Always a favorite, local staple of ours. It's been awhile since we had been to Famous Dave's as our recent stops have been TripleD restaurants. The menu has changed....some good, ; some disappointments. The Hawaiian Flat Bread appetizer was outstanding and I had the Burnt Ends and Ribs dinner both nicely done! The Mrs generally gets the BBQ Chicken and did so once again, as good as ever! The selection of sides is now missing the green beans and the apple versions which were two of the ones that we really liked. They also changed up the cornbread which now has the more traditional square cut pan shape rather than the cupcake looking presentation.....have to reserve judgment on the tastes between the two as I generally bring that home for breakfast the next morning and I haven't tried the new version yet.
(5)
Christina T.
We always have a great meal and service is top notch. This last week, our server went over the top! Thanks to our awesome server, Jacob for a terrific night by all. We'll definitely be back soon!
(5)
Amy A.
The best part about famous Dave's is it's relatively consistent. The food is always cooked well and the portions are satisfying. We typically come in and pick up food and eat it at home. I like to get the feasts for two or the feasts for four. They come with 2 to 3 kinds of meat potato wedges coleslaw baked beans cornbread and corn. Tons of food in them. And that way everybody gets a little bit of everything. Ordering for pick up usually takes longer than if you eat in. The promise time is usually at least 30 minutes. But don't come early or you'll be stuck waiting for it to pick it up. And then if you use the pick up Lane you'll be holding up traffic for people who come behind you. So I tip is to always wait and come at least five minutes after they say to guarantee your food will be ready. We occasionally eat here. The service is usually good and they're pretty speedy at getting the food out once you order. That's if you can get seated right away this place usually draws a pretty big crowd. So you might have to wait for a while in order to get a seat. My favorite is definitely a roasted chicken in the brisket. They are amazingly flavorful. I do like to eat here so that I can try all the different sauces on the table. But my favorite has always been the rich and sassy sauce.
(4)
Scott K.
Went there last sunday for dinner. Was charged almost $4 for a glass of lemonade. Brisket sandwich was room temperature and not what they served the the past. Meat cut into fatty cubes and chewy bun. Will not be returning.
(2)
Jason K.
A group of 8 of my Target Co-workers were on a business trip down to Cedar Rapids from Minneapolis, but we got hungry around Cedar Falls, Iowa. We sat down and I ordered a Diet Pepsi, I prefer Coke products, but what are you going to do? Their lunch menu is cool, you can get 2 meats, and a side and corn bread for 9 bucks. I ordered the pulled pork and the beef brisket. I ordered the Wilbur beans as my side. Our server brought out some homemade potato chips, a little soggy, but big complaints for such a nice gesture. She said it was to allow us to try the different sauces. Awesome idea! I tried their super hot Wilbur Sauce, which is new. It was hot, but really not much flavor because the heat was so overpowering. I think if you mixed it with the mustard sauce it would have been awesome, mental note for the future. The Wilbur beans were awesome, little hunks of bacon I think with a nice mesquite sauce and perfectly baked beans. The brisket and pork came out on big hunks of toast which was cool and I slathered on the Texas Pit and Devil Spit sauces, by themselves the pork was a little dry, but the brisket was super fantastic wonderful. I gave my wife the corn bread, which she loves. She also ordered the chicken lunch salad, which she loved, but she forgot to ask for no bacon. Again, she LOVED the corn bread. All of my Co-workers said that the meals were fantastic and we had an Indian friend on a work Visa from India who couldn't believe we were getting so much food to eat, but I think he liked it as well. He left about half behind though. Our service was FANTASTIC! Always checking, but not obtrusive. Refilling pops when they were empty. She was awesome. Overall, Famous Dave's is a chain, but doesn't really feel like a chain. They really take care of you. I have been to about 30 of them and tI am always pleased.
(4)
K S.
Been to a lot of places. Still love the flavor. Ribs are ribs. Depends on the cow. Love the ribs and chicken combo. Beans and fries are my favorite sides.
(5)
Rob C.
If you get take out double check your order we always have something missing always. This is again another case of the manager in the office on the phone talking to his girl friend while letting high schoolers run the front desk.
(2)
Giocatore M.
