Great Barbecue

Scott Ja–Mama’s Hot B-B-Q
Scott Woolsey’s teeny eatery serves char-grilled chicken and baby back ribs. It’s not the smokiest barbecue, but the sauce is super. 3 Diamond Lake Rd. W., Mpls., 612-823-4450.

Ted Cook’s 19th Hole Bar-B-Que
Open for nearly forty years, Ted Cook’s serves takeout-only wood-smoked whole or half chickens and spareribs. The three sauce choices—mild, medium, or hot—guarantee there is something for every taste. 2814 E. 38th St., Mpls., 612-721-2023

Rudolphs Bar-B-Que
Rudolphs has been a Lyndale Avenue institution since 1975, offering slow-cooked spareribs, pork shoulder, and baby back ribs, as well as a popular happy hour. 1933 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-871-8969

Market Bar-B-Que
The only barbecue joint in the Twin Cities that offers meats cooked over wood in a real brick pit. The smoked beef brisket is tremendous. The unique flavor comes from being cooked over hickory, apple, oak, and cherry woods. Sauce is served on the side. 1414 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-872-1111; 15320 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-475-1770

Baker’s Ribs
This is the only Baker’s location outside of Texas. Traditional oak-smoked spareribs, smoked ham, and sliced beef brisket are served cafeteria-style in this strip mall spot. 8019 Glen Lane, Eden Prairie, 952-942-5337

Redstone American Grill
There’s nothing down-and-dirty about Redstone, but its spareribs are delectable, and the barbecue chicken is more of a  rotisserie bird with sauce. Great cole slaw and baked beans, as well. 12501 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka, 952-591-0000; 8000 Eden Rd., Eden Prairie, 952-903-9500