Famous Dave’s
11308 Hwy. 55
763.525.0500

Your one-stop-shop for all things barbecue, Famous Dave’s can satisfy any craving for some down-home cooking and thick, tasty barbecue sauce (we recommend the Devil’s Spit). Choose from every kind of barbecue imaginable, from the ultimate barbecue burger ($9.99) to classic Texas beef brisket ($11.99). One of Dave’s newest creations is the not’cho ordinary nachos, tortilla chips topped with beans, chili, cheddar and your choice of barbecued meat ($5.99–$8.99). Don’t pass up one of those infamous side dishes, like drunkin’ apples, potato salad and Dave’s cheesy mac & cheese (which comes with a jalapeno kick). Our tip: For families on the run, Famous Dave’s has great family to-go portions from its convenient to-go menu.

Axel’s Bonfire
3000 Harbor Ln.
763.398.7408

If you’re having trouble deciding what to order at Axel’s, manager Chrissy Czycalla has a suggestion: “The barbecue beef brisket and barbecue ribs are wonderful,” she says. And we agree! How could you go wrong with slow-smoked brisket basted in Axel’s homemade tangy barbecue sauce and served with house-made coleslaw ($17.95)? Axel’s St. Louis-style ribs are also slow-smoked, then finished with a five-minute sear on a wood-fire grill ($22.95). Czycalla says the real crowd-pleaser is the hickory grill, a half-rack of ribs and quarter beer-can chicken ($20.95). Our tip: The chefs choose weekly specials, so check in often.

Ruby Tuesday
3405 Vicksburg Ln. N.
763.551.9009

The folks at Ruby Tuesday love a delicious rack of “fork-tender” ribs so much they have a whole section devoted to them on the menu. If you’re just in the mood to nosh, they serve up a delicious side of Boston barbecue wings covered in homemade sauce ($8.49). The new barbecue grilled chicken is also a winner—all-natural chicken breast smothered in a Boston barbecue sauce and served with white cheddar mashed potatoes ($11.99).

Cowboy Jack’s Saloon
4120 Berkshire Ln. N.
763.559.0257

Cowboy Jack’s boasts a mouth-watering homemade barbecue sauce, and director of marketing Jesi Mosny shared a little tidbit of inside information with us: Jack’s is working on bottling the recipe for customers who just can’t get enough. “One of our most popular items is our barbecue ribs,” Mosny says. These ribs are dry-rubbed, grilled and then braised in the oven to fall-off-the-bone perfection (approximately 1 lb. goes for $13, 2 lbs. for $21). Another popular choice is the braised barbecue chicken (take your pick of a hearty sandwich or sliders).

Woody’s Grille
220 Carlson Pkwy. N.
763.476.1011

Putting a spin on the traditional barbecue flavor, the new menu at Woody’s Grille has some delicious selections that are sure to delight any barbecue aficionado. The lamb t-bone chops are to-die-for, char-grilled with rosemary garlic and black pepper over red wine sauce ($27.95). We also love the sweet and peppery-seasoned taste of the grilled achiote pork loin chops, served with pico de gallo and fresh guacamole ($15.50 for one chop, two for $21.95). And of course, the barbecue selection wouldn’t be complete without Woody’s wings—tossed in your choice of Buffalo sauce, apricot glaze or traditional barbecue flavor—perfect for something to munch on during those late-night cravings ($9.95).