New BBQ Joints

Big Daddy’s
625 University Ave. W., St. Paul, bigdaddysbbq-stpaul.com
The Good: The smoke in the air will guide you in. Big, meaty, luscious beef ribs are the best in the metro, and the pork ribs are hefty and dense. Any sides with that? Just three: collard greens, potato salad, and cole slaw. 
The Bad: Small menu, no brisket, and only a few counter stools, which means you’ll be gnawing on bones in your car. 
The Saucy: Two kinds, mild and hot, are both thick and sweet. Hot has back-of-the-throat kicking power.

Rack Shack
2925 Cliff Rd., Burnsville, rackshackbarbecue.com 
The Good: Decent brisket, not too dry, and pulled pork with some crispy bits. The pork ribs were fine, though a little chewy. Any sides with that? Try the corn bake or the Claire slaw; skip the cheesy mac. 
The Bad: Seems a little spendy. 
The Saucy: A nice selection of homemade sauces. Go Carolina vinegar for thin and hot or KC Spice for sweet and kicky.

Mr. BBQ
4621 Central Ave. NE, Columbia Heights, mrbbqribs.com 
The Good: Hickory smoked ribs, whole applewood-smoked chicken—this place gets the smoke. And welcome to the show, Texas beef ribs. Any sides with that? Pick creamed cucumbers or rice and beans for a refreshing change. 
The Bad: It’s not that there’s no décor, it’s just that it’s kinda sad. At least there’s patio seating.
The Saucy: Two choices, and you’ll leave with sticky fingers either way.

JC’s Barbecue
2117 Broadway Ave. W., Mpls. 
The Good: Ribs are meaty, smoky, and saucy. It’s gaining street cred for the rib tips and the plump (beef and pork) hot links. If they have the sweet potato pie, get it. Any sides with that? All orders are served with homey cole slaw and tasty fries. 
The Bad: The menu is small and still a little on the rough side while they figure out what works. 
The Saucy: Thick, sweet ‘n’ spicy molasses-tinged goodness.

Sassy Pig
2330 Cloud Dr. NE, Blaine, thesassypig.com 
The Good: More of a real restaurant (with beer and wine) than a pick-up shack. Huge pile of shredded pork on the sammie, decent ribs. Any sides with that? Choose the sweet, dense corn bread and nicely done sweet potato fries. 
The Bad: There are cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and more on the menu, which loses you ’Cue Freak status. 
The Saucy: Regular and hot sauce, but nothing earth-shaking.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Three metro locations and counting, dickeys.com 
The Good: Loads of options, brisket is chopped to order, pork ribs sing with smoke, and the rolls are a cloud of heaven. Free soft-serve ice cream for diners. Any sides with that? Fried okra, yes please! Stay away from the potato salad. 
The Bad: A touch shticky in a corporate way, and did I mention all the kids hopped up on free ice cream running amok? 
The Saucy: Three kinds, all indistinguishable.