Monday Munchies: Smith and Betts Barbecue

The vibe: Maybe lunchtime is better for this spot, because we were the only two in the place until it was time to tab out.

What to try: I ordered a three-meat plate ($22) with pork, brisket and burnt ends.

• The pork had potential, the brisket was a bit boring and the burnt ends were a bust.

The burnt ends were pre-soaked in sauce with a too-sweet crust for my taste, and it really wasn't much of a crust due to the sauce.

Yes, but: I said the pork had potential.

• "I like the okra," my date mused.

Reality check: It's fairly simple to make mediocre meat (I do it in my backyard), but there's some magic involved in making awesome barbecue.

• Perhaps it's dark magic, because I recently discovered Abe's Bar-B-Q in Clarksdale, Miss., which sits at the famed crossroads where Robert Johnson made a deal with the Devil. There's some fine eating at Abe's.

📍Stop by: Smith and Betts is open 11am-8pm Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Monday at 7420 W. Sunset Ave. in Springdale.