Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que (To Go Only)

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que (To Go Only): A Mixed Experience

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que is a renowned name in BBQ, but how does the experience hold up when it’s limited to take-out only? Based on recent reviews, the feedback on their Austin, Texas location paints a varied picture. Some customers rave about the quality, while others are less impressed, particularly when it comes to service and consistency. Let’s dive into the highlights and challenges.

The Good: Finger-Licking Ribs and Cornbread

Many patrons agree on one thing: Famous Dave’s can make a mean rib. Several reviews, like those from Thomas Clark and Axcross Towne, praised the ribs for being delicious and well-cooked. Clark, although critical of other menu items, found the ribs to be the highlight of his meal. Similarly, Axcross Towne appreciated the ribs so much that they were willing to overlook the missing sides from their order.

A fan favorite also appears to be Famous Dave’s cornbread. Patrons consistently mentioned how addictive it was, with Jeremy Charske and Silvestre Sanders calling it a standout feature of their meals. According to Charske, the cornbread muffins were “great,” and Sanders exclaimed that the cornbread paired with honey was “to die for.”

The Challenges: Service and Location Confusion

Despite some food highlights, the service at Famous Dave’s To Go in Austin is a recurring concern. Multiple customers expressed frustration over long wait times and issues with order pickups. Reviews from Jordan Stoneking and Andrea S highlight confusion over the restaurant’s location, as it operates inside Johnny Carino’s Italian Grill. The lack of clear signage and accurate directions made it difficult for many to find the spot, causing unnecessary delays.

Furthermore, Stoneking mentioned that by the time he arrived, his food had gone cold, and calls to the restaurant went unanswered. This theme was echoed in other reviews, with Kevin Sprague criticizing the long wait for delivery orders, and Nathan Sallee lamenting the fact that it took over three hours for an Uber order to arrive.

The Not-So-Great: Mixed Reviews on Other BBQ Staples

While the ribs and cornbread received applause, other BBQ staples like brisket and sides left much to be desired. Susan M didn’t mince words when she said it was “the WORST barbecue in Texas,” pointing to brisket that was awful and sides like potato salad and coleslaw that were inedible. Ciera Shackelford, who was excited to try Famous Dave’s, was similarly disappointed, finding the mac and cheese overly salty and the overall experience lacking.

Another common complaint from customers was that some items seemed pre-cooked or even microwaved. Kyrill V, for instance, felt like the ribs had spent too much time in the freezer before being reheated. These issues seemed to contribute to a general sense of inconsistency when it came to the food quality, which disappointed loyal fans who expected better.

Final Thoughts: Worth It for the Right Dish

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que in Austin offers some bright spots for BBQ lovers, particularly when it comes to their ribs and cornbread. However, challenges with the take-out setup, service, and consistency of other menu items make it a mixed experience. For those craving good ribs and addictive cornbread, it might be worth a try—but don’t expect a seamless process or flawless menu across the board. If you go, a little patience and selective ordering may be key.