Slow-smoked barbecue and down-home sides dished up in a roadhouse setting.

by Jennifer Olvera

In Short
Famous Dave's recipes began as a hobby for Dave Anderson, who opened his first 'cue shack in Hayward, Wisc., in 1994. Now a national phenomenon, the restaurants cater to diners who dig into finger-licking-tasty meat. The menu features chopped pork, Texas brisket, baby back ribs and fire-kissed chicken slathered with signature sauces like vinegary Georgia Mustard. Entrees, some of which arrive atop a garbage can lid, come with corn on the cob, drunken apples, baked beans or slaw.

07/24/02

Hands down, best ribs

by markricard

I've tried them all, and have yet to find a place whose ribs are as consistant as Famous Daves in Naperville. The sauces available are mouth watering. The corn muffin, the cooked cinnamon apples, are hits every time. Hands down, the best ribs place around. The "lodge" type atmosphere only adds to the experience.

• Pros: ribs, price, service
• Cons: wait, no reservations