Famous Dave's Rib Rub Seasoning, 5.5 oz, 3 Pack

Famous Dave's started in 1994 as a single barbecue restaurant in Hayward, Wisconsin, opened by Dave Anderson, and grew into a chain built on pork ribs, brisket and chicken. This is the dry rub side of that kitchen: a sweet, smoky, paprika-forward blend with garlic and onion behind it and a gentle pepper finish.

A rib rub is seasoning you press onto raw meat before it meets heat, not stirred in at the table. Given low heat and time, the sugar and spice set into the dark crust that barbecue cooks call bark. Spare ribs and baby backs are the home turf, but the same shaker earns its keep on pork shoulder, chicken thighs, thick-cut chops and beef brisket, and a light dusting suits potato wedges or grilled corn.

Most cooks season an hour ahead, or the night before in the refrigerator, then hold the sauce until the last stretch of cooking so the crust stays intact. If you keep a grill or smoker going through the season, it is a workhorse to have within reach of the tongs.