Andrew's BBQ express — Restaurant in Tempe

I went to Andrew's BBQ for the first time today on my lunch break. I was tired on the normal Subway and Chipotle everyday. I found Andrew's BBQ on the internet and it seemed legit. I called and spoke with a very nice woman who took my order over the phone and told me that it would be ready in 10 minutes. Being that I am less than 5 minutes away from the place of business, I waited 5 minutes before I left.

When I got there, it was not very busy considering this was on a Friday at 12:15 p.m. in the afternoon (lunch time). I politely paid for my meal, which was a little extreme ($8.50 for a pulled pork sandwich and fries). I then drove around the block and parked in the Jack and Box parking lot where it was shady.

I opened the box and it smelled delightful. Upon first bite, I noticed that the fries were extremely soggy, cold, and only seasoned with lots of salt. I first assumed when I ordered seasoned fries that it included delicious seasonings that were basically impossible to do at home. No, this was just lots and lots of salt upon a handful of cold and soggy fries. First disappointment. I then started to devour the delicious smelling pulled pork. I picked up the sandwich and the pork fell out in chunks, which I do not mind since it smelled so heavenly. One bite of the sandwich and I began to gag. The pulled pork with divine; however, the huge seedless bun that it was sitting on was so soggy and water retained that it felt as though I was eating a wet napkin.

I was completely disappointed in this place. I was looking forward to finding a BBQ place near my employment where I could partake in daily BBQ. This is not the place. It is extremely overpriced and not worth it at all. The staff is extremely friendly and I would recommend the restaurant on those grounds alone. But, based on the gag reflex I experienced, I would stay clear...

Ive ordered from Andrews on two occasions. Love BBQ and trying different spots. Both times i tried the ribs, brisket, mac and cheese, and beans. Ive also had their chicken and cornbread. It was a decent bbq overall. The restaurant itself is closed so there is no atmosphere. The staff is wonderful, very friendly. Just order online and pick up- cant pay in store (kinda sucks). The beans were delicious. It was the best part of my meal.

There were a few things that turned me off to this bbq spot—just my preference. The ribs had the backing on them still which i do not prefer. Understand some ppI do. I also feel it lacked any type of bark almost like it was partly smoked for flavor then baked in the oven. I didnt get that backyard bbq type rib i was looking for coming here. Sauce comes on the side so no carmelized bark or that sticky finger when you pick up your rib—you know!!

The mac and cheese needs work: no flavor- just bland!!!! If your looking for that mac and cheese that has that crispy cheese crust that came out the oven in a casserole dish with three different types of cheeses-then this is not that. Its more like a velvette box type mac and cheese. Cheese thst come from a packet. Disappointed there.

The brisket was good! I enjoyed it. It was pulled though and in bbq sauce. So your not gonna get to see that smoke ring or taste “brisket” . I cant recall if menu stated that or not but i was looking for sliced brisket.

Overall, i think i was look for that backyard bbq flavor and cooking and i did not get it from Andrews on either occassions. I had leftovers still!! The only thing i went back for were the beans- threw away the ribs 👀 and mac and cheese. If im going to pay over $50 in 2024 with these prices now-a-days i expect...

Very Disappointed BBQ Fan,

Before I begin this review, let me tell you that I know BBQ. I have traveled all across the states in search of good renditions of BBQ cooking. Texas, Tennessee, Carolina, even California Asian BBQ. I have worked in BBQ kitchens for years and I am currently a working chef. This review may come off rude and extreme, however as a hourly worker I demand good food for my hard earned money.

My most recent experience with this establishment's food has left me no choice but to write this review. After ordering a combo meal, "ribs" and brisket, I was shocked and horrified at what I spent good money for. These "ribs", if that's what they actually call them, are so shameful I cant even begin to understand what the thought process was in making them. White, boiled, tasteless, char-less, quite possibly not even ribs, ribs. Its SAD. Its depressing that this is what I have been served at a BBQ restaurant. I have been around the world and I have NEVER been served such a pitiful example of "ribs." I'm not even sure what I ate was in fact ribs at all. You could pass whatever this white rubbery meat was off as anything. The brisket, which I enjoyed my last visit, was so tough and tasteless I couldn't finish it. I'm not exaggerating. Even the side dish I had was undercooked. Raw potatoes? In potato salad? Come on. Really? You expect people to pay money for this? I'm outraged. In all reality, I want my 15+ dollars back for whatever "food" you just tried to feed me.

In summation, I warn you. As a chef and BBQ lover, I would advise you look elsewhere. I will not be returning to this establishment for any more of its "BBQ" again. Its a sad,...