Dickey's Barbecue Pit — Restaurant in Amarillo

I ordered online. Sandwiches and pecan pie for three people. I arrived and was told they had no pecan pie. Ok, no biggie. They have three different desserts listed on their menu. I asked what desserts they had and the girl looked confused. She advised they didnt have any deserts. She then advised I could have sides. I agreed to three sides of beans. She bagged everything up and handed it to me. I drove back home and unpacked the food. I only had one side of beans and they shorted me one sandwich. It was, of course, the most expensive sandwich in my order ($12). I drove all the way back and should have gone in but I was tired so I went back to the drive thru. The girl said she would make it right while laughing ?!? I pull up and she was at window with a young boy who was apparently a cook. She was telling him he got it wrong. I tried to show her my receipt showing what I had ordered on the sandwich. She would not look at it saying we know what you had. After a few minutes, she gave me two more sides of beans and the sandwich. I should have checked the sandwich but I was tired and thought surely they got it right because she had told me they knew what I had ordered. The sandwich I ordered was a two meat sandwich with other items added. I got home and I had a sliced beef sandwich with no sauce and it was cold. I did not go back. I had paid $12 but had received a cold $8 sandwich. Nothing I ordered was special, just items off their menu. Easy Peasy, right! I guess it was too hard for them. The girl never took anything seriously and thought it was all funny. One star because you can't give zero stars. Don't...

I'll preface my review by admitting that I am no bbq expert. However, I have experienced 1 star bbq, and I have experienced outstanding 5 star bbq. In the case of Dickey's, I feel that I'm being a little generous with 2 stars. Allow me to explain.

Many reviews here rave about the customer service, and I won't deny that the service is pretty good, sure. But if I'm after bbq, the meat is what counts. In this case, quality service was not enough to redeem an utterly forgettable meal.

I ordered a 2-meat plate with sliced brisket & ribs. Sides were bbq beans and chips, and I also received a roll. Things looked ok from the start, but as soon as I took my first bite of brisket, I knew I was going to be disappointed in this place. Hardly any smoke flavor at all in the brisket & ribs - both meats genuinely seemed as if they had been oven roasted. For a place that advertises slow smoking in-house, this is a considerable problem. I honestly believe that I have had a better smoked rib from Chili's, which is really saying something. The rubs used on the meats were fine, and the sauce was alright albeit a little plain. The beans were decent - they are a sweet, baked bean style.

Overall, I'm a little upset that this place exists now, because it will inevitably take business away from some of the more deserving local bbq establishments. I will not be eating here again until I feel they have learned to use a smoker. I truly wanted the experience to be better, as I live right down the street. But what else can you really expect from another mega franchise?

Go...

Yes, it's a chain restaurant but I can't bring myself to knock any points off because I've had such a good experience every time I come here. The employees seem exceptionally good. They answer my questions and never make me feel like I'm bothering them. I don't usually order a drink so when I get a special that includes a drink I will often swap it for aside like the wonderful onion shreds they make. Everything I have tried has been good. I usually get one of the specials. My favorite is the Tuesday Baker Special. A huge baked potato with butter and sour cream for about $6 including a drink. Because the special is so reasonable I will often get a side of ribs for $3.99. All that together is still pretty cheap and I have plenty of leftovers for the next day so I get two meals for the price of one. If you want, I think they swapped the meat if you ask. It seems like I got it with pulled pork at least once. I don't usually get dessert but the pecan pie is pretty good. They have two or three different BBQ sauces to choose from although with the pandemic it's not self serve anymore. But they give you whatever you ask for. I'll mention again, the employees are exceptionally nice. Recommended place to go. I've probably been there dozen...