Uncle Tom's Barbecue

This place is about as American barbecue as Celia Cruz is Bobby Flay, but the food is muy buena. Ribs are neatly glazed and not too sweet, with a tang all their own. In fact, you can actually smell the distinct smoky aroma as soon as you get out of the car and walk toward this Christmas tree-light adorned log cabin on Calle Ocho. Inside, sit at a picnic table topped with a paper towel roll in an environment that includes photos of Rita Hayworth, Mae West, and Liberace. Ditch the menu and and just order the Argentine-inspired mixed grill. Served on a wooden cutting board, it comes with five baby-back ribs, a quarter barbecued chicken that's moist and tender, a hunk of churrasco (with a side of chimichurri, of course), garlic sausage, and tasty blood sausage. Sides include Latin staples such as sweet plantains, black beans, and rice, with coleslaw and baked beans thrown into the mix.