I'm not going to lie, I rather like this place. Most of the time anyway. When you go into Famous Dave's, you flip a coin. There is roughly a 50/50 chance of getting a great meal, or a mediocre plate of fatty meat. The ribs are simply not very consistent. When it's good, it's excellent. When it's bad, it's almost inedible. I feel like the good times make up for the bad, however. Now granted, I could pour their sauce on a car tire and eat it; nobody can deny that their sauces are amazing. The cornbread is incredible, and then there is the sauce. I know I mentioned the sauce already, but it's so good that I feel it is worth mentioning twice. When it comes down to it, when someone suggests going here, I am almost always up for it. I usually won't touch pork, but Famous Dave's proves there is an exception to every rule. It's a good place to come with friends and have a few laughs and a drink with your meal. You certainly won't feel like you have to dress up; in fact their "colourful" atmosphere will make you feel over dressed in anything but overall bibs. Do feel free to bring your favourite banjo and wear a Stetson; Stetsons are cool. Famous Dave's would have gotten a fourth star from me if they were a little more consistent in their quality. Another star would have been awarded if they hadn't gotten rid of their fantastic Drunken Apples. I still rather enjoy coming here and flipping my coin when I get the chance.
(3)
Josie E.
We love famous Dave's and after waiting for a minute, we were delighted to have Cheire. She was an amazing waitress and made the whole experience that much better. I love the cajun chicken sandwich and plan on being a regular when she is working.
(5)
Jerry S.
This place is usually pretty good, but its not consistent, we had ribs here over the weekend and they weren't nearly as good as the time before. Buffalo wings are usually excellent, but we didn't order them this time. At any rate the sauces are always good. The corm on the cob was very good.
(2)
Phyllis B.
As other's have stated the food is inconsistant here. But this visit it was wonderful! But what really made our meal was the service. Hannah said it was her 1st time flying solo but she was phenomonal! Friendly and checked on us frequently but she wasn't obtrusive. We split the feast for 2 and had leftovers (which didn't last long at home). The brisket was incredible as was the Roasted Chicken. Everything on the feast was very good. Our daughter had the Hickory Chicken and really enjoyed it. Now that our daughter is attending UNI, we'll be back more often!
(4)
Ben S.
We have been regulars here since it opened in 1998. Throughout the rotation of management and staff over the years, we've had great service and food in general. Despite the big wing chain moving in a block away, Dave's business doesn't seem to be suffering too much. This can only be attributed to their superior buffalo wings and other food as well.
(5)
Jessica W.
Famous Dave's has great tasting sides and amazing BBQ sauces, my fave being the Texas Pit. I almost always order the ribs, but I think they are a little overpriced for the amount you get (4 ribs and 2 sides was $13.00). Nonetheless delicious. The times we've been there, the service has always been very friendly and not overly obnoxious like chain restaurants are notorious for housing. Their corn on the cob tastes nothing like fresh Iowa sweet corn so I'd rather skip that and they substitute the corn on the cob that comes with the meal for an extra cornbread muffin. Deal! They always seem to be busy, the parking lot can't hold a typical weekend crowd.
(4)
Karen C.
I had never been to this chain before, but I'd go back. Portions are ridiculous. I don't think I ate 1/2 my food. My coworker and I each got a drink, shared an appetizer, and ordered an entree each for $55 plus tip. If we hadn't been traveling we both easily could have had another meal or two out of it. The decor was a little on the cheesy side, but what do you expect? The service was good, everything came out at the appropriate time, not too soon, not too late.
(4)
Ben H.
Was gonna give it 4 but I just remember how amazing the cornbread and bbq was, I love the many different bbq sauces they have and wish I had one where I live now. Truly the best bbq in the Cedar Falls area.
(5)
Erin J.
Yeah, I know it's a chain, but I haven't ever had such delicious BBQ from any other chain restaurant. The portions are, as mentioned, GINORMOUS. I find it difficult to believe that I actually could finish a BBQ half-chicken dinner WITH an extra cornbread muffin when I lived in Cedar Falls. *shakes head* The amount of food you get for the price is pretty fair, and the service is usually good. The decor, a mixture of 'backwoods Minnesota cabin at the lake' and hokey chain restaurant, is interesting enough, but not obtrusive. All that combined with easy access off of University Ave., a big ol' parking lot and carry-out service makes this a definite stop for a meal whenever I'm home.
(4)
Kirun M.
I am not a huge bbq fan, but this place is gooood! I had never been here before, but my veteran coworkers were always going here before taking me. Very large portions. I'm sure everything here is good. I don't remember it being very expensive either.
