When you want authentic barbecue but can't make it at home, the best thing to do is go to that local barbecue joint -- you know, the one that looks like it's been there forever. It might be a little grungy, but you know the food is going to be great. Whether you've been looking for that perfect barbecue joint or want to find out if your favorite one has made the cut, check out the slideshow below. We've got the top 20 barbecue joints in America with Zagat's stamp of aproval.

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  • Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q -- Atlanta, GA

    1238 Dekalb Ave. (bet. Elmira & Jospehine Sts.) Atlanta, GA 30307 <a href="http://www.foxbrosbbq.com" target="_hplink">www.foxbrosbbq.com</a> 404-577-4030 Food: 25 Decor: 16 Service: 21 Cost: $18 Hearty portions" of "smoky, slow-roasted" barbecue "perfection" (with a "bit of Texas style") are doused in "standout sauce" and plated with "unique sides" at this Candler Park ode to "pure gluttony"; the "converted gas station" setting is strictly "hole-in-the-wall", but prices are "cheap", the service "quick" and the patio "relaxing", leaving the "long waits" and "always-full parking lot" as the only flat notes. Photo: www.foxbrosbbq.com

  • Franklin Barbecue -- Austin, TX

    900 E. 11th St. (Branch St.) Austin, TX 78702 <a href="http://www.franklinbarbecue.com" target="_hplink">www.franklinbarbecue.com</a> 512-653-1187 Food: 28 Decor: 11 Service: 19 Cost: $17 Originally a trailer, this brick-and-mortar BBQ upstart in East Austin is "giving the big names a run for their money" with some of the "finest brisket in the entire state of Texas" plus pulled pork and other "exceptional", "simple smoked meats"; the modest space opens at 11 AM and closes whenever the eats run out, which is usually early. Photo: www.franklinbarbecue.com

  • Big Bad Wolf's House Of Barbeque -- Baltimore, MD

    5713 Harford Rd. (White Ave.) Baltimore, MD 21214 410-444-6422 Food: 25 Decor: 8 Service: 18 Cost: $14 "Little, yellow, different": that's how committed "carnivores" describe Rick and Scott Smith's "eating hot spot", a butter-hued brick house that's become the "center of the barbecue universe in Baltimore" (Hamilton, to be exact); from "amazing pulled pork" and "falling-off-the-bone ribs" to "down-home sides" and "awesome" sauces, you "can't go wrong", though with "little seating", some howl it's best for "carryout." Photo: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Bad-Wolfs-House-of-Barbeque/101844943200499" target="_hplink">Facebook</a>

  • East Coast Grill & Raw Bar -- Boston, MA

    1271 Cambridge St. (Prospect St.) Cambridge, MA 02139 www.eastcoastgrill.net 617-491-6568 Food: 26 Decor: 18 Service: 22 Cost: $41 "Hot times in Inman Square" happen at this "tried-and-true" home of "reasonably priced", "knocks-your-socks-off" "spicy BBQ and seafood", especially during "not-to-be-missed" Hell Nights, an "extreme food adventure" for "iron stomachs"; "the service is friendly but harried", as the "casual" digs with "kitschy" "'50s Polynesian decor" (matching the "fun party drinks") are "always loud and crowded"; P.S. reservations are only taken for large groups, so "get there early" or risk "waiting until hell freezes." Photo: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/eastcoastgrill" target="_hplink">Facebook</a>

  • Smoque BBQ -- Chicago, IL

    3800 N. Pulaski Rd. (Grace St.) Chicago, IL 60641 <a href="http://www.smoquebbq.com" target="_hplink">www.smoquebbq.com</a> 773-545-7427 Food: 26 Decor: 11 Service: 18 Cost: $20 "Lines out the door" attest that this Northwest Side BYO has "achieved BBQ perfection" in the form of "outrageous", "smoky" brisket "bursting with flavor", "the best" "juicy" ribs and "equally good" sides that "blow other joints out of the water"; it's "truly a dive" with eaters packed in at "community tables", but "friendly" staffers "manage the crowds well" (the "table juggling is fascinating") and it's "cheap to boot", so the "addicted" dub it "worth any wait, in any weather."' Photo: www.smoquebbq.com

