For over 23 years this has been our go-to barbecue place. The unfortunate thing is that it's not located in the 'restaurant center' of town instead is it is on historic old Main Street which is a great location with a great interior but it's slightly off beaten path. It's worth seeking out; Best Ice Tea Best blue cheese Best pulled pork Best mild sauce And one of the better values for lunch.
(5)
Dianne Z.
In the past, the business I work for has used this location for catering. They are VERY good with that. Make this your first choice if you are considering a take-away catering deal. They will also deliver if you need that. This past week I was in the area and it fit the bill: We were hungry, it was there. Tip: Plenty of parking in the back of the row of businesses. Walk up the steps to the far right of the building. We were seated immediately at 1 PM on a Friday and our waitress was apparently a pro. Beverages brought out before we made our menu selections (and later, a glass of ice to refresh our teas.) Take the offered house-made spicy mustard, you will not regret it. The best restaurant potato salad EVER, even though I could not finish it off due to all the other food on my plate.
(3)
Venessa H.
This is a good BBQ place. There was a great waitress who always remembered my order. I've eaten here dozens of times and ordered takeout dozens more, always with no issues. Unfortunately things turned ugly on my latest visit. I got a water from the bartender and there was a red substance on the straw. I thought it was cherry juice from the maraschino cherries that maybe she put in someone's drink, so I just wiped it off. Well she handed me napkins and for sure it was blood on the napkins and probably on my straw, too. I drank half the water before I realized this. Immediately after this happened I watched a cockroach crawl across Elvis Presley's face (a photo of him on the wall behind the bar). I will not return after this. I loved this place! This was the only bad experience I've had there. I've had many great experiences at RH&B, but I just can't stomach going back. I would say try it out for yourself, but don't go to the bar.
(3)
Lilly M.
They have the BEST smoked chicken nachos ever! Friendly staff and always on top of things. No waiting here.
(5)
Ngozi E.
Great atmosphere and great food. The price is good and the food was delicious. I will definitely be coming back here.
(4)
Frank W.
The food is so awesome at this place and very reasonable!!! Would definitely come back again!!
(5)
Christopher W.
Been coming here for about a year. Their burgers are cooked very well. I normally get the chipotle Burger. When you want to splurge on good, but bad for you food, I go here. I am pretty pleased with this place.
(4)
Christina S.
I can't recommend this place at all. "Memphis pit BBQ" implies BBQ - and smoked meat. There was no sign of smoke anywhere on our 5-meat sampler plate. The beef brisket was so tasteless and texture less I think it may have been boiled. Pulled pork and chicken were slightly better - but I've had more flavorful chicken from costco's rotisserie. Positives: Alex, our server, was great; good sides - the hush puppies were really great... and a huge draft microbrew for just $7. Maybe I'll come back - and just order beer and hush puppies.....
(1)
Ric P.
I frequent the other Red, Hot & Blues in the area and I've never had a bad experience. This visit to the Laurel Red, Hot & Blue wasn't the best. The waitress got our order wrong. After fixing the problem the first set of wings had rubbery skin and were not hot. The second wing attempt was better but were not knock my socks off, wings. The wife's burger order had to go back as the hamburger was medium-rare vice the well-done she asked for. I'll never write off a Red, Hot & Blue but maybe I should stick to the other establishments.
(2)
Gi W.
Um well my friend was there and asked if I wanted to try something to go I order half rack dry ribs and cole slaw and a salad the best thing from all those items was the salad ......I then traded my friend and asked for his bacon cheese burger instead it was so dry and it was medium cooked just taste like old cheese the fries we're ok!!! I just think for a bbq place this place is weak :( not cool
(1)
Emily K.
I love red hot and blue!! I've been to this location a few times and it never seems to be crazy busy when I go. I'm not sure why because it's awesome!! I love the food! The pulled pork is simply delicious. Actually everything they have to offer is delicious. They also have a whole bunch of different sauces to choose from. Yum :)
(4)
Mike F.
Can't say enough good things about this Red Hot & Blue. I love the atmosphere, the beers at the bar and the food! My favorite is the pulled pork with their house bbq sauce. I love eating it there but I have also picked up several pounds of it for tailgates. I love their sides here as well, especially the fries. If you are in the area and are looking for a laid back atmosphere with good food, give it a try.
(4)
Jeff K.
I've been a patron of Red Hot and Blue for over two decades. It is my favorite place to get Memphis-style barbeque in Maryland. I've always found the food and service to be great. My favorite entrees are the gumbo, wet ribs, sausages, original style Memphis drummies, and my favorite sides are fries, coleslaw, and the bake beans.
