Famous Dave's - Reviewed

Famous Dave's
200 Center Place Drive
663-3300

Website/Menu Link

Rating: Thumbs Down (way down!)

This restaurant CHAIN (in most cases, never trust a restaurant chain for a good meal) should be called "INfamous Dave's"!!!

One of THE WORST meals I have ever had, ever.

They say that they have "award-winning ribs" --- I can't believe that's true. Unless the panel of judges had previously lost their sense of smell and taste during some freak accident.

They told me that they do smoke and barbecue the meats on premises, but I tried to get a good look at the kitchen and I certainly could not find a smoker or a barbecue pit anywhere. I could be wrong, maybe they have cleverly disguised a barbecue pit to look like a refrigerator or something---but it sure seems to me that nothing is barbecued at the restaurant.

I tried a sampler plate, so I could try out their brisket, ribs and chicken. The meat was godawful! It tasted like lighter fluid---I am not kidding! It really tasted like lighter fluid! And, what's worse, neither I nor my dining companion could get that taste out of our mouths! It was horrible!

The side dishes weren't much better, either.

No, I cannot recommend Famous Dave's. It's not barbecue. I don't know what it is. I don't even think you could properly label it as "food."

Dinosaur Bar B Que - Reviewed

Dinosaur Bar B Que
99 Court Street
325-7090

Website and Menu Link

Rating: On The Fence

I really do like the Dinosaur Bar B Que. I do go there, on occasion, for lunch. The food is good. Their ribs and pulled pork are both outstanding. Their homemade sauce is delicious. Their side dishes are equally tasty.

I have one big reservation and the main reason I can't give Dinosaur a "thumbs up" rating: the portion size. There's just not much value for the money.

You know, down South, barbecue is all about good food and LOTS of it---big portions.

But once you cross the Mason-Dixon line, I guess, the portions start to shrink. By the time you get all the way up North to Rochester, New York, the portions have become minuscule.

What gives? If a person is going to spend $15-20 on a lunch or dinner, then they should leave the place stuffed or with a doggy-bag in hand.

The portions at Dinosaur Bar B Que are small, but the prices aren't. That's the only reason I am on the fence with this one. I do love the food.......but I can't stand small food.