NoBull Smokehouse — Restaurant in Fargo

This is a response to the review that was made directly before this one on April 19th around 1 PM. (see photo below)

I happened to come in to NoBull for lunch and I sat at the counter two stools down from the individual who wrote this review. I will not comment on the critique of the food as I did not have the ribs and of course everyone has different tastes. What I will say however that this is a disingenuous review based on the facts that were left out.

The bartender offered 2 times ( while I was there) to get the individual anything else from the menu. They declined. He apologized for them not liking the taste (too spicy I guess). He was extremely considerate.

When the patron left, I commented to him. "well you did everything you could". He professionally replied, thanks and I commented that his offer of replacing the food was absolutely reasonable. I also commented that they were taking pictures of the food and I expect that they will be posting a negative review online.

I left approximately 10 minutes later and in the car, I looked at Google Reviews and sure enough it was here. This person must have either written the review while sitting there or immediately afterwards in car.

It is a lesson for all that people that post without their name sometimes have another agenda. I also question the naming of another BBQ business. I am NOT stating that Jays BBQ had ANYTHING to do with this. I sure hope not because their BBQ stands on its own so I hope they don't feel like stooping down to this behavior. Side Note: I actually went to Jay's first but it was closed due to family emergency.

Regardless, I flagged the review for Google hoping they will review it. IF not, here is an answer to it from a guy that watched it all unfold before him.

In the end, NoBull and the bartender tried to make it right. No businesses win from disingenuous reviews. We need more people commenting on the good stuff out there.

Anyway, my...

I've loved the place before they were offering beef ;) I'm constantly telling people to try it out. One of the recent additions to the menu is the beef brisket. Let me tell you - I've lived in Oklahoma and Texas where brisket is king. In the south its more of a drier roast. I love it in the south. But, I also love it at No Bull which has a really, REALLY JUICY (see picture) brisket! It required no sauce. That's the real test of a beautifully cooked slab of meat. It virtually melted in my mouth. Did I mention how juicy it was?!? sigh I haven't had dinner yet....maybe? We'll see. I've yet to finish this review as it's been almost a week's time! The sides I chose were cole slaw and tator tots. The cole slaw has a delicious creamy sauce, not too tart or acidic. The tator tots were hot and fresh with a nice crisp exterior. Quite honestly any of the side dishes are equally as appealing. Choosing one over the other would be a difficult task. My cohort chose the pulled pork, corn casserole, and mac & cheese. The mac & cheese is a creamy smooth delicious blend with a hint of seasoning. Yummy! The corn casserole is very good, but dare I say...a bit too much corn? -if that makes any sense. Perhaps a bit of breading to offset the corn over load. I love corn, but for some reason I feel this way about the casserole. The pulled pork is a savory choice and you can choose to top it depending upon how "saucy" you feel! Tee hee! All of the female servers are WONDERFUL! Last we were there we also had an opportunity to visit with Mykel, the manager. He's definitely a great asset to No Bull with his ability to recognize the importance of customer satisfaction. Sidebar: he also has a very calm way about him ++++. I still have not had dinner! My review has enticed me to return to No Bull tonight. So tonight will find me in a delirious brisket...

I've read a few of the less than nice reviews, another words one or two star reviews. These people are pitching a gripe about things like service and drinks and prices. I understand it's Fargo that's why they have such responses and reviews. I grew up in Texas I know barbecue and this place makes True BBQ. It's not cheap it's not meant to be cheap. If I want a drink special I will go to a bar if I want in your face smiling and asking how you're doing every two minutes service I will go to Fridays or Ruby Tuesday's. And folks you don't go to a barbecue joint and order chicken tenders. Yes there on the menu because people have children, so please don't pay any attention to a review of an adult who ordered chicken tenders or mac and cheese. One more tidbit of info.... true side serve BBQ sauce is not supposed to be half sugar and thick like you get at the grocery store. They don't sauce their meat which is a must for real barbecue. If you want sauce you can get sauce, it will be on the side where it belongs. This is a BBQ joint people, this is where you go to relax and enjoy Great Smoked Meat. Where you should not be in a hurry, because smoked meat is not a hurried science. You're not going to find better barbecue in North Dakota or anywhere Midwest north of St Louis. My guests and I had a pound of brisket and a full rack of ribs ordered to go. Everything was smoked to perfection, the smoke ring on the brisket was absolutely beautiful. The flavor was right on, it wasn't overcooked which is what you usually get. The ribs had a perfect dry rub on them and they were juicy and tender. If I could give more than five stars I certainly would, because you took me back home and you can't buy that hardly anywhere...