Famous Dave's has become our Christmas Eve tradition. Their food is great and the whole family loves it. We typically get the All-American Feast with some extra ribs, pork, corn and muffins. The ribs fall off the bone. The pork is moist and delicious. The brisket melts in your mouth. My favorite sauce is the devil's spit as it has some heat and spice that is just right. You can't beat feeding a family of 8 some delicious BBQ for around 100 bones.
(4)
Barry K.
Our favorite place to eat in Bloomington. We eat here every time we visit and have never been disappointed with anything. Highly recommended. (If there isn't a Famous Dave's near you, you might be able to purchase their tasty sauces or marinades at a nearby store.)
(5)
Taylor A.
I came in for a late lunch and sat at the bar. After waiting for awhile the bartender came back around and saw that I was sitting there and helped me out. I had the $9 lunch deal where you get two meats, a side, and a cornbread muffin. The brisket was not amazingly tender and was certainly oversalted, but the side selection of great sauces made up for it. The quarter chicken had a mild bbq flavor that needed the additional sauces, but I didn't find the meat to be that tender. Maybe a little overcooked. All in all an average BBQ place in Bloomington where there really aren't too many BBQ options anyways.
(3)
Rich D.
Stopped in for dinner while traveling. I've been to a Famous Dave's in TN, and was pleasantly surprised by the 'que there, especially for a chain restaurant. I often have all kinds of reasons to NOT like chain barbeque, but Famous Dave's delivered solid ribs and brisket, along with tasty sides. Had the same meal here in Bloomington, and was pleased to find is as consistently good as my TN experience. I've had better barbeque at local places, but I've certainly had worse. If you're traveling and don't have time to search on the best local 'que, Famous Dave's is a pleasant surprise, and a good bet for a tasty meal. Service: 3 Facility: 4 Value: 4 Food: 4
(4)
John A.
Chopped Beef was great!
(4)
Jessica S.
Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich is fantastic. And those corn bread muffins are the best restaurant style i've ever had. You will crave them once you try them. Corn on the cob and potato salad rounds out this meal. If you're on a diet or trying to be healthy there is NOTHING on the menu here. I'm not complaining, I just don't want you to think you can go with your friends and get a healthy option. This is a treat in BBQ decadence.
(4)
Kelly S.
Aaaaah, nothing like good brisket to make an otherwise uneventful day a standout. The BBQ chicken here is also excellent. Lunches here are very reasonable prices. And what do I say about those corn muffins? I think they are crack disguised as yellow cupcakes! I learned today that I can get just the muffins TO GO! I think I need to start shopping for bigger clothes...
(4)
Sampad D.
The ambiance is OK. I have been to the one in Phoenix and certainly the Phoenix one had a better ambiance. But, the BBQ is still the best in the town.
(4)
m m.
I ordered take out from here today. It was the worst brisket I've ever tasted. It was so salty I couldn't eat it. Literally tasted like licking salt/soy sauce. When I called to let them know, the manager told me that it was probably because I've never had it from them before and that it was my taste preference. Thanks. But it looked like it was soaked in a salt brine and then cooked until leathery. Soooooooooo disappointed. The beef tips were okay. Just more chunks of fat than expected. The sides were okay...maybe things would be fresher if I ordered earlier in the day? The Mac n Cheese, although tasty, was heavily buttered and the cheese was curdled...not the most appetizing. The garlic mashed potatoes are very garlic-y...not subtle. I won't be frequenting this establishment.
(2)
Pete R.
