Best Rib-Sticking Joints

Charleston, SC | Aaron Siegel breaks all the old-school BBQ rules at his two juke joint-inspired hangouts. He's open seven days a week, serves cold beer and cocktails, and sports live tuneage. But when it comes to ribs, he's a purist: red oak, a simple dry rub, no basting, no sauce. Simply put, it works. hometeambbq.com

St. Simons Island, GA | Under the portico of an old (and rebuilt) gas station, massive wooden farm tables fan out to seat the 'cue-loving faithful 60 at a time. Folks pack in for the salt- and sugar-cured ribs, smoked rotisserie-style and glazed with pan drippings, and righteous hoppin' John. southernsoulbbq.com

Marietta, GA | Sam Huff joined the ranks of boss hog through 14 years as a weekend warrior on the competition circuit. Now his lightly lacquered baby backs, tender with a little give, pretty much own Atlanta. bbq1.net

Decatur, AL | If these St. Louis-cut spareribs are the perfect marriage of meat, spice, and hickory smoke (and they are), then we're glad to join the honeymoon. bigbobgibson.com

Memphis, TN | Unlike most temples of 'cue, where menus proffer a simple range of ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and maybe brisket, this East Memphis landmark dishes up everything from barbecue nachos and tamales to sides of spaghetti. But if you're making a pilgrimage here, you really need to decide only one thing: wet or dry? corkysbbq.com

• Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q | Locations around the South; jimnnicks.com
• Charles Vergos' Rendezvous | Memphis, TN; hogsfly.com
• Dreamland BBQ | Locations in AL and GA; dreamlandbbq.com
• Central BBQ | Memphis, TN; cbqmemphis.com
• The Salt Lick | Driftwood, TX; saltlickbbq.com
• Hubba Hubba Smokehouse | Flat Rock, NC; hubbahubbasmokehouse.com
• Stubb's Bar-B-Q | Austin, TX; stubbsaustin.com
• Archibald's Drive | In Northport, AL; 205/345-6861
• The Shed Barbecue & Blues Joint | Locations in MS and AL; theshedbbq.com
• The Bar-B-Q Shop | Memphis, TN; 901/272-1277