  • City Barbeque -- Columbus, OH

    2111 W. Henderson Rd. (Dierker Rd.) Upper Arlington, OH 43220 <a href="http://www.citybbq.com" target="_hplink">www.citybbq.com</a> 614-538-8890 Food: 25 Decor: 15 Service: 19 Cost: $16 Finding "good barbecue in Yankee territory" is easy thanks to this "ubiquitous" local chain serving up "fantastic" pulled pork, brisket, ribs and chicken in "plethora" portions, plus "terrific sides" and "several sauces"; "counter service and shack decor mean there is not much ambiance", but it's "fast" and "affordable" for "take-home dinners", "parties or tailgating." Photo: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CityBarbeque" target="_hplink">Facebook</a>

  • Smoke -- Dallas, TX

    Belmont Hotel 901 Ft. Worth Ave. (Sylvan Blvd.) Dallas, TX 75208 <a href="http://www.smokerestaurant.com" target="_hplink">www.smokerestaurant.com</a> 214-393-4141 Food: 24 Decor: 20 Service: 21 Cost: $35 So hot it's practically smoldering, this "quirky" BBQer adjacent to the Belmont Hotel takes its inspiration from the smokehouses of yore, with oak floors, "comfortable" leather banquettes and a midpriced 'farm-to-fork' menu that runs the gamut from grass-fed steaks to pickled beet salad and other "complex", "gourmet" dishes; of course there's also "amazing" 'cue galore. Photo: www.smokerestaurant.com

  • Angelo's Barbecue -- Ft. Worth, TX

    2533 White Settlement Rd. (bet. Henderson St. & University Dr.) Ft. Worth, TX 76107 <a href="http://www.angelosbbq.com" target="_hplink">www.angelosbbq.com</a> 817-332-0357 Food: 25 Decor: 15 Service: 17 Cost: $16 "Eat here to understand what brisket is in Texas" proclaim fans of this BBQ "standard" in Near West Ft. Worth where "exceptional" meat is washed down with "frosty mugs of cold beer" in an atmosphere that's "a taxidermist's delight"; in sum, it's "a guaranteed good time for little coin." Photo via <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/angelos-barbecue-fort-worth?select=d9Its5c5ZMgYEEzOfOOHZw#K1PyGw-3L_xnz3PbLdTABA" target="_hplink">Yelp</a>

  • Goode Co. Texas BBQ -- Houston, TX

    5109 Kirby Dr. (bet. Bissonnet St. & Westpark Dr.) Houston, TX 77098 <a href="http://www.goodecompany.com" target="_hplink">www.goodecompany.com</a> 713-522-2530 Food: 24 Decor: 18 Service: 18 Cost: $18 BBQ buffs find it "hard not to like" this "cheap and cheerful" cafeteria-style chainlet that "sets the standard" with its "delicious", "smoky" meats, "excellent sides" and signature jalapeño-cheese bread; the decor "screams Texas" with memorabilia and saddles cluttering up the interior, and though the crowded Kirby branch has limited indoor seating, there's plenty of picnic tables outside. Photo: www.goodecompany.com

  • Fiorella's Jack Stack -- Kansas City, MO

    Freight House101 W. 22nd St. (Wyandotte St.) Kansas City, MO 64108 <a href="http://www.jackstackbbq.com" target="_hplink">www.jackstackbbq.com</a> 816-472-7427 Food: 26 Decor: 22 Service: 23 Cost: $26 "KC BBQ goes upscale" "without losing its soul" at this "fab" foursome featuring "smokin' good" grub, from "burnt ends and beans" to lamb ribs and "cheesy corn bake" ("how I love thee"); even if the "lovely surroundings" make some "feel bad about eating with their fingers", they're still "noisy and crowded", which makes sense since they're voted the area's Most Popular restaurants. Photo: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jackstackbbq" target="_hplink">Facebook</a>

