Van Zandt Bbq & Catering Co — Restaurant in Canton

The pulled pork sandwich—advertised as "HOG"—alongside classic Southern sides, promised a hearty BBQ experience, but ultimately delivered a meal of highs and lows. Priced at $19.50, the plate included a pulled pork sandwich (though more accurately described as "chopped" pork), potato salad, cowboy beans, sweet tea, and a modest garnish of homemade pickle slices and onions.

Let’s start with the bright spots. The pickles were a standout—thinly sliced and well-balanced, offering just the right crunch and acidity to cut through richer flavors. The potato salad, while unconventional in texture (reminiscent of dense mashed potatoes), was pleasantly seasoned without relying on heavy mustard or mayo, making it a refreshing departure from typical cloying versions. That said, those who prefer a chunky or mayo-forward style may find it lacking.

The cowboy beans were another success—thick, not runny, with a subtle, well-balanced heat that mirrored the table’s BBQ sauce. And the sweet tea? Perfectly Southern—sweet without veering into syrupy overkill.

Now, the main event: the pulled pork sandwich. Unfortunately, this was the meal’s biggest letdown. Described as "pulled," the pork was instead coarsely chopped and—most egregiously—room temp and dry. Painfully dry. Each bite seemed to leach moisture from the mouth, with an almost crunchy texture suggesting it had languished too long under a heat lamp. The portion size was optimal with minimal chunks of fat, but without proper juiciness or that even a slather of sauce could compensate, the sandwich fell flat. A plain bun did it no favors either.

As for the onion strings, they were forgettable—barely any onion flavor to speak of, adding nothing to the dish. A missed opportunity for texture or sharpness.

Final Verdict: While the sides and tea showcased thoughtful execution, the star of the plate—the pulled pork sandwich—was a dry, disappointing misfire. At nearly $20, one expects better balance and care, especially when moisture is the easiest fix. A juicier chop, or even a steamed buttered bun could potentially assist in salvaging this dish.

Rating: 2.75/5 (Decent sides, but the main event needs...

Van Zandt BBQ is a down-home meat-lover's haven cut from the same exquisite cloth as Soulman's Barbecue of Van and the bygone Baker's Ribs of Canton, serving up a variety of savory meats — smoked or grilled — and cut, sliced, prepared and served by hand with a hearty selection of handcrafted side dishes as you watch, so you can see and smell the quality before you taste it.

My old friend Danna and I had never visited Van Zandt BBQ before (as this restaurant was only months old by this point), but Woody and Alyssa did everything in their power to make our first experience a splendid one, and succeed they did. Danna and I assured them that we would return, hungry for more, and we fully intend to keep our word.

The parking is a bit scarce and the interior is cramped and wanting for seating space, but that is far more a problem with Canton's city planners than with Van Zandt BBQ, who are making the most with what they are given. And they are planning to expand their business, which is quite promising and welcome.

And do try the brisket! Woody smokes the brisket just right, it's scrumptious and it melts...

Used to live in canton years ago, stopped at the courthouse and went here just to get a tea and a water … but then the smell of the ribbs sucked me right in 🥺😂😂 my gosh we got a whole rack of ribbs with this bbq sauce that had a hint of spice! Loved it, me and my two boys DEVOURED half the rack on the way back to Dallas! And ate the rest at home, Michelle and Shelly yall don’t ever stop whatever it is your doing cause this shit was BOMB 💣 you can never find good BBQ now a days, but this place! 10/10!!! Highly recommended the sweet tea was absolutely perfect also! And they came from around the counter and played with my two tots under the age of 7 😍 they loved them also! Very very sweet kind down to earth people, the ribbs were seasoned perfect and they melt off the bone!!!! Can’t wait...