Missourians take Barbecue seriously, which is why there was no way I was going to try to rank the best spots.  Instead, I tried to find a good sample of BBQ restaurants throughout the state.  All of those listed below received a high ranking on Yelp.  These are not in any particular order and this is by no means an all-inclusive list.  So just consider this a sample, and maybe a "part one."

1. Charlotte's Rib Barbecue, Ballwin

This award-winning long time family-owned restaurant is located at 15467 Clayton Road in Ballwin, and has been in the St. Louis area since 1977. You can find out more information and hours of operation at Charlotte’s Rib Barbecue.

2. Salt + Smoke, BBQ Bourbon and Beer, University City, St. Louis

This Texas Style BBQ restaurant, located in the Delmar Loop in St. Louis, claims they "are passionate about treating meat." Find them at 6525 Delmar Boulevard or visit their website at Salt + Smoke.

3. Dexter Bar-B-Que, Cape Girardeau

After 37 years in business, Dexter knows barbecue. With 6 locations including their Cape Girardeau restaurant, they claim you will have "the best tastin’, lip smackin’, hickory-smoked bar-b-que you will ever eat!" Visit their website at Dexter Bar-B-Que for other locations, hours and menu information.

4. Lutz's Famous BBQ, Columbia

Besides the Jefferson City restaurant, located at 3505 Missouri Boulevard, they also have one in Columbia at 200 E Nifong. Proud to be family owned and operated, Lutz’s also has family specials. Visit their website at Lutz’s BBQ for more information and hours of operation.

5. Big R’s Bar-B-Q, Joplin

What started as a food truck turned into a family tradition. Currently located at 1220 East 15th in Joplin, they claim to "have the meat you can’t beat." Find out more at Big R’s BBQ.

6. Plowboys BBQ, Blue Springs

Plowboys has two locations. One is at 3111 SW Missouri 17 in Blue Springs, and the other is at 1111 Main Street, suite 115 in Kansas City. For more information and hours of operation visit Plowboys Barbecue.

7. Lil’ Mickey’s Memphis Barbeque, St. Peters

Charles and Robbie Butler are the husband and wife team who started and own Lil’ Mickeys; they use a special recipe created by Charles in 1988. Located at 1020 Cave Springs Boulevard. Find out more at Lil’ Mickey’s Memphis Barbeque.

8. Sugarfire Smokehouse, St. Charles

With three locations and more coming soon, Sugarfire’s award-winning barbeque was voted Reader’s Choice for Best BBQ in St. Louis online magazine STLmag. The St. Charles location is at 3150 Elm Point Industrial Drive. For other locations, hours, and menu information visit Sugarfire Smokehouse.

9. Filling Station BBQ, Lee's Summit

Located in historic downtown Lee’s Summit at 333 SE Douglas Street, this family owned business now has delivery within a 5-mile radius of the restaurant. For hours of operation, menu and more visit The Filling Station BBQ.

10. Shotgun Pete's BBQ Shack, Columbia

Their website claims they were voted best BBQ in Mid-Missouri, and based on the pictures, it’s at least worth a try. They are located at 28 N. Ninth Street. Visit their website at Shotgun Pete’s BBQ Shack.

11. Bogart's Smokehouse, St. Louis

Bogarts slow cooks with apple and cherry wood for up to 24 hours. They are located at 1627 S. 9th Street in St. Louis. For more information, hours and menu visit Bogart’s Smokehouse.

12. Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Kansas City

Correction: All of Joe's locations are on the Kansas side of Kansas City. Hop over and try the anyway. Sorry for the mistake.

Located at 3002 W. 4th Avenue, and also with stores in Olathe and Leawood, according to their Facebook page, Joe’s was voted Best Southern BBQ by readers of USA Today. Go to Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que for more information and hours of operation.

13. Deke's BBQ, Kansas City

Deke’s website says they are the "BEST BBQ in Kansas City", but maybe you want to form your own opinion and visit yourself. You can find them at 5200 Raytown Road in Kansas City. For menu, reviews, and hours of operation visit Deke’s Bar B Que.

14. Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, Gladstone

Besides the location at 6304 North Oak in Gladstone, Smokehouse also has locations in Kansas City, Columbia, and Independence. This family-owned restaurant has been in business since 1987. Visit their website at Smokehouse Bar-B-Que for more information.

15. Little Pig BBQ, Belton

Little Pig is located in Belton’s historic district at 103 S. Scott Avenue and was established in 2010. They serve pit master style barbecue. Visit Little Pig BBQ for hours and information.

16. Kehde's Barbeque, Sedalia

"Three Generations Committed to Excellence." Located at 1915 S. Limit Avenue in a 1920’ train car, Kehde’s has mastered the art of barbecue. Visit their website at Kehde’s Barbeque and Catering for hours and information.

17. Big Muddy B-B-Q, Hannibal

Big Muddy is located at 401 Broadway in Hannibal. Their website is located here, but was offline at the time of this writing. For information you can also visit their Facebook page at Big Muddy BBQ.

18. City Butcher and Barbecue, Springfield

Serving Texas-style barbecue, City Butcher’s dedication to freshness along with a reputation for great food causes them to sell out often, so get there early. They are located at 3650 S. Campbell. For hours of operation and other information visit their website at City Butcher.

19. Sawmill BBQ, Joplin

"Locally owned with ‘local flavors’", Sawmill is located at 612 S. Main Street in Joplin. Visit Sawmill BBQ for hours of operation, menu and more.

20. Arthur Bryant's, Kansas City

This renowned barbecue spot was founded in the 1920's and has two locations; the original on 1727 Brooklyn Avenue, and another location at 1702 Village West Parkway in Kansas City, Kansas. For more information visit their website at Arthur Bryant's.

21. Pappy's Smokehouse, St. Louis

This National known restaurant was named one of "101 Best Places to Chow Down in America" by the Travel Channel. Located at 3106 Olive Street in St. Louis. You can find out more at Pappy's Smokehouse.

Were there any listed you hadn't heard of before?  I know there will be A LOT that were left off which are probably awesome, too.  Missouri barbecue is amazing!  Share your favorites (listed or not listed) in the comments below.