During the day, my regular lunch crew prefers the lunch specials at Longhorn for BBQ. I will also mention that location now occupied by Bandana BBQ holds some specific sentimental value, but when things are more leisurely and drinks are an option, we seem to gravitate to Famous Dave's for our fix of the smoke-infused stuff. They recently streamlined their menu and seemingly upped the ante on the flavor of their savory BBQ in the process! We were always fans to begin with, but Brian and his team have taken what are no doubt corporately conceptualized ideas and kept what seems to be a local passion. Our current case and point...the wonderful new addition of Pineapple-Habenero BBQ sauce. We had the (boneless) tips, the pulled pork and the sliced brisket. I know what I'm doing with a BBQ smoker and I'm not sure I could do any better myself. The Mac-n-cheese has been reinvented with great results and they've added a couple more side options including grilled pineapple too! Combined with a couple Octoberfests and we have to enthusiastically endorse another rare chain-food eatery!
(4)
Nate C.
What else can I say except excellent food! I either go with rip tip or pulled pork and always coleslaw, potato salad and fried. Corn muffin is also a great treat.
(5)
Peter M.
We've been here for lunch twice in the last month and enjoyed it both times. The brisket was excellent and the pulled pork and BBQ chicken were also good. Lunch prices for sandwiches and plates are around $8 and included a side and are good seven days a week. Service was also very good both times.
(4)
Gregg P.
Consistently good. Love the rib tips! I usually get the two meat combo with rib tips and brisket. Several sauces on the table to try. They have one meal that comes on a trash can lid that serves several people and a good price. I've been going there for years and the quality still stands up.
(5)
Daniel J.
I realize it's barbecue, but the offerings here are unnecessarily caloric. The food is sickeningly sweet and buttery. Apparently, the corn muffin alone is 600 calories. Rib tips were pretty good, but did not like the beans or green beans.
(3)
Andrew S.
Located in the former, and historic, Bob Johnson's Brandtville, this Famous Dave's location may be one of the largest in the chain. Although the restaurant was at less than 50% capacity, it still took over 15 minutes to be seated. The restaurant was clean and had good ambiance. The food, however, is where the real problem lies. My order of ribs & pork was so "fatty" and tough that it made a chore of chewing. The side dishes were good. The wait staff was friendly but inattentive, only checking on our progress and beverage needs towards the end of the meal. Had the dining room been full, I would overlook this item.
(3)
Paul H.
My wife and I first started eating at Famous Dave's at the Chandler, AZ location about 10 years ago. We loved the food at that Famous Dave's location and used to travel about an hour round-trip just to eat there. We usually got the rib tips but sometimes bought slabs of spare ribs as well. (If you are in the small minority of people that hasn't tried rib tips yet, you don't know what you're missing!). Fast forward to now, we have moved to Bloomington, IL and there is a Famous Dave's here as well. We have ordered carry out three times from this location and the food has been excellent every time! We had a problem with a gift card the first time we went to this location and both the woman at the carry-out counter and the manager on duty were very polite and helpful trying to take care of the situation. We are from Chicago originally, and lived there for over 30 years. There are some really good BBQ restaurants in the Windy City! We have yet to try one that is better than Famous Dave's!
(5)
Ramsey B.
I enjoy this Famous Dave's in particular for the large screen TV in the dining area. The service is excellent and the food is prepared as great as any Famous Dave's you can find. I don't believe I've seen a large TV screen in the dining area at a Famous Dave's such is the case at this establishment. I'll be back!!
(4)
Chris J.
Famous Dave's is a pretty decent BBQ place. I have family in Alabama and they have real BBQ down there. Have been to the one here in Bloomington several times and have always been impressed with the staff - always helpful and very attentive. They also have several good dishes from salmon to beef brisket which is quite nice. So would recommend trying this location if you are in the area and looking for some BBQ. Very close to State Farm's south campus.
(4)
Mike N.
It's a chain which I try to avoid but I like it. They have a great menu and awesome selection of BBQ sauces. I almost always order the Texas Manhandler sandwich. It's beef brisket topped with hot links on a bun. I've had rib tips, burnt ends, many other dishes too and have not had a bad meal. Service is fast, accurate, and the food is great. I buy their Devil's Spit BBQ sauce at Cub Foods grocery store for home use. I noticed they had a new hotter sauce (I forget the name) but it was way too hot for me and I'm no rookie with the heat.
