1st Place: Famous Dave’s
2nd Place: Mike’s Smokehouse
3rd Place: Haymarket Grill

You’ll pardon me if I mess up this metaphor, but I believe we can all agree that ribs are the backbone of our nation. Obviously not physiologically (I’m not really clear how that would work out,) but at the very least spiritually, ribs are something that bind us together. Ribs slathered in sauce, soaked in weird concoctions, and slammed on a grill – this is what has made America great. Well, that and liberty. Anyway, the best in the Chippewa Valley goes this year to Famous Dave’s (2911 Mall Dr.). Let’s forget for a second how disturbing it is to have a mascot who is potentially eating its kin, and strictly focus on rib-osity. Does the food come with amazing choices for tangy sauce? Check. Does it come with a giant assortment of sides? Check. Does it come out on a giant garbage can lid? Double Check. Famous Dave’s has been doing it right all over the Midwest for years, it was about time for Eau Claire to be conquered by this BBQ powerhouse. Local Favorite’s Mike’s Smokehouse (2235 N Clairemont Ave) and Haymarket Grill (101 Graham Ave.) also will satisfy the meat cravings of any red-blooded American you may need to feed. One other note, props to Mike’s Smokehouse for coming in second in both the rib and chicken categories, they must be doing something right over there. – Ian Jacoby