Since when did Kansas and Missouri get designated as southern states? I don't think so, they're midwest states. So says I.
47. Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Kansas City, KS
42. Gates Bar-B-Q
Kansas City, MO
32. LC’s Bar-B-Que
Kansas City, MO
12. Arthur Bryant's Barbeque
Kansas City, MO
It's completely subjective. There's no way that Snow's and Louis Mueller are better than Franklin, at least when I've gone. They are both really good. You have to count the whole experience, I guess. That Franklin line is tough. I can't see doing that again at least not on a saturday. Especially when there are places almost as good with a lot less of a wait. I really wanna try out some of the NC whole hog places. I've never had whole hog.
Glad to see Ridgewood Barbecue in Bluff City, TN make the list, #43. Almost a hole in the wall and literally in the middle of nowhere. Surprised they are still open. Haven't been there in 30 years.
Lists are more click bait than anything, but they are useful to alert you to reputable joints. You can't swing a dead cat in these parts without hitting a barbecue place and it seems that they are all good, bad or middling, depending on the day you show up and the cut of meat they had to cook. Even your place in line can make a big difference. I've had some of the best burnt ends ever at The Salt Lick -- and two weeks later they might as well have served up gravel. Their turkey, however, is spot on every time. Franklin's beef rib is insanely good. A good slice of moist brisket at Black's is a thing of beauty. The links at City Market in Luling will put you on cloud nine. And on and on. I think Dustin said that the bar in Texas is pretty high. That is certainly true for brisket. Not so much for pizza. The local culture plays a big part in the character of the cuisine. And like pizza, brisket is kind of like sex -- when it's good, it's great, and when it's bad, it's still pretty good.
Jeff