(5)
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Address :6222 University Ave
Cedar Falls, IA, 50613
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Gene H.
Always a favorite, local staple of ours. It's been awhile since we had been to Famous Dave's as our recent stops have been TripleD restaurants. The menu has changed....some good, ; some disappointments. The Hawaiian Flat Bread appetizer was outstanding and I had the Burnt Ends and Ribs dinner both nicely done! The Mrs generally gets the BBQ Chicken and did so once again, as good as ever! The selection of sides is now missing the green beans and the apple versions which were two of the ones that we really liked. They also changed up the cornbread which now has the more traditional square cut pan shape rather than the cupcake looking presentation.....have to reserve judgment on the tastes between the two as I generally bring that home for breakfast the next morning and I haven't tried the new version yet.
(5)Christina T.
We always have a great meal and service is top notch. This last week, our server went over the top! Thanks to our awesome server, Jacob for a terrific night by all. We'll definitely be back soon!
(5)Amy A.
The best part about famous Dave's is it's relatively consistent. The food is always cooked well and the portions are satisfying. We typically come in and pick up food and eat it at home. I like to get the feasts for two or the feasts for four. They come with 2 to 3 kinds of meat potato wedges coleslaw baked beans cornbread and corn. Tons of food in them. And that way everybody gets a little bit of everything. Ordering for pick up usually takes longer than if you eat in. The promise time is usually at least 30 minutes. But don't come early or you'll be stuck waiting for it to pick it up. And then if you use the pick up Lane you'll be holding up traffic for people who come behind you. So I tip is to always wait and come at least five minutes after they say to guarantee your food will be ready. We occasionally eat here. The service is usually good and they're pretty speedy at getting the food out once you order. That's if you can get seated right away this place usually draws a pretty big crowd. So you might have to wait for a while in order to get a seat. My favorite is definitely a roasted chicken in the brisket. They are amazingly flavorful. I do like to eat here so that I can try all the different sauces on the table. But my favorite has always been the rich and sassy sauce.
(4)Scott K.
Went there last sunday for dinner. Was charged almost $4 for a glass of lemonade. Brisket sandwich was room temperature and not what they served the the past. Meat cut into fatty cubes and chewy bun. Will not be returning.
(2)Jason K.
A group of 8 of my Target Co-workers were on a business trip down to Cedar Rapids from Minneapolis, but we got hungry around Cedar Falls, Iowa. We sat down and I ordered a Diet Pepsi, I prefer Coke products, but what are you going to do? Their lunch menu is cool, you can get 2 meats, and a side and corn bread for 9 bucks. I ordered the pulled pork and the beef brisket. I ordered the Wilbur beans as my side. Our server brought out some homemade potato chips, a little soggy, but big complaints for such a nice gesture. She said it was to allow us to try the different sauces. Awesome idea! I tried their super hot Wilbur Sauce, which is new. It was hot, but really not much flavor because the heat was so overpowering. I think if you mixed it with the mustard sauce it would have been awesome, mental note for the future. The Wilbur beans were awesome, little hunks of bacon I think with a nice mesquite sauce and perfectly baked beans. The brisket and pork came out on big hunks of toast which was cool and I slathered on the Texas Pit and Devil Spit sauces, by themselves the pork was a little dry, but the brisket was super fantastic wonderful. I gave my wife the corn bread, which she loves. She also ordered the chicken lunch salad, which she loved, but she forgot to ask for no bacon. Again, she LOVED the corn bread. All of my Co-workers said that the meals were fantastic and we had an Indian friend on a work Visa from India who couldn't believe we were getting so much food to eat, but I think he liked it as well. He left about half behind though. Our service was FANTASTIC! Always checking, but not obtrusive. Refilling pops when they were empty. She was awesome. Overall, Famous Dave's is a chain, but doesn't really feel like a chain. They really take care of you. I have been to about 30 of them and tI am always pleased.
(4)K S.
Been to a lot of places. Still love the flavor. Ribs are ribs. Depends on the cow. Love the ribs and chicken combo. Beans and fries are my favorite sides.
(5)Rob C.
If you get take out double check your order we always have something missing always. This is again another case of the manager in the office on the phone talking to his girl friend while letting high schoolers run the front desk.
(2)Giocatore M.
