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.

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.

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).

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

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

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!

Living in southern Illinois I have access to many good BBQ places, Mike Mills original "17th Street Bar & Grill", Larry's Pit BBQ in DuQuoin, but the best for my money is South Side Ribs in Sparta.

There are soooo many good choices but this Minnesota household has two favorites:

(1) RIBS N' BIBS - Hyde Park in Chicago (LSTC, U of Chicago, and the Obama's neighborhood).

First of all, this isn't your "sit down" eatery.  It's a cool, small, corner nook on the corner of W. 53rd Street @ 5300 S. Dorchester Avenue.  You can smell their wonderful BBQ wafting thru the air - yum!

Nothing fancy - walk in and place your order.  There are a few little mini wall-mount shelves where you can stand up and eat and a few tables outside (warm weather). Otherwise, we, like most others, call/give our order and take it home.  The meat has always been tender and moist, lots of sauce and great portions for the price.

We "pass" on the Wonder Bread but know it's there for those who like to mop up all the extra BBQ sauce!  They also serve up delightful humor at no extra cost!!!

(2) RUDY'S - REAL TEXAS BAR-B-Q - San Antonio/TX Hill Country - 23152 West I-10, Leon Springs, TX (just NW of SAT) - http://www.rudys.com/default.aspx     " . . . . . . Our pits are 100% wood fired with oak, a slower burning wood than the mesquite used by others. Along with time and oak, we cook with a dry spice that ensures each plate of Rudy´s Bar-B-Q is perfectly ready for you. Apply some of our famous "Sause" and dinner is served."

Oh, the food and the atmosphere - what a combination!  We usually choose to eat right here - outside on one of the outdoor porches.  As night arrives there are outdoor lights and often a staff person will tend a fire in one of the outdoor fireplaces - rustic outdoors-ie.

The food is being "Texas smoker cooked" while you're there - YUM!   You can buy meat by the 1/2 pound (and more!) or choose a fresh made sandwich.  Their choice of meats is phenomenal:  briskit that's off the charts delicious, turkey breast, 1/2 chicken, beef, pork loin and spare ribs, baby back ribs, sausage.  Their "sides" are scrumptious and include three salads, beans, corn, potatoes, pudding, pie, bars, ice cream and THE BEST EVER Peach Cobbler!!!  Uff da!!  You can pick your drink of choice right from [many] old fashioned tubs filled with ice:  beer, water, pop/soda . . . ENJOY!

I'm fairly new to Florida, but have found Sonny's BBQ in Sun City Center, FL. to be Fantastic. They have a great variety of BBQ sauces to choose from. My second choice is Longhorn BBQ in Spokane, Washington (any choice of meat you want and a very good spicey BBQ sauce).

Depends on what kind of BBQ you're talking about.  For the dry rub - there is no beating Rendevouz in Memphis!!  All around though - my absolute favorite place is Country's BBQ!!!!  The original locations are in Columbus, GA - but there are several others now scattered in Alabama and Georgia.