Barbacoa Smokehouse & Deli — Restaurant in Albany

This is our 1st time stopping in to dine and we thought this would be a great experience based on their reviews. Boy were we wrong. First they were short staffed which I understand they probably cut their staff due to closing soon. We had to order at the bar and I even offered to bring our drinks to the table since they were short. While we were waiting for our food we noticed this customer was chatty and following around the waitress. He seemed to be heavily intoxication. We let it slide- it’s a Friday night and he is probably a local. That was until he followed her back into the kitchen. One of the guest I was with went to talk to the hostess. She said he was a worker and said he only had one drink. This guy was loaded. She made excuses that he isn’t on the clock. Well then why is he in the back where are food is being prepared. We looked in small window of the kitchen and he was eating in the kitchen! We became even more frustrating while she was chit chatting with him at the bar she could have been waiting our table. I can’t believe the owner puts up with this. His restaurant is monitored by security cameras....

Service note: It is normally almost "fast casual" style where you make your order at the front (you can grab a menu first and sit down for awhile though if you want) and then they bring the food out to you, they don't normally take your order at the table unless you make a reservation more than 24 hrs in advance. But the people themselves are friendly and helpful.

They sometimes have live music out on their patio/outdoor area.

The food was very, very good! Recommended by 4 people with very different tastes. The ribs were a bit tougher than some people might be used to but not bad and the flavor was amazing. Mac & cheese was delightful with the extra char. Quesadilla was perfect and plentiful, and the chicken was absolutely perfect - not dry. All the...

Just passing through Albany Minnesota. I asked the lady from our hotel where a good place to eat and relax a little while. She recommended Barbacoa Smokehouse & Deli just a few block walk.

We were seated and given a couple of menus. Once you know what you want you go back to the counter where you were initially greeted and give your order. We were given a number and set back to talk about the day.

Our food was freshly prepared. We ordered a 10” Hawaiian pizza and a Burrito Mojado. Our server was very friendly and pleasant to speak with. The food was very delicious!! The chef deserves a lot of credit for the meals he or she prepared.

If we ever pass this way again, it’s a guaranteed stop. Kudos to everyone from owners to your...