Cowboys of all nations dream of the Rio Grande and ribs—either in Montana or at Montana’s, where they come thick and juicy. “We use the best of equipment,” says manager Carlos Torrealba, “a smoker which cooks them nice and slow.” And it’s fired by natural hickory wood, which gets me fired up. Oh, mama. Fire up that smoker.

2nd: Bearly’s House of Blues & Ribs, 1269 Barrington, 423-2526

3rd: Your Father’s Moustache, 5686 Spring Garden, 423-6766