Born in the USAAny kid who spent part of summer vacation at a lake house is susceptible later in life to a strong nostalgia for screen doors, fountain soda, and slasher flicks. Many of my particular lake house memories are set in the 80s and involve watching dudes in nothing but cutoffs drive by in pickups with American flag bumper stickers, blaring “Born in the USA” by the Boss. It’s no wonder that walking into Rainin’ Ribs induces era-checking arm pinches. There are the only slightly ironic American flags displayed in the kitchen and dining area. There is the iconic framed picture of Mr. Springsteen strumming a guitar in front of the Stars and Stripes above the cash register. And the kids in cut offs? They’ve been replaced with a fresh-faced kitchen staff slinging some of the best damn B-B-Q in our fair city. To spell it out, the ribs here are really good. Mildly addictive, actually. But it’s the total unpretentiousness of the place, with its even mix of kids, old folks, regular Joes, and displaced hipsters, that makes it my new favorite spot. In spite of the fact that they use styrofoam take out boxes. Located a five minute drive north of Lake City in what’s technically considered Lake Forest Park, Rainin’ Ribs was opened in 2010 by a mid-twenty something former basketball player turned rib smoker. It sits behind a drive thru espresso stand and has a full view of Lake Washington from the dining area. A rigged up heated and covered dining room houses a fountain soda machine, a big screen habitually set to a sports channel, and a small stage accommodating occasional live music. A row of tables by the back windows look straight at the lake. Rainin’ Ribs cooks its meat nice and slow, using a pair of triple-barrel smokers. A subtly sweet, smoky flavor comes through, even when your pick of protein is covered in sauce. Baby backs, thinly sliced brisket, and pulled pork are juicy and balanced by a vinegary, faintly peppery house BBQ. Sauceophiles (including most if not all children) can slather extra Sweet G., VooDoo, or house sauce onto big hunks of fall-off-the-bone meat. Three microbrews are on rotation, along with a couple of wines and domestic beers. Kids will be well occupied eating their own meal–either a pork slider or boneless chicken wings with corn bread, mac and cheese, and sweet banana pudding. A long list of sides are a measly $3 bucks a pop. Hardly an afterthought, helpings of fried pickles and citrusy collard greens are made to order. If hush puppies and cole slaw tend to conjure bad memories of Red Lobster, order both at Rainin’ Ribs for redemption. Kids will gobble up the crispy, flavorful golden pups. And, as it should be, the slaw is mostly shredded cabbage with a hint of vinegary mayo and not the other way around. A touch too tender, the seasoned green beans add a little something healthy to the experience. In contrast, the so-bad-for-you-they’re-good skin on sweet potato fries are served hot and get better when diped in extra sides of sauce. But if you’re only going to try one side, make sure it’s the boozed-spiked beans and rice dotted with spicy red peppers, sausage, and pork. I’m telling you now, they very well may be the best beans and rice you will ever eat. Follow Voracious on Twitter and Facebook. Follow me at @hellobillups.