In 2013, when Kelvin Perry won second place at the Family Day in the Park barbecue cook-off, he took it in stride: "That's all right," he said, "I'm happy." This is probably because every day at The Cook Out, he gets to make others happy with his slow-smoked barbecue and sides. 

In the kitchen, his smokers impart a rich flavor to whole racks of ribs and half chickens, which pair with homestyle sides, such as hand-cut fries and chili. Everything on the menu, from the burgers to the wings, is made in-house, except the ice, which is delivered weekly from the North Pole.