Famous Dave's Bar B Que Philadelphia Pa

Okay, so picture this: I'm wandering around Philly, right? Totally lost, as usual (my internal compass is tragically broken, thanks, Mom and Dad). My stomach’s rumbling like a distant thunderstorm and all I can think about is BBQ. Like, seriously craving that smoky, saucy goodness. Then, bam! Like a beacon of deliciousness, I spot it: Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que. I swear, angels sang. Or maybe that was just my stomach again. Either way, it felt significant.

That got me thinking...Famous Dave's. It's a name I've heard for ages, but I'd never actually been. What's the deal? Is it just hype? Is it worth battling the Philly crowds (because let’s be real, there are always crowds)? So, I did what any self-respecting, slightly-hungry, and utterly-lost person would do: I went in. And then I decided to dig a little deeper. This is what I found. Hope you're hungry!

Famous Dave's: More Than Just a Name

Alright, let’s get the basics down. Famous Dave's isn't some tiny, hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint. It's a pretty big chain. But don't let that scare you off. Sometimes chains can be surprisingly good, and sometimes they can be... well, let’s just say disappointing. The real question is, which category does Famous Dave's fall into? (Spoiler alert: I was pleasantly surprised.)

The Story Behind the Smoke

So, who is this Dave, and why is he so famous? Turns out, Dave Anderson, the founder, is a bit of a BBQ legend. He spent years perfecting his recipes, traveling around, and basically immersing himself in the world of smoky meats. His passion is what drove the concept! He started with one restaurant in Hayward, Wisconsin, and the rest, as they say, is BBQ history. He has won many awards over the years including the Memphis in May World Championship. That's got to give you some credibility!

The Philly Factor: Location, Location, Location

Okay, so Famous Dave's has locations all over the place. But we're talking about the one (or ones) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Because, let's face it, Philly has its own unique vibe. Finding good BBQ in Philly is like finding... well, a parking spot in Center City. Challenging, to say the least. But a great location can be worth all the pain and hassle.

What's On the Menu? (And Is It Any Good?)

This is the part you’ve been waiting for, right? The juicy details about the food. So, let's dive into what Famous Dave's in Philly has to offer.

The Meats: The Heart of the Matter

Let's be honest, when you go to a BBQ place, you're there for the meat. And Famous Dave's delivers. Here's a rundown of some of their heavy hitters:

• St. Louis-Style Spareribs: These are their signature ribs, and for good reason. They're dry-rubbed, slow-smoked, and then glazed with Dave's Rich & Sassy® BBQ sauce. They are tender and falling off the bone. Word to the wise: Bring extra napkins!
• Texas Beef Brisket: If you're a brisket fan, this is a must-try. It's smoked for hours until it's incredibly tender and flavorful. You can have it sliced or chopped. I personally prefer sliced to fully appreciate the beautiful smoke ring.
• Georgia Chopped Pork: Pulled pork is a BBQ staple, and Famous Dave's version is pretty darn good. It's smoky, tangy, and perfect for sandwiches or eating straight off the plate.
• Country-Roasted Chicken: Okay, so maybe you're not a huge red meat person. No problem! The chicken is a solid choice. It's roasted until it's juicy and flavorful.
• Hot Link Sausage: Craving a kick? The hot link sausage is where it's at. It's spicy, smoky, and adds a nice bit of heat to your meal.

Pro Tip: Consider ordering a BBQ Feast if you want to sample a little bit of everything. It's a great way to get a taste of all the different meats and sides. Great for sharing, too. Assuming you're willing to share, of course.

The Sides: Don't Forget Your Veggies (and Carbs!)

No BBQ meal is complete without the sides. And Famous Dave's has a pretty impressive selection. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Wilbur Beans: Sweet, smoky, and utterly addictive. These are a must-order. Don't skip them. Seriously, don't.
• Creamy Coleslaw: A classic BBQ side, and Famous Dave's version is pretty good. It's creamy, tangy, and a nice counterpoint to the richness of the meats.
• Garlic Red-Skin Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and flavorful, these mashed potatoes are a comforting and delicious side dish.
• Sweet Corn: Simple, but satisfying. The sweet corn is a great way to add a little bit of freshness to your meal.
• Mac & Cheese: A classic comfort food, and Famous Dave's mac & cheese is pretty darn good. It's creamy, cheesy, and perfect for kids (and adults!).

