Blue Ribbon BBQ is living on a reputation. I stopped going there in February 2013 for the same two issues that occurred during repeated visits: Tons of attitude from all the staff who serve tough, very dry, days-old barbecue. In fact, on the last visit he smothered it with barbecue sauce trying to hide it, which was a first. They also serve a pile of mushy pulled beef and call it burnt ends. One thing that remains consistent, though: their barbecue sauce is quite literally the best in New England. Now my Saturdays are ridiculous: Drive to East Coast Grill for a pint of Grandma's Baked Beans to go. Drive to Soul Fire BBQ for a full slab of spareribs and cornbread to go. Drive to Sweet Cheeks for pulled chicken, mac n' cheese, and cole slaw to go. Go home, heat up the Blue Ribbon BBQ sauce from the fridge, and spend a day in heaven with some jazz playing in the background.

The Best Boston Baked Beans are Grandma's Baked Beans at East Coast Grill in Cambridge (Inman Square). The chef gave me his recipe, which was really rather simple and exactly like every online recipe out there, but I still can't duplicate his results. One problem for you may be that they're open for lunch only on Saturdays (you can request them during their Sunday brunch, but they're not on the menu). These beans belong on the dessert menu. Their barbecue is pretty good, but I go there for the beans. If Saturday lunch is out but you're in the area one evening, pick up a quart on your way back to the hotel.