This small New York State chain with monster appeal draws fans in search of pit-smoked brisket topped with house-cured jalapeños, glazed ribs, and jumbo wings spiced mild to hot. Other people pleasers: Texas-style chicken steak with chimichurri sauce and salmon with fried rice and pineapple salsa. It also has a separate (equally decadent) gluten-free menu, not to mention fun dishes like fried green tomatoes and Creole-spiced deviled eggs.
If you go…
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
377 River St., Troy
518 308-0400; www.dinosaurbarbque.com/bbq-troy