1st Place: Famous Dave’s
2nd Place: Mike’s Smokehouse
3rd Place: Texas Roadhouse

I know it’s a chain, and we’re supposed to hate that. But it’s hard not to like the rags-to-riches story of Dave Anderson, or the fact that the chain started in Hayward, Wis., and even harder not to like the succulent barbeque sauce and falling-off-the-bone ribs that have made Famous Dave’s top dog for three years running. Popular local carnivore spot Mike’s Smokehouse holds strong in second place, as many will stake their life on it being the best BBQ in the Valley. It’s that good. Another chain known for its award-winning ribs, Texas Roadhouse, “steak-ed” its claim in third. And have you driven past that place? Is the parking lot ever not full? – Trevor Kupfer