Smokey Bones stays open here, closes a bunch elsewhere

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070505/clsa003.html?.v=9

More Darden window dressing it would appear.

I prefer going to Famous Dave's - more sauce options and better prices. Good Q for a chain. Was underwhelmed with Smokey Bones.

[Robin Garr]

I prefer going to Famous Dave's - more sauce options and better prices. Good Q for a chain. Was underwhelmed with Smokey Bones.

Totally agree. Famous Dave's is a fine example of that rare thing, a <i>good</i> chain. Smokey Bones always seemed more like an O'Charley's or something than a BBQ joint.

I'll respectfully disagree with Robin on this one. My opinion is Famous Daves is very bad. They do a big business on Hurstbourne. I lived in Memphis for six years and did have a lot of Q exposure. But thier ribs are some of the worst I've ever had anywhere.

Any and all of the local places are much, much better in my opinion. I guess that is a given, but with such bad food Famous Dave's doesn't qualify as a good restaurant much less a good chain in my opinion.

[Robin Garr]

I'll respectfully disagree with Robin on this one. My opinion is Famous Daves is very bad. They do a big business on Hurstbourne. I lived in Memphis for six years and did have a lot of Q exposure. But thier ribs are some of the worst I've ever had anywhere.

Any and all of the local places are much, much better in my opinion. I guess that is a given, but with such bad food Famous Dave's doesn't qualify as a good restaurant much less a good chain in my opinion.

Respectfully noted, Brian. I've only eaten at Famous Dave's twice, for a review some time ago, and I was pleasantly surprised. But it's been a long time, and based on your report, it sounds like I'm duty-bound to check it out again.

Just out of curiosity, could there be variation among local shops? In other words, have you tried the one on Hurstbourne, or steered clear because of your bad Memphis experience?

I have been to Famous Daves on Hurstbourne 3-4 times since it is popular with others. I guess I really must say that my opinion is bad of them because their ribs are so bad in my opinion. The brisket is pretty good and some other items they serve there are pretty decent.

However, to be a Q joint and serve such bad ribs just colors my whole opinion about the place.

Considering these facts in addition that they are overpriced I'll steer clear and go to one of the local places. Bootleg, Firehouse or Old Hickory Pit to name a few.

[Robin Garr]

Considering these facts in addition that they are overpriced I'll steer clear and go to one of the local places. Bootleg, Firehouse or Old Hickory Pit to name a few.

Works for me! I'm particularly eager to check out Bourbon Bros in their new location ...

Yes, not in my neck of the woods but if the occassion presents itself I'll will stop in to check them out.

Famous Dave's is a franchise operation, with quality and taste depending to a large degree on the franchisee and their skill . . . Smokey Bones is a company owned chain, with absolutely top equipment, but no room for tweaking by a master pitmaster.

All things being equal, Smokey Bones will give consistent decent output. Only problem is that - with pork ribs - things are rarely equal, and if a local Famous Dave franchisee knows what he/she is doing, their output can (and often does) surpass Smokey Bones.

There's a new place called Pit Stop BBQ opening at Eastpoint (Old Henry and the Snyder)...next door to Quizno's and across the parking lot from the Animal Clinic.

"Coming soon" signs on the door but that's about it.

I drive by it every day; more news as it develops.

I lived in Memphis for six years and did have a lot of Q exposure.

Me too. As a result, I find it very hard to enjoy almost all BBQ that I try elsewhere. Once you've had the best, it's hard to eat the rest.

It's pretty poor as bbq goes.

Pig City BBQ in Middletown across from Dairy Queen and Hometown Pizza is also excellent. High marks for both food quality and value. Anyone out that way should give them a shot.

I spent nine months in Memphis in college for a co-op. I was never really big on their barbecue.

But at the same time, I have to admit I did not awaken to ribs until I was about 25. It's really bizarre, but I can't explain it. So yeah, I probably just couldn't appreciate what was in front of me at the time.

While Smokey Bones may not be the best place for it, they've certainly been convenient for us. I have a hard time going to Famous Dave's due to the theming. It feels like "country" done "Planey Hollywood/Hard Rock Cafe" style.

I try to go to Famous Dave's every week or two.

I miss the old Pit Stop BBQ at the corner of Bardstown and Baxter. Especially their loaded potato.

There's a chain of barbeque restaurants I want to come over here sometime: Rib Crib. Instead of relying on the sauces, they instead serve their meat naked of sauce, with your choice of sauce on the table. Really good, but it's a small chain, and the nearest are in Western Missouri.