Famous Dave's

I'm curious as to just how famous Dave is.

Who here has heard of Famous Dave's before? Who here has eatten there? What is the overall opinion. Myself? It's the only real place to get good bar b que in my area. I know I quite enjoy it, especially when they're not as busy because I get more!

I always get a two meat combo. Usually I get rib tips & georgia chopped pork. I can't say much is bad there; it's a pretty decent chain.

Also-- What does anyone know about this Dave? They have a kind of award case when you enter, so I'm curious as to that collection in context to the massive BBQ competitors around the states.

Dave Anderson, a Native American, is presently a potentate in the Interior Dept., Bureau of Indian Affairs. Here's a bio link: http://www.famousdaves.com/biograph.cfm There are more links that will take you to his BBQ awards.

There are many threads about his restaurants on these pages, plus just as many opinions.

http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6270

http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2227

http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6270&SearchTerms=famous,dave's

I love his rib tips but I'm not as enamoured of every other item. Reading these posts one thing seemed clear; all locations do not seem to have the same standards. Get the right person placed in charge of a location and have them train and supervise the employees and you, the diner, should have a great experience.

I've been to Famous Dave's here in Knoxville, TN a few times and have never been disapointed. I must have given my e mail and b-day dates for my family early on because I get a free meal coupon about 2 weeks before each one.

Have not been to Famous Dave's before. Glad to hear you think it's fairly respectable because they're opening up a new outlet here in Ft Myers. Mr and Mrs QFan are always on the lookout for a new and different version of how to do que--even if it is a chain.

QFan
Bonita Springs, FL

Two thumbs down in my experience, you couldn't pay me to eat there again.

i have eaten at Famous Daves 3-4 times, and find it pretty average..The rib tips were not that good and I really didnt care for the ribs.However, I always use Famous Daves BBQ sauce when I am making anything calling for sauce...go figure!

We have a Famous Dave's located near us in the Yorktown Mall in Lombard, Illinois. We went with groups of 4 - 10 on three ocasions. The larger groups coupled with three visits allowed us to try virtually every item on the menu. We were more disappointed with each visit and have stopped going altogether. The food was avergae to poor, often dried out from sitting. The service was poor on all three visits and could be directly attributable to poor or no management. Tables were left uncleared for most of our meals resulting in table waits due to lack of clean tables. There are so many good places, why put up with this stuff.

I would suggest that if you run into a bad meal...or as described by CHI-TOWN-DINER, a series of bad meals, go to the website and describe what happened to the Corporate management. Here in Louisville, we have two restaurants (Famous Dave's). Both seem to hold up the quality of the chain. However we visited one on the North side of Cincinnati last year. It was horrible! Dirty, Cold Food, Terrible Service. The manager of one of the Louisville stores was talking to me during a recent visit...He said that several people complained to the Headquarters about the Cincinnati Store and the Franchise owner had faced 'severe pressure' to improve the place. We haven't been back there since, but It sounded like the Leadership was taking complaints seriously.

I rate the food a 5 or 6 on a 10 scale. We use it for a close to home, quick take-out. I do like the Rib-Tips and sweet corn muffins.

I have visited Famous Dave's several times. Some are good and some are bad. If you have a bad experience, visit their web site and complain. They will respond with a gift certificate which is generally more than you paid.

I am like Al, Their rib tips are very good.

In Knoxville we have very poor choices for BBQ. Famous Daves will serve pretty good if nothing else is available.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

I haven't yet visited any of the local Boston-area locations (I think there are now 3 of them), but I've eaten-in and taken-out from the New Brunswick, NJ location.

The ribs weren't bad, but they were far from the best I've ever had. I recall the pulled pork was pretty good, but a bit fatty. I also remember enjoying the sauces being offered. I don't recall any problems w/ cleanliness, service or luke-warm food.

Overall, if I needed a "fix" for some 'que, I wouldn't hesitate to go there, if there was nothing better around.

John

Famous Dave's is OK, nothing special in this market (Kansas City). It is better than Tony Roma's, which couldn't even stay in business here.

Keith

There aren't any in San Antonio yet,and while we have a Tony roma's here,I haven't tried it yet.
I'm surprised that Knoxville doesn't have any good BBQ places.I guess the area just isn't noted for it's "Q".

