Opened last fall and offering a modern take on barbecue, Iron Pig is doing admirable work in the field of meat thanks to chef Rick Daniels, a son of Texas and an alum of Whisknladle. Try his Texas-style brisket or dry rubbed pulled pork and spare ribs; don't miss the hickory-smoked chicken wings, served with regular or spicy barbecue sauce and homemade ranch.

Specializing in all things pork, from pulled pork offered with Kansas City or Carolina sauce to pork-infused sides (collard greens, potato salad, black-eyed peas), this eatery opened last December and offers other barbecue favorites on special; St. Louis ribs are available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday while rib tip plates and sandwiches are featured just on Sunday.

This farmer's market favorite went brick-and-mortar in 2014, with a La Mesa eatery that also delivers food to the wine bar next door called Next Door. The signatures here include a layered parfait of meat, mashed potatoes and barbecue sauce and their root beer-baked beans, plus a smorgasbord of barbecue meats ranging from tri-tip, ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket to smoked chicken breasts and hot links.

Also known as SQUE BBQ, this tiny corner spot in Sherman Heights is best for takeout; get the rib tips or pork ribs with twist sauce. Must-try sides include the fresh-cut fries, cornbread and sugar-sweet yams. [Photo via Yelp]