Best barbecue (ribs) ever for me was Willingham's in Memphis before it burned down. Last time I was in that place was during the Mid-America Air Show circa 2001, and the Thunderbirds were in there having a late lunch.
Close 2nd, and maybe even a tie for 1st is Joe's KC BBQ, formerly Oklahoma Joe's. Joe's, for me, is probably the best overall, as they do ribs, pulled pork, and brisket equally well. Joe's also was on Anthony Bourdain's "10 places to Eat Before You Die" list.
The best BBQ beans, by a wide margin, were at Interstate BBQ in Memphis. For Chicken or Pork Shoulder, it's Big Bob Gibson's in Decatur, Alabama.... by a mile.
@JConXtsy My son in Redondo Beach told me that they opened a Willingham's World Famous Barbecue out near him. He hasn't tried it, yet, and John Willingham died a few years ago, but the guy who opened the one in Redondo says he uses John's personally designed cookers and recipes and the ratings are really good, so if you haven't tried it, you might want to. John Willingham was a two-time Grand Champion of Memphis in May before he opened his restaurant.