NC. Chopped (cubed), rather than pulled or shredded, smoked pork. Also a sauce (not tomato-based) very different from anything else. Some like the sauce, some feel that it can overwhelm the meat. Still the best on the Outer Banks by far. Also try the beer battered onion rings.
Greenbriars, Huntsville, AL. Take Interstate 565 West past the airport to the Greenbriar exit. In a small industrial park right at the interchange is a simple looking restaurant that serves up some of the best BBQ around and offers prices that can't be beat. If you are in Huntsville, you have to check out Greenbriars.
Hogwild LLC, Chattanooga, TN. Located in downtown Chattanooga, you can smell the hickory from this establishment from seveal blocks away. The owner of this establishment is a diehard Democrat, but the BBQ is non-partisan and the atmosphere friendly for all folks, even members of the GOP. Check out the smoker made from a recycled cast iron railroad switch box. There is no question, if you are in Chattanooga, make sure you stop in and get a plate.
Slows-Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI. Sketchy part of town (if you tell anyone you are going to 14th and Michigan they will look at you like you are crazy) and if you look at other reviews many will complain about the slow (no pun intended) service but don't worry about it. There is plenty of parking on the street out front. And yes, it gets crowded and there can be a wait to get seated (if a seat opens at the bar grab it) but there is a reason for the crowds the BBQ is top notch, in a great atmosphere, with a long list of local and standard brews. Like many BBQ joints not in the typical BBA regions, they offer a range of styles North Carolina, Memphis, Texas and more. I can testify that they hit the North Carolina style pretty darn good. Not quite as shredded as usual, but great smoked flavor and they get the sauce just right. Also recommend the coleslaw with an interesting blend of spices and the mac and cheese as sides. You won¹t regret your visit to Slows!!
Texas Reds BBQ, Park City, UT. This establishment has tasty, Texas-style BBQ served at high altitudes. Located in downtown Park City, nothing is more satisfying than a hot BBQ plate and cold beer after a long day skiing at Park City or Deer Valley. If you get a chance to sample the cuisine, make sure you try their onion rings (mmm, mmmmm!).
Other Excellent Choices
Pierces, Lightfoot, VA (also expanding into Norfolk and Richmond). Pierces has grown from a tiny little carry-out stand on the side of Route 60 to a Tidewater institution. Real hickory smoked, pulled pork with a sauce that has a tinge of tomato. Not classic North Carolina style, but still quite a tasty meal and well worth the stop if you are traveling between Richmond and Norfolk. Some of us have been known to plan our trips so that we just happen to be in the area around dinner time.
Sams Bar-B-Que, Highway 45 south of Selma, TN. Hickory smoked by a sweet Vietnamese lady. Then pulled, slaw above average. Even the locals make a special trip to sample. If in Corinth, MS or Jackson, TN would be worth the drive to sample.
Corolla Village BBQ in Corolla, NC has the best chopped BBQ on the outer banks! Located a couple hundred yards from the lighthouse. This is a carry-out joint which also has ribs and chicken.
Porky's, is located at 330 W. Gurley in the Whiskey Row area of Prescott, AZ. Porky’s is a piece of BBQ lover’s heaven in a very interesting little town. As you walk into Porky's, do not expect a traditional restaurant-style atmosphere. This restaurant puts the emphasis on their food, not the customer service, and thus everything happens in the kitchen. Immediately upon entering, a variety of picnic tables are scattered about with thick vinyl tablecloths. A petite kitchen is in the aft of the restaurant with a welcoming cashier who is dedicated to taking your order and offering great service and recommendations to their small menu. But you know you are in for some real BBQ when you look at the walls. Behind the counter they are decorated with a collection of LP album covers from famous blues artists of the past. And another area of the walls contains a series of posters from New Orleans jazz festivals.
Like many BBQ places these days they try to cover the full range of options including ribs, pulled pork, and brisket complemented with a variety of sauces intended to duplicate regional BBQs of the U.S. Sides are typical choices of coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans (all home made), and corn on the cob when they have it.
We tried the pulled pork with the vinegar sauce and while it may not have captured all the nuances of eastern North Carolina it was an excellent meal. The pork was tender and juicy with a nice smoky flavor. Who would have thought that you could find this kind of ‘que in the middle of Arizona! If you are in the area make sure to visit Whiskey Row and have a taste of BBQ at Porky’s.
We welcome any good recommendations, as we roam the world over for the very best! Send us your finds using the contact us form. But keep in mind that we're particular - it’s gotta be finger-smackin’ good!