Though charcoal drawing was once the dominant artistic medium in America, precious few masterworks survived the realization that those early portraits could be crumpled up and used to smoke delicious stacks of ribs. Honor forgotten artists with today’s Groupon: for $5, you get $10 worth of barbecue fare and drinks at Dixie Barbeque in Johnson City.

Amid red-and-white checkered tablecloths, a canopy of team pennants, and TVs playing episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, Dixie Barbeque owner Alan Howell serves up a wide-ranging menu of succulent southern barbecue. The pulled-pork sandwich ($5.19 for a regular; $6.35 for a large) bundles up with a side of rolls, slaw upon request, and E.T. Red barbecue sauce, mesmerizing mouths both human and Martian. Or order a sandwich plain and douse it with a choice of sauces, such as Alabama White, South Carolina Gold, and the understated Sauce from Hell.

Alan's customizable plates ($5.49 each) put diners in the driver’s seat, with a choice of a half chicken or a quarter rack of ribs riding shotgun. The half rack of ribs ($9.89), seasoned with a Memphis-style dry rub, merrily traipses out the door or dines in house with two sides, such as fresh potato salad and Dixie baked beans ($14.39). The super plate ($20.69) covers all culinary bases with a half chicken, a quarter rack of ribs, and beef or pork barbecue with two sides. On the way out the door, Grandma Ruth's homemade cake ($3.65) thanks