Pastor Hamilton's BBQ

Some believe that really good barbeque is made by divine intervention. If that’s the case, then Pastor Luches Hamilton has the inner track. Working out of a tiny space adjacent to his church in St. Paul, he turns out sticky ribs and jo-jo potatoes that answer a higher calling: selling barbeque to raise funds for his church’s youth programs. Even though he does a brisk lunch-and-dinner business Tuesday through Saturday, the friendly pastor doesn’t mind chatting while he cooks—just don’t ask him to reveal the family’s secret sauce recipe. On Fridays when the weather’s warm enough, the operation moves outdoors for an old-time cookout. The prices are almost sinfully humble, too, considering you’re being served a big slab of paradise. NOTE CORRECTION ON ADDRESS: 1150 7th St. E., St. Paul; 651-772-0279; www.pastorhamilton-bbq.com