BBQ

As many people know Bryan and I love to get out of town, and one wonderful side effect is the fact that we have new restaurants to try, or have them recommended by folks that we are visiting. Here are two Bar-B-Que restaurants, one we have been going to for years, recommended by Mark and Brenda, and the other we found on accident on our way back from Gulf Shores.

The first is Oklahoma Joe's. It is in Kansas City and it is one of those places when people ask what is good I say "everything." I can't think of a place that I like better for BBQ. My favorite is the pulled pork and "KC's Best Fries" and Bryan's is the ribs. They even sell by the pound so I can take some home with me. This is the sauce I use when I BBQ. Now here is the part that folks have to get past. It is in a gas station. They have a nice dining area and if you get there after 12 the line is out the door for lunch. It is amazing.



The second is the one we found on accident. We were coming back from our trip, needed to stop and eat and I knew Grenada, Mississippi had hotels so it stood to reason they had restaurants. We were actually looking for something else when this place caught our eye. The giant BBQ on the side of the building and a picture of a pig was a good sign, and the full parking lot at 7:30 on a Thursday was another. The third was the quality of cars in the lot. Most were very expensive with a few cheaper ones thrown in. At one point ours was the cheapest car in the front lot, which considering we have a loaded Mazda 6 was pretty impressive for middle of nowhere Mississippi.

The place is called Jake and Rip's. It is about 20-30 minutes from Tunica/Memphis right off 55. Not only were the prices reasonable bordering on cheap, it was extremely good. We were seated quickly, side salads were loaded with toppings and were quality. Also they were $2.50. Extra sides were $1.50. Bryan and I decided to split one of their platters to try the variety. It all was good. The hickory flavor was a little stronger but very good. Bryan said it was some of the best ribs he ever had. I liked the pulled pork and chicken the best.


Now I have seen a lot very good reviews of this place and some not so good. Most seem to complain about the service, we had no trouble there and some complaining about the seafood, I mean, really-? ordering shrimp in a BBQ place then whining like a little girl? Catfish is a whole different ballgame. If it is a choice between McDonald's and this place, try this place for something different, it will add time to the drive but we thought it was worth it.