They also have very good barbecue and a vast array of it, including hard to find beef ribs, the brontosaurus cut of the barbecue world, even rarer lamb ribs, and a choice of real pork or baby back ribs, whereas most have one or the other.

FORBES: Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ, Kansas City, MO

For pork, baby back ribs take up marinade very well and cook in an instant.

NPR: Dinner's Secret Weapon: The Make-Ahead Marinade

North Carolina is famous for its slow-smoked barbecue served in a vinegar sauce, but while 12 Bones' traditional pulled pork is delicious, its tender babyback ribs are what keep locals, tourists, and even President Barack Obama coming back.

BBC: Gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains