Famous Dave's   

Price Per Person: $10-$20 Blue Plate Special: Ribs, Wilbur Beans, and anything with Famous Dave's sauces. The Dish: Wisconsin was the site of the first Famous Dave's, and in less than ten years the outfit has spread to 21 states. Founder Dave Anderson is passionate about ribs -- he's a regular at Twin Cities barbecue competitions. He developed his recipes by spending years going from roadside rib shacks to fancy-pants restaurants looking for the perfect ribs. Famous Dave's menu also includes barbecued pork and chicken with sauces ranging from the mild Texas Pit to the spicy Devil's Spit. Portions are huge and messy. See that giant roll of paper towels on your table? You're gonna need it. The Atmosphere: Dave designed his restaurants around the roadside rib-shack theme. Each outpost is filled with roadside memorabilia such as road signs and gas pumps, all under a canopy of Christmas lights. All locations feature a good soundtrack, with a bonus at some locations of a live stage. -- Jon Hilgers