  • Famous Dave's -- Las Vegas, NV

    1951 N. Rainbow Blvd. (Lake Mead Blvd.) Las Vegas, NV 89108 <a href="http://www.famousdaves.com" target="_hplink">www.famousdaves.com</a> 702-646-5631 Food: 19 Decor: 16 Service: 19 Cost: $24 When the "'cue jones" strikes, carnivores head for this off-Strip quintet for "cheap" meats (slathered in one of six signature sauces) and "down-home" vittles that "aren't bad for a chain"; though the smoke-shack decor is strictly "no frills", the servers are "happy to be there" and you get "a lot of food for the price." Photo: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/famousdaves" target="_hplink">Facebook</a>

  • Phillips Bar-B-Que -- Los Angeles, CA

    4307 Leimert Blvd. (43rd St.) Leimert Park, CA 90008 2619 Crenshaw Blvd. (Adams Blvd.), Los Angeles, CA 90016 1517 Centinela Ave. (bet. Beach Ave. & Cedar St.) Inglewood, CA 90302 323-292-7613 Food: 24 Decor: 3 Service: 13 Cost: $19 "Fantastic smoky flavor" and "staggering hot sauce" make for "awesome" "BBQ like no other" at this affordable "takeaway" trio (with some outdoor seating at the Mid-City locale); "don't expect finery", but rather the "most Spartan atmosphere imaginable", plus "long lines" and "slow" service, then "take it home and dive in." Photo via <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8ixWi8wgRBKyrmvBvlTMMA?select=f6FRjvkLLe_-PQHPmLbe-Q#IC1WY0sR5S7HUGib9AP-PQ" target="_hplink">Yelp</a>

  • The Joint -- New Orleans, LA

    701 Mazant St. (Royal St.) New Orleans, LA 70117 <a href="http://www.alwayssmokin.com" target="_hplink">www.alwayssmokin.com</a> 504-949-3232 Food: 26 Decor: 13 Service: 19 Cost: $16 They're "serious about BBQ" at this Bywater pit stop, which attracts "plenty of business" as an "unsurpassed" source of "tender, moist and smoky" meats supplemented with "excellent sides"; the "divey" digs are "not much to look at", but you're likely to leave "full and happy and still have money in your pocket." Photo: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/alwayssmokin" target="_hplink">Facebook</a>

  • Fette Sau -- New York, NY

    354 Metropolitan Ave. (bet. Havemeyer & Roebling Sts.) Brooklyn, NY 11211 <a href="http://www.fettesaubbq.com" target="_hplink">www.fettesaubbq.com</a> 718-963-3404 Food: 26 Decor: 15 Service: 14 Cost: $29 It's "worth fighting through the hipsters" for "incredible BBQ" rated the "best in NYC" at this Williamsburg "hawg heaven" in a "converted auto garage"; the "ethereal" meat is "priced by the pound" and chased with "brown liquors" and "quality suds", but you have to endure "long waits" in "cafeteria-style" lines and "picniclike" "communal" seating. Photo: www.fettesaubbq.com

  • Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse -- Philadelphia, PA

    7500 State Rd. (bet. Bleigh Ave. & Rhawn St.) Philadelphia, PA 19136 <a href="http://www.sweetlucys.com" target="_hplink">www.sweetlucys.com</a> 215-333-9663 Food: 24 Decor: 13 Service: 17 Cost: $21 For some of the "best" BBQ and "sides" in Philly, 'cuennoisseurs head to this BYO in a "warehouse" near the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge in the Northeast, which "puts the pig in pig-out" with "industrial-strength" eats that provide "a taste of home without having to put up with your relatives"; settle into a "roomy wood booth" and "keep saying to yourself that you can diet tomorrow" - especially on Mondays, when it offers a $19.95 all-you-can-eat "feast." Photo via <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/_UOg5_pk9IhKee91eWrT4A?select=WET8QS4Angi6ZeW0uPhhLg#WET8QS4Angi6ZeW0uPhhLg" target="_hplink">Yelp</a>