(4)
JP S.
Not to shabby for a chain. Our waiter was attentive and while it was busy, we had our food pretty quick. Dry Ribs came right off the bone. Sides were pretty good. Beer flowin'. Wesley A was our waiter. We opted for some Ribs ... a 1/2 slab can feed a small army. Order um dry rubbed and slather them with the special BBQ sauce table-side SaleebScore: Food: 8/10; Service: 8/10; Value: 8/10. Music: 10/10...LOL.
(4)
Blake E.
I stop at Red Hot and Blue every time I travel south from NYC... it's a quick stop of 95. It has the best pulled pork around the staff is always friendly and efficient ... it has a true hometown feel for the price you cant beat the BBQ. Highly recommend it to anyone looking excellent BBQ. Also I have yet to find their homemade potato salad.
(5)
Olivia M.
I can't say enough awesome about this place! First service is always & I mean always PERFECT. I've been here about 10 times and have always been seated upon arrival, orders taken quickly & accurately and the bill brought timely. It's really a standout feature. On to the food: wonderful! First they have a full bar with great drink specials. The bread (which you typically have to request) is a French baguette lightly brushed with garlic butter outside served hot. Go ahead, indulge. North Carolina style BBQ. I've had the pulled pork, chicken, catfish, and shrimp. Great. The potato salad will make you wake up at night with cravings. Perfect blend of mayo & celery! The beans are perfect.... Stop reading this & Just go.
(5)
pseudo n.
A solid inexpensive lunch choice. Did a few farewell lunches here for my workers, at their request. Food is pretty decent.
(3)
Daniella H.
Nothing special here, but it is a go to take out for us since it's less than a mile away. I'm a huge fan of the roasted sweet potato, it falls out of the skin. They have a cinnamon sugar butter that comes on the side, but I just like to sprinkle on a little cinnamon...it's so good the butters not needed! My husband always gets the burgers which he likes I had the pulled chicken sandwich, which was pretty good--not dried out. I had the catfish platter one night--big mistake-super dry. Definitely learned my lesson there!
(3)
Joseph J.
One of the best BBQ places ever. Good customer service. Ample portions. Ribs are to die for. Salads, BBQ sandwiches etc all good. Their chicken wings & fish used to be not good but recently they have upgraded them & now are greatly improved. Potato salad is legendary. Chili...excellent. Even their beans are delicious.
(5)
Sarah M.
Stopped in with a large party on a Friday evening. The staff was happy to accommodate our fairly last-minute party of Ingress gamers, including splitting the check a million ways. Well not a million, but probably 10 ways at least. The service was fantastic- the manager even came over at one point to ask questions about why we were all there (we were playing Ingress- google it if you haven't heard of it, it's quite fun, especially when you play with a group of people.) I LOVE the decor- there are pictures and posters in frames all over the place, on every wall. It's very casual and laid-back, like a BBQ/pub should be. I started with a pint of the house ale- delicious and perfect mild brew. I'm not an expert on beer, but I really enjoyed this one, and I can see myself taking the hubby on a date soon just so we can go back and he can try one (or two!) I ordered a pulled pork sandwich with fries. Hands down, this was the best pulled pork sandwich I've ever experienced. It was tender, flavorful, moist... just great. And there was a pretty hearty serving of it, too. They have an array of sauces you can put on your sandwich, so I just added more of the mild one- super good choice. It wasn't too smoky, too sweet, or too tangy. A great blend of all three, really. The fries were also excellent, cooked and seasoned just right. Service was top-notch, too. Our drinks were kept pretty well-refilled, and food came out quickly. One of the guys at my table ordered hot wings, and after smelling them, I might have to become a wings kind of person. They were amazing (and I didn't even eat them!) One of the members of our party had a birthday, and the staff came out and brought him dessert and we all sang to him! I should mention that earlier in the evening, my husband and kids ate at the same place, while our group walked around and played. He ordered and really enjoyed the catfish. The kids had burgers and ate every bite (which is a huge feat, since they're 3 and 5, and get picky sometimes) He said they had the best Arnold Palmers too! Definitely recommend this place and we'll absolutely be back!
(5)
James C.
I really like Red, Hot, and Blue. The food is great. My only concern is that they don't have Wi-Fi in their Laurel, MD. location. I would frequent Red, Hot, and Blue more often if they had Wi-Fi,
(3)
Laurah J.