(4)
Melody H.
I'm from Alabama and have eaten BBQ at a few places throughout the south, so I know what good BBQ is. Famous Dave's ranks right up there with them. My husband and I went in last night for the first time and really enjoyed it. He had the ribs, brisket, baked beans and mac and cheese. I had the brisket, pulled pork, green beans and baked beans. Everything was VERY good. The brisket was some of the best I've ever had. I'm not usually a rib person, but I had a bite of his ribs and enjoyed them as well. The meat was all very moist and tender and it came out very quickly. Our waitress was nice and attentive and seemed to know the menu. The ambiance wasn't as great as the BBQ places in the south, but it was still pretty well done. The price was about standard for an establishment of this type (it was $40 for two people - including sodas). We haven't been in the B/N area for very long, so I can't compare Famous Dave's to any other BBQ in this area, but compared to what I've had in other places, it's definitely worth a visit!
(5)
Nicole D.
Excellent BBQ selection (ribs, brisket, sandwiches, etc.) as well as non-BBQ options for those so inclined (but seriously, who's going to a place with BBQ in the name and not getting BBQ). It would be nice, though, if they had pulled pork; it's kind of a BBQ staple. The Georgia chopped pork is close, but it's not quite the same - a little bit fattier and not as easy to eat, IMO. The selection of sauces on the table, which you can mix and match to your heart's delight, were good too. In terms of sides, the garlic mashed potatoes and drunken apples were my particular faves. The potatoes were creamy and had just the right amount of garlic without being overpowering. The apples could have used a touch less "sauce" to them so as to better distinguish them as freshly made as opposed to from a can, but they were still delicious. And let's not forget about the cornbread muffins. HUGE fan. They're on the sweeter side, so you don't need to add any butter or honey or anything. They are delicious as is. If you get one of the sandwiches, which don't come with muffins, order one on the side; you will regret it otherwise. As for the facilities themselves, everything was clean, and the parking lot was spacious. Service was also friendly and prompt. I'd definitely come back here if in the area again.
(4)
Marcus S.
Their brisket is as good as it gets. I used to only order the brisket, but recently got the Ultimate burger. It is the best burger I have ever had! The staff is the reason that I did not give in 5 stars. On multiple occasions we had extremely slow service and our waitress would not come by and offer refills on our drinks. I had to flag another waitress down to do that on those occasions. Otherwise though the food is amazing, and this if my favorite place in the bloomington-normal area to to out to eat! We tried a sampler platter as well. The ribs, quarter chicken, barbecue pork, and fries were all included with that. Probably have the best fries and corn bread in town as well. Everything on the menu is delicious. My wife loves their salads!
(4)
J M.
I have tried most items on the menu and have not be server anything that wasn't constantly great. Their staff is friendly and talented. Two things that you should try are spicy salmon spread appetizer and a brisket sandwich with devil spit BBQ sauce.
(5)
John S.
Had the combo - St. louis ribs and bbq chicken - really hit the spot! I've always had a good experience at the Famous Dave's chain and this time was no exception. The food was all tasty, sides were good. The prices are fair, and they really feed you well. I'd definitely return
(4)
Tom H.
Wife and I recently dined at Famous Dave's. Staff was freindly, polite and prompt. I had the two meat combo with Georgia pulled pork and a hot link sauasge with Wilbur Beans and a corn muffin it was great. The wife had the Ribs and Brisket Wilbur Beans and corn muffin and loved it as well. One of the best BBQ places in BloNo
(4)
Fannie S.
BBQ Ribs = delicious. Juicy. Full of robust flavor. I do like their Sweet & Zesty and Devil's Spit BBQ sauces. Side of firecracker green beans...not spicy, not flavorful, and limp bland green beans. :-( Boo. Corn on the cob and corn bread muffin = yum! Both are sweet, and muffin with a bit of honey is to die for. I tried a bit of my friend's grande nachos with the pulled chicken...ohhh, great combination of BBQ flavors on tortilla chips! Service = friendly. fast. efficient. Decor = totally homey with lots of stuff to look at. Dimly lit.