I tried a couple ribs in Philly, they were handing them out for free at the Eagles game. Not bad. Not great, not bad. Ribs.

Tom

There's a Famous Dave's in Sioux City, Iowa. We stop overnight there a couple of times a year and look forward to getting takeout after our 10-hour drive and heading back to the hotel. I've had better BBQ in Memphis and Texas, but where I live Tony Romas is the standard to meet for BBQ, so Famous Dave's is pretty good by comparison.

Sioux City? How is that the stopping point from anywhere? You live in Northern Canada? Not being a smart a**, well maybe a little, but we need to find you a better resting spot!

One just opened in Braintree, MA. I've been twice. The first time, I took my 15-year-old son. It was a slow time (about 2-2:30 in the afternoon, on a weekday) and we loved it. We got the BBQ platter for 2. Everything was delicious (It contained ribs, chicken, brisket, corn on the cob (this wasn't that good, but it almost never is in a restaurant, especially a chain), corn muffins, coleslaw, and beans (which we replaced with "drunken apples") and I forget what else, if anything) and it was served on a trash can lid. Quite the novelty, but it was really good for Yankee territory.

The next time, it was my husband, our 9-year-old daughter, and me on a Saturday night. We were very disappointed. We ordered the platter again, and it wasn't nearly as good as the first one. The food had clearly been reheated, and they had left a few things off, which we had to ask for. My daughter ordered a kid's ribs dinner, which consisted of 2 ribs which had little or no meat on them, and one side (she picked the corn muffin). The kid's meal was outrageously overpriced, considering she got so little (we ended up giving her some of ours, which was fine, because the platter had plenty once the waiter finally brought us the whole thing).

My conclusion: Good, but inconsistently so. I will go again, but early in the day. (I promised my son I'd treat him to lunch there when he has his 1/2 days of school - and it's just the two of us).

Chuckling at Theedge's comment. Yeah, I know, but the distance is about right, 530 miles, for a good day's drive in winter driving conditions. I-29 can get a little icy. You got the Canada part right, but not the north. Now, that's cold up there! We're about 60 miles from the border.

We have a Famous Dave's here in Lincoln, NE. We have been eating their food for about 3 years and I like their ribs, cole slaw and bread pudding. And I like their chili.

There's a couple of Famous Dave's here in Richmond. The one near my home is decent--I usually get the rib tips and fries which is meant as an appetizer but is more than enough food for me, and the quality is consistent.

quote:

Originally posted by QFan

Have not been to Famous Dave's before. Glad to hear you think it's fairly respectable because they're opening up a new outlet here in Ft Myers. Mr and Mrs QFan are always on the lookout for a new and different version of how to do que--even if it is a chain.

QFan
Bonita Springs, FL

I've been a fan of Sonny's for close to 30 years now. When we moved to Rochester NY in '84, good BBQ was rare. We pick up Sonny's sauces whenever we visit Ft. Myers or Atlanta and cook our own, but it's not quite the same.

Then Dinosaur opened here in '98, and life was better. Good food, but a much different atmosphere.

Dave's opened here last year. A lot of my friends go there (me too!) and I've never heard anything but good about it. The Dave's in Ft. Myers wasn't finished yet when we visited in July, but we'll stop the next time we're down there.

Have you ever been to Mel's Diner? Oddly enough, we have one here. Good food, decent service, plus pictures of the original Bonita Springs location.

By the way: if you're a big eater (or a take-homer) try the two meat platter at Dave's and order rib tips for both of the meats. Good food and lots of it!

Enjoy your meal - or as my Spanish-speaking friends say: Buen provecho!

Mike

They are in the final stages of building one of these places in our town. I have scoured the web for reviews on FD's and have read more bad than good about the place... the worst reviews were about the service with the most common description of the food being "mediocre". I guess I'll still try it for myself and see. More people than not rave over In N Out too, and I can't stand the place so we'll see.

quote:

Originally posted by Jennifer_4

They are in the final stages of building one of these places in our town. I have scoured the web for reviews on FD's and have read more bad than good about the place... the worst reviews were about the service with the most common description of the food being "mediocre". I guess I'll still try it for myself and see. More people than not rave over In N Out too, and I can't stand the place so we'll see.

