Off the Rails Barbeque and Drafthouse — Restaurant in Verona

What Happened to the BBQ I Once Loved? I used to tell everyone Off The Rails had the best brisket east of Texas. I’ve been a loyal customer for years. But sadly, over the past year, things have gone way downhill — from the food, to the service, to the cleanliness and overall experience. I’ve gotten slightly sick after dining here multiple times recently. One time it was just stomach discomfort. Another, nausea all night. But after my most recent visit, I was violently ill — cold chills, extreme stomach distress, and a completely sleepless night. I’ll spare the graphic details, but it was rough. After looking up their March 2025 health inspection rating, I was no longer surprised. Despite these issues, I’ve tried to give the place the benefit of the doubt. I’ve worked in the restaurant industry. I know it’s hard work. But it’s hard to ignore the robotic, impersonal service, the disengaged bartenders, and the fact that no one even smiles or says thank you anymore. Still, I kept coming back because the BBQ used to be worth it. Not anymore. Last night was it for me. The place was crowded, our order was incorrect, and the whole experience just felt off. I stayed because I was meeting some great people, but I regretted it by the end of the night. I got sick again. I called twice today before reaching the front end manager- not to ask for a refund — just to voice a concern that I’d gotten ill the last several times I ate there. After finally reaching the front-end manager, I was told it was probably “just my body” and blamed it on the two drinks I had last night over a 4 hour period of time,(1 drink each other times I got sick). I also asked if they use a tonic water dispenser, since that could be a factor — and was told they use bottled tonic. Again, I was told there had been no other complaints, so it must just be me.Also I was told I drank too much alcohol. Really did you see me. I have my receipt! Zero concern. Not even a basic “I'm sorry you experienced that.” It’s sad, honestly. This place used to be a gem. But now it feels neglected — in food quality, health standards, and customer service. I’m done. Diner beware.Wow look at what the owner said. Did I leave a good review when I liked us? No, however to show my support for the business, I had brought many new diners there over the years which will no longer happen. Why so snarky with me and apologies to others.Still again no apology just sarcasm. No wonder you had to start doing coupons this year. And is this really the owner or an employee. I see other reviews...

There is so much to say about Off the Rail, Ken and the entire team in Verona. It took my husband and I a long time to finally stop and now it we are LOYAL addicts to this BBQ. It is the best in Pittsburgh so far. There are lot of things we like at other places but to love everything on the menu speaks volumes about the quality that is smoked here. I travel for work and Texas has been a frequent stop once again. I like things on the menu but there is no other place that the entire menu is amazing. I am finally writing a review on OTRB is because I have not tried everything until now. RIBs: Fall of the bone but does not fall apart. No 1 thing a BBQ judge looks for in good smoke. Requires sauce: NO. none needed unless you want it. Another key to good smoke. Pork: it is flavorful, it is NOT dry, no sauce required and it great on everything, sandwich, potato, nacho, grilled cheese.. there is no limit. Brisket: smoke to perfections. The chili is out of this world, flavor heat on a potato does not matter the vechicle to which is reaches your mouth. Will not disappoint. Wings are good. I am a person that I like my wings smoked. I just wish they had the choice of not flash frying them. That is a personal choice. I still eat them because they are wonderful. I dont always want the greese. Chicken. I have fallen in love ALL over again with the pulled chicken. I dont eat that much bread bc i am not a bread person. but on the potato or nachos or straight out of the to go bowl...This will be my 2nd choice to the ribs or even better I will just get both when the ribs are not sold out. Everything is truly on point. I gave 4 stars to atmosphere only because sometimes I freeze while inside. HOWEVER the food and beer selection keeps me warm!! There are weekly specials and their cheese steaks are sharable. OH the Beer selection GO KEN!!!! He gets some great hard to find crafter beers. I love this place but my cardiologist does not like it. KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING...IT IS RIGHT!!! Toni and John OTRBBQ secrets: Join and get points which turns into free food. If you are heading that way check out the to go menu to see what is out...

I've been here more times than I can count, but this is my first review.

This place is banging. It's got the best bbq in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. You should see the huge smokers used to cook this food. Smoke source is from burning big pieces of hardwood, hand loaded into the smokers throughout the day. The owner really cares about the product and he makes sure it's perfect every time.

I normally go here for ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. The outstanding mac & cheese is a guilty pleasure. Sometimes I just mix the pulled pork, mac & cheese, and bbq sauce into an amalgamation of deliciousness.

Today, however, I went for the wings. And WOW! These wings are 100% entree-grade.

If you follow my reviews on Google Maps, you know that I rate and review wings everywhere that I can. When I say these are some of the best wings I have ever had, it carries a lot of weight.

I tried mango habanero and plain (seasoned). Both were super crunchy, but not hard, and juicy in the middle. The pieces were huge whole wings. I was expecting the ones without sauce to taste too smokey or just too plain, but that wasn't the case. The seasoning was perfectly balanced. I was in heaven. The mango habanero was equally impressive. It was the right warmth, just the right amount of sweet, but not too sweet, and complemented the smoked profile perfectly.

We liked them so much that our wing group plans to make this place a weekly destination for the foreseeable future.

While the prices are very fair for smoked meats, I do want to warn you that it is more expensive than the fried wings you'll get down the street. Three whole wings is a whopping $11 ($3.66/wing.) But during Wednesday wing night from 4pm until they run out, you can get six wings per person for $6. (You can order more, but it's full price after six.)

If you want some of the best bbq anywhere, or try some of the most interesting and delicious whole wings, do NOT pass up...