It seems so manly, this barbecue concept: outdoors, setting things on fire, beer in hand and a great big apron that says something clever. Every man I know who can’t even boil water thinks he is an expert on barbecue. I’m not just talking about grilling, I mean barbecue. Whether an amateur or professional, if you think you have the goods to outdo Moe’s Original BBQ in Daphne I’d like to meet you. Make sure you try them out before you waste my time.

These guys have gotten a lot of press as a music venue hosting big name blues (and occasionally bluegrass), a “Nappie” award and loyal clientele. It seemed a travesty that they had not received an official review, so for the Moe’s virgins and those who have only tried an item or two, I’ll tell you why they get my money even when I’m off the clock.

Moe’s Original stole my heart the first time I tasted their pulled pork sandwich, collards and jambalaya. I’ve eaten every barbecue item on the menu with the exception of the ribs (can you believe that?) and every time I try a new item I declare, “I’m only getting this from now on!” Their sides are just as good as the barbecue, and unlikely items are likely to become your favorites.

The pulled pork sandwich can be ordered “Alabama Style” with coleslaw on the sandwich and I recommend either way. The smoked chicken plate is the best chicken I’ve ever had at a barbecue joint, with just the right amount of spice. The chicken wings are the employees’ favorite by far, and I can understand why. Smoked turkey will knock you out.

Two side items and a drink are included with a sandwich ($9) and a platter comes with two sides, drink and cornbread ($10). There is a problem…..which sides do I get? I’ll tell you my past faves and you decide on your own. Fried Grits: imagine a brick of battered, deep-fried grits the size of a bar of soap. A little salty, but have you ever tried unsalted grits? Jambalaya: just plain jambalaya the way the good Lord intended it to be, not too spicy so you can eat plenty.

Collards: perfect amount, sweet with no bitterness, I only thought I was a turnip lover. Black-eyed Peas with Okra: who would have thought black-eyed peas could get better? Red Beans and Rice: some days these have a good “kick” to them with a good bit of celery and onion. Apple Crisp: the perfect pre-dessert dessert. Skillet Corn: to be honest, I just like saying “skillet corn,” but it IS good. All of these are specials that rotate daily, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. I am yet to try the slaw or baked beans, but if they want to sell them they better get rid of my favorites.

My day finally came to officially review Moe’s, and I went in elbows deep for the one item I haven’t had in my numerous visits. Ribs at this joint come in orders of Four Bones ($11.25) and Six Bones ($13), both with two sides and a drink. I ordered the smaller portion just in case these guys have a flaw somewhere.

A plus side to a real barbecue joint is that the food has been cooking for hours. Once it’s done it is done. All they have to do is plate the food, so even a long line yields fast service. A packed house at lunch at Moe’s clears out rather quickly. You’ll never wait long for a table (unless there is live music) because once you take a bite you don’t stop until it is gone.

I received my food before I finished pouring my drinks and sat outside on this beautiful pre-fall day to dig in. The ribs were just how I wanted them. First, they were covered in cooked-on sauce. (Side note: What is this trend with BBQ sauce on the side? Who is the yahoo who thought it’d be a good idea to “let the customer put the sauce on”? If the sauce is added in the final stage of cooking it will be hot and adhere to the meat. Sauce on the side is just dip.) This particular sauce had a bit of spiciness to it to make one crave a beer. The meat of the pork was falling off the bone. Grandpa can leave the chompers at the house and still have ribs at Moe’s.

My sides for the day were the skillet corn and the red beans and rice, both just how I remembered them. On this particular day the red beans were pretty darn spicy, but that may have been due to the spicy ribs. I myself prefer them REALLY spicy, but most people could handle this level of heat.

Want to counteract it? Gobble down a huge piece of their cornbread and get the fried up sweet sensation to cool your buds. This yellow cornmeal bread is cut into a huge hunk and the fresh sides are re-cooked to give it a nice crust.

One other item I had not tried was the Banana Pudding ($1.75). Definitely the made-from-scratch variety, this put a cap on the perfect meal, stuffing me to the point of discomfort for under 15 bucks!

The Orange Beach location was just as good the only time I visited. We can only pray Moe’s will open a restaurant in Mobile in the near future, but until then it is worth the drive to Daphne.

If you want real Southern barbecue with sides perfected from passed down recipes, Moe’s is definitely the place for you. Visit www.moesoriginalbbq.com for the story on how these guys came from barbecue royalty in T-town, and for a live music schedule www.myspace.com/moesbbqandbluesdaphne