4 Rivers Smokehouse — Restaurant in Florida

I've been to many 4 Rivers in my life, and since they're a chain, a small chain, but a growing chain nonetheless, you expect a certain amount of standardization in their food, not only visit-to-visit, but also location-to-location.

Well, around the pandemic time, quality and standard went down around 4 Rivers, I think we can all agree on that, but in recent years, it seems like they've had a resurgence of quality, and this trip was absolute aces for me. The kids say that, right?

Anyway, I came here one evening for dinner. Quaint little counter service place with most of their food on display, people filing down, picking what they want. Pretty large dining room, lots of community tables, with them expecting you to sit down with strangers and strike up a conversation.

Service is always top notch. Very friendly folks, people always coming by offering to get you more napkins or a refill on your drink, even the management!

Another thing they've been doing lately is having seasonal specials on their menu. That's relatively new, and I actually got one of those items this time, it was some sort of Nashville hot fried chicken tender sandwich. So delicious. Perfectly fried, crispy tender, covered in just enough sauce, on a very toasted roll, sitting only on a bed of green. It was just perfect.

I had a side of fried okra, too, and it was nice. Crispy, not oily, not slimy. What else can you ask for?

We also split a three meat platter with a couple of sides. Pulled pork, good. It's not saucy, though, so expect to sauce it yourself. Brisket, also good. Not too fatty, just right. What I came here for specifically was to try their Vegan Burnt Ends. Beyond Meat did it again. I swear, if you blind tasted this, you may not guess that they're supposed to be burnt ends, but you would definitely guess that it was meat of some sort.

Even if they didn't scream burnt ends, they screamed delicious. I'm excited by the evolution of this technology, letting vegetarians and vegans be able to enjoy in BBQ cuisine without feeling too left out.

As for the sides we got to share, the Mac & Cheese was good. Not very toothsome, but very cheesy. Just make sure to sprinkle on some black pepper. But the star of the sides at 4 Rivers has to be their Bread Pudding (Fresh brioche bread baked in a creamy custard and crushed pineapple, cinnamon, and raisins, and topped with homemade doughnut glaze).

Their bread pudding rotates quarterly, and it's always been something delicious. Well-soaked, cooked throughout, you get one of the crispy bits on top sometimes. Just good.

Overall, 4 Rivers is knocking it out of the park. Not the best BBQ in town anymore, but always giving out five star experiences to...

Today was my first time finally trying 4R. Ive always heard a ton of hype about their food and was able to go and have lunch their. Im a bbq guy so my expectations were high. That may have been my mistake. Let me start with the meats. Brisket is a jewel amongst bbq and i will say their brisket is very tender and moist. But the pieces i got were also mild temp at best and no flavor from the rub which was disappointing. The pulled pork was nearly the same except the larger pieces were more dry and bland instead of moist and blandish. My pork was also cold like leftovers which for the price was a let down. Now they do a limited but fantastic sauce selection. The Hot actually had a nice little burn. This is what i had to put over my meats which is not a good sign when your reputation is that high. Their sides however are much better. I liked the mac which did taste homemade. Bread pudding was sweet and moist. The coleslaw is not chopped enough for my taste and was more like a side salad but that's just me. Their cornbread, while served cold unfortunately is still really good though i couldn't find any butter packets to go with it. They also surprisingly dont have garlic bread which is odd for a bbq place but ok. We did try the jalapeno bacon poppers which are nice, not much of a kick and ours were a bit overdone and warmish. Its the cold food and bland meats why I'm giving this place 3 stars. Now every place has an off day, maybe that's what this was. Eventually ill try again one day to see if i ever get the real experiance everyone was raving about, or a repeat of the same over...

I recently visited 4 Rivers in Longwood to pick up lunch for my aunt who was under the weather and had a specific craving for their food. While I regretfully forgot to take pictures of the meals, the experience and the quality of the food were so remarkable that I felt compelled to write a review.

I ordered two kids’ meals, which were not only delicious but also offered great value. One consisted of a perfectly cooked 1/4 chicken, juicy and flavorful, and the other was a pork slider, which was a hit!

As a testament to their inclusive menu, 4 Rivers also offers fantastic vegan options. This is a wonderful feature, catering to diverse dietary preferences and needs. It’s always a pleasure to dine at a restaurant that considers and provides for a variety of tastes and diets.

The hot sauce deserves a special mention. It was the perfect blend of spice and flavor, adding an extra zing to the meals without overpowering them. It’s definitely a must-try for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their food.

Lastly, the desserts were a standout specifically the chocolate chip cookies. Fresh and utterly delicious, they were the perfect end to the meal. Each dessert was crafted with care, and you could really taste the quality in every bite.

In conclusion, my experience at 4 Rivers in Longwood was nothing short of fantastic. From their diverse and tasty menu to their fresh and delectable desserts, they’ve got something for everyone. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone in the area looking for a satisfying meal, whether you’re a meat-lover, vegan, or just someone with a...