MOBILE, ALABAMA, USA -- Looking for some fabulous Southern Barbecue? Meat so tender it falls of the bone, sauce so good it's won multiple awards at BBQ cookoffs and traditional Southern side dishes and desserts like Red Beans and Rice, Peach Cobbler and Banana Pudding? Look no further than Saucy Q Bar B Q in Mobile Alabama.

Of course, Mobile natives are well acquainted with this tiny, family run restaurant where they take great pride in serving the food fresh, as it's ordered. No, this isn't fast food, but it is good food -- make that great food. One insider tip: avoid Saucy Q at lunchtime, unless you're prepared to wait. This restaurant is so popular, long lines are a common phenomena. But once you bite into those ribs (or chicken, pulled pork or ham) you'll realize it was well worth the wait.

Owner Elbert Wingfield, a friendly, jovial man who knows his regulars by name and makes newcomers feel equally as welcome, knows BBQ and he's got the awards to prove it, including the 1992 Florida Sauce of the Year prize. Elbert's passion for BBQ is apparent. Everything at Saucy Q is done slowly -- the old fashioned way. That's what makes the food so good.

A generous man, Elbert even agreed to share some insider tips so readers of FabulousFoods.com and FabulousTravel.com who can't get to Mobile can make great tasting BBQ at home.

Of course, if you ever get near Mobile, go out of your way to get the real thing. In the meantime, put these expert BBQ tips from Elbert to use and watch your family flock to the table for your homemade BBQ ribs.

Rib Cooking Tips from Saucy Q's Elbert Wingfield:

1. You can't rush good BBQ, it must be done sloooowly. For best results, cook your ribs slowly at a consistent temperature.

2. Make sure your ribs are thoroughly cooked before you add the BBQ sauce.

3. Use a dry rib rub only if you plan on eating the ribs right away, otherwise it can be too overpowering.

4. If you're cooking with charcoal, don't put the ribs on until the charcoal is covered with white ash -- that's when all the chemicals are burned off and you'll get a much better flavor.

5. If you're cooking with propane, add a piece of wood in the corner of grill to produce a nice smoky flavor. Elbert cautions against using wood chips in a propane grill as they will burn too quickly.

6. Keep a spray bottle filled with a mixture of water, vinegar, garlic and spices nearby. Spray the ribs frequently during cooking to make the meat moist and tender.

Visiting Saucy Q

Saucy Q Bar BQ is located at 1252 Government St. in Mobile, Alabama. For more information call 251-433-RIBS.

For more information about travel in and around Mobile, visit www.mobile.org.

More About Ribs & BBQ

• How to Smoke Ribs
• Interview with Famous Dave Anderson -- America's BBQ King
• Tickling Tastebuds at Frances BBQ
  

In the Nearby Area

• The 10 Best Things to Do in and Around Mobile, Alabama
• RVing and Camping at Dauphin Island
• Mobile: A Kinder, Gentler, More Family Friendly Mardi-Gras Celebration

Cheri Sicard, in addition to being the editor of FabulousTravel.com and its sister site, Fabulous Foods.com is the author of The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do For Your Country Today and Every Day. To learn more about Cheri, click here.