By GREG COX, triangle.com

It didn't take long for locals to discover Dixie Belle's Bar-B-Q, which opened earlier this month at Laura Village shopping center on N.C. 64 in Apex. I would even bet that some of those cars in the parking lot belong to folks who are just passing through and can't resist the siren call of hickory smoke wafting from the building.

But don't let the crowds scare you away. The line at the order counter moves fast, and the reward is a broad assortment of smoky fare at fast food prices.

Besides the chopped pork barbecue that is de rigueur in these parts (both Eastern and Western Carolina sauces are provided), the menu also lists Texas-style pulled chicken, beef brisket, pork loin and maple glazed turkey. Star billing goes to St. Louis style ribs, which the menu pronounces "award winning."

I haven't tried the ribs yet. I have sampled the chopped pork barbecue and brisket, though, and I'm happy to report that both are more than respectable. And you can't beat the prices, with most regular platters going for $6 to $7, including hushpuppies and two sides (collards, fried okra, Brunswick stew and cinnamon apples, to name a few).

Dixie Belle's is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Next time, I think I'll go whole hog and shell out ten bucks for a half rack of those ribs.