City Barbeque — Restaurant in Kentwood

Update 3-20-25. Hadn't eaten here in almost a year because not only is the restaurants service terrible but the corporate customer service(who will tell you that you are the one wrong and can't read not them as my last review stated) is as well. But today my friend asked me to pick up lunch from here. First I tried placing the order online so it was ready when I arrived but the website will not let you check out as a guest you have to join their rewards program. So apparently you have to give them all your information and let them contact you repeatedly just to order their food. And not surprisingly as like before AWFUL customer service. The 2 people who placed orders AFTER me in line both received their orders first. And 1 has ordered a family meal. I don't blame the kitchen staff as I saw her prepare my food which was then on the pass for almost the entire 10 minutes I was waiting. I considered asking them to remake the food that was definitely cold by now but didn't want to wait another ten minutes while they served other customers again. It's a shame too, because their bbq is the best I've had locally. But DEFINITELY not worth the aggravation.

Update: 6-7. Their customer response team got back with me and directly lied to me. Even though their menu says the sandwich is "TOPPED" with the sauce they said it can't be removed as the pork is cooked with the sauce. So I guess all of their pulled pork is is coated with this sauce. As well as their "Carolina Gold sauce" Just being their Lowco sauce renamed. So I guess including the plain and Lolo pulled pork. But oh wait they don't have plain pulled pork or do they??? Their menu says they do. So now I'm confused. So no matter how good a company's food is I will not patronize a restaurant with no ethics.

I usually love coming here good food and good service until today. They have a new sandwich called the Carolina Goldmine. When I asked about the sauce the cashier did not know what it was. He asked another employee and she said it was a mustard based sauce. I'm not a mustard guy so I asked for the sandwich without it. They looked at me and told me no. That the sauce made the sandwich and they wouldn't take it off. So I said fine I'll go elsewhere and left. Apparently you as a customer can't have the food you are paying for your way. So I'm really glad I drove all the way out here to basically get told that. I honestly don't think I'll be back as it's quite a long drive. And I'll be deleting the...

Hear ye, hear ye! Gather round, good townsfolk, and lend thine ears to this most noble proclamation of feasting and fare!

Upon the noontide hour of the twenty-sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-Five, did we, a merry assembly of kin and companion, venture forth to City Barbecue, nestled upon the thoroughfare of 28th Street in the bustling township of Kentwood.

With hearty expectation did I partake of the Sampler Platter, wherein rested the venerable pastrami and brisket—each tender and flavorful, a feast most worthy of admiration. To accompany these fine meats, the baked beans, rich and savory, did shine as a beacon of excellence amidst Michigan’s smoky halls of barbecue. Yet alas! The green beans, woeful in their mushiness and devoid of vibrance, did fall short of their noble duty.

My fair daughter did receive the More Cowbell sandwich, which by her esteemed judgment was most agreeable to the palate. Yet, the coleslaw, bland and uninspired, suffered the cruel fate of neglect upon the plate.

Her gallant suitor did brave the Two-Meat Sampler, electing to double upon the pulled pork—a wise choice, for its succulence did earn his highest praise. Yet the macaroni and cheese, though pleasant in taste, did find itself burdened by pasta that hath been overcooked beyond its prime.

Lo, a most fortuitous discovery! For in this hall of smoked delicacies did we chance upon Diet Dr Pepper, a rare and cherished libation oft absent from the public houses of our land. Thirsts were slaked, spirits lifted!

As the feast drew to its end, my daughter did indulge in the banana pudding, a confection of unparalleled delight, which earned her highest commendation. And though the meal, in temperature, lacked the warmth that hearts desired, its flavors yet prevailed, ensuring our satisfaction.

Thus, let this proclamation be known: City Barbecue doth provide a repast both bounteous and delectable, though frailties in heat and select offerings doth mar an otherwise noble table. Go forth, ye seekers of smoky sustenance, and partake if thou dost dare!

I give them ⭐️⭐️⭐️ but know they can achieve higher, and I look forward to seeing that happen. The server at the cash register was quite friendly...

I had such big plans to eat at all these places when out here in Grand Rapids, but after a long day of walking, swimming and wearing myself out, I lost motivation to do much of anything by dinner time, and needed something close to the hotel to fend off the hunger pains. I saw City Barbeque and was so excited because they are truly delicious.

I've eaten at City Barbeque before, just obviously not this specific location. Walking in, I already knew what to expect, so that's a bonus. The lady at the register was super friendly and helpful even though I already mostly knew what I wanted to eat. I went with the brisket sandwich, side of baked beans and a beverage. Sadly, they don't offer deals on sides if you order a sandwich, mostly on the entree's but I wasn't going to get an entrée. I think if you get 2 sides you might get a deal, but I didn't want two sides. that's fine.

Anyway, I hit the drink/bar area where they keep all their supplies. Their BBQ sauces here are fabulous, and even though I primarily stick with their original sauce, I always grab a few others to see what their like. The sweet sauce was actually pretty good, and I also tried their hot sauce, which was a slow creeper style heat. You know, you put it on the meat, take a bite, think it's fine and then like 30 seconds later your face catches fire?!? LOL. Fortunately, it's not the hottest or most violent BBQ sauce I've tried, but it was a nice surprise none the less. Very good.

Overall, a solid meal and I love how they cook the brisket here. It's really goo and I'm never disappointed with it ever. I will gladly return here for the food alone because it's just that good. I just wish they would have thrown in some Texas toast with the meal, ya know? I didn't think about it until I left, but it's really...