Best San Francisco Barbecue

Nothing says “cheat day” like barbecue.

Nothing says “wasted cheat day” like subpar barbecue.

So if you’re gonna do it, do it right.

Here’s where to start.

Best Ribs: 4505
There’s a lot here to like. Some come for the cheeseburger — we think the chimichurri fries are the best in town. But in terms of the barbecue, it’s the pork spare ribs we come back for. And take home, by the pound.

Best Brisket: Southpaw
We like our dry-rubbed Creekstone beef brisket with sides of the garlic-roasted broccoli and cauliflower — plus quite possibly a whiskey flight from the bar’s selection of over 100. (And don’t forget this, ever: “Southpaw rewards customers who try through 40 of our whiskies with a bottle of the one they enjoyed the most.”)

Best Chicken: Black Bark
We’re big fans of chef David Lawrence — and his barbecue half-chicken, served with a side of smoked portabella mushrooms — is divine. Wash it down with a root beer float, or go full-on with the dessert and grab the sweet potato pie.

Best Mac and Cheese: Smokin’ Warehouse
This is a complicated situation: macaroni and cheese is a barbecue staple. That said, our favorite macaroni and cheese comes from Mission Cheese. Still, there’s something to be said for mac ‘n’ cheese that’s cheap, served with bacons and jalapenos, and presented out of a window-front in Bayview — all reasons Smokin’ Warehouse is a necessary stop.

Best Biscuits: Cathead’s
Cathead’s is named for its biscuits — said to be the size of you-know-what — so you know they’re at least supposed to be good. Terrific news: These guys are delicious, served hot, with honey butter and pepper jelly. It’s not like we’re against supplementing with the sweet tea chicken — but we’re coming for the biscuits.