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

I have eaten at this location many times, both carry out and dine in. Most times are very enjoyable which is why we keep coming back. Unfortunately the last time I picked up food was not great for multiple reasons.

It looked to be a pretty busy day for carry out orders, but there was only one other person picking up when I came in. There was nobody there to greet anyone so I kind of just stood near the window waiting to be assisted. A nice person came to ask if I was picking up an order so I told her what the name was and she checked and it wasn't ready yet. When it was she handed me the bags and asked me to hold on while she goes to make the lemonade for my order. I thought that was strange but whatever. She brought out the cup with a lemon in it which I've never had before but again I didn't really give it much thought. I then asked for BBQ sauce packets that you can even choose online now but were not in the bag. She seemed like she wasn't supposed to be giving me any and gave me 3 packets...for 4 whole meals. In the past I would've gotten more than that for each meal. Again I didn't care enough to ask for more and I have sauce at home so it wasn't a big concern.

I got home and discovered that my order was not correct. I ordered the two meat combo and paid extra for white meat only for both of the meats I chose because I don't really like dark meat, however there was only dark meat in the container. Also my daughter said her lemonade didn't taste right. I tasted it myself and it tasted like water with some lemon juice in it. So I called the restaurant to let them know that the order was incorrect so I could get it fixed and was told to wait for a manager. I then explained the situation my two meat combo being the wrong order to the manager. I said I ordered and paid extra for only white meat but was given the wrong food. She said she would refund me the money for the wrong order and said it would be $3. I said "you're only refunding $3? Is that the difference for the white meat vs dark meat?". She said yes but could tell I didn't think that was reasonable and then said she would refund $5. At that point I didn't even bother mentioning the lemonade because I really didn't need her to refund me another $.50. So I just hung up instead. If this is the kind of experience I can expect going forward at this location then I will have to find a...

Our server was very nice however she was much more attentive towards other tables around us who were served alcohol. We didn't order alcohol right away but wanted to after we placed our initial order. Didn't get the chance because we didn't see the waitress for about 20 minutes after we ordered our food. (Oh and when we ordered she kept touching my arm... I found that weird given the fact we're all supposed to be socially distant AND I have an obvious skin condition that even I don't want to look at or touch.) Once she reappeared, we had to flag her down just to ask for a refill or to correct our order. Meanwhile we watched her circle between 3 other groups on the other side of the dining room multiple times.

The menu was minimal, which is understandable because of the current circumstances, but I was happy that their best stuff was still on the menu. Unfortunately, the food was not like what I've had before. The brisket was rubbery and almost half of the chopped pork was just fat. The Texas toast was stale too. The catfish was really tasty but I had to wait 10 minutes before I was able to get the waitress's attention for the remoulade sauce that went with it. They only offered 2 of their sauces in packets vs the wider range of bottles they offered pre-covid. Again, understandable, but it would have been nice for one of those options to be less spicy for those of us who can't tolerate a little heat.

We finished what we could and when the waitress brought the bill we had our credit card out and asked if we take it up to the front or give it to her. She said she will take it then walked off, leaving the card and bill behind. Another 10ish minutes go by before she returned to take our payment.

Again, I completely understand that everyone's lives have been flipped because of this pandemic and special arrangements have been made by restaurants to accommodate the public, but it's very frustrating when we sat there and watched her almost purposely avoid our table and tend to other tables, all the while we're dealing with sub-par food and empty cups. I will not be returning to this location.

Half star for the nice but inadequate staff, another half star for the great updates to the seating arrangements to keep...

I came here today for the first time, never been here before, but with the signs saying "The best BBQ in Detroit" I figured it would be a nice little stop after Halloween shopping.

Overall my experience was pretty mid, the best part of my service was my waitress, who was amazing with her time, always checking on us and making sure we have everything, as well as well as refills in a timely manner.

I do have to say though, the food was Mid, I got the Rib tips, with center cut, which was $3 extra making my plate cost about $20. I have two children who got macaroni and cheese, and fries, I was highly disappointed when I saw "KRAFT" Mac in cheese in a supposedly "Highly rated" and quite pricey BBQ place. I paid 8 dollars, for my kids meals each, for what should be $2 Kraft boxed Mac and cheese.

My friend got the catfish fingers, and he said it was good, however their sauces are not spicy at all, we tried Devils Spit, and sweet and sassy BBQ and I'd have to say I wouldn't give Devils spit a Three on the spice. It was definitely more of a one or two spice rating. Next time I might try Wilburs Revenge.

Alas my trip wasn't horrible but the meat on the ribs and the wings we got were hardly tender, rather very chewy and fatty and hard to tear apart, they didn't melt in my mouth like I expected them to, especially since I specifically asked for center cut for a more tender rib. I'd give it a 3/5 and the service was a 5/5, I would come again, but it'd have to be close by, it's not a place I would consider travel worthy, and I think their title of being the best is a bit of an exaggeration. Especially if they can serve Kraft Mac and Cheese...