Couldn't post to the forum while we were traveling and just got back home a few days ago.
We decided to try some BBQ before hitting STL proper. Found a place with good reviews called A Fine Swine in Hanover Il. Me and the boys shared a plate of ribs, chicken quarter, pulled pork, brisket, BBQ beans, corn bread and green beans. Overall, we were not impressed. The pulled pork and ribs were good, but nothing special. The brisket, although sliced very thin, was still tough. The chicken was dry and extremely tough to cut and chew. The beans were flavored with apple and were extremely sweet - I think KC BBQ beans in general are sweet, but these were over the top - tasted like pie filling. The corn bread was dry and crumbly.
The next day we were in KC. It was Sunday and so many of the BBQ joints were closed so found a place called Slaps. There was a long line out the door but it was moving fast so we got on line. They ran out of ribs right before we made it to the counter, but we heard from folks in line that was a possibility so we were prepared. Ordered a combo plate (sausage, sliced brisket, burnt ends ), a pulled pork sandwich and sides of hush puppies, beans and mac n cheese. It did not disappoint. The brisket was cooked perfectly, and the burnt ends were tender and tasty. There was more meat piled on the pork sandwich than I've ever seen and the sides were all good. The beans were still much sweeter than I like, but I guess that's the style over there.
