Famous Dave's, Westlake Village

At 4 a.m., when most of Westlake Village is still asleep, the pitmasters of Famous Dave's are already at work, firing up the hickory logs that'll be slow-cooking pounds of pounds of meat that day. As the wood smolders, the team hand-rubs spices into award-winning ribs, Georgia chopped pork, Texas-style brisket, hot links, sweetwater catfish, and several other meats. Barbecue sauce even drips onto the cocktail menu, where guests can find a bloody mary ignited by house mix made with their Devil's Spit sauce.