Winner: Rendezvous

Folks who know Rendezvous co-owner Nick Vergos know he’s hardly a shy, retiring type of guy. But when asked why readers voted the Rendezvous the most beloved barbecue joint in town, he said he couldn’t possibly brag about it — and handed the phone off to City Council member Jack Sammons for his take.

“It’s an ambrosia of pork, succulent meat, the bun’s hot, the slaw with the Greek influence, and then on the side, those pork-laden barbecue beans,” gushes Sammons. Sammons believes that Charlie Vergos created one of the city’s great amenities when he opened his doors, and readers agree that the rustic décor, the long-time, no-nonsense wait staff and the dry rub are a killer combination for a barbecue joint.

52 South 2nd Street, 523-2746. Enter through the alley behind the restaurant. Tuesday-Thursday, 4:30-10:30 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. 11 p.m., and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Finalists: Central BBQ, Corky’s