Merle’s #1 BBQ

The term “barbecue joint” usually brings to mind a hole-in-the-wall with a grease-splattered pitmaster. This is not Merle’s. With big-screen TVs, an ample bar and pictures of Elvis scattered throughout, the ambience is closer to Applebee’s than authentic. What it lacks in atmosphere, it makes up for by offering decent barbecue at a decent price in a location with decent public transportation options and parking. Tables are set with rolls of paper towels rather than napkins so you can get to work on St. Louis ribs, baby back ribs or the other finger-lickin’ meat of your choice. The corn on the cob side can be mushy, but the fries and sacrilegious broccoli hold their own.