Wister's Barbecue — Restaurant in Lansdale

I think Wister’s BBQ is on the verge of greatness with some minor tweaks.

Most importantly the food: I like the options of the menu (side options could be expanded) and think the price and portions are about right. The brisket was a bit under seasoned in my opinion but great texture and better with sauce. I was asked if I wanted bread with my platter and expected lightly toasted thick Texas toast but got week and quickly soggy white bread—easy fix. The pulled chicken was flavorful though saucy and not a prime target for the table bbq sauce (best part of bbq) and not exactly the flavor I wanted—a dryer seasoned option would be cool. The mac and cheese is popular as a side likely because other options don’t stand out as amazing on the menu—good flavor but a little thin/runny—some thicker cheese with the same bold flavor would be perfect!

Next the experience walking in: Things are kept clean—a must. It is confusing where to look for options—a clear, large, visible menu would save customers from the confusion I had and the other patrons I overheard had as they walked in; making a clear path for the order line with semi permanent rails would also help make the order counter not feel awkwardly placed too close to the door.

Followed by the post order move to the drink station: feels a bit like I am in the lobby filling up and getting refills feels like I am walking out of the restaurant—shifting or rearranging the drink station in slightly would greatly reduce the strangeness.

Decor: I dig the start of the burnt wood and night sky with country lighting look. Not a bad start to prove a concept but is sparse and needs some more impact for that “going viral” feel. Starting with some simple chair rail in a matching light wood farm house pattern around the outside wall would be inexpensive and go a long way. I would peel the old vinyl off the right wall and go with a very large wood burnt sign with the name and a large memorable logo. Left wall, I would ditch the small clock and would make a large clock with offset distressed wood with wood burnt Roman numerals and large cast iron looking clock hands. Tables (not cheap to replace but someday booths or a more fitting rustic look to match the menu would help). Drink station could be cool with a tin roof or neutral canopy for southern saloon or lemonade stand look.

Last the name change is not resonating—I assume Wister is a family name but to me it’s not screaming experienced or addictive bbq without an obvious story—need a founding narrative clear to everyone that walks in to make it...

If you’re looking for the best BBQ in the Philadelphia area, look no further. I’ve tried pretty much the entire menu: the Ribs, Brisket and Wings are my personal favorite and are as good as you will find anywhere. But what really sets Wister’s apart and takes it to a level no BBQ restaurant in the area can match is the amazing and creative dishes Michael (the owner and pitmaster) creates. A smoked brisket cheesesteak? Where else are you going to find that? Smo-fried chicken? Never seen it anywhere else and once I tried it, I couldn’t go back to regular fried chicken. And oh could I wax poetic about the specials he runs. One week he decides to just drop a pastrami sandwich that would put any deli outside of NYC to shame. Next week he’s got a smoked turkey gobbler sandwich that is heads and shoulders above Wawa and Capriotti’s.

The only downside to Wister’s WAS that getting a parking spot was difficult. I say WAS (past tense) because Wister’s just opened (literally yesterday) in a brand spanking new storefront on Broad Street in a shopping center with ample parking. The new spot is a major upgrade. Decor inside is very nice and they have a big patio for al fresco dining in the warmer months.

Can’t recommend this place enough. Dine in, take out, whatever your fancy...

Wister’s Barbecue was a super yummy Sunday dinner. We got a 1/2 lb brisket with fries, a home wrecker brisket sandwich, and a salad with brisket (can you tell we like brisket?). The meat was super juicy and flavorful. It was tender enough to pull apart with just your fork and I got some great pieces. Compared to some other bbq places like this, I thought this place was way more tender and i liked that there wasn’t too much fat on the meat. The fries were awesome. They were crispy and hot. The salad was very fresh and was a great portion, and we really enjoyed the sandwich.

Originally, we had wanted to order the Nashville Hot Sandwich, which has chicken, but they had run out of some element of the dish. It’s been sold out online every time I go on their website. Also, you can only order 1/4 lb of brisket during lunch. 1/2 lb was a little bit much for me, but I just saved it and ate for lunch the next day. I would recommend take out as opposed to dining in. Some of the tables are a bit rickety, and the dining room closes earlier on Sunday evenings.

All in all, we will definitely be returning for the great food. We’re definitely adding this spot to our...