Local barbecue joint makes national Top 100 list

What's more fun than being listed in a book called "The 100 Best Barbecue Restaurants in America?" Being ranked in the top 5.

Springfleld's City Butcher and Barbecue is included in a new book by Johnny Fugitt, an author who grew up in Branson. To create his list, Fugitt said he visited 365 barbecue restaurants across 48 states.

Fugitt loved the restaurant's burnt ends so much, he ranked them in his top 5. He also placed the sausages in the top 10, and the brisket is named one of the best — outside of Texas.

Cody Smith, co-owner of City Butcher and Barbecue, says that they have no secrets or special techniques.

"We are always doing the very best we can and serving meat as fresh as possible," said Smith. "We have customers that know the quality of food we serve and they really seek it out. They can taste the difference."

Smith also said that their beef brisket is by far their most popular item, accounting for over one third of sales.

Smith said they are looking into some options for expansion, including expanding their current space at 3650 S. Campbell Ave.

The lunch crowds are typically so busy that owners Cody Smith and Jeremy Smith (no, they're not brothers) recommend stopping by early. City Butcher often sells out of barbecue. However, the shop is always open until 7 p.m.