Famous Dave's BBQ - Appleton, WI

Although I wouldn't exactly call the competition stiff, this is the best bbq restaurant in the state of Wisconsin, and the St. Louis style ribs are the best I have ever had anywhere bar none. I consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur when it comes to good bbq. I have been to Sonny's BBQ restaurants all throughout the South. I have been to the awesome Fat Boys BBQ in Ocala, Florida, as well as the terrific Fred Flemings BBQ. I have even been to Hog Heaven in Daytona Beach and to Jo Jo's BBQ and grill in Fond Du Lac.

But nothing beats Famous Dave's in Appleton. Unlike the aforementioned southern bbq joints, this restaurant actually slow cooks the ribs with sweet and sassy sauce, and it is SO GOOD.

This gets my award as my personal favorite restaurant in the Fox Valley, and one of my favorite restaurants of all time.

They also have very good pulled barbecue pork and tasty catfish. Their country chicken is ok, their roasted chicken is much better. They also have very good sliced beef and decent burgers. You can even order salmon.

But the ribs and the rib tips are so good, I rarely waste my time with anything else. I also like the zesty Wilbur beans and the hot drunken apples that you get as side items with the rib platters.

You haven't lived until you try the ribs!