I think it depends where you are at, my local area is not known for BBQ so there is nothing to compare to. I think it's pretty good but I've never had ribs there, always the chopped pork or brisket sandwich. The nephews seem to enjoyed the ribs and like getting the Feast. I also support Dave's charitable work.

Jaybomb - The ribs are good. When the kitchen is "on," I would say "pretty good." Out of maybe a half-dozen trips there total, I would say only once would I rate them "fair." I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I know I was. - Rusty

I am curious as to why this topic has not been moved to the fast foods and chains forum. It IS a chain and should not be treated any differently than the others.

quote:

Originally posted by Greymo

I am curious as to why this topic has not been moved to the fast foods and chains forum. It IS a chain and should not be treated any differently than the others.

Because TJ hasn't complained about it yet!

quote:

Originally posted by Theedge

Two thumbs down in my experience, you couldn't pay me to eat there again.

I ditto that! They do a poor imitation of anything BBQ. Just another Cookie Cutter Chain with generic food.

quote:

Originally posted by SurrealGourmet

quote:

Originally posted by Greymo

I am curious as to why this topic has not been moved to the fast foods and chains forum. It IS a chain and should not be treated any differently than the others.

Because TJ hasn't complained about it yet!

I do not think that is the reason. For some reason, this has been overlooked and it is unfortunate. Rules are rules!

Greymo, over in the "chicken" area, half of the threads are about chains.

They're OK, but can't hold a candle to Red, Hot & Blue in my area (northern VA)

gcw,

You don't have to wait until Sioux City, we have one in Fargo too. That way you only have to wait 4 hours instead of 7 or 8 (depending on how heavy your foot is!)

Darcy

quote:

Originally posted by MilwFoodlovers

I love his rib tips but I'm not as enamoured of every other item. Reading these posts one thing seemed clear; all locations do not seem to have the same standards. Get the right person placed in charge of a location and have them train and supervise the employees and you, the diner, should have a great experience.

Shame on you for loving his rib tips when we have Speed Queen so close to us. (just teasing you )

Famous Dave's is the only place I've ever gotten food poisoning so badly that I was out of work for 3 days, subsisting on white soda. I have been back only once and ordered a salad, as no one had to cook it.

quote:

Originally posted by frogger67

They're OK, but can't hold a candle to Red, Hot & Blue in my area (northern VA)

Except that the only Red, Hot and Blue in the Chicago area closed after 1 year, we still have FD

I have tried lots of BBQ and, chain or not, Famous Daves is a favorite of mine for brisket. The pulled pork does not impress me (not smoky enough) but for me the beef has a very good flavor that I have found lacking in many other places, and their sausage does too.

Finally got to FD's yesterday for the 1st time. Had the half-rack of St Louis style ribs. I would say they were serviceable+. Very meaty and generous sized. I wasn't crazy about their original "sassy" sauce, but would definitely go back for another fix to check out some of their other sauces and que choices. Wasn't overly impressed w/ the sides (had the beans, slaw and potato salad), but the potato salad was above average and to my liking. All in all, QFan felt he got his money's worth and a full tummy.

QFan
Bonita Springs, FL

QFan, which beans did you have? I prefer the Firecracker (green) over the Wilbur (baked). And while I don't eat at FD's more than a few times a year, if I get ribs I order them naked.

Brad

Brad, I think I had the Wilbur beans. I'll try the green ones next trip. Also like your suggestion to have the ribs "naked."
QFan
Bonita Springs, FL

Two Famous Dave's in Milwaukee-- one on the south side, one in White-Flight-Land. Botgh are pretty good. Enthusiastic crew, nice facilities, decent menu. I prefer the brisket and then have fun trying the half dozen BBQ sauces on the table.

quote:

Originally posted by gcw

There's a Famous Dave's in Sioux City, Iowa. We stop overnight there a couple of times a year and look forward to getting takeout after our 10-hour drive and heading back to the hotel. I've had better BBQ in Memphis and Texas, but where I live Tony Romas is the standard to meet for BBQ, so Famous Dave's is pretty good by comparison.

