Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que — Restaurant in Brookfield

I was thrilled when I learned that Famous Dave's was coming back to Brookfield. My extended family and I used to frequent the one in Waukesha and had many memorable meals there. The group dinners that were served on the garbage can covers were delicious and lots of fun. We also have been to the one on S. 27th St. a couple times, as well as the one in Eau Clair. In every instance the decor, service, and food was top notch. We loved the catfish and all of the stuff that was hanging on the walls!

We ate at the Brookfield location for the first time this past Saturday May 3rd 2025 and to say that I was disappointed is an understatement. The menu isn't the same, the old faves are not there. Goodbye catfish. Goodbye garbage can dinner. There is almost no seating. For all intents my wife and I were sharing a crappy little table with three strangers. The food was lukewarm, dry, and almost flavorless. You place your order at the counter then wait for your food. If you are lucky there is a place to sit.

Now the positives: The cashier who was doing order entry was friendly and did a good job. The prices were fair for the quantity of food received. There was adequate parking. That's it.

I don't understand how this restaurant chain has devolved into this poor shadow of its former self, and we will not be going back. Goodbye Famous Dave's, it was at least nice knowing you in...

Preface: Please understand, this location only recently opened up as of March, 2025. Take this review as you will!

Quite the disappointment for my first time at ANY Famous Dave's. As I waited for my order, I observed the team consistently struggling to get orders correct to both dine-in and takeout customers.

My order (Pick 3 Combo): Texas Beef Brisket Southside Rib Tips Georgia Chopped Pork Dave's Cheesy Mac & Cheese (Jalapeño) Famous Fries Corn Bread Muffin

Here's a quick breakdown I can give from the opinions of my brother and I:

Cons While the brisket we got contained a good amount of fat, it was 25% fat flavor and 75% unseasoned meat. Macaroni was flavorless and the cheese was strangely runny. Could be an excess of water from the macaroni or from being undercooked? (Hard to even say because good macaroni and cheese usually has plenty of give/viscosity... unless this is their thing?)

Pros Cashier/front of house was kind and helpful Famous Fries were just potato wedges... but were somehow better than the main courses

Conclusion: I'd probably try their sit-down restaurants for a more accurate take on their operations/food. Can not recommend this particular location at this time.

NOTE: this is NOT a good place for dine-in. It is a counter-service spot. (Very tiny place with limited indoor seating -- maybe 12 people...

I’m got to preface this review with “I really hope this was a one off”. Honestly I was very let down on the quality of the meat that was provided for our dinner. I ordered to go and got there a little early so I can get my food as soon as my order was completed and had a very short 5 minute ride home. The ribs were a let down and didn't have much meat on the 4 provided in the meal. The brisket was dry and the only thing that saved it was the bbq sauce. The mac n cheese seems liked we got the scrapings of the bottom of the pan. It was not creamy or cheesy and a let down. My wife’s beef brisket sandwich was mostly fatty pieces and once again the sauce had to save the meat. DO NOT CHANGE THE CORN BREAD. Very very good and was the highlight of the meal.

The service though was immaculate, friendly, and inviting. I noticed and appreciated the staff members assisting each other when one got stuck taking an order on the other kiosk. They were helpful and not demeaning. The restaurant itself was very clean, and you can see the line cooks in the back cleaning their stations during their minimal downtime.

Like I said in the beginning, I really hope the food quality...