  • Rudy's -- San Antonio, TX

    10623 Westover Hills Blvd. (Hwy. 151) San Antonio, TX 78251 15560 I-35 N. (Evans Rd.) San Antonio, TX 78154 <a href="http://www.rudysbbq.com" target="_hplink">www.rudysbbq.com</a> Food: 25 Decor: 16 Service: 20 Cost: $16 You can smell the smoke from "a mile away" at these "solid-as-a-rock" chain pit stops doling out "tender" BBQ brisket ("go for the extra moist") and "mouthwatering ribs" sided with "amazing" "signature creamed corn"; most are set in refurbished gas stations, so you can line up "cafeteria-style", "order by the pound" and fill up your tank on the way out - talk about "true fast food." Photo: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/rudysbbq" target="_hplink">Facebook</a>

  • Wexler's -- San Francisco, CA

    568 Sacramento St. (Montgomery St.) San Francisco, CA 94111 <a href="http://www.wexlerssf.com" target="_hplink">www.wexlerssf.com</a> 415-983-0102 Food: 22 Decor: 18 Service: 21 Cost: $41 Explore the "nuance of smoke" via "a different take on Southern" cookin' at this "adventurous" Downtown American, which "attempts to redefine BBQ" with "terrific" "upscale" renderings of "classic" pit dishes plus "unbelievable Scotch eggs" and "sophisticated" cocktails; lodged in a "cool little space" with a "massive wooden wave" as decor, it's always "interesting" even if traditionalists still "long for the basic rub." Photo: www.wexlerssf.com

  • Pecos Pit BBQ -- Seattle, WA

    2260 First Ave. S. (bet. Holgate & Lander Sts.) Seattle, WA 98134 206-623-0629 Food: 26 Decor: 9 Service: 21 Cost: $11 The "killer" BBQ is "juicy, flavorful" and "messy" at this SODO "shack" that's a "best bet" say fans who "drive miles to oink it up" with "spicy pulled-pork sandwiches" and other cheap 'cue at outdoor picnic tables; it's open weekdays only from 11 AM-4 PM, and cognoscenti warn "beware the spicy hot sauce." Photo via <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/VJ9gsqxrMPb2rt58wyDswQ?userid=Y1uF0cWzBipi3umG0ak1MQ#EToeYSuquMjA13JD5p3SeA" target="_hplink">Yelp</a>

  • BrushFire BBQ Co. -- Tucson, AZ

    2745 N. Campbell Ave. (Glenn St.) Tucson, AZ 85719 <a href="http://www.brushfirebbq.com" target="_hplink">www.brushfirebbq.com</a> Food: 24 Decor: 14 Service: 20 Cost: $16 The young owners sure "know their stuff" at this "good-value" BBQ joint in Midtown turning out "melt-in-your-mouth brisket" and other "seriously seasoned" meats, with "plenty of housemade sauces to choose from"; counter service is "fast and efficient", but the setting's plain and there are only a few tables, so "if ambiance is important to you, get your ribs to go"; P.S. it also delivers. Photo: <a href="http://www.brushfirebbq.com/index.shtml" target="_hplink">Facebook</a>

  • Rocklands -- Washington, DC

    2418 Wisconsin Ave. NW (Calvert St.) Washington, DC 20007 <a href="http://www.rocklands.com" target="_hplink">www.rocklands.com</a> 202-333-2558 Food: 22 Decor: 11 Service: 16 Cost: $18 "Smokey" like "good" BBQ should be, with "mesmerizing" aromas that "draw passersby like moths to a flame", these "oases" in the "BBQ-challenged metro area" get 'cue addicts "dreaming about collards and brisket", pulled pork and "messy, marvelous" ribs; while they generally "ain't much to look at" (i.e. better for "carryout"), the newer Washington Boulevarder is a "take-out, dine-in and bar super-joint." Photo: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rocklands-Barbeque-and-Grilling-Company/397641513241" target="_hplink">Facebook</a>

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