That's a great Famous Dave's location right near the new arena, full of hockey fans on game nights when the USHL is in town. The Famous Daves building in it's original days was an old cold storage for perishable rail cargo (hence it's location right next to a working rail line). It's also one of the biggest Famous Dave's restaurants in their entire chain.

The Famous Dave's here in the South Puget Sound area (Tacoma) are really good. I was skeptical at first of trying chain BBQ but was impressed by the quality of food. I'm kind of bummed that the experience back east has not been as positive. I will say that the service is inconsistent, ranging from friendly and efficient to indifferent.

My parents and I have visited Famous Daves in Woodbridge, VA at least once a month for almost 10 years, and the food is always great.  I totally *heart* the brisket, as does my father.  My mother is way into the pork, and my son loves the ribs.  However, the customer service there in the last 6 months has completely gone down the tubes:(

Went there last week, waited for 20 minutes, (they were not busy) and got NO service.  We spoke to the manager, he didn't even apologize.  Contacted the main office, no response whatsoever.  So I'm kind of thinking that will be my last Famous Dave's experience, unless the one in my new place in Washington is better.

I'm not a barbecue expert,but I know what I like,and our Famous Dave's in Brick is a family favorite. It is built like a log cabin and puts you in the mood upon entering. We always order the big family feast with brisket,ribs chicken,pulled pork muffins,beens,corn,slaw and fries...we leaved stuff and happy!!! The kids love using all 6 barbecue sauces. Devil's Spit is pretty good.
  Like many of these places,I'm sure quality varies from one franchise to another...but this one makes this family happy...and in New Jersey, great barbecue isn't plentiful. And when we're there it reminds me of so many rustic places I've eaten in out west.

 I love good BBQ, as most of you know! We have a Famous Dave's within 20 minutes ride, while other Louisville BBQ places are more than double the distance. As a result we are willing to drop down a notch in "excellence"  for the convenient access of the Famous Dave's. It is NOT bad BBQ, and we enjoy the 'premiums' that come at holiday time and birthdays (register on-line at their web-site for the birthday club stuff).
  Our menu choice at this point is the Rib-Tip dinner  or Appetizer Sampler for me and the BBQ Burger or BBQ Salad for Janet. As said above, The Brisket is pretty good as well, but it tends to be 'fall-apart' tender...and I like a litle 'chew' left in my Brisket!
  Another Bonus for the Clarksville, IN store...It has a Homemade Pie & Ice Cream store right behind it in the strip mall next to the Exit 5 of I-65 just north of Louisville!! 
AL

Al-The Mayor-Bowen


 I love good BBQ, as most of you know! We have a Famous Dave's within 20 minutes ride, while other Louisville BBQ places are more than double the distance. As a result we are willing to drop down a notch in "excellence"  for the convenient access of the Famous Dave's. It is NOT bad BBQ, and we enjoy the 'premiums' that come at holiday time and birthdays (register on-line at their web-site for the birthday club stuff).
Our menu choice at this point is the Rib-Tip dinner  or Appetizer Sampler for me and the BBQ Burger or BBQ Salad for Janet. As said above, The Brisket is pretty good as well, but it tends to be 'fall-apart' tender...and I like a litle 'chew' left in my Brisket!
Another Bonus for the Clarksville, IN store...It has a Homemade Pie & Ice Cream store right behind it in the strip mall next to the Exit 5 of I-65 just north of Louisville!! 
AL

 
Their rib tips are my favorite also.
 
Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Been to the Famous Dave's in the Wisconsin Dells and by my house in Palatine, IL  and haven't had a bad meal at either one, although service does get slow every once in a while. Actually, one of my favorites thing on the menu is the Catfish Fingers - very tasty.

Also, another place to try in the Chicago area for pulled pork and brisket is Smoque (on N. Pulaski, in Chicago)

Hmmmmm... strange, I just read his bio and there was no mention of what a BAD TIPPER he was in the late 80's!  before he was "famous" he was one of the regular suspects at the dive bar that I worked at on Lake st.  maybe that's why I have an aversion to his famous food..... waitresses sure can hold a grudge!!!!!  BIG SMILE!!!   Dawn

We've gone to the Famous Dave's in Bloomington/Normal quite a few times and it's always been good.   The first couple times the food was just incredible.   This last time ... eh.   So so.    It might have been my imagination ... but it seemed as though the menu had changed this last time.   The baked beans were hotter (spicier) ... I donno.  It just wasn't as tasty as it's been before.

