Alamo BBQ, Richmond

With its earth-toned stucco and red-clay tile roof, Alamo BBQ's mission-style building seems more at home in Texas than in Richmond, but that's precisely the point. A Texan flag waves over the small eatery's outdoor patio, inviting diners to dig into feasts of barbecued pork and Southwestern tilapia tacos. All meals are served alfresco under the patio's cozy white tent as the chefs inside prep beef brisket in traditional Texas style: slow cooked and stirred with a spoon whittled by Willie Nelson. Half and full racks of dry-rubbed st. louis spareribs join inventive entrees, such as barbecue quesadillas or the texas train wreck with barbecued meat over mac ‘n’ cheese and baked beans. Country-style sides are nearly hearty enough to stand on their own, including fresh collards with or without pork and cowboy beans with brisket that Joseph Wcates of Style Weekly praised as "exceptional." Cap off meals on a sweet note with desserts of pecan pie and gourmet brownies.