As regular readers of this blog know by now, Traci and I are big fans of barbecue. We can't go to a new place and not hunt for good, independent barbecue. So over the past few weeks, we've tried several additional local barbecue restaurants. What follows is a quick run-down on three more spots. 
David's Real Pit Bar-B-Que: From the outside, David's sure looked promising. Bright colored pigs on the side of the restaurant and a no-frills, but comfortable feeling inside. I ordered a rib dinner and Traci had a turkey plate. Service was fine and I liked the look of the place, but our meal was decidedly mediocre. While my fries and slaw was fine, the ribs were unfortunately tough and chewy (far from being "fall off the bone" as described on David's website). Traci's turkey tasted fairly bland and dry. She thought the sides were okay. Maybe at one time David's was tops in town for barbecue, but those days seem to be gone. Also, I didn't think the price per plate was that great for what we got.
Adam's Rib Co.: One of Adam's many coupons finally got us to try the converted-doughnut-shop-turned-small-barbecue-restaurant on NW 13th St. We sat up at the counter. There's also a handful of booths. I went with a pork sandwich plate and Traci had a black angus burger. Traci liked her burger and I had no complaints with my pork sandwich on garlic toast. We had fun trying Adam's variety of barbecue sauces in hand-labeled bottles. Coffee is served in mismatched mugs, which adds to the charm of the place. Service was friendly and made us feel like regulars (I suspect it helps to sit up at the counter). I can't say there was anything exceptional about the food, but overall a good experience.
Terrell's BBQ: The highlight of our recent barbecue escapades has to be Terrell's BBQ. After reading several positive reviews on Terrell's, we decided to give the location on NE 16th Ave a try last weekend. Terrell's other location is on S. Main St. The NE 16th Ave location is little more than a fair-style mobile trailer set-up in a parking lot. Carry-out only. This is not a set-up for casual barbecue enthusiasts. I ordered a barbecue beef sandwich with a side of coleslaw and Traci ordered a chicken sandwich with a side of potato salad. I made quick work of my sandwich. The deep smoked taste of Traci's chicken was addictive and was much bigger than she could eat. The downside is that both locations are carry-out only and they're only open Thursday through Saturday. Prices are reasonable and the service was okay.
If someone would have asked me a month or so ago for the best barbecue in Gainesville, I would have confidently said Newberry's Backyard Bar-B-Q. But after a lackluster recent experience at Newberry's, and, after since trying Terrell's and really digging its smoky, tender 'cue, this is a tougher question. The middle of the pack is easier: Adam's Rib Co and Sonny's, and in the rear, David's (I may have just caught them at an off-time, but I can't remember the last time I had chewy ribs) and Bono's Pit Bar-B-Q.
Agree? Disagree? Are there any good local barbecue places that I'm missing? Let me know.
