6 Best Barbeque Restaurants near Lockeford

“Worth the Detour: Daddy’s House of Ribs Delivers Smoky Perfection in Tiny Lockeford
Picture this: you’re cruising Highway 88 through the sleepy farm town of Lockeford, population 3,200, past the legendary Lockeford Meat & Sausage Co., when a hand-painted sign screams “RIBS” in red letters. Pull in. You’ve just found Daddy’s House of Ribs, a 40-seat BBQ shrine that smells like hickory heaven and feels like a family reunion you actually want to attend.
Owner Alvin “Big Daddy” Sims built the pit himself—an 8-foot beast that kisses every rack with oak and applewood for 6–8 hours. No shortcuts, no boil-then-sauce nonsense. The motto painted above the counter says it all: “We don’t hide our meat under sauce.” Translation: the bark is the star.
I ordered the full rack of St. Louis-cut pork ribs ($34 with two large sides) and added green beans because, well, balance. What arrived was a mahogany cathedral of meat. Twelve bones, each one lacquered in a peppery bark so thick it crunched like caramelized bacon. Tug gently and the meat surrendered—pink smoke ring, molten fat, zero chew. One bite and I forgot words. The mild house sauce (bourbon-kissed, tangy-sweet) sat untouched until the last three ribs, when I finally dipped out of curiosity. Unnecessary. The ribs are that good solo.
Now, the green beans. Don’t roll your eyes—these aren’t the sad cafeteria spears. Fresh-snapped, simmered low and slow with smoked ham hock, onion, and a whisper of garlic, they collapse into silky, porky bliss. Bright, salty, addictive. I ate every last one with a spoon and considered licking the bowl. Pro move: crumble a rib bone in there for extra smoke.
Sides rotate daily, but the cornbread muffin is non-negotiable—golden dome, crackly edges, honey-sweet crumb that steams when you split it. Wash it down with iced tea so strong it could wake a coma patient.
The vibe? Pure Americana cool. A turquoise ’59 Cadillac tailfin slices through one wall, signed jerseys from local heroes hang above booths, and a baby grand in the corner begs “Play Me!” On Saturdays, a kid inevitably tickles out “Heart and Soul” while you gnaw bones. Outdoor picnic tables overlook the sausage shop across the street—grab links to go and thank me later.
Service is small-town gold. Big Daddy himself circled twice, asking “How we doin’, baby?” and refilled tea without being asked. Tab for one full rack, two sides, muffin, and tea: $41 before tip. In 2025, that’s a highway robbery in reverse.
One note: they close at 6 p.m. sharp (7 p.m. Fri/Sat). Arrive by 5 or risk the dreaded “pit’s cold” sign. Call ahead on weekends; the parking lot overflows with Bay Area plates.
Daddy’s isn’t chasing Yelp hype or TikTok fame. It’s chasing the memory of your uncle’s backyard cookout, only executed with pitmaster precision. I left with sauce on my shirt, a Styrofoam box of leftovers, and zero regrets. Next trip I’m tackling the beef dino ribs. Lockeford is now on my permanent BBQ pilgrimage map.
Five smoky stars. Bring wet wipes and an empty stomach.“

“Very clean everyone is smiling.great food.“

“Great food and people food amazing“

“Pros: I went on Easter Sunday, because not many restaurants were open. There was a pleasant couple working. The lady informed me that yes, you can order ahead without giving your credit card number. Excellent food! Recommended!Cons: slightly pricey... Limited dining atmosphere experience.“

“I was contacted on Instagram by someone from here I believe her name is Miranda. Now unprovoked she proceeded to make offensive comments about my body and my weight specifically when I indicated that I gained weight due to a medication that I was trying to get off of there was more comments about the size of my body and the excuses I make about being fat. Not only was this hurtful but it seemed concerning to me that somebody would affiliate themselves with a business publicly and make this kind of comment directly ties them to the business making this now appear to be an issue with the business as a whole and maybe not just one individual who was vicious to not just me but then some of my friends who attempted to defend me I ended up having to block her so she would stop commenting on my page but others interacted with her and she provided the same disrespect. What’s absolutely insane to me is that it was clear why I was out a way that I was I’m feeling comfortable in my body while being that weight but she refused to except that I should be comfortable in my body if I am “fat” no as a business that sells food that ain’t too good for the heart or the belly that seems concerning to me does that mean she’s looking at each of you and calling you fat because I didn’t welcome her to my page she came to it on her own and made those comments on her own. After that she proceeded to argue with a friend of mine and make homophobic comments I just cannot fathom that somebody representing a business would make any of the comments that they did I can’t find them wire human being would make any other comments that she did but me I would be very uncomfortable eating in a restaurant or her food if she’s just going to judge you for being fat her doing so that’s not where I would want to spend my money to support her business. I also happen to have all of the screenshots should she attempt to delete her comments or deny them“

“This restaurant good place to eat at and please check your apps for this place on delivery minimum purchases watch what you order and check there area in cleaness and services and server always ask for senior discounts enjoy your eating thanks“