On Saturday I decided to try a head-to-head comparison between Cole's and another new BBQ place in Robbins down the street. I got a tip-link combo from Cole's and headed down Claire to "Bobby's Smoke Shack" where I asked if they did a tip-link combo and was told by the very young girl (12-ish?) behind the bulletproof glass "Yes but we don't have any cooks here right now." So I thanked her and left.
Thus, in my head-to-head comparison of these 2 places, Cole's wins, because I was able to get food there.
Unfortunately, the food was a mixed bag. The links were terribly overcooked and only partially edible. There were some great bites on the tips but only a couple of items that were recognizably rib tips made it into the boat. The rest was just scattered pieces of meat and fat. Which were tasty, but not exactly what I expect when I order tips.
Of course, this was around 2pm on a Saturday, and BBQ is of course variable, and it might not have been the best time to try the place. I'll give them another shot, and hopefully be able to get some food at the other place too next time.