The Fourth, Friends & Que

Christina and I spent the 4th over at the Watlington’s. As we pulled into their driveway, we immediately noticed Alex Watlington carrying a plate of Memphis-style dry-rub pork ribs, seasoned with the “Rendezvous” rub. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Alex’s shared passion for good que made me ponder a deep and profound question: Which restaurant has the best barbeque?

Of course, there is difficulty in trying to answer a question like this. It is tantamount to asking which college football team has the most storied tradition. Or, if you are a Westminster student, and have never heard of football, it’s like asking who the better exegete is: Gerhardus Vos, or J. Greshan Machen? A highly subjective question.

Barbeque itself is also incredibly varied. There are different types of meats (pork, beef, & chicken), cuts (shoulder, brisket, & ribs), sauces (mustard, tomato, & vinegar), and regions (Texas, Kansas City, Memphis, Carolina, etc.). So how could one possibly decide with any degree of accuracy which one is the best? Well, like college football, discussing the issue is part of the fun.

Thus, here's my top five barbeque restaurants.


1. Rendezvous, Memphis, TN
(Simply the best pork ribs in the world)

2. Cooper’s, Llano, TX
(Specializing in beef, voted #2 in Texas but it’s #1 on my list)

3. Corky’s (the original), Memphis, TN
(Only the original, rivals the Rendezvous for dry rub ribs)

4. Dreamland, Tuscaloosa, AL
(This is a rib joint. The sign reads: “No beans, no slaw, so don’t ask!”)

5. The Beacon, Spartanburg, SC
(Come for the “hash-a-plenty,” and the blind guy who takes your order)