Andy Nelson's Barbecue Restaurant & Catering — Restaurant in Cockeysville

I've been to Andy Nelson's perhaps a dozen times over the last decade or so, but not since the pandemic before yesterday.

My 2014 visit remains accurate. "... Walking into Andy Nelson's is like stepping onto the set of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The host and crew of the show would leave happy and sated. The nouveau-riche, intellectually self-impressed and well-dressed may feel a tad out of place by the exceedingly casual decor and aesthetic. The place is not for them, for it lacks tablecloths and other trappings of fine dining. If you like to wipe your greasy and sauce-covered hands on your own sweatshirt and jeans, however, Andy's is for you...."

I would not change one word of my description of the ambience. As for the food itself, usually I order "Sammies" (i.e., sandwiches) and often the "express", which adds two sides and a drink.

In 2014, I wrote that "... The down-home southern cooking is nothing short of delectable, the menu represents both diversity and value, and service is excels in its prompt perfection...." On this most recent visit, my wife ordered the brisket tips, which seemed tasty but tougher than expected. My pit beef sandwich was perfection as always. I ordered the baked beans and collard greens. Don't turn your nose up at the collards - Andy makes them yummily caloric.

Sandwich fixin's are minimal: horseradish, raw onions and an assortment of sauces. You can have any kind of bread you want, as long as its hamburger rolls. Be prepared to carry your own platter back to your picnic table, and to bus your own dishes.

Certainly an experience not to be missed, but I'm withholding a star because in 2024 I want more, fresher and sturdier, bread choices, more fixin's, and more tender brisket tips. I call 'em...

First off the "1 star" has NOTHING to do with the actual food or family business as a whole. It has to do with the the front desk cashier specifically on MLK day this year. We go often & never seen her but she was incredibly so rude & condescending to my 19 yr old son & I. She gave us the biggest attitude & we asked a question about the menu & was answered with a rude remark that didn't even answer the question. It was my sons 1st time actually eating in there & I always told him how great the staff & food was but this woman made the experience terrible & it stuck with us. We actually said after leaving, maybe she had an attitude because she was African American working on MLK day & servicing while people?!! Bc why be so mean & miserable to people for nothing?

Now I must add that yesterday I hesitantly went back in, (bc Corner Stable was busy), not knowing what to expect BUT it was in the evening this time, & thank goodness she was not there (Thank God) & the lady cashier was such a joy! Just like how all the staff through the years have been! We even talked about the homemade ice cream & apple cake which I pleasantly learned Mrs Nelson makes all of . How cool. Just like a front desk person would be, since interacting with people.I saw we weren't the only ones who negatively dealt with and reviewed this woman so hopefully she's been let go bc that was not good for this AWESOME BUSINESS! I ALWAYS would feel to give 5 stars for all the numerous times I've been there through the years I must add & end this with. Staff & food is always top notch.No wonder its a catering business as...

This is a long review, but we don't do this often. Went with my husband on business trip to Hunt Valley for a week. Many places to eat. My husband went to Andy Nelson' s BBQ Joint for lunch one day with his business associates. He has eaten at a lot if different places on his business trips. Not easy to impress. That night he raved about how good the food was. The brisket tips sandwich was so good. He loved the BBQ sauce, And their steak size Fries. The regular size sandwich was huge. I was raised in the South where we love our food well seasoned. I've had more okay BBQ than really good, since moving up north. We went to dinner two nights later, and let me tell you it was Awesome! The smells as soon as we got near the door made my mouth water. The beef brisket sandwich was moist, tender, delicious and loaded. Guy's Pig Dip BBQ sauce was a wonderful spicy vinegary sweet sauce! Yumm! There was also a really good Mustard Cider Sauce. There potato salad was delicious and different than my normal potato salad. The best side I have ever had (at the many BBQ places I have been) was there to die for CORNBREAD! I couldn't have been any happier chowing down on this delicious food with my large iced tea and all of the adorable pig memorabilia everywhere. We stopped again on our way out of town and bought BBQ, potato salad and cornbread to take home. Three times in five days! We have never done that before. We also bought bottles of both sauces we enjoyed! Staff was nice and very helpful. We will definitely be back! We're going to BBQ chicken tonight and will be using the sauce...