I was born and raised in the south. So, when I moved up here to the great northern lands, I was dismayed to find that every little shack that would have been a BBQ shack in the south is, here in Maryland, a crab shack. I hate crab and had been searching desperately for GOOD BBQ (apparently BBQ does not mean the same thing to northerners as it does to us southerners). Then I found Red, Hot and Blue. And promptly ate myself into a BBQ-induced food coma. Their Memphis dry ribs are awesome, as are the pulled pork and pulled chicken. The ribs are usually so tender the meat just falls off the bone and practically melts in your mouth. The onion loaf is to die for, and their sweet tea lives up to my southern-gal expectations. As far as service goes, we've always gotten friendly fast service. Never an empty glass, always bring plenty of napkins, and everything is timed correctly. Can't beat Red Hot and Blue if you need a BBQ fix.
(5)
Steffany H.
I was starving after a meeting and with limited options in this area, I figured I'd give red hot and blue a shot. I've had their food before at catered events but I've never actually been in the location. I ended up ordering food to go to my next meeting but the gal at the take out counter was extremely helpful. I ended up ordering the brisket and it was amazing. The meat was so tender and well cooked. The BBQ sauce was pretty good too! What I didn't care for as much were the sides.... First, the choices are limited. The bext looking options were green beans, baked beans (which I hate) and fries. I was disappointed that the green beans tasted canned and the fries were just okay. For a BBQ spot, I'm expecting cornbread and some mac n cheese. hmmmm Another guy came in and ordered wings and he said they were awesome sauce so I'd definitely come back to try those, but I won't be in a rush to come back and try anything else.
(3)
Daniel E.
Decent pulled pork, authentic BBQ for sure. Potato salad was as they described, grandmas! Was OK, nothing to write home about necessarily.
(3)
J C.
I ordered the Five Meat Treat, which came with their ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, sausage, and beef brisket, coleslaw, and baked beans. The pulled chicken and pulled pork were a little dry, but that was remedied with BBQ sauce. The slices of beef brisket were good, but the cut they chose didn't have enough fat on it, so the beef tasted kind of flat and subdued, as opposed to exploding through your mouth with flavor. The highlights of this dish were the sausage and the ribs, which I got dry. The ribs were extremely tender, with meat falling off the bone. The ribs seemed like they were BBQed in some kind of sauce, then after cooking, rubbed with a dry rub. This seems odd to me. The sauce and the dry rub didn't overpower the meatiness of the rib, so I was okay with it. The sausage was also excellent. The casing was crisp and had a good snap. The ground meat inside was perfectly seasoned and had a springy mouth-feel, which I found good for chewing.
(3)
Katherine B.
Oh red hot and blue. You disapointed me so. I was excited to come here, my friend had been telling me for so long how good it was. I had recently OD'd on a bbq marathon on the travel channel and needed some bbq in my life. I wish i would have tried the higher rated bbq places in laurel but i did not. I came with my 2 year old daughter. She didn't even like the food. I got the sampler platter, so pretty much everything: chicken, ribs (dry), pulled pork, sausage and potato salad. HOW DO YOU MESS UP SAUSAGE? It was like they squeezed every bit of juice, it was dry, flavor was ehh. The chicken was dry, again no flavor. The pork had to be boiled. no lie. no flavor. The dry ribs texture was ok? NO FLAVOR. I even tried to drench everything in the rub they have at the table and dip in the sauces which were also just OK, and everything was still---just not good. The potatoe salad was ok, red potatoes, onions. no complaints,but nothing to really blow you away. I didn't realize this was a chain. If you are looking for a bbq chain you are much better off going to famous daves. The server was very very nice.
(1)
Lauren A.
I can't say too much about this place, at least not too much that's positive. It isn't awful, but not great. The inside could use a little TLC. Not the cleanest or the easiest to look at. I understand the theme of the place, but the decor is just...messy looking. It took me so long to figure out what to order last time I went, mostly because nothing sounded enticing. I ended up ordering hot wings that were pretty decent. My dining partners both got pulled chicken sandwiches that they were satisfied with. I tried it the second time I went, but I wasn't very impressed. It was ok, just just ok. Altogether, the experiences I've had are nothing to write home about. Service was attentive and alright, and prices are reasonable. If you're into BBQ-type cuisine, I'm sure this is a decent choice. I'd still suggest Mission BBQ first, though.
(3)
kyle t.