(3)
C I.
It took just over 30 minutes for an almost $12 sandwich and fries from the take out... not exactly what you would expect for a place with a segregated take out area of the restaurant. The burnt ends were good, until I found a hunk that was just a bunch of compressed char flakes, I would say it was the scrapings off the grill. Awful.
(2)
Rowena D.
Do people in Bloomington not eat & yelp? I'm in shock (and feel quite privileged) to be the first to review this fine establishment. Let's get down to it... ALL of their food is off the hook, especially for those of you who want to get your BBQ freak on. From BBQ ribs, to corn on the cob, to corn bread muffins, you can be sure that nothing on your plate will disappoint. And to wash it all down, they've got some great tasting sweet tea... southern style. You can only imagine how ECSTATIC I must have been when Famous Daves opened their chain of delicious goodness in California. Since eating at this particular FD's in IL, I've also had the pleasure of pleasing my pallet at their locations in Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Redlands, CA. Amen to amazing BBQ. Amen.
(5)
Paul K.
Excellent barbecue! Love the brisket. I always ask for the "lean" brisket. Otherwise, it can end up overly marbleized. I love their sauce, though I suspect that if I headed south I'd find something better. But in Bloomington, this is about as good as it gets. And I love the smells. Hmmmmm... smoky. And good smoky. The kids menu is good, too. It feels like a sacrilege, but my son seems to like the mac-n-cheese there. I think it's Kraft, but I won't judge. The chicken strips are great. My other very-picky-and-won't-eat-anything-but-McDonald's-Âchicken-nuggets son will eat them. So they must be good. And the ribs... oh, the ribs. Very good. Very messy. Very perfect.
(4)
Isabelle L.
Stopped there for lunch on a Sunday on the way to Springfield and the place was packed: a good sign. Sat at the bar which was actually calm compared to the dining room. Jessie the bartender did her job well: welcoming, making effort to have a conversation, giving recommendations on things to do in the area and efficient at taking the order, refilling drinks and checking on the party. Well this is a chain but the beef brisket was well executed, tender meat and the sides are always good. Overall a good reliable spot where you will leave full and satisfied.
(3)
Kelly M.
I am a salad eater...I really like good, homemade dressings. This is why I give Famous Dave's try after try. I would say in the last year, the portions at Famous Daves have decreased significantly. More often than not, ingredients are missing from salads. To me, that is just super annoying. Now, I don't think that they are giving corn muffins with their salads? Havent gotten one in the last few times. So, the end result? I am done getting my salads from Famous Dave's. I really love their dressings, but not enough to have that and no salad.
(2)
Justin B.
I'll be honest up front, I've never enjoyed it here. I always seem to get dried food that is nearly inedible. The corn bread was okay, but the chicken and ribs were way over cooked. If you want good BBQ do not go here, unless your not sober then it could be tolerable.
(2)
Nicole M.
Always make a point of stopping at Famous Dave's. Very yummy pork. I know it is a chain, but don't get hung up on that. Tasty here, tasty in Louisville. I would imagine tasty everywhere.
(4)
Cheffoodie D.
the food there is really as good as it get's as far as BBQ goes. i have been all around the country and have had good BBQ and "so so" BBQ. i know good quality and have a very persnickety palate. i must also say that i have never really cared for BBQ ribs until trying Famous Daves; now i am a believer. over all you get great quality and will not be dissappointed. ( don't eat the fish; it's a bbq joint, not a fish house) the only hickup that i feel i must write about is the customer service at the time of pick up. the "famous" ( insert name here ) person at the checkout counter is usually not too terribly friendly or appreciative of your business, ( they could care less!). BUON APPETITO!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Bradford P.
