Famous Dave's Happy Hour

Although I wasn't too excited for F.D.'s in the Power and Light District, I have already been three times, and have completely LOVED it. They have the greatest pulled pork sandwiches I've had in quite some time. Their staff has been very conscientious each time, never allowing my beer glass to get below 3/4 empty before offering another (and that's important when you drink as fast as I do).

While most restaurants bring out a basket of bread, or a bowl of chips before the meal, Dave's brings out some browned potato wedges and then takes you on a whirlwind tour of their table-side hot sauces. The creative aspect of this presentation reminds me of ordering a "beer sampler" from the 75th Street Brewery. However, at F.D.'s you're sampling barbecue sauces instead of beer. Maybe I can convince them to come up with some "Beer-B-Que" sauces instead? No, you're right. Probably not.

FAMOUS DAVE'S

Address: 131 E. 14th St.

Phone: 816-471-3700

What: Chain restaurant known for its pit barbecue.

Fare: Barbecue

Price: Platters are $10-$12; slabs $12-$22

Notable: Casual, family-friendly joint. Hickory-smoked ribs, barbecued meats and burgers.

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Web site: famousdaves.com