Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que — Restaurant in Reno

I was gonna make this a final highlight but my reviews are long so I'll say this 1st: many things are wonderful from FD's... But if you never try anything else... GET THEIR CORNBREAD. It comes muffin-style and is the most perfect cornbread I or my (Texas raised) partner have EVER HAD. It's pleasantly gritty, sticky, moist, warmly sweet-a goldilocks combination of buttery corn with a touch of honey. Perfection. I've never been more obsessed with the bread at a place with such good meat. You've GOT to try it. And they sell them separate too. Get a dozen for your next picnic and watch everyone swoon.

Now for the rest...

The inside of famous daves feels sticky and a bit like a... Roadhouse? As if dennys had 'rustic' wood tables. Whatever, who cares, that's not the point.

The happy hour margarita was pretty (Collins glass, float on top), affordable($6)and tasty, zero complaints. But the food? The food!!!

It's served picnic style- in plastic baskets or on a plastic tray with the classic red and white checkered paper underneath- and it's F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C! Classic finger licking fall off the bone barbecue.

We've now tried most of the meat. The country roasted chicken, barbecue chicken, pulled pork, brisket, ribs- I'm picky about my ribs. Seems like everywhere has ribs that fall off the bone but are dry or have no flavor, or ribs that are flavorful and juicy but tough, or some combination thereof.

Not FD's. Their ribs are SO. GOOD. Juicy, fall off the bone, tender, flavorful. Even my relatives who aren't all that rib-happy ended up enjoying them or even requesting them for future orders. The chicken was delicious. The brisket was delicious. I'm a good cook. I wish I could do it this good. Maybe in my dreams!

Southerners rejoice: they do sweet tea and half and half, and you can even buy it by the jug. Classic barbecue picnic style mac as well. (The pale, starchy, kinda-runny kind. Which sounds gross, but that's what goes with southern barbecue! It's supposed to be that way and hard to find at the store. Like how someone's nana brought to the backyard. Oh that nana and her runny mac...) It comes with jalapeño bits but my partner is allergic and they were able to omit them (thank you! He was very happy!)

As for the dine in experience our server was also a goldilocks experience. Attentive but not overbearing. Friendly, polite, accommodating. We didn't find ourselves waiting for her, but also didn't feel like she hovered either. Kudos. Overall a really nice experience.

The meat isn't 'cheap'... but for what it is, it's really not expensive. (If you think it is... try making it that good...) And you can get it by the lb ala carte. I couldn't make it better myself.

Do yourself a favor and order some. They're quite nice there. Thanks!!!...

We had the 2 Meat Lunch Combo for $14. Texas beef brisket + $1, Sweetwater catfish fingers. 1 Side: Grilled pineapple and the cornbread muffin. And they had a Braille menu, for my blind friend! Plus, our waiter was very considerate, explaining everything as he was setting it down, or refilling drinks, so they could be found. The slices of brisket were delicious, very tender and juicy. They already had some sauce on them. And I did not need to add more, although I'm usually an "extra BBQ sauce" person. The catfish fingers were lightly breaded, about 4 inches long and about an inch wide. I'm most often used to lots of crispy breading that immediately falls off, leaving you with naked catfish. But these fingers were better than that! The breading held on, was nicely flavored, and a perfect proportion on the fingers! There, but not overly thick. You can taste the fish, not just the breading! Served with a wedge of lemon, and a tasty dipping sauce, not your usual white tartar sauce. I can't quite describe it, but very tasty, not to acidy, and a slightly smokey color. I loved it! I asked for my grilled pineapple to be extra grilled. So I got tasty maillard reaction grill marks, and the sweet, slightly acid flavor pineapple, that was a great counterpoint to the brisket and catfish. The warm cornbread muffin in a paper liner was the right combination of corn flavor and tender texture. I would have personally wished for a larger muffin, but did not need any butter or honey. I drank water, but would normally have had something from their signature cocktail menu at $10.50, or a draft beer or wine. And I definitely wanted to have the Down Home banana pudding $8.50, or their Famous Dave's bread pudding $9.50. But it was lunch time and we were on our way shopping, so no time. I'll come back another time for dessert. They have a separate bar area, or a private dining room for groups of up to about 30, they call The Cabin. The main dining room has a tall stone fireplace in the center of the room, fire visible from both sides. The booths were comfortable. Also tables for 4, or a few with swing up edges to make round tables for (6?) A roll of paper towels, and wet wipes for your sticky fingers! Fairly quiet at 1:45pm on a Friday afternoon! I'll come...

If you swipe through the reviews that I post, you will find that I enjoy experiencing a myriad of food selections from all over Reno and from various ethnic cuisines. Despite my love for ALL things pertaining to FOOD, at heart, I am a Southern Gentleman (New Orleans born and raised) so I never pass up an opportunity to try something which reminds me of my Southern roots.

I have had the opportunity to sample a FEW BBQ joints around Reno since relocating here (my 1 year anniversary was March 31, 2022 🥳🎉) and I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised by my findings... But! Imagine, if you will, my shock and amazement to find out that one of my absolute long time FAVORITE barbecue sauces actually has a full blown brick and mortar here in my newfound home! For YEARS I have not only enjoyed the savory selections of sauces Famous Dave's has concocted, but I have always found it both hilarious and a testament to how serious one has to be about their BBQ standing above the rest to have the consumed product of said brand have an ACTUAL pig as its Chef /Pitmaster/mascot on the logo AND have that 🐷 🔥 🍖 a 🐖 😮🤣👍🏽. GENIUS!!!!

The GOOD: the staff (though short-staffed for obvious reasons) was amazing, Very, VERY professional, attentive, friendly and welcoming (in spite of some grumbling from a couple patrons). The decor and theme of the setting set the tone and vibe which was relaxed and casual. The sauces... FILL ME UP SHOT GLASSES and keep em coming!!!!

The BAD (in my humble opinion): the food arrived and though visually pleasing it was, however, very luke warm. The ribs were a bit tough and almost seemed microwaved, and the rib tips were also a bit rough to really enjoy them, unfortunately.

A bit deflated (because I hyped MYSELF up because of that doggone 🐷🔥🍖 a 🐖) I finished off as much as my meal as was respectful and took my leave. From the other reviews I read prior to heading in myself, I suspect it was just a bad day, but I am just sharing my own experiences and what was reflected during this particular visit. I'm no food expert but I do eat at a LOT of places and I will probably try here again in the...