My family loves the appetizer sampler ... although it's a shame because there's SO much food on it, there's really no need to order individual dinners!   LOL   Heaven knows, we end up taking boxes home each time.   :)

Glad to see so many roadfooders liking this franchise...I thought I'd be the only one...can't claim to be any kind of an expert on ribs, but I do know what I like....and I am a bit fussy.....we enjoy our Famous Dave's! ThirtyWhat...ours is as good as ever...maybe you're just used to the good food, and the surprise thrill of the first few times is wearing off.

ThirtyWhat
  I often order the Sampler instead of the usual entree. I may 'pack it' with a side order of Rib Tips ($2.99) if I want more pork. It does make a good dinner in itself.
 
Lee- There are some that are definitely on the very poor side of the list ! We tried one in Cincinnati and the service was really bad and the food was even worse...old and cold. So not all franchises meet the standard all the time.
AL

I've eaten at the Famous Dave's in Tinley Park IL a number of times, and I've found that the quality really varies from visit to visit. Some of my meals there have been great, and others not so much ( when Dave is good, he's very, very good; when he's not, he ain't! ) I do have to admit that Dave's Rich & Sassy sauce is one of my favorites; I always keep a bottle in the fridge.

FD's in DT KC is closing.

Famous Dave's opened her about 4-5 months ago.   What i've found is carryout is a total-rip off, tiny portions, undercooked food, and they sprinkle their 'seasoned salt" on everything which has a nasty taste/aftertaste.     I couldn't believe how expensive/bad it was.
 
Then the missus made me take her in after the newness crowd died down - and it was really amazing.   Huge portions, food even seemed cheaper, and the food tastes much better.   We've been several times since and inside is very good.   We've had carryout at work probably 12 times and everytime I've felt ripped off and food was horrible.
 
I think it's really hit or miss depending on your local franchise and the service.   I don't think the food is all that, but it can be fairly good for something different.  Especially in a fast food/chain restaurant world when you're sick of everything else.
 

I like the one here in Madison a lot. Most of the other ribs and such here are pretty sad and seem like they're geared towards something that kids will eat - no offfense. I'm a big man and my first trip there I saw 3 guys at 300 lbs plus and thought, "This must be my place.".

 We signed up for the "Birthday Club" on their website a couple of years ago , and make use of the freebie 'gift coupon' that arrives via email a week or so before our birthdays. Janet's was in yesterdays email and is good for a 'Sampler Appetizer" that is on the menu for @$14.00. Not a bad 'freebie' in my opinion. She has the whole month of February to use it.

   We don't go there a lot (@once a month), but it is located in a major shopping area for us and has a Homemade Pie Shoppe located within 100 feet of the FD's. That makes a nice stop when we hit the stores in the area.

Eaten at the Dave's in Davenport, IA twice while there on business, coming from KC thought I'd try it.

Fair I guess, sides were OK, my problem is that it tries to be all things, Texas brisket, carolina pulled pork, seemed like a dozen different sauces, had nothing of a signature dish they stood behind.

Dave's in downtown KC just closed last week, one in the suburbs is doing OK I guess, you'll never find me there, with the options we have here in KC I'm stunned they have lasted as long as they have.

Theedge


Two thumbs down in my experience, you couldn't pay me to eat there again.

i agree with the above statements!
 
it's average food...not the spectacular stuff i was expecting (as per what i'd been told about it). 

Beef&Fries, like you I'm rather surprised that Famous Dave's is doing reasonably well in the Kansas City area; actually "stunned" might be more accurate. Why in the world would anyone in KC go to Dave's for Q when there's Arthur Bryant's, Gates, LC's and a number of other "real" Q places in the metro area? I can understand going to Dave's if you live in an otherwise Q-less region, but KANSAS CITY??? Really sad.....