Famous Dave's has become our Christmas Eve tradition. Their food is great and the whole family loves it. We typically get the All-American Feast with some extra ribs, pork, corn and muffins. The ribs fall off the bone. The pork is moist and delicious. The brisket melts in your mouth. My favorite sauce is the devil's spit as it has some heat and spice that is just right. You can't beat feeding a family of 8 some delicious BBQ for around 100 bones.
(4)Barry K.
Our favorite place to eat in Bloomington. We eat here every time we visit and have never been disappointed with anything. Highly recommended. (If there isn't a Famous Dave's near you, you might be able to purchase their tasty sauces or marinades at a nearby store.)
(5)Taylor A.
I came in for a late lunch and sat at the bar. After waiting for awhile the bartender came back around and saw that I was sitting there and helped me out. I had the $9 lunch deal where you get two meats, a side, and a cornbread muffin. The brisket was not amazingly tender and was certainly oversalted, but the side selection of great sauces made up for it. The quarter chicken had a mild bbq flavor that needed the additional sauces, but I didn't find the meat to be that tender. Maybe a little overcooked. All in all an average BBQ place in Bloomington where there really aren't too many BBQ options anyways.
(3)Rich D.
Stopped in for dinner while traveling. I've been to a Famous Dave's in TN, and was pleasantly surprised by the 'que there, especially for a chain restaurant. I often have all kinds of reasons to NOT like chain barbeque, but Famous Dave's delivered solid ribs and brisket, along with tasty sides. Had the same meal here in Bloomington, and was pleased to find is as consistently good as my TN experience. I've had better barbeque at local places, but I've certainly had worse. If you're traveling and don't have time to search on the best local 'que, Famous Dave's is a pleasant surprise, and a good bet for a tasty meal. Service: 3 Facility: 4 Value: 4 Food: 4
(4)John A.
Chopped Beef was great!
(4)Jessica S.
Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich is fantastic. And those corn bread muffins are the best restaurant style i've ever had. You will crave them once you try them. Corn on the cob and potato salad rounds out this meal. If you're on a diet or trying to be healthy there is NOTHING on the menu here. I'm not complaining, I just don't want you to think you can go with your friends and get a healthy option. This is a treat in BBQ decadence.
(4)Kelly S.
Aaaaah, nothing like good brisket to make an otherwise uneventful day a standout. The BBQ chicken here is also excellent. Lunches here are very reasonable prices. And what do I say about those corn muffins? I think they are crack disguised as yellow cupcakes! I learned today that I can get just the muffins TO GO! I think I need to start shopping for bigger clothes...
(4)Sampad D.
The ambiance is OK. I have been to the one in Phoenix and certainly the Phoenix one had a better ambiance. But, the BBQ is still the best in the town.
(4)m m.
I ordered take out from here today. It was the worst brisket I've ever tasted. It was so salty I couldn't eat it. Literally tasted like licking salt/soy sauce. When I called to let them know, the manager told me that it was probably because I've never had it from them before and that it was my taste preference. Thanks. But it looked like it was soaked in a salt brine and then cooked until leathery. Soooooooooo disappointed. The beef tips were okay. Just more chunks of fat than expected. The sides were okay...maybe things would be fresher if I ordered earlier in the day? The Mac n Cheese, although tasty, was heavily buttered and the cheese was curdled...not the most appetizing. The garlic mashed potatoes are very garlic-y...not subtle. I won't be frequenting this establishment.
(2)Pete R.
