You hit the nail on the head. BBQ is not supposed to be snobby food. The experience is more about the whole meal as opposed to just focusing on the meat. "Red Hot & Blue" on Countyline Rd in Jackson proved a long time ago that there is no market for "gourmet" BBQ. Some of the best I've had is at the Chevron on Lakeland. As well as some of the worst. It's about consistency. The sides make a BBQ plate. Hands down I have never had better fried okra than at Dickie's in Dogwood. There BBQ is on par with anyplace else I've had it. And yes I have hit all the "have to" places as well and usually leave disappointed. The food could have been great but the service or exceptional wait time (Rendezvous) ruined it. Give me a place anyway that serves up consistently good food without having to rub shoulders with Ole Miss-types and I'm happy.