Having read the reviews and having met the family that’s running the place, I feel that my food experience was a “one-off”. So I will give a neutral rating.
Staff/Service - 5 stars
Food - 1 star
Place is a dive.
Came in at 11:08 Saturday morning and we were the only customers in but they were very busy. Advanced orders were stacked on most of the dining tables. Found out Marshall was having their Homecoming game and most of the orders were for tailgating customers. They were putting together orders or double checking orders to make sure everything ordered was all there.
The staff was super friendly and accommodating even though they were not ready for customers dining in. Had to clear a table to sit us. Should have left then but was really craving barbecue and I knew they’re closed on Sundays.
Ordered the sampler (Brisket, Ribs & Smoked wings w/ mac n cheese & chicken n dumplings) and this is where it went downhill. Look at the photos of the plate, it didn’t look appetizing, smoked wings were tough n chewy. The ribs were okay, rub had good flavor just maybe a tad heavy handed on the cinnamon/cocoa. Brisket was tender and was flavorful. My main issue was, aside for the sides, the food was cool, not cold (you know that temp where you take food out of the fridge and heat it up in the microwave but not long enough to get hot?). The steaming smoked wings photo was straight from the microwave. They looked good but imagine how smoked wings taste after being nuked to steaming level, not good :(
I have to mention that their chicken n dumplings is great!!
Best one I’ve had in all my travels.
Bottom line is that I believe it was a one-off experience and I will come back to give them a try again. Super friendly people and very accommodating, one lady even gave us samples of their dessert.
But I will turn around and leave if I don’t see any smoke coming from the smokers - not a good sign.