Hard Eight BBQ — Restaurant in Roanoke

To start this review on a positive note, the ribeye and smoked baloney were truly exceptional. However, the overall experience took a downward turn thereafter. I purchased a meat assortment, which included a slice or two of each meat, comprising chicken popper, shrimp popper, turkey, ribs, ribeye, brisket, spicy sausage, regular sausage, and smoked baloney. Both poppers exhibited a moderate level of spiciness, which may not appeal to the general public. As someone who appreciates spicy food, I found the heat tolerable, but it overpowered the flavor of the meats. Furthermore, the poppers were slightly dry. The turkey, baloney, and sausage were satisfactory, although the sausage lacked juiciness in my opinion. The ribs were dry as well and lacking a flavor. The brisket was a significant disappointment, with a peculiar tinge that persisted throughout the bite. I detected this same tinge in the BBQ sauce, which I found unpalatable. I tried both BBQ sauces and did not enjoy either one. In contrast, the ribeye was outstanding. It was juicy, and the flavor of the meat was exceptionally tasty. I would make a special trip to purchase the ribeye again. I typically order two sides, the potato salad and the beans. Although the beans were complimentary, their presentation was unappealing. Upon tasting the beans, I found them to be mediocre at best. The potato salad lacked creaminess and flavor. I felt that I could have prepared a better potato salad at home. However, it was superior to store-bought potato salad. The total cost for the assortment of meat, two drinks, potato salad, and my companion's meal, which included corn on the cob and a chopped brisket sandwich, was $62. The pricing system, which is based on weight, can lead to unexpected costs. If you are not mindful of the prices, you may be surprised by a high bill at the register. Consequently, I experienced buyer's remorse immediately after paying. While I acknowledge that barbecue can be expensive, I was not impressed with the quality of the food. As a Texas native, I have high standards for barbecue, and this establishment did not meet my...

The food was so-so. Good, but not remarkable. I had brisket and a baked potato which were okay/good, but I’ve had brisket with more smoked flavor. My son had ribs and he said there was very little meat (mostly expensive bone). Someone had onion rings which were a definite NO and there was a corn salad side which was good. The tables have fixed barstool-like seats that are extremely uncomfortable….not typical barstool type seats but really uncomfortable bent and bumpy “natural” wood. They don’t adjust to bigger, or older, or smaller/younger diners. A few tables have a fixed seat/chair mix that might have been slightly better but they were all taken. The line service was okay/good and moved along at a steady pace (luckily, since there was a long line) and the one employee we saw in the dining area was great. He was very busy but kept our table clean and asked us if we needed anything often. I didn’t know there were free (for dine-in) beans, so that was a pleasant surprise. They were very good. The bottom line for Hard Eight is that they are good enough but they definitely have room for improvement. EDIT: I forgot to mention that it was INCREDIBLY HOT inside the dining area. It was a cool, nice day outside and even an opened door might have helped. I can’t imagine what it would be like in July and August unless they turn on some...

Alright this place is great. Portions are huge and atmosphere is wonderful. Service and cleanliness is A+. Live band is wonderful.

Ok there are some misses. As they pull off brisket in foil the cutter scrapes off most of the top fat. Strange because that's usually where a lot of flavor is. Odd. There was flavor but would have preferred more smoke or the missing fat (seasoning) Be warned though take home is a norm.

So there is a full pork chop but ours we had asked to be dipped ( in butter pepper ) they squeezed it out of a bottle on top of the chop. It actually added more moisture to the dry chop. The original bbq sauce helped offset the dryness also. There wasn't enough butter sauce though for the chop sadly. The chop is seasoned and then smoked.

The sausages were great both regular and spicy.

The mac and cheese was good

The free beans are nothing special , decent but no bacon , more u load up the more noise for later.

Fried Okra was a hit! Perfect with a hit of salt.

Good load of condiments, fresh onions, pickles, white bread, original and spicy bbq sauce, etc.

Indoor seating is cooler but will cool your food also , remember this is bbq. Hot foods and cold pop!

This is my first time there and even joined their Facebook page to try to find some discounts, also Yelp but to no luck.

Good food ,...