Side Note: I'm a sucker for good cornbread, and Famous Dave's cornbread muffins are pretty decent. They're sweet, moist, and perfect for soaking up all that delicious BBQ sauce.

The Sauces: The Secret Weapon

Okay, so the meats and sides are important, but the sauce is what really brings everything together. Famous Dave's has a variety of sauces to choose from, so you can customize your BBQ experience to your liking. Here are a few of the options:

• Rich & Sassy®: Dave's signature sauce. It's sweet, smoky, and a little bit tangy. It's a good all-around sauce that goes well with everything.
• Devil's Spit®: For those who like a little heat, the Devil's Spit® sauce is the way to go. It's spicy, smoky, and adds a nice kick to your meal.
• Wilbur's Revenge®: Okay, this sauce is not for the faint of heart. It's seriously spicy! Use with caution. Unless you’re trying to impress someone with your heat tolerance. Then, go for it.
• Sweet & Zesty®: A lighter, more tangy sauce. This one is a great choice for chicken or pork.
• Texas Pit®: A smoky, peppery sauce that's perfect for brisket.

My Recommendation: Try a few different sauces to see which one you like best. You can even mix them together to create your own custom blend. BBQ sauce alchemy, if you will.

The Atmosphere: Is It a Good Place to Hang Out?

Food is important, but the atmosphere can make or break a dining experience. So, what's the vibe like at Famous Dave's in Philly?

Generally, Famous Dave's has a rustic, casual feel. Think wood paneling, BBQ-themed decor, and maybe a mounted deer head or two. It's a comfortable and inviting place to hang out with friends and family.

Of course, the specific atmosphere can vary depending on the location. Some locations might be a little more lively and energetic, while others might be a bit more laid-back and relaxed. But overall, you can expect a fun and casual dining experience.

The Service: Are They Friendly Folks?

Good service can make all the difference, even if the food is amazing. So, how's the service at Famous Dave's?

In my experience, the service at Famous Dave's has always been pretty good. The servers are generally friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They're also usually pretty good about refilling drinks and bringing out extra napkins (which you'll definitely need!).

Of course, service can vary depending on the location and the time of day. But overall, I've always had a positive experience with the service at Famous Dave's.

The Price: Is It Worth the Dough?

Let's talk about the bottom line: the price. Is Famous Dave's affordable, or will it break the bank?

Famous Dave's is generally considered to be mid-priced. It's not the cheapest BBQ option out there, but it's also not the most expensive. You can expect to pay around $15-$30 per person, depending on what you order.

Whether or not it's worth the price is, of course, a matter of personal opinion. But I think that Famous Dave's offers a pretty good value for the money. The food is good, the atmosphere is fun, and the service is generally good. So, if you're looking for a solid BBQ experience without breaking the bank, Famous Dave's is a good option.

The Verdict: Is Famous Dave's Worth a Visit?

So, after all this investigation, what's my final verdict on Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que in Philadelphia? I'd say it's definitely worth a visit! While it's not the most authentic, hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint you'll ever find, it's a consistently good option for satisfying your BBQ cravings.

The food is tasty, the atmosphere is fun, and the service is generally good. Plus, the prices are reasonable. So, if you're in the mood for some smoky, saucy goodness, give Famous Dave's a try. You might just be surprised.

And hey, even if you're not lost like I was, it's still a great excuse to indulge in some delicious BBQ. Just sayin'.

Final Thoughts and Tips

• Check for Specials: Famous Dave's often has daily or weekly specials, so be sure to check their website or ask your server about them. You might be able to score a great deal on your favorite BBQ.
• Join the E-Club: Sign up for Famous Dave's E-Club to receive exclusive coupons and offers.
• Consider Takeout: If you're not in the mood to dine in, you can always order takeout. Famous Dave's is a great option for a BBQ feast at home.
• Don't Be Afraid to Get Messy: BBQ is meant to be enjoyed, so don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Embrace the sauce!
• Most Importantly: Enjoy! BBQ is all about good food, good company, and good times. So, relax, have fun, and savor every bite.

So, there you have it! My (slightly biased, but hopefully helpful) review of Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que in Philadelphia. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need another rack of ribs...