In this episode of Top 5 Restaurants, Food Network found the best of the best in American barbecue. Hosts Sunny Anderson and Geoffrey Zakarian revealed the sticky, saucy and bold-spiced meat that dominated this week’s list. Keep reading to find out which mouthwatering barbecue smoked the rest.

The countdown began at a not-so-ordinary gas station, home to Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que and the burnt ends sandwich, where chunky, caramelized brisket meets tender perfection. Next, Food Network headed further south to Decatur, Ala., for the BBQ Chicken with White Sauce at Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que. Diners are absolutely hooked on this hickory-smoked bird that’s slathered with a tangy, mayonnaise-based white sauce. Skylight Inn BBQ in Ayden, N.C., ranked third on the list with The Pork Plate, featuring a whole roasted pork that Mike “Chopper” Parrott precisely combines with crispy pork skin. Next stop: Pearland, Texas, for the smoked brisket at Killen’s Barbecue. After 16 hours in the smoker, this brisket gets a crusty black “bark” and an irresistibly moist center. For a finger-lickin’ good finale, the show ended at Memphis’ The Bar-B-Que Shop for pork ribs. The Vernon family may keep the vinegar-based Dancing Pigs Sauce recipe on lockdown, but with one taste, Top 5 Restaurants served it up as No. 1.

Browse through the photo gallery to see what Top 5 Restaurants features as the country’s best barbecue. Then vote in the poll to tell us which dish is your favorite.

Tune in next Monday at 10:30|9:30c to find out the top five restaurants serving up the best pizza.