You’re clearly in the suburbs at Firebox BBQ, which faces a McDonald’s and closes at 8 p.m. on weeknights (we were turned away on our first attempt). The menu reflects its surroundings, pairing dry-rubbed barbecue with odd choices like Tex-Mex and falafel. The mind-set at this spot, opened by partners David Goldstone and Bryan McConnaughey in 2009, is not by-the-book barbecue; it’s survival at any cost. St. Louis pork ribs ($13.79 third-rack, $16.89 half-rack, $28.99 full rack) are the best meat on the menu, despite being quite tough. The pulled pork sandwich ($7.99, pictured above) is too aggressively smoked, courtesy of their Southern Pride smoker. As we pay, we’re handed a frequent customer card that saves $5 after 10 visits. When you’re spitting distance from the Burlington Mall and chains like Chili’s, you need to get creative to keep afloat.