Well butter my butt and call me Betty, this is some damn good chopped pork! In town for a couple of days and staying just north of DC. Looking for a place to eat I of course checked out Yelp and in the immediate area this came up as one of the better rated places around. I asked a couple of locals and hey up comes the name again, hmmm. Now I figured this was a for sure lunch stop, and I was right. I sat at the bar for lunch and had some sweet tea and asked the bartender what her favorite was. The answer came out quick, seemed honest and it started with chopped and ended in Pork so how could I say no. Bring it on. The sandwich was fantastic and very tender, some of the best chopped pork I've ever had. Good enough I started planning dinner the next night! Came back for dinner the next night and this time I changed it up, I sat at the bar and ordered from the menu. Great list of meats with and some interesting soups and things. I tried the Beef brisket and got it chopped instead of sliced (my theory is its less likely to be chewy). Just like the pork for lunch the day before this was some of the best brisket I've had. Very tender, not at all chewy and great flavor. There were some nice pieces of bark mixed in that just made my taste-buds do a little jig! Thank you locals and of course thank you Yelp app on my phone. My taste-buds thank you both! KT
(4)
James G.
This is my favorite Red Hot and Blue location. It has consistently had good food and service for years. I suggest the pulled pork sandwich, potato salad, and banana pudding (in any order).
(4)
MaryLou B.
My favorite BBQ in this part of the country! I love the sauces! The sausage is an awesome compliment to any meal. My kids love the fries drizzled with the BBQ sauce. I grew up in Missouri.... Love KC BBQ!
(5)
Molly H.
This place is fantastic. I eat here regularly and have for years. Food is delicious and prices are very reasonable. In particular, their burger is the best I've ever had and of course, the pulled pork, salads, and everything else is delicious too. The only thing I don't really like are the fries (they aren't very crispy) so I tend to avoid those and I'd like it if they had a few more sides to choose from (like sweet potato fries)... but still an awesome place. On Sundays, they have seafood specials (like shrimp salad) which is pretty darn tasty. Take out is super speedy too, you call and it's ready within minutes.
(5)
Jerry S.
This is not the Country Kitchen in Wallace, NC, but it's as good as you're going to do around here for commercial Memphis style Q. The space is broken up into two rooms and a bar, so it feels a little more homey than most. They follow through on the Blues theme with the music and the photos and posters that fill the walls - look for the one of very young Elvis. The ribs are meaty, moderately smokey, and cooked to just a little bit of chew. I get them dry and add a little Mojo Mild sauce. The pulled pork is my usual, with the Carolina vinegar sauce and a sprinkling of spice rub from the shaker on the table. Great potato salad, standard cole slaw, nice barbecue beans. One side that I especially love is the store-baked rolls, though a little birdie told me between pouring drinks that they source the dough from a local gourmet bakery. Tip - pull the butter out of the basket immediately, or the hot roll will melt it. Real iced tea and lemonade. Large portions (I've never had room for desert) and quick delivery by a runner in a "Pit Crew" tee shirt. Service? I went with a friend who was doing the Atkins diet, and when she asked if she could trade the two sides for a salad, the reply was "which dressing would you like on that?" I've been a regular since the location (second in the chain) opened about 20 years ago. Dave who?
(4)
Jen R.
The nachos are pretty horrible. And the potato salad didn't taste very good. It's really good at the Annapolis location. This place smelled funny and the women's restroom was out of order, had to use the men's room, yuck! Definitely wouldn't go here again.
(1)
Yaka H.
Although a BBQ chain, we like it better than its competitors (so far). SX opted for the 5 Meat Taste (comes with a sample of pork ribs, shredded beef shortrib, pulled chicken, pulled pork, and sausage) with sides of potato salad and beans. I tried the Delta Double, which is their two meat platter of pork ribs and sausage with sides of coleslaw and beans. We also ordered a side of hush puppies. It was only $1.99, but there was a cereal bowl full of hush puppies! The beans are pretty generic, but tasty. The coleslaw wasn't overly dressed with mayo which was pleasant change from other coleslaws I've had. The pork ribs here were pretty good. We ordered ours dry rubbed and like to add the sauce ourselves. They were pretty tender and well smoked. The sausage was 2nd runner up for our favorite meat here. A nice snap of the casing, full of flavor and smokiness. The pulled chicken was surprisingly moist. The beef was the most disappointing, as it just tasted like regular beef shortrib (no smokey flavor or anything).
(4)
Bob A.
