Beards & Bellies Barbecue — Restaurant in Covington

We are in vacation & went here based off of the reviews but there were issues I feel need addressed. The guy working the counter looked like he was just hating life, not personable at all and when asked questions about the food, it seemed like I was inconveniencing him. My husband and I were served both of our sandwiches in one tiny silver tray together. I'm not sure if they were behind on dishes but it was very strange. The food was good but here is what got me. I sat and watched the kitchen staff through the plexiglass and all three of them working back there had long beards and there was not one beard cover. The guy with the longest beard who was prepping the food was literally rubbing his beard, NOT wearing gloves and prepping the food. I saw him cough on his hand at least six times and continue to keep food prepping. He touched door handles, picked up boxes and opened ingredients all while never washing hands in-between let alone wear any gloves. The guy with a bun and medium beard working the front was handling money, cards and not once did he wash his hands in-between food prep for orders. A guy with a cap walked up to him, rubbed the other guys shoulders and took over with customer orders and again, zero hand washing as they switched between jobs of taking and preparing orders. The employee with the king beard I was discussing earlier finally put in gloves and started prepping food again but continued to cough on his gloves and went back to prepping and open coughing into his shoulder right over the food being prepped. The lack of hygiene is appalling and needs to be addressed the health department. Extremely disgusting and how people get sick! Do better because this is definitely the norm for these employees because they seem to have a rhythm of what they do and it's all done without ANY proper hygiene. The bar side not the food side is welcoming whatsoever and I don't understand how they have such...

Went here for a pick up order I placed online. "First Time" ever trying the place. Placed a time order for 7pm. Upon arrival I was a little early about 10 minutes. Food wasn't prepared yet which was great so I knew it wasn't sitting around getting cold. So they have a few different bbq sauces as most places do. Mind you I haven't tried any of there's so I had no clue what to pick. Anyway I asked if I could get the sauce on the side and put in the special instructions for a little cup of each to try at home if possible. Apparently it's not because they mix it in. So I got the platter. Brisket and two sides. Brisket was chopped up into small bits. Portions were tiny for $15. The Mac and cheese was very basic tasting. As was the potato salad. The brisket was OK at best. The atmosphere of the place seemed nice especially to get a drink. Anyway after eating my dinner I was still hungry and had to eat a sandwich of my own at my home. Maybe the pulled pork is better maybe it's just a nice meal while you drink with friends. But I wasnt impressed. Which is sad because there aren't alot of bbq joints around me locally only harmons. And city bbq if I'm willing to make the drive. I'm always fair with my reviews. And I will probably give this place one more shot. I'd say figure out a way for people to sample your sauce so they actually no what you have to offer a description...

2/5/25 This restaurant is located in the back of "The Well" - a shared space in Covington Kentucky. (It was previously in Newport.) While driving, GPS is sending you to 8 West 7th Street - the only signage I saw was for "The Well". Once parked, there's an A frame sign on the sidewalk for this restaurant; however you can't see this sidewalk sign while driving due to the parked cars in front. So it's confusing if you don't know about The Well. The food is very good !!! I asked a lot of menu questions & was satisfied with the answers I received. There is no table service, which is disappointing if you are handicapped; but not a huge problem. I ordered a starter for the table, the pimento plate (pimento cheese spread, pork rinds, crudites-carrot & celery sticks). I ordered the double meat platter, pulled pork, chicken wings, side salad, potato salad, cornbread; with sweet & tangy BBQ sauce on the side. All of this was very tasty. Needs improved signage outside. Very much worth trying. Overall, I liked the menu (wish they had ribs); & I would...