Ironhead Barbecue — Restaurant in Aiken County

One word: Disappointing. I'd heard good things about this place but it didn't measure up. We went on on a Saturday afternoon and it wasn't busy which was awesome. As we're deciding what to order, the two girls behind the counter are arguing about whether it was more important to clear tables or work the counter. As we'd never eaten there before I asked the girl what gives me the most bang. She told me to get the "buffet". Apparently "buffet" means something different because all it meant was paying $4 for an extra side. The "buffet" was 15.99 for one meat and three sides. My wife ordered the pulled pork which was a good amount of pork and two sides for 11.99. Then the 12 oz sodas were 2.50 each.

On to the food. My wife's pulled pork was pretty good but not much smoke on it. She got the coleslaw and hash and rice for her sides. The coleslaw was basically shredded cabbage and mayo. Not much flavor. Hash and rice was decent but nothing special. I got the "buffet" (tired of the quotes yet?) With brisket, greens, Mac n cheese, and black eyed peas. The best part of my meal was the sides. Even decent brisket should be able to be pulled apart easily. This wasn't decent brisket. The girl didn't know how to cut it. I asked for the fat side and she proceeded to cut from the flat with varying thicknesses and at odd angles. It was dry and had to be cut with a knife. It was overcooked and very tough. The worst brisket I've made at home was much better than this.

All in all I wouldn't go back again so I can't recommend you go once. There has to be better bbq somewhere. The only reason I didn't give it 1 star was for the pork and some...

For starters. I ordered my child chicken fingers from kids menu . A CHILD then brought my CHILD out chicken fingers BY HAND and handed them to him ! No gloves ! No plate . No paper . No nothing ! BY HAND . THEN . The food was COLD ! ALL OF IT ! Requested to try the brisket and it was clearly there for quite some time , then went to ask to how long the ribs have been sitting then “ This kid “ , they were just brought out , THEY WERE NOT ! THEY WERE COLD AND DRY. !!!!! Green beans came straight out a can , no seasoning AT ALL , And had been sitting so long that my fork desenegrated my green beans ! And let’s not mention ! The child that cashed me out GAVE ME TO MUCH CHANGE BACK ! I corrected Her and she still didn’t understand ! Then as we are eating she bought me MORE MONEY ! I then Told her you are giving me to much money you already gave me to much as it is !!!! She was very apologetic, that’s great ! But your drawer will be short you keep doing that ! ! And lastly , the 15 min that we was there to eat our cold food , we watched Atleast 10 people walk in & look at the food and then walk away ! ! ! This use to be my spot ! I understand times are getting tough ! But this looks as it isn’t gonna end well ! Do better ! That’s all...

Arrived at 1pm on a beautiful Saturday to an empty parking lot and 1 other party inside. Reviews were solid so I stuck it out.

Got the brisket and pulled pork combo, for $22 with drink.

I’ll start with the good: Pork had good flavor despite being a tad dry and giving visual impression it wasn’t freshly pulled. Sauces were pretty good; I liked the darker/spicier one the most. Staff was friendly.

Brisket was TERRIBLE. Tough as leather, cut way too thick (especially if it’s tough!), and dry. You can see what I’m describing in the pictures. You shouldn’t have to provide a knife to cut brisket and this plastic one struggled. It was difficult to even pull it apart. It’s as if they either a) pulled it from the heat before reaching probe tender, or b) reheated some old brisket. It was like a bad cafeteria pot roast. I left half of the most expensive part of the plate behind.

Beans were ok but I didn’t order them; the mac & cheese I did order came after the pic, about 3 minutes later with hot spots in it. Hash looks like it was puréed, but flavor was ok if not underwhelming.

I was really excited after reading some reviews and seeing pictures, but it was...