Knew that we would be in Laurel while visiting my wife's aunt, so beforehand I checked Yelp for some good barbecue and came across Red Hot & Blue. It's a nice place on Main Street in the Historic section of Laurel. The place had a good crowd in the restaurant and bar areas even though it was later in the evening. Our waitress was great, attentive and fast. Our family had 3 different dishes from ribs and brisket, to pulled pork and chicken, to spicy shrimp (odd for a barbecue place but very good). All the food was superb. Seasoned right, cooked right, served right. Their fresh baked bread goes great with the meal. We would definitely visit again, next time we are in Laurel.
(5)
Mary S.
this is our go to quick ,dependable family dinner place. love the pork bbq, but has good salads too. teenagers like the ribs. 7$ lunches are a great deal
(4)
James H.
This BBQ is okay. Have had much better. The people were not friendly at all. Has a very racist atmosphere. I would not recommend this place.
(2)
Cheryl J.
I bought my husband a 1/2 BBQ chicken and it was the worst chicken I ever tasted. We couldnt even swallow it! It tasted old, dry, and chewy. He told me to taste it, and I couldnt even swallow it. I had to spit it out. YUCK. The fires were good, my St. Louis Ribs were good. My daughters cheesburger was supposed to be medium rare, it came out well done. Ugh! Never again
(1)
May C.
I have always ordered ribs - dry rub, and it is consistently very good. Like their trimmings too - fries, BBQ beans, cole slaw, potato salad. The wait staff is friendly and courteous. The place is clean and cool-looking. Glad there is a place in Laurel that I am not embarrassed to bring friends along.
(5)
Axios P.
Good ribs. Had the Memphis dry rub. Friendly staff, price was okay for the quality of the meal. Will be a rerun customer.
(4)
Jason E.
This restaurant is an insult to barbecue. It honestly shocks me that, at the time of this review, this restaurant has a 4-star average. It just goes to show that you poor people in the DC area just have no idea what good barbecue is. To think that an area as diverse as DC can't manage to make decent barbecue, well it isn't surprising I guess when you look at what Congress is capable of -- nothing. But the fact that so many people have been mislead into believing this slop is worthy of being called barbecue should cause the National Barbecue Association to file suit for slander against this restaurant chain. Where to start? My girlfriend's work had a Christmas party here. Their downstairs event room is dreary. Crooked pictures hang on the wall, the tiles in the ceiling are busted, one of the air vents is covered with Christmas wrapping paper, really an entirely depressing room. The meal was served buffet style, with an appetizer of boring wings and mozzarella sticks that tasted as though they had just been microwaved from their store-bought frozen packaging. The entree have options of pulled chicken, pork, and beef, I think. I can't really know that because nothing was labeled. They all tasted the same, somehow lukewarm and dry. Bad atmosphere, bad food, I think we would have been better off getting a sack of McRibs (it's back, you know) at McDonalds.
(2)
DoesItHaveYooHoo X.
Red hot and blue is simply delicious. Their laurel location is located right on Main Street in old laurel and is quaint and delightful. You step inside to a dining room that is a shrine to delta blues men of yesteryear and today. The tables give the impression of the down to earth, local place that it is. The food is simple but it is delicious. Especially good is the pulled pork, which they also use as the meat for their original and delectable nachos. I particularly enjoy the hush puppies and baked beans sides. If you're looking for great BBQ in laurel, head to red hot & blue. Does not have YooHoo
(1)
Fat G.
I went in with a friend on a busy Friday night and ordered chicken strips. Sad to say, that they were served under cooked. Not so undercooked as to be completely raw, but undercooked enough that I spent two hours after leaving the restaurant evacuating my bowels. My friend did the same. When I attempted to speak to the manager, Bob, about the level of doneness of my wings, he stated that since I ate them all, I wasn't entitled to a free meal. I can understand this and I did make the choice to eat them even though they were slightly undercooked, but I was just hoping to let him know that the kitchen was putting out food that shouldn't be served to customers. I wasn't looking for a free meal. Overall, the food is actually fairly decent, as long as it's cooked all the way. Also, if you do decide to eat here, please tip your servers. They are being paid less than minimum wage and the tips are supposed to bring the hourly wage above minimum wage. If a server does a good job, he/she deserves at least a standard tip, which is approaching 20% in the US. Don't be cheap because you don't feel like tipping, Getting stiffed on a $300 table is ludicrous.
(3)
Steve C.
