Sammy Sue's BBQ — Restaurant in Dover

A Mixed Bag at This Hole-in-the-Wall BBQ Joint

I love discovering hole-in-the-wall BBQ joints, and this one had promise, but my experience left me with mixed feelings.

First, let’s talk about the highlight: the sweet coleslaw. It was the perfect balance of creamy and tangy with just the right amount of sweetness—a side dish I would gladly come back for. I also enjoyed the ribs. Tender and tasty. Unfortunately, the brisket didn’t hit the same high notes. It was somewhat tender, but lacked the smoky depth and flavor punch I was hoping for. In a BBQ spot, that’s kind of a letdown.

Now for the pricing: I wasn’t thrilled about being charged $1.25 for an extra (tiny!) portion of BBQ sauce. The portions felt stingy for the price, and at nearly $30, the sampler platter was a tough sell. While the platter gave me a chance to try a bit of everything, it just didn’t deliver enough value for the cost.

The place itself had the classic hole-in-the-wall charm: mismatched chairs, paper towel rolls on the table, and the faint aroma of smoked meat in the air. The staff was friendly enough, but it didn’t quite make up for the pricing and the underwhelming brisket.

Overall, it’s a decent spot if you’re in the area and craving sweet coleslaw and a casual vibe, but I’d think twice if your looking for that special place that is too...

Unfortunately it wasn't good, threw 80% of it in the trash.

To start, the woman who took my order and delivered the food could not have been any better. Great customer service. The blue cheese dressing had a good flavor and good consistency. The regular flavor bbq sauce was good.

The bad, the fries while I appreciate that they are hand cut by the restaurant they were very soggy. The ribs had nothing good about them. Seem obviously boiled to start with. Meat was white/beige, not reddish as smoked meat is. Meat was not smoky. No real outside bark to speak of. Rub flavor did not stand out. Threw 80% of half a rack away, couldn't be bothered to eat them. For the smoked chicken wings, they were not good at all. The meat was rubbery. The skin was very fatty and chewy and unpleasant. They were not very smoky either. The hot buffalo sauce did not have a good flavor. Ate 2 of 10 wings, the rest went in...

This was my first time dining here. My son had been here once before and chose it for his annual birthday dinner. Some of his coworkers who live in the New Philadelphia area recommend it. Our experience was very good overall. This place is definitely a casual dining experience. (My preference)

He had the marinated chicken again (enjoyed it both times) and added the three bones of ribs, which he hadn't the last time. I had the smoked half chicken with an add-on of three bones of ribs. All of the food was well prepared and tasted good.

The smoked flavor on the chicken was a little stronger than my preference but not overpowering, and the seasoning was good.

I went simple on the sides and got Tater-tots and greenbeans. Both were good.

I definitely recommend this place and will eat there again.

We got there around 8pm, so I don't know how crowded or noisy it is during the...