During the day, my regular lunch crew prefers the lunch specials at Longhorn for BBQ. I will also mention that location now occupied by Bandana BBQ holds some specific sentimental value, but when things are more leisurely and drinks are an option, we seem to gravitate to Famous Dave's for our fix of the smoke-infused stuff. They recently streamlined their menu and seemingly upped the ante on the flavor of their savory BBQ in the process! We were always fans to begin with, but Brian and his team have taken what are no doubt corporately conceptualized ideas and kept what seems to be a local passion. Our current case and point...the wonderful new addition of Pineapple-Habenero BBQ sauce. We had the (boneless) tips, the pulled pork and the sliced brisket. I know what I'm doing with a BBQ smoker and I'm not sure I could do any better myself. The Mac-n-cheese has been reinvented with great results and they've added a couple more side options including grilled pineapple too! Combined with a couple Octoberfests and we have to enthusiastically endorse another rare chain-food eatery!
(4)Nate C.
What else can I say except excellent food! I either go with rip tip or pulled pork and always coleslaw, potato salad and fried. Corn muffin is also a great treat.
(5)Peter M.
We've been here for lunch twice in the last month and enjoyed it both times. The brisket was excellent and the pulled pork and BBQ chicken were also good. Lunch prices for sandwiches and plates are around $8 and included a side and are good seven days a week. Service was also very good both times.
(4)Gregg P.
Consistently good. Love the rib tips! I usually get the two meat combo with rib tips and brisket. Several sauces on the table to try. They have one meal that comes on a trash can lid that serves several people and a good price. I've been going there for years and the quality still stands up.
(5)Daniel J.
I realize it's barbecue, but the offerings here are unnecessarily caloric. The food is sickeningly sweet and buttery. Apparently, the corn muffin alone is 600 calories. Rib tips were pretty good, but did not like the beans or green beans.
(3)Andrew S.
Located in the former, and historic, Bob Johnson's Brandtville, this Famous Dave's location may be one of the largest in the chain. Although the restaurant was at less than 50% capacity, it still took over 15 minutes to be seated. The restaurant was clean and had good ambiance. The food, however, is where the real problem lies. My order of ribs & pork was so "fatty" and tough that it made a chore of chewing. The side dishes were good. The wait staff was friendly but inattentive, only checking on our progress and beverage needs towards the end of the meal. Had the dining room been full, I would overlook this item.
(3)Paul H.
My wife and I first started eating at Famous Dave's at the Chandler, AZ location about 10 years ago. We loved the food at that Famous Dave's location and used to travel about an hour round-trip just to eat there. We usually got the rib tips but sometimes bought slabs of spare ribs as well. (If you are in the small minority of people that hasn't tried rib tips yet, you don't know what you're missing!). Fast forward to now, we have moved to Bloomington, IL and there is a Famous Dave's here as well. We have ordered carry out three times from this location and the food has been excellent every time! We had a problem with a gift card the first time we went to this location and both the woman at the carry-out counter and the manager on duty were very polite and helpful trying to take care of the situation. We are from Chicago originally, and lived there for over 30 years. There are some really good BBQ restaurants in the Windy City! We have yet to try one that is better than Famous Dave's!
(5)Ramsey B.
I enjoy this Famous Dave's in particular for the large screen TV in the dining area. The service is excellent and the food is prepared as great as any Famous Dave's you can find. I don't believe I've seen a large TV screen in the dining area at a Famous Dave's such is the case at this establishment. I'll be back!!
(4)Chris J.
Famous Dave's is a pretty decent BBQ place. I have family in Alabama and they have real BBQ down there. Have been to the one here in Bloomington several times and have always been impressed with the staff - always helpful and very attentive. They also have several good dishes from salmon to beef brisket which is quite nice. So would recommend trying this location if you are in the area and looking for some BBQ. Very close to State Farm's south campus.
(4)Mike N.
It's a chain which I try to avoid but I like it. They have a great menu and awesome selection of BBQ sauces. I almost always order the Texas Manhandler sandwich. It's beef brisket topped with hot links on a bun. I've had rib tips, burnt ends, many other dishes too and have not had a bad meal. Service is fast, accurate, and the food is great. I buy their Devil's Spit BBQ sauce at Cub Foods grocery store for home use. I noticed they had a new hotter sauce (I forget the name) but it was way too hot for me and I'm no rookie with the heat.
