The Blind Tiger opened in 1995 offering casual dining, "good food, friendly people and great beer." Every day the bar features nine beers on tap, including four handcrafted ales from the restaurant's microbrewery. The restaurant, which can handle large parties and has daily lunch and dinner specials, features midwestern favorites including Kansas City-style barbequed ribs and seasonally available buffalo burgers. (Updated 2.19.09)

The Brass Rail has been a fixture in the Oakland area since 1933. It's a friendly neighborhood bar where folks can meet with their buddies for good barbecue and the coldest beer in town. (Updated 2.23.09)

After years of smoking meat for friends and family who prodded Danny Sanders that he should open his own restaurant, Sanders took the plunge. He opened Danny’s Bar-B-Que Nov. 23, 2008. “Something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time,” he said. Drive by this small Oakland restaurant, and you’ll see the smokers at work outside. Danny serves pulled-pork and brisket (by the pound or with sandwiches), rib tips, polish sausage, half chickens and slabs of ribs. Check out the sides of coleslaw, baked beans, green beans and potato salad.

Located on the south side of the Total Home Concepts complex west of Wanamaker, Flint Hills BBQ opened its "BBQ with a passion" restaurant on Jan. 23, 2009. Owner Jamie Norwood encourages everyone to stop by, say "Hi" and check out some of the best barbecue in northeast Kansas.

Featuring Big Rick's BBQ sauce that is sweet and zesty, Flint Hills is sure to please even the most finicky barbecue aficionado looking for a quick lunch or a relaxing dinner. Try the burnt ends or a two-meat combo, and don't forget the cole slaw and baked beans.