Our readers should be forgiven for this chain choice, because Famous Dave's has damn good barbecue. Whether your preferences run toward the sweet Southeastern pork, big Texas spicy beef or the smoky ribs of Kansas City, you'll find it at Dave's. The pit crew, as the folks there are known, rub, smoke, grill and sauce up quality meats in style. And if that's not enough, you can always add any one of Dave's famous sauces (Georgia mustard, Texas pitt, hot stuff, the devil's spit or the sauce that made Famous Dave famous, the rich and sassy). Sides include everything from cornbread muffins and the housemade Wilbur beans to drunkin' apples. Service is smiley. Décor is folksy. It's a family-friendly place.

Runners up:

2. Jack's Original Barbeque, 5250 E. 22nd St., 750-1280
3. Rod's K.C. Barbeque, 601 N. Fourth Ave., 623-0182