(4)Melody H.
I'm from Alabama and have eaten BBQ at a few places throughout the south, so I know what good BBQ is. Famous Dave's ranks right up there with them. My husband and I went in last night for the first time and really enjoyed it. He had the ribs, brisket, baked beans and mac and cheese. I had the brisket, pulled pork, green beans and baked beans. Everything was VERY good. The brisket was some of the best I've ever had. I'm not usually a rib person, but I had a bite of his ribs and enjoyed them as well. The meat was all very moist and tender and it came out very quickly. Our waitress was nice and attentive and seemed to know the menu. The ambiance wasn't as great as the BBQ places in the south, but it was still pretty well done. The price was about standard for an establishment of this type (it was $40 for two people - including sodas). We haven't been in the B/N area for very long, so I can't compare Famous Dave's to any other BBQ in this area, but compared to what I've had in other places, it's definitely worth a visit!
(5)Nicole D.
Excellent BBQ selection (ribs, brisket, sandwiches, etc.) as well as non-BBQ options for those so inclined (but seriously, who's going to a place with BBQ in the name and not getting BBQ). It would be nice, though, if they had pulled pork; it's kind of a BBQ staple. The Georgia chopped pork is close, but it's not quite the same - a little bit fattier and not as easy to eat, IMO. The selection of sauces on the table, which you can mix and match to your heart's delight, were good too. In terms of sides, the garlic mashed potatoes and drunken apples were my particular faves. The potatoes were creamy and had just the right amount of garlic without being overpowering. The apples could have used a touch less "sauce" to them so as to better distinguish them as freshly made as opposed to from a can, but they were still delicious. And let's not forget about the cornbread muffins. HUGE fan. They're on the sweeter side, so you don't need to add any butter or honey or anything. They are delicious as is. If you get one of the sandwiches, which don't come with muffins, order one on the side; you will regret it otherwise. As for the facilities themselves, everything was clean, and the parking lot was spacious. Service was also friendly and prompt. I'd definitely come back here if in the area again.
(4)Marcus S.
Their brisket is as good as it gets. I used to only order the brisket, but recently got the Ultimate burger. It is the best burger I have ever had! The staff is the reason that I did not give in 5 stars. On multiple occasions we had extremely slow service and our waitress would not come by and offer refills on our drinks. I had to flag another waitress down to do that on those occasions. Otherwise though the food is amazing, and this if my favorite place in the bloomington-normal area to to out to eat! We tried a sampler platter as well. The ribs, quarter chicken, barbecue pork, and fries were all included with that. Probably have the best fries and corn bread in town as well. Everything on the menu is delicious. My wife loves their salads!
(4)J M.
I have tried most items on the menu and have not be server anything that wasn't constantly great. Their staff is friendly and talented. Two things that you should try are spicy salmon spread appetizer and a brisket sandwich with devil spit BBQ sauce.
(5)John S.
Had the combo - St. louis ribs and bbq chicken - really hit the spot! I've always had a good experience at the Famous Dave's chain and this time was no exception. The food was all tasty, sides were good. The prices are fair, and they really feed you well. I'd definitely return
(4)Tom H.
Wife and I recently dined at Famous Dave's. Staff was freindly, polite and prompt. I had the two meat combo with Georgia pulled pork and a hot link sauasge with Wilbur Beans and a corn muffin it was great. The wife had the Ribs and Brisket Wilbur Beans and corn muffin and loved it as well. One of the best BBQ places in BloNo
(4)Fannie S.
BBQ Ribs = delicious. Juicy. Full of robust flavor. I do like their Sweet & Zesty and Devil's Spit BBQ sauces. Side of firecracker green beans...not spicy, not flavorful, and limp bland green beans. :-( Boo. Corn on the cob and corn bread muffin = yum! Both are sweet, and muffin with a bit of honey is to die for. I tried a bit of my friend's grande nachos with the pulled chicken...ohhh, great combination of BBQ flavors on tortilla chips! Service = friendly. fast. efficient. Decor = totally homey with lots of stuff to look at. Dimly lit.
