Big Dan's BBQ — Restaurant in Franklin Township

GREAT EXPERIENCE! GREAT BBQ! We stopped here on a whim while out and about. It’s a huge barn with a country store downstairs and the BBQ restaurant upstairs. Once we entered the store, we could smell the BBQ and it was a smoky, yummy smell that drew us up to the barn loft of Big Dan’s BBQ. We got there pretty early for dinner and nearly had the place to ourselves for awhile. The staff was very outgoing and friendly, sharing suggestions since this was our first time there. The suggestion that we try their ribs was spot on. My wife and I shared a full rack and they were easily the best ribs we’ve ever had. And that’s saying something as we’re pretty BBQ experienced. The level of succulence, smokiness, caramelization, and overall flavor was out of this world good. And we loved the different sauces to sample. My wife liked the mustard, while the sweet heat did it for me. The sides of coleslaw, green beans, and cornbread were great too. Can’t wait to go back to try the pulled pork and brisket. Oh, and the atmosphere was great too. Tons of tables with the obligatory roll of paper towels on the table and wet-naps is expected. But to eat in a very tastefully converted barn loft was super cool. And the classic rock playing (CCR, Jim Croce, etc.) was perfect — and just the right volume to enjoy while not drowning out your conversation. For those who don’t do stairs, there is a ground level entrance to the restaurant. We saw some folks with walkers use it with ease.

While you’re there, the country store downstairs is pretty cool too. We left with some goodies...

"How are you today brother?" was the first thing I heard after wading through the wafting aroma of smoked goods. Big John was at the counter waiting with a pencil and notepad while engrossed in the digital era of online ordering and the POC "faster is better". The staff was immediately welcoming; like family you haven't seen in awhile but you're all acquainted through a twice removed surname. I liked the place already.

Without rambling, me, Big John and Big Dan are all from the same geographical area. My favorite bbq place is Sweet Lucy's on State Road in northeast Philadelphia - the Bigs not only spoke my language but already knew the dialect before I described my outer body barbecue experiences. I sampled the brisket, chicken, mac, slaw and cornbread during the trip to Knoebels. Here are my findings:

The cornbread is solid. Much like wonder/white bread supplied with most barbecue, corn bread is good until it's bad. The slaw is much like I make and enjoy. Slight tang, sweet but not so much so to be gross. The slaw compliments the meats but could be eaten on its own. The Mac is ok - tough to mess with average since people expect what people expect. The chicken was awesome and the brisket is worth the trip. Big Dan knows what good brisket should taste like and executes. May be the best brisket I've ever had including my own.

Do yourself a favor: make a trip to Big Dan's and try visiting Knoebels while...

We decided to stop by the market at the location of the BBQ and as soon as we walked in, we smelled BBQ. We shopped a bit and decided to go upstairs to see Big Dan's BBQ. Lots of families and couples were already at tables with food and it smelled so good we decided to skip other dinner plans to have some BBQ. We had pulled pork sandwiches as well as a sampler of everything but the ribs. Pulled pork was excellent, juicy and not over done with seasoning. Chicken was juicy and smoked to perfection, again no over seasoning. The sausage was juicy, not over cooked and the meat was seasoned well inside the casing. The beef brisket was the best I've ever tasted - again juicy, not over seasoned, and a warm butter taste. The sauces were excellent - sweet & heat and Alabama heat were our favorites. Sides we ate included corn bread, kettle chips, Mac & Jack, and Cole slaw. Everything was excellent! Service was fast and very nice - courteous staff everywhere. There are plenty of tables on several levels around the service area. The entire place is clean and family friendly. Oh, and Pucks all natural sugar cane soda fountain for a real treat. They have limited hours and are open on different days in the spring, summer, and fall. They are closed in the winter months. I highly recommend a visit for some...