Well we decided to stop here after a competition as it was only a couple blocks. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the hostess and the manager. They went above and beyond to seat our large group of approx. 30. We started with the Red Hot & Blue Nachos, consisting of flour tortilla chips with pulled chicken and topped with cheddar and jack cheeses, tomatoes, green onions, jalapeños and sour cream. I have to say they were awesome and the serving was huge. Others had the Onion Ring Loaf and the menu describes the dish as fresh cut onion rings shaped in a loaf, lightly battered by hand and fried golden. Served with BBQ ranch for dipping. So off to the main course. I had the Five Meat Treat, a sampling of ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, sausage, beef brisket and two sides. You can order the ribs as wet, dry, or sweet. I went with the dry. It comes with baked beans and coleslaw, but there are other options. It was a large serving of meat and all were tasty. I thought the brisket would be a little better. Also, they have a huge selection of BBQ sauces on the table. We enjoyed sampling the sauces while waiting for our food. I have to say this is a pretty good BBQ joint and the service was awesome. Also, you can ask for some of their dry rub to go. it was about $5.00 for a small container.
(4)
Rob N.
Bare Bones? Sonny Bryan's? Famous Dave's? Feh. RH&B is the only chain BBQ joint that does pork that rivals what comes out of my own smoker. It's plentiful, it's moist, it's tasty and smoky, and it comes to the table hot and fast. The only place you're gonna find a better rib is gonna have sawdust on the floor. Their cole slaw is pretty damned good, too. This is food that is slap-your-mama tasty.
(4)
Jim S.
Very good for a north-eastern chain. The meats are all good, the sides are pretty good. Does not compare to real BBQ or a real smoke house, but for the area and the money it is good.
(3)
Melody C.
My first, and only trip to RH&B was a work luncheon. We got there and were seated pretty close to the wall.. too close, imo, at a table with uncomfortable chairs an old plastic table cloth that looked less than clean. In fact, all of the tables looked like this. A dead fly on the table and a moth on the wall. Gross. The waitress was slow and we had to notify the hostess we hadn't yet been served and she finally made her way over. We all ordered drinks and our meals. Food came in a bit and I was underwhelmed by the look of my meal. No cheese on my Fried Chicken Salad, and not a good portion size of chicken. The cut up breast definitely looked small. It tasted decent but nothing great. I would take Chickfila's new Cobb Salad over it any day, and it's cheaper too. Everyone else's food also looked pretty blah. Small portions, bland potato salad, overdone hamburgers, and seriously under-stuffed potatoes. The pork baked potatoes my co-workers got looked really sad, hardly any pork! Disappointing for a supposed BBQ joint. Overall a blah dining experience. I would NOT go back. I'm not sure how the reviews are over 3 stars.
(2)
Stephen D.
Good food, not great but good. Prices are very reasonable. Service is very good and fast. Ample parking in the rear (its easy to miss the entrance!) We like it, but just not enough to put it in the weekly lunch rotation. Its our go-to spot for taking visitors out to lunch since they have a little bit of everything.
(3)
Jason B.
What makes BBQ truly exceptional? Sorry, but it's not the sauce or the rub. Nope, it's the quality of the meat itself, and how it is prepared! And that is where this place shines the most light out of it's spectacular rump. I have no idea what that metaphor means, but I assure you that the MEAT here is primo. But, the sauces, and the rub (I like it dry myself, baby) are delicious as well. It's just that Red, Hot & Blue doesn't attempt to or need to mask the quality of it's meat by its sauces and seasoning. And that's how it should be. That's how they create exceptional BBQ. Plus, the price is right, the staff are friendly, patient, and accommodating, and the place is completely unpretentious. I love it! The BBQ Lover will return...
(5)
Eric B.
I have been coming here for years, and it's a great spot. Sitting right at the top of main street, it's only blocks away from home. Their barbecue is always fresh, and the new buns they have been using for their sandwiches lately are great. Red hot and blue keeps getting better and better. Their seafood and southern standards are good, but they have some really good healthy options too. If your in Laurel and want a great dining experience, go to Red Hot and Blue.
(5)
Michele W.
great chain restaurant. the meat is tender and flavorful but, could use a bit more infused smokiness. BBQ sauce and dry rubs on table to add to your meal if desired
(4)
Sean M.
Apparently this establishment believes that because they have a local following they can get away with serving old, dry tasteless food to carry out customers. Chicken and pulled pork literally tasted like it was cooked four days ago. Maybe the serve the fresh stuff to the people who actually eat in the restaurant...
(1)
Alex O.
