The place has spent 60 years serving consistently mouthwatering pork ribs. Rendezvous has earned its spot in the pantheon of barbecue restaurants. You may have to wait a little while for a table on Friday and Saturday nights (the restaurant doesn't accept reservations on the weekends except for groups of 25 or more), but they do have a nice waiting area where you can enjoy beer, wine, and appetizers. If you just can't stand the delay, grab a seat at the downstairs bar. The service there is great, even on the busiest of nights.

For a delicious meal, I recommend two options. First, the juicy ribs, of course. Second, I'd select a true Memphis delight—a slaw-topped pork shoulder sandwich.

You may not be that hungry when you're heading to Rendezvous, but just wait. While walking down the alley to the restaurant's entrance, take a moment to experience the aroma pouring forth from the restaurant's smokers. The scent of slow-cooked barbecue will likely create a Pavlovian response, transforming the mildly peckish into the absolutely ravenous. --Richard Banks

2. Lexington Barbecue
Lexington, North Carolina
[336] 249-9814

3. Shealy's Bar-B-Que House
Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina
ShealysBbq.com
[803] 532-8135