My BBQ & GRILL — Restaurant in Choctaw

I tried this restaurant for the first time today. I placed a large to-go order and found the following: 1) I was very disappointed to find that apparently my baked potato was obviously so hot that it severely melted through the styrofoam container in several places to where I couldn’t eat all of my potato for concern of the melted styrofoam mixture getting into the baked potato. I don’t think that putting a hot potato in a styrofoam container is a very safe thing to do at all (see pic #1 below); 2) We paid $5.00 for a side of banana pudding and with me being a Texas Southerner myself, my concept of how to make a true banana pudding was definitely different from this establishment. In fact, there was not even any slices of banana in this pudding whatsoever. The cream or the meringue layer that was on top of the banana-flavored pudding had a hint of barbecue/smokey flavor in it that did not taste too well. By the way it tasted, I’m assuming that the banana pudding was kept in the same refrigerator as the barbecue sauce or smoked meats. In addition, for the amount we paid for the banana pudding, I guess I expected a little bit more (see pic #2 below); 3) When we placed the order at this restaurant, I noticed that there were uncovered pitchers of lemonade and water that was next to the registers to where dust, flies/bugs or possibly someone could easily cough or sneeze in or around it very easily for these pitchers should have had lids or some type of covering on them for in that area is where the numerous of purchasing transactions take place; and 4) The beef brisket was absolutely wonderful, but I would suggest that the piece of bread/toast that was packaged in the container with the brisket be packaged in a different way because the grease that came from the brisket had soaked into the bread, which made the toast extremely soggy and it was not appeasing or appetizing at all. However, the brisket was very tender, tasty and was smoked perfectly.

The restaurant itself had a very nice atmosphere. Would I eat here again? Yes, but I would eat inside next time for as of now their packaging procedures of their food products is less desired. And in past experiences in being in food service myself, it is a common practice that when you have any type of food or drink product, it should be properly covered so that it keeps any outside elements from contaminating...

Positives:

Food was decently priced for the amount they served. The buffalo chicken on the loaded fries was exceptional. The staff was pleasant and the tables were clean. *Edit to rate up and add the restaurant is active in the community and seem to genuinely care about people.

Negatives:

The atmosphere was dark with unfocused lighting away from the tables. It made it feel like a dungeon or a dive bar. The music selection was good but was played so low you could clearly hear conversations from across the room. The staff was nice but our waitress appeared unclean to where I was put off she was handling our food (I won't say her name but it was unique IYKYK).

The pork jalapeno poppers had decent flavor but was a mushy mess. It seems like they had either been microwaved back to life or was left in a heating pan for hours. The brisket and smoked chicken on the loaded baked potato and nachos were void of any flavor. I mean zero flavor. The BBQ sauce on both was overwhelmingly sweat and made both unappealing to eat after the first couple of bites. Recommend getting it on the side. The nachos were made with the default round corn chips from the chef's store and what appeared to be runny canned cheese. I can get there with the cost savings on the chips but the nacho cheese was a big turn off.

The fried pickles were good; great cook and flavor but the house sauce they came out with was room temperature and coagulated. We asked the waitress for some "cold ranch" for them and she was shocked we would request it cold. She came back with warm ranch and said we go through it too fast to keep them cold so everything is left out at room temperature. It takes less than 2 hours for ranch to spoil at room temperature. This was disturbing and should be corrected. If the house sauce is made with any dairy, I would not recommend eating any of it. ...

This place has been getting a lot of attention on social media, so my family decided we needed to try it for ourselves. First of all, they were a bit busy and they only had 2 ladies waiting tables. These two ladies were working their tails off and we did not for once feel like they providing anything less than quality service. Good job ladies! I hope they find you some help soon!! Most drinks do come in either bottle or can. They not only save the restaurant money by not having a beverage machine that constantly needs maintenance, but these also saves the customer (because honestly, when was the last time you paid a $1.50 for a soda at a restaurant). Who am I to judge them on something that seems like a smart business idea. The food so far has been fantastic! Husband had brisket & smoked sausage with okra and coleslaw. I had the jumbo shrimp & tenders. The chips are homemade and very good. I love the seasoning on everything and will definitely be coming back...