I had high hopes for the place. Several folks have told me that it's a real diamond in the rough. The story inevitably goes that yes, it's a chain, but this location really transcends the dullness of chain restaurants and is a legit place for terrific barbecue. Maybe I just hit it on a bad afternoon, but sadly, I've gotta say that this is some really weak barbecue. I got the brisket and dry rubbed ribs, along with the slaw and beans. The ribs were flavorless and somewhat dry. There was no smoky flavor to them, nor any sense that they had been properly slow cooked. To make matters more insulting, the dry rub had apparently NOT been applied prior to cooking but instead just rubbed all over previously plain cooked ribs. Are you kidding me?!?!? That sort've defeats the purpose of a dry rub, which needs to be part of the cooking process to really work properly. If you're just coating the cooked meat with it afterwards the result is invariably an overly salty flavor with little depth. It makes me wish I'd gone for the sauced ribs, though the sauce on the table, which was fairly dull, makes me think it wouldn't have mattered. I'll be perfectly blunt: the pre-cooked ribs you find vacu-sealed in the refrigerated section of a grocery store are just as good, if not better. The brisket, like the ribs, was dry and flavorless. After having some pretty good, smoky, thick cut, wet brisket the week before at Curley's Q (a BBQ food truck that visits Bethesda every Tuesday) this piece of brisket was particularly underwhelming. Beer selection was lame. Cole slaw okay, but nothing great, and the beans may as well have come from a can. Service was polite and friendly, but somewhat inattentive. The only thing making me want to give this a slightly higher review was the music; they really did have a great run of old blues and R&B stuff going from the moment I entered to the moment I left. Honestly, if you're all the way out near Laurel and want good barbecue, make the trek out to Kloby's, which offers a better beer selection and far better barbecue.
(1)
E L.
Plenty of food! We got the 39.99 platter for two and still had ribs, fries, slaw, corn, cornbread, pulled pork and chicken to take home.
(5)
Michele M.
Great prices, huge portions, and strong drinks. The staff is hit or miss, but the food is pretty damn good.
(5)
Christopher S.
Good food and good service. Laurel location is in need of internal renovation. I've frequently used the takeout service and preparation usually takes 20 minutes or less.
(4)
Ashley H.
One of my favorite neighborhood restaurants. The food is always good and the service is always friendly. The restaurant can feel cramped at times, but it's also cozy with deep colors, blues streaming through the speakers, and pictures of the good old days sprinkled on the walls. Street parking can be a nuisance but there's a private lot in the back. You can walk right up the steps and find yourself at the front door. My favorite entree items are the salads. Their BBQ ranch dressing is a nice addition to any of them. The nachos are probably my favorite nachos of all time. If you're getting them as an appetizer, you can probably split them between 3 to 4 people. I'm usually sharing with one other person and they're definitely a bit much for only 2. Also, I must give a shout out to the bread. Sweet and buttery, surely bad for you, but oh-so-good.
(4)
Buster M.
I didn't have high hopes for this place, but Priceline stuck me in a hotel nearby and I was too tired to drive far for dinner after a day of conference hobnobbing. So I figured why not go with BBQ, how can BBQ be bad? Ordered the Five Meat Treat with hush puppies and BBQ beans. Hush puppies were puckish, beans were bland. None of the five meats were too smoky or tender. The hot sauce was unbalanced--too vinegary and salty--and without the sauce the meat didn't have much going on flavor-wise. In short, some of the worst BBQ of my life.
(1)
Laura E.
I was not impressed with the food I will need come here again.
(1)
Jonathan H.
What is enlightenment? I think it's different to everyone, but when the moment comes, it is so rare, so precious that you chase it constantly, but only capture it maybe a few times in life. What is enlightenment to me? Being full. Filled like Jenna Jameson, stuffed like Tom Turkey, bloated like a body on CSI. There are four places on planet earth where I have sat back, hands behind my head, feet on the chair in front of me, and breathed a pained but pleased sigh of "I am so.... full. Ugh." Red Hot & Blue sits proudly on my trophy rack of places I have been so full I've needed a break before standing up. I have a habit at all places I eat. I always order a drink other than water, an appetizer, entree, dessert and usually at least one other thing like soup of the day. I can't break tradition, so when I went to RH&B, I ordered the cheese covered nacho appetizer (a meal unto itself), the thing that's supposed to be a chicken sandwich but is really a dumptruck load of crap on a bun (good crap & bun), and the Oreo dessert (it's like a box of ice cream on a plate, without the box). Holy crap. Now I know what it's like for that Indian lady who had the stone baby in her abdomen for sixty years. As I nurse my stone baby, I sit back, hands behind my head, feet up on the chair in front of me, and exhale slowly. I am so damn full.