(3)C I.
It took just over 30 minutes for an almost $12 sandwich and fries from the take out... not exactly what you would expect for a place with a segregated take out area of the restaurant. The burnt ends were good, until I found a hunk that was just a bunch of compressed char flakes, I would say it was the scrapings off the grill. Awful.
(2)Rowena D.
Do people in Bloomington not eat & yelp? I'm in shock (and feel quite privileged) to be the first to review this fine establishment. Let's get down to it... ALL of their food is off the hook, especially for those of you who want to get your BBQ freak on. From BBQ ribs, to corn on the cob, to corn bread muffins, you can be sure that nothing on your plate will disappoint. And to wash it all down, they've got some great tasting sweet tea... southern style. You can only imagine how ECSTATIC I must have been when Famous Daves opened their chain of delicious goodness in California. Since eating at this particular FD's in IL, I've also had the pleasure of pleasing my pallet at their locations in Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Redlands, CA. Amen to amazing BBQ. Amen.
(5)Paul K.
Excellent barbecue! Love the brisket. I always ask for the "lean" brisket. Otherwise, it can end up overly marbleized. I love their sauce, though I suspect that if I headed south I'd find something better. But in Bloomington, this is about as good as it gets. And I love the smells. Hmmmmm... smoky. And good smoky. The kids menu is good, too. It feels like a sacrilege, but my son seems to like the mac-n-cheese there. I think it's Kraft, but I won't judge. The chicken strips are great. My other very-picky-and-won't-eat-anything-but-McDonald's-Âchicken-nuggets son will eat them. So they must be good. And the ribs... oh, the ribs. Very good. Very messy. Very perfect.
(4)Isabelle L.
Stopped there for lunch on a Sunday on the way to Springfield and the place was packed: a good sign. Sat at the bar which was actually calm compared to the dining room. Jessie the bartender did her job well: welcoming, making effort to have a conversation, giving recommendations on things to do in the area and efficient at taking the order, refilling drinks and checking on the party. Well this is a chain but the beef brisket was well executed, tender meat and the sides are always good. Overall a good reliable spot where you will leave full and satisfied.
(3)Kelly M.
I am a salad eater...I really like good, homemade dressings. This is why I give Famous Dave's try after try. I would say in the last year, the portions at Famous Daves have decreased significantly. More often than not, ingredients are missing from salads. To me, that is just super annoying. Now, I don't think that they are giving corn muffins with their salads? Havent gotten one in the last few times. So, the end result? I am done getting my salads from Famous Dave's. I really love their dressings, but not enough to have that and no salad.
(2)Justin B.
I'll be honest up front, I've never enjoyed it here. I always seem to get dried food that is nearly inedible. The corn bread was okay, but the chicken and ribs were way over cooked. If you want good BBQ do not go here, unless your not sober then it could be tolerable.
(2)Nicole M.
Always make a point of stopping at Famous Dave's. Very yummy pork. I know it is a chain, but don't get hung up on that. Tasty here, tasty in Louisville. I would imagine tasty everywhere.
(4)Cheffoodie D.
the food there is really as good as it get's as far as BBQ goes. i have been all around the country and have had good BBQ and "so so" BBQ. i know good quality and have a very persnickety palate. i must also say that i have never really cared for BBQ ribs until trying Famous Daves; now i am a believer. over all you get great quality and will not be dissappointed. ( don't eat the fish; it's a bbq joint, not a fish house) the only hickup that i feel i must write about is the customer service at the time of pick up. the "famous" ( insert name here ) person at the checkout counter is usually not too terribly friendly or appreciative of your business, ( they could care less!). BUON APPETITO!
(5)