Sloppy Mama's BBQ — Restaurant in Falls Church

Update #3: Accusations Instead of Accountability: It's unfortunate that instead of addressing customer concerns professionally, this business resorts to false accusations. As a Local Guide with 65 reviews and 64 photos, I have no reason to ‘scam’ anyone. My review simply reflects my experience—one that your own inconsistent responses have confirmed. A reputable business would take feedback as an opportunity to improve, rather than insult paying customers.

Update #2: I reached out to customer service, hoping they would make things right. Instead, Joe “Hogsmoker” Neuman, the owner, responded dismissively, saying: "You left a one-star review, said you’re not coming back, and want compensation? Sorry, it sounds like there was a miscommunication, but I think you’ve already made up your mind that we’re not doing business again together."

This response says everything you need to know about how they value their customers. Mistakes happen, but a good business owns them and tries to improve. Instead, this place doubles down with condescension. If you're looking for great BBQ with good service, I recommend spending your money elsewhere.

This is my original review: We were excited to try this BBQ spot after a colleague from Texas recommended it, knowing how much we love good barbecue. Unfortunately, our experience was incredibly disappointing.

When we received our order, we were shocked at the portion size. Despite ordering half a pound of brisket, we were given a single, thin slice—by far the smallest portion we've ever seen. Since we were busy with our two-year-old, we made the mistake of not immediately taking the tray back to the counter.

As we sat down, we noticed another family nearby receiving a significantly larger portion for the same order. Curious, I asked the person at the counter how many slices typically make up half a pound of brisket. He confidently told me it should be between two to four slices. When I mentioned that we had only received one thin slice, he seemed surprised and went to check with a colleague. Instead of addressing the issue professionally, the colleague—who was sitting behind a desk drinking—dismissively stated that they weigh the portions and don’t sell per slice. When I reiterated that our portion was just a thin slice, he simply looked at me without any real response. The other employee muttered a vague "sorry," and that was it.

We paid $18 for a tiny slice of brisket and received nothing but a half-hearted apology. Needless to say, we won’t be returning, and we’ll be sharing this experience...

I was nearby in the area in Falls Church today.

I have the hardest time deciding on new places to go to. Went into Clare & Dons, highly reviewed -- yet didn't feel the vibe. Foot in the door to Dogwood Tavern but left disappointed after chatting briefly w/ the greeter. Then in mood for BBQ, went to Liberty BBQ but got turned off as they refused to seat me elsewhere; even though that was ok.

So anyway, I call on Google Maps to suggest me BBQ spots nearby. I saw this, and it seems like a hole-in-wall place, not a big chain or anything, so I jump the gun and say sign me up for a test drive on this bad boy here.

I parked in side street. I knew Arlington already and it brought back the feels. I say, why risk it? Life's too short. This spot actually has an attached p-lot out back. I walked up after crossing main road, so only beheld that after the fact.

Good menu, good vibes. I acted the fool and say it's my first rodeo here. So what's good? Combo meal and brisket were solid hitters, but I looked at a la carte and the half-rack smoked ribs caught my eye. Truth be told, I was in the mood for a good fall-off-the-rack ribs.

This, not to much, but it was seasoned and decent enough. Also plus points for grand seating area and my order was ready pretty speedily enough.

I loaded up on the house sauces and went to knock 'em all out. My favorites, the Diablo and the first (forget the name). All were good and a unique house taste in their own right.

As I said, ribs were not fall-off-the-rack good, but they were pretty darn tasty. They satisfied my craving for ribs at least. With the sauces this was pretty darn splendid overall.

In short, great BBQ joint up in Arlington. Parking was a bit of struggle but easier for me then downtown. Food certainly hit the spot but nothing truly exceptional. There is a good chance I return; maybe the brisket or sandwich up next on the...

On Sunday evening 12/18/22, we ordered for take out, ribs, pulled pork, brisket, turkey, baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, corn bread, and potato salad for a dinner for 8. Almost $300 worth of food. Although there was plenty of food, the brisket and turkey were dry, over-cooked and flavorless, the potato salad was bland and the coleslaw tasted like it was a week old.

A terrible performance by Sloppy Mamas, compared to prior visits. So disappointing we may choose to go to Texas Jacks instead from now on.

In addition, the staff working that Sunday night seemed disengaged with what they were doing. No one welcomed us when we entered, and no one asked if they could help us or seat us. We had to find our bagged-up order on the "to-go shelf", and just picked it up and walked out. No confirmation by the staff.

Pretty sad effort, and sad quality of the food by Sloppy Mamas. Seemed like the place exuded a lack of care.

Hopefully, the owner will read this and get the place back to a decent level of quality. Otherwise, Sloppy Mamas is on a fast skid...