MISSION BBQ — Restaurant in Tallahassee

Barbecue is such a divisive topic. Everybody "knows" what the best barbecue is - where it comes from - how it's made, etc... let's suspend the subjective notions of BBQ for a moment and discuss objective stuff.

This place, Mission BBQ, features various barbecue styles. All I needed to see was North Carolina pulled pork and nothing else really registered.

In Tallahassee, Mission Barbecue takes a spot alongside the other chain big leaguers like Sonny's, 4 Rivers and Dream Land. It's hard-opening day today and naturally, staff is high and the interior is immaculate. I'm pretty certain it will stay that way.

The cole slaw is a smudge sweet for me - but that's a subjective point. Objectively speaking, its crisp - flavorful and complementary to center stage.

I would enjoy learning more about the behemoth dual smokers prominently parked on the east end of the line. I'd also like to bring my "grown up" photo kit to take some better shots (much like those I took at 4 Rivers when they opened).

All the options truly look great. I can't imagine I'll veer off of the NC pulled pork option (once you know what you like, is there time to fiddle with other stuff?) too much but I'd be unfair to not try everything at least once. I know, in advance, that it will all be good.

Patriotism and demonstrable respect of our armed services is at the core of this establishment - check out the "about us" on their very well laid out website. This is a welcome and refreshing theme and will surely attract active duty and vets alike. Many folks confuse patriotism with conservatism but nothing could be further from the truth (to me). I'm a proud liberal who is exceptionally patriotic, the son of a lifer ('54-'84), and who appreciates the red/white/blue and our men/women in uniform. No single political party is going to hijack patriotism and love-of-country!

Bottom line: these guys aren't playing around. I take them to be perfectionists.

P.s., the GM, managers and staff are all very customer focused. Evident of a thorough hiring process coupled with a structured training program. I was loitering around the front door a week prior to opening and was graciously welcomed inside to...

I almost decided against this casual BBQ restaurant in favor of tried-and-true McAlister’s Deli.

But I took a chance. And ooh was it so worth it.

Immediately upon walking in I felt comfortable. This BBQ chain was not prentending. Deep brown wooden tables and chairs. Roles of paper towels at every table. Six bbq sauces also at every table for the sampling. Waist high trough filled with ice and cold beverages. And the lovely, smokey smell of bbq circulating the dining room.

I’ve arrived.

I’ve had my share of bbq and one thing I make a point to do is sample anything I’m not sure of. And I suggest you do the same.

I sampled the coldslaw and the baked beans with brisket. DAMN!

Both tasted great! But I could only order one. I had to order a half pound of meat next.

“One side of those baked beans please”

Now for the meat. I wasted no time. “Let me get a half pound of dat pulled chicken”

Three minutes later. “Order up for G”

Scanned the room. Picked a table and began.

We already know how I feel about dem beans, but that pulled chicken, nothing les than manna from the heavenly smoker itself.

Top picks for the bbq sauce selections. Smoky Mountain and Bay-B-Que. If the Bay-B-Que is not on the table, then you’ll have to ask them to grab some for you from the back.

Honorary mention is not a bbq sauce but a mustard. The Georgia Mustard adds another dimension to the condiment world.

Shout out to the staff. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and generous.

Indeed, one young lady offered me a few fries 🍟 on the house so that I could more easily sample the 12 different sauces they had to offer.

I tried 9 of those 12. And yes the fries were good.

Thanks Mission BBQ. I had a great dining experience. Now I’m going to have to pick between Mission BBQ and Chick-fil-a. That’s going to be tough. Maybe even a...

Mission BBQ is Back!! Great Meals 10/17&18/22 super meals both days. Salmon, cole slaw, green beans, and Apple pie. 1st class and clean restaurant

6/21/22 ** 2 stars Worst meal had at Mission BBQ any location salmon was served cold. Little taste and tough so perhaps overcooked. Have eaten many meals at Tallahassee so I hope this is not going to be repeated. very unhappy with meal.

Super job on ribs, brisket, pulled pork, salmon & wow those greens!!

Food is consistently great. friendly staff that constantly checks on your dining experience. my favorites are the moist brisket and salmon and my wife loves the 5 bone ribs. The collard greens are terrific! After hurricane Michael when they had power to open they immediatley started feeding just the first responders. Everyday promptly at 12 noon everyone stands to sing the national anthem! if you were planning to have lunch there don't miss it.

8/23/20 12:30pm visit NO ONE IS ABOVE CLEANING TABLES very disappointed on visit yesterday that the dining room crowded with folks eating. There were 3 large empty booths cleared but not cleaned and 3 empty small booths not cleared. There were 3 people behind the table putting meat on plates and 2 people on other side of table putting sides on plates plus 2 people on the cash register. However there was only 1 girl in the dining room clearing tables but not cleaning them. Customers expect a clean sanitized dining table especially with Covid risks. Management needs to exert more supervision over cleanliness of dining area and provide necessary staff to get...