(3)
Courtney C.
Another successful carryout dinner! The smokehouse salad looked delicious and my pulled chicken salad was great as always. The hushpuppies are more savory than sweet like I prefer. Fast, affordable and scrumptious.
(4)
Kathie P.
Nice little local restaurant/bar in the neighborhood. When you go in, there are always tons of folks that you know. Food is good - love the pulled chicken and the potato salad. This particular Red Hot and Blue is the neighborhood "go to" when you want a party catered. You can never fail. Service is good - staff very friendly. I like to go one, because of the food, and two because of the local atmosphere. Prices are very reasonable as well. Carry-out is speedy.
(3)
Crissy K.
Holy smokes. Maybe it's because I'm not from one of those states that's known for its ribs, but I LOVE Red Hot & Blue. Love. The half rack of ribs with dry rub is simply meat, perfected. The smoky flavor of the meat itself, plus the kick-in-the-pants spicy-ness of the dry rub, accented by a squiggle of sauce -- if you don't like that, you may as well be vegetarian. Warning: The key lime pie, which is no longer on the menu, but which they do make, is not the same awesome key lime pie they used to serve a couple of years ago. In fact, this one pretty much sucks. But on the plus side, that means you don't need to save room for dessert.
(5)
Chaz C.
Was there for a meeting and bad experience, It looked good for a dining experiance though.
(2)
Jess B.
Awesome. That is all.
(5)
Heather G.
I stopped by after my visit to the salon a couple doors down. Was very hungry and the aroma wafting from the door was incredible. I ordered the pulled pork platter which comes with two sides (I chose fries and green beans). I wasn't sure how the coleslaw would taste and am very funny about my coleslaw so asked for a taste so I could decide if I wanted the beans or slaw. Well it must have been an off day for the waiter because I wasn't offered a taste of slaw until the food came to the table. I personally did not care for the green beans as they were heavily seasoned with pepper and salt. I prefer my beans with a little butter and salt not really a big pepper fan. Not to say that someone may not enjoy them but I did not. When the waiter described the platter vs. the sandwich he said that the platter comes with the roll on the side and 2 sides, the sandwich comes with one side and on the bread. Well as a person with texture issues mushy bread is an absolute no for me so I chose the platter. No roll was served with the platter and when I asked the waiter he pointed to the bread that is served before the meal and said this is your bread so I had to ask for a bun and when the bun got to the table it wasn't really that fresh. Drinks were refilled once, he never did come to the table and ask if everything was okay or how the food was. All in all not a bad visit I will return again when in the area and will try other things on the menu.
(2)
Nathan C.
We've always loved RH&B. They were the ones who introduced me to pulled pork, and so I will always be in debt to those three guitar-playing neon pigs. Pulled anything is really good here. For an unusual, and very very bad-for-you experience, get the pulled chicken nachos -- but don't plan on eating anything afterwards! The ribs are outstanding, as well. It's fairly crowded pretty much all the time, unfortunately, but service is so fast (hey, they're just sticking already-prepared meat on a plate!) that the wait is never too bad. If you want to try something evil, get a pound of the pulled pork to go, chop it coarsely, then make chili out of it at home. People will think you're some kind of ancient chili god, risen again to smite the flavor-hating infidels with your aromatic spices and tender meats.
(4)
Candice W.
How are they still in busines?? And what are the people who rated this place anything over 2 stars thinking?? You are INSANE and your tastebuds are dead!!! Me and friend came here because I wanted BBQ. This was not it! My friend said the food taste like school lunch. I say it's a place to bring a person with high blood pressure or a geriatric on a strict diet, because there was NO flavor or seasoning to anything. I have the triple meat platter (ribs, pulled chicken, brisket). It was like tofu with bbq sauce. That was THE NASTIEST, I meant tasteless, "bbq" I've ever had. I've never been to Memphis but I know bbq is not suppose to taste like .... that mess. The bread, beans, and sweet tea were good though. They should just serve that from now on. On, and my waitress was nice and kept the refills coming.
(1)
Brandon B.
Delta catfish sandwich(5/5), delta double sweet ribs(5/5) and pulled pork(5/5). Oreo brownie sundae(5/5). There was a hole after leaving hawaii... I was going to dearly miss dixie grill "put some south in your mouth". So in reminicnse looked for some southren bbq places. Now I have made that hole slightly smaller. Red hot and blue is the filler I have found