Saddleback BBQ REO Town — Restaurant in Lansing

This is a hard review for me to write, and probably going to be controversial.

I'm going to preface this saying, I'm writing this as a BBQ aficionado. I made a trip to Kansas City JUST to try the original recipe for Kansas City BBQ, I've been to Q39, a place arguably the most acclaimed BBQ restaurant in the world. I know BBQ pretty well. And from that lens, a lot of what I'm saying is going to be relative to these things. I will try to keep it grounded, but keep that in mind.

The first thing you'll notice is the location is small, like, too small. It really feels like they should be in a stand alone place, because there's not nearly enough seating if you're looking for a dine in experience. But I won't dock points on that. The ordering system is a bit odd, but it's simple enough to figure out, and not something I will dock points over.

The food came pretty quick, we got pulled pork, brisket , I believe fried pickles, and ribs. The real issues are shown here first: for the price point, the portions are pretty small. Not upsettingly so, but generally BBQ places are known for their generosity in a plate, Saddleback simply doesn't deliver here.

The next major issue is that honestly...it's not that great. I've had truly, life changing-ly good BBQ in a number of places before. The two things that make BBQ amazing are the sauce, and the technique. Here, both are disappointingly-average. With all the hype, I expected something truly amazing, and what I got was something better than store-bought, but unfortunately not something I felt like a true, "pit master" could conjure. A true quality BBQ place brings you a product that once you've had it, you are almost in awe of how they created it. There is none of that magic here. It is an average sauce, cooked by going through the motions. In the lens of perspective, it is simply just mediocre, balancing on good.

The sides are really the next issue. If you're going to focus your efforts on making a quality BBQ product, and it is simply average, you need to have sides that elevate the dish. I believe we had Coleslaw and Mac & Cheese, and again, it simply didn't impress, nor did the Texas toast if I'm recalling correctly.

The final, and perhaps biggest issue is that legitimately, there's one of the best BBQ places in the country quite literally right here in Lansing, and not very far away, Meat BBQ. It is just madness to me, that when there is such a homerun establishment so close nearby, Saddleback doesn't emulate, or try to innovate over such a truly fantastic place. I would LOVE to see a true rival to them here in Saddleback, perhaps even the creation of our own, unique "Michigan Style" BBQ emerge over it.

If I had any advice, it would be seriously consider taking some time off work to hit up some of the big BBQ places, go to Joe's in KC, see what it's like, head over to Memphis and hit up Jim Neely's. See what it is that truly makes these places special. I'd wager a place like Q39, if you hit up their head chef would even be willing to show you what they do. You don't need to copy other places to be the best, but there are clearly techniques that separate a master from an enthusiast that are not at work here.

That's not to say Saddleback BBQ is bad; it isn't. It's just...average. And considering the proximity of a place that surpasses average to exceptional, I just can't see a reason to come here.

I'll give it a try again someday, but unless there's some serious 'upping their game' I don't see this becoming a regular visit, unless I'm already in the neighborhood and don't feel like cooking that night. Like I said,...

Food was not that great, especially for the price. We ordered 3 dinner which were, Pork Taco dinner, Chicken Taco Dinner, and a Pulled Pork Sandwich, and a few sides, Vernon's sweet potatoes, chips and French onion dip (which they ran out of so we didn't get that), substituted the chips for potatoe salad, collard Greens, cole slaw, seasoned fries,, and 1 scoop of corn cake (for a whopping $1.25)

Let me start with the cole slaw, this was the absolute worst cole slaw I have had in my entire life. It tasted like it was made with shredded cabbage, Oil, vinegar and black pepper, now imagine what that taste like, disgusting is the word to describe it.

Secondly, the 2 orders of tacos were not labeled and I honestly couldn't tell the difference between the pork and the chicken, neither by the way they looked or taste. Both were incredibly dry and lacked any flavor. They had a weird tomato paste they call "salsa" on them. The dinners were $12 and $13, expensive for 2 tacos, and came with 1 tiny scoop of corn cake, and like 4 slices of seasoned pickles (slices of pickles like your put on your burger). Makes no sense to serve slices of pickles with tacos and it doesn't justify the price.

Thirdly the Pulled Pork sandwich, wow.... for $12 it didn't even come with fries. It was loaded with that disgusting cole slaw, was incredibly dry, and the bun was horrid, no where near any Hawaiian bun I've ever had. Dry and thick crust to the bread.

On to the other sides, potatoe salad was decent, needed more salt, the Vernon's sweet potatoes were weird, not nasty but I wouldn't get them again, the collard greens were good, they had a bit of a kick to them but had many thick stalks in them, the corn cake was good, just very small and expensive. The seasoned fried taste strikingly similar to rallys seasoned fries, they were very good and the best part of the whole $80 dinner.

Needless to say, I will not be returning. This is my second time at this location. The first time was just as bad but was several years ago. Overhyped and overpriced food. So far 517 BBQ has been the best for portions,...

Saddleback BBQ in Reo Town, Lansing, MI, has been a go-to dining destination for me since their opening, and I continue to be impressed with the experience they offer.

First and foremost, their food selection is a culinary delight. Saddleback BBQ consistently delivers on both taste and variety. From their perfectly smoked meats to their delectable sides, every item on the menu showcases their commitment to quality. What’s even more enticing is their regular specials, which are not only mouthwatering but also incredibly affordable. It’s a testament to their dedication to providing value to their customers.

I find myself visiting or ordering delivery from Saddleback BBQ every week, and I’m never disappointed. Their flavors are rich and authentic, capturing the essence of BBQ at its finest. Whether it’s the tender brisket, flavorful pulled pork, or any of their other offerings, every bite is a reminder of why I keep coming back.

The staff at Saddleback BBQ deserve special praise. They are not just employees but enthusiastic ambassadors of their cuisine. Their willingness to engage and help customers pick the right dish adds a personal touch to the dining experience. It’s evident that they genuinely care about their customers’ satisfaction, and their pleasant demeanor only enhances the overall visit.

In summary, Saddleback BBQ in Reo Town, Lansing, MI, is a culinary gem that consistently delivers affordable and delicious BBQ fare. Their extensive menu and enticing specials keep me coming back, and the staff’s warmth and guidance make every visit a memorable one. It’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates...