Barbecue lovers in the Quad Cities area are truly blessed with some amazing smoky options. The Davenport region boasts a surprising variety of mouthwatering BBQ joints where slow-cooked meats, secret rubs, and homemade sauces create unforgettable flavor experiences.
Whether you’re craving fall-off-the-bone ribs or perfectly smoked brisket, these nine barbecue spots deserve a spot on your must-visit list.
1. Famous Dave’s: Where Legends Of Flavor Are Born
The aroma hits you before you even open the door at Famous Dave’s. Their award-winning ribs feature a perfect smoke ring and that telltale pink color serious BBQ fans look for.
The meat-laden combo platters let you sample multiple specialties in one sitting. Don’t miss their cornbread muffins and signature sauces that range from sweet to seriously spicy.
2. MISSION BBQ: Patriotic Plates Of Perfection
More than just great food, MISSION BBQ serves up a side of American pride with every meal. At noon each day, everything stops for the national anthem.
Their brisket spends 14 hours in the smoker, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The pulled pork and turkey are equally impressive, especially when topped with their regional sauce selection representing BBQ styles from across America.
3. Smokin’ Butt BBQ: Small Joint, Massive Flavor
This unassuming spot packs a serious flavor punch! The pulled pork sandwich here has developed a cult following among locals who appreciate authentic pit barbecue.
What makes Smokin’ Butt special is their commitment to traditional smoking methods. Each meat spends quality time with hickory smoke before being hand-pulled or sliced to order. Their homestyle sides like smoked mac and cheese complement the meats perfectly.
4. Bragg BBQ: Worth Crossing The River For
Just a quick drive to East Moline reveals this hidden gem where the pitmaster’s passion is evident in every bite. Their burnt ends sell out almost daily – crispy, caramelized bites of brisket heaven.
Family recipes passed down through generations create unique flavor profiles you won’t find elsewhere. The homemade sides, particularly the baked beans with bits of smoked meat mixed in, could be meals on their own.
5. Jim’s Rib Haven: A Quad Cities Institution Since 1955
The sauce alone is worth the trip – tangy, slightly sweet, with just enough kick to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the meat. Jim’s has been perfecting their recipe for generations.
Their ribs arrive at your table glistening with that famous sauce, meat tender but still clinging to the bone – just as proper ribs should. Locals know to order extra sauce to take home by the bottle for their own cookouts.
6. Aircraft Grill: Sky-High Barbecue Standards
Located near the Quad City International Airport, Aircraft Grill serves smoked meats that’ll make your taste buds soar! Their thick-cut meat includes just the right amount of smoke and a perfect bark.
Aviation-themed decor creates a unique dining atmosphere. The smoked wings deserve special mention – brined before smoking, they’re juicy inside with crispy, flavor-packed skin that doesn’t need sauce (though their house-made options are excellent).
7. Circle Tap: Riverside Ribs That Rule The Region
This longtime Davenport favorite overlooks the Mississippi River, offering spectacular views alongside spectacular ribs. The meat-to-bone ratio is generous, and they’re cooked to that perfect stage where they don’t fall off the bone but pull away cleanly with each bite.
Circle Tap’s sweet-heat dry rub creates a flavorful crust that complements their tangy sauce. The relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for lingering over a beer and a full rack.
8. Riverside Grille: Hickory Heaven In Bettendorf
The patience of proper barbecue is on full display at Riverside Grille, where ribs spend hours absorbing hickory smoke before meeting your plate. Each rack emerges with a beautiful mahogany color and distinctive smoke ring.
Their house sauce strikes the perfect balance between tangy, sweet, and spicy elements. Beyond ribs, don’t overlook their smoked prime rib – a weekend special that regularly sells out and showcases their smoking expertise with a different cut.
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