I'm not going to lie, I rather like this place. Most of the time anyway. When you go into Famous Dave's, you flip a coin. There is roughly a 50/50 chance of getting a great meal, or a mediocre plate of fatty meat. The ribs are simply not very consistent. When it's good, it's excellent. When it's bad, it's almost inedible. I feel like the good times make up for the bad, however. Now granted, I could pour their sauce on a car tire and eat it; nobody can deny that their sauces are amazing. The cornbread is incredible, and then there is the sauce. I know I mentioned the sauce already, but it's so good that I feel it is worth mentioning twice. When it comes down to it, when someone suggests going here, I am almost always up for it. I usually won't touch pork, but Famous Dave's proves there is an exception to every rule. It's a good place to come with friends and have a few laughs and a drink with your meal. You certainly won't feel like you have to dress up; in fact their "colourful" atmosphere will make you feel over dressed in anything but overall bibs. Do feel free to bring your favourite banjo and wear a Stetson; Stetsons are cool. Famous Dave's would have gotten a fourth star from me if they were a little more consistent in their quality. Another star would have been awarded if they hadn't gotten rid of their fantastic Drunken Apples. I still rather enjoy coming here and flipping my coin when I get the chance.
(3)Josie E.
We love famous Dave's and after waiting for a minute, we were delighted to have Cheire. She was an amazing waitress and made the whole experience that much better. I love the cajun chicken sandwich and plan on being a regular when she is working.
(5)Jerry S.
This place is usually pretty good, but its not consistent, we had ribs here over the weekend and they weren't nearly as good as the time before. Buffalo wings are usually excellent, but we didn't order them this time. At any rate the sauces are always good. The corm on the cob was very good.
(2)Phyllis B.
As other's have stated the food is inconsistant here. But this visit it was wonderful! But what really made our meal was the service. Hannah said it was her 1st time flying solo but she was phenomonal! Friendly and checked on us frequently but she wasn't obtrusive. We split the feast for 2 and had leftovers (which didn't last long at home). The brisket was incredible as was the Roasted Chicken. Everything on the feast was very good. Our daughter had the Hickory Chicken and really enjoyed it. Now that our daughter is attending UNI, we'll be back more often!
(4)Ben S.
We have been regulars here since it opened in 1998. Throughout the rotation of management and staff over the years, we've had great service and food in general. Despite the big wing chain moving in a block away, Dave's business doesn't seem to be suffering too much. This can only be attributed to their superior buffalo wings and other food as well.
(5)Jessica W.
Famous Dave's has great tasting sides and amazing BBQ sauces, my fave being the Texas Pit. I almost always order the ribs, but I think they are a little overpriced for the amount you get (4 ribs and 2 sides was $13.00). Nonetheless delicious. The times we've been there, the service has always been very friendly and not overly obnoxious like chain restaurants are notorious for housing. Their corn on the cob tastes nothing like fresh Iowa sweet corn so I'd rather skip that and they substitute the corn on the cob that comes with the meal for an extra cornbread muffin. Deal! They always seem to be busy, the parking lot can't hold a typical weekend crowd.
(4)Karen C.
I had never been to this chain before, but I'd go back. Portions are ridiculous. I don't think I ate 1/2 my food. My coworker and I each got a drink, shared an appetizer, and ordered an entree each for $55 plus tip. If we hadn't been traveling we both easily could have had another meal or two out of it. The decor was a little on the cheesy side, but what do you expect? The service was good, everything came out at the appropriate time, not too soon, not too late.
(4)Ben H.
Was gonna give it 4 but I just remember how amazing the cornbread and bbq was, I love the many different bbq sauces they have and wish I had one where I live now. Truly the best bbq in the Cedar Falls area.
(5)Erin J.
Yeah, I know it's a chain, but I haven't ever had such delicious BBQ from any other chain restaurant. The portions are, as mentioned, GINORMOUS. I find it difficult to believe that I actually could finish a BBQ half-chicken dinner WITH an extra cornbread muffin when I lived in Cedar Falls. *shakes head* The amount of food you get for the price is pretty fair, and the service is usually good. The decor, a mixture of 'backwoods Minnesota cabin at the lake' and hokey chain restaurant, is interesting enough, but not obtrusive. All that combined with easy access off of University Ave., a big ol' parking lot and carry-out service makes this a definite stop for a meal whenever I'm home.
(4)Kirun M.
I am not a huge bbq fan, but this place is gooood! I had never been here before, but my veteran coworkers were always going here before taking me. Very large portions. I'm sure everything here is good. I don't remember it being very expensive either.
(5)