Silver and Sons BBQ — Restaurant in Somerset

I'm torn on how to rate Silver and Sons BBQ because I desperately want to give it five stars for several reasons but cannot. I am not just another generic reviewer that only gives ones or fives; I'll actually try to break it all down and give a real, fair rating.

I'll start with the good: First the ingredients are top notch! There is no question that high quality cuts are used and the sides demonstrate a high level of pride and skill in preparation. Even though everything is served in carryout containers, significant care is invested in creating an appetizing display. The storefront is clean and attractive.

Second, the flavor matches the ingredient quality. Pastrami prepared in the American BBQ style is a new experience and one I want to have again. Brisket was done well and above average (but I'm not sure it'd win any awards outside of the dmv (dmv BBQ mostly sucks)). I could come up with small nit-picks but the portions of each were generous so I'll refrain. This is definitely the upshot of Silver and Sons. The sauces are unique and add a new complex flavor profile (especially the mustard) to what I expect from bbq (but see the issues below). Overall, one of the better BBQ places regarding flavor and unique flavor profile.

Ok now the bad: First, I consider it a major BBQ sin to get stingy with your sauces and Silver and Sons breaks this rule on two fronts. For a 2+2, one of the more expensive menu items, you get one measly, jello-shot size of one sauce. Noting the generous protein portions, you're going to run out, fast. Worse, there is a choice of three that are each quite unique. You can ask to try another, but it'll cost you $1.00 each! That is crazy!! For a jello-shot size! If I do not go back this is likely the chief reason. Is it silly that something so small can instill so much bitterness? Maybe, but I know I'm not alone in feeling taken advantage of as a customer in this respect. A second or third sauce is worth way, way more in goodwill than one or two dollars.

Second, despite something like beets or potatoes costing almost nothing, they're stingy with the side portions. The sides are beautifully presented, but this isn't the french laundry. At least fill the section of the carryout container (other reviewers pictures confirm it's not a one off issue). BBQ is not the place where I think anyone expects to feel like they're receiving the "diet" size portion. Don't worry, though, at least I think anything you order will count as a "low carb" option.

Third, this is a carryout restaurant. Do not plan to sit down. There is a small counter inside and a few outdoor tables but inside is way too loud. Also as a carryout place, and an expensive one at that (BBQ has certainly far outpaced inflation), they expect you to provide a substantial tip. They're not bussing tables, providing traditional flatware, or really a even fast-casual dining experience. They're not even going to put disposable flatware in your bag, that's on you to get for yourself. Why do they feel tipping is even appropriate? Who is even being tipped (there is no wait staff)? How is this anything but a way to further inflate the price? This may seem petty, but places like this pushing for inappropriate tips contributes to consumer resistance to where tipping IS appropriate, like a traditional sit-down restaurant of food delivery. Those servers are hurt when this place wants an extra 22% for what, just existing?

Initially I had planned on giving Silver and Son BBQ two stars based on the glaring problems. Even as a relatively new restaurant, these are not rookie errors, these are careless ones. I'm sure the people who give everyplace five stars will do so because the quality is great. But the value (i.e., the ratio of quality:price) is pretty bad and the pricing practices are abysmal. That is going to hurt repeat customers. The value is enough to save it from two stars based on the flavor, but three is absolutely the best it deserves right now. If money is no object, go and enjoy this place. Everyone else may want to consider...

Saw this place’s food truck and made a mental note to check it out. Mediterranean flavors meets Texas BBQ, with a side of Jewish deli. I’m in!

The location was not what I was expecting out of a BBQ spot. It reads a little more trendy and like a meat Starbucks but who am I kidding, the food is what I’m there for and options on it are what you’re here for. Let’s get into it…

I snagged a brisket sandwich with a side of the sweet bulldog sauce. For a side dish I tried the daily special of braised greens. The brisket sandwich was on one of the best brioche style rolls I’ve ever had. For a $14 sandwich I found both the roll and the portion of brisket to be a bit on the smaller side. That said, this is some of the best brisket I’ve had in a while probably edged out by only 2Fifty in this area. A PERFECT mix of fatty and lean and was quite flavorful even before adding the sweet bulldog sauce. The name is a bit misleading because I didn’t get a ton of sweetness. The sauce tastes like A1 meets BBQ with the ratio leaning heavy on the A1 side. It was a delicious compliment to the brisket and a little unlike any other brisket sandwich I’ve had in a while.

The side of braised greens was better than decent. The flavors were good, a little less vinegary than I tend to like my greens, but the inclusion of different types of greens, pickle stems, and what appeared to be shaved cauliflower were interesting texturally. This helped because the greens themselves were a bit overdone and had almost a sautéed spinach consistency.

I will definitely be back to try their brisket cheesesteak, their smoked chicken (which looked incredible), and their brisket pastrami.

Definitely recommend checking out...

Visited the new storefront on opening weekend. Service was friendly and the wait was about 5 minutes from ordering to receiving our food. The store is small with 6 chairs to eat in store. There was also a freezer/fridge section with prepare-at-home meals and fresh desserts. There are 2-3 street parking spots right out front or the parking garage next door. I went with my partner and we decided to get two 2x2 platters so we can sample 4 meats and get our own sides. In all we got the beef rib, chicken, turkey and pastrami. We also got napa slaw, israeli salad and the carrots. We agree that the beef rib was yummy but there was only about 2 ounces of meat on the bone, so we probably wont order it again. The chicken was very juicy and dark meat only. It has a hint of a kick which I didn’t perceive but my partner who has less spice tolerance did. He still really enjoyed it and would get it again. The pastrami was AMAZING, we both agree that was our favorite. The flavor is outstanding, its thick cut, very juicy and not overly salty. The turkey breast was well-brined and flavorful. This was the best choice if you are looking for lean meat. Napa slaw and israeli salad were refreshing and the carrots were my favorite side. The dukkah seasoning on the carrots was a little salty but when you get the carrot, dukkah and tzatziki topping all in one bit - ugh - its sooo good. Challah rolls were well structured but on the dry side. I got the spiced vinegar sauce which had a good kick to it. My partner got the sweet sauce which was also vinegar based. We loved the sauces and their thinness made them perfect for dipping. We plan to be back for more pastrami, poultry...