Southwest day trips and vacations
ALBUQUERQUE
Mr. Powdrell's Barbeque House. Pete Powdrell mastered his art in East and West Texas before gracing New Mexico with his barbecue four decades ago. Try the smoked baby back ribs slathered with tart, spicy sauce all dished up by welcoming Powdrell family members in a lovely old brick home. $; closed Mon. 5209 Fourth St. N.W.; 505/345-8086 (visit www.mrpowdrellsbbq.com for second location).
GILBERT, AZ
Joe's Real BBQ. A 1920s storefront with vintage details provides the backdrop for barbecue with an Arizona twist. Ribs, chicken, beef, pork, and turkey are smoked over indigenous pecan wood, and the sauce has a citrus-and-chile base. Try cheesy potatoes or cut corn as a side, and wash it all down with the homemade root beer. $. 301 N. Gilbert Rd.; 480/503-3805.
GLENDALE, AZ
Thee Pitt's "Again." Owners Cheryl and Roger Wagner perfected their skills in hundreds of barbecue competitions throughout states, including Alabama, Arkansas, and Tennessee. They bring the knowledge home to their 1950s-style diner, where ribs, pulled pork and chicken wow locals. For a quirky appetizer, try deep-fried dill pickles or rattlesnake. $; closed Mon. 5558 W. Bell Rd.; 602/996-7488.
LAS VEGAS
Memphis Championship Barbecue.This big, stylish barbecue joint is crammed with Memphis memorabilia and happy patrons wolfing down solid renditions of chicken, baby back ribs, and pork shoulder. $$. 2250 E. Warm Springs Rd.; 702/260-6909 (visit www.memphis-bbq.com for three other Las Vegas–area locations).
SCOTTSDALE
BBQ Smokehouse. A dry rub and slow smoking make for tender meat that falls off the bone. The hot or mild sauces are served on the side, in case you want your pulled pork, ribs, or chicken au naturel. Leave a place on your plate for fried okra, Brunswick stew, or jalapeño cornbread. $. 6929 N. Hayden Rd.; 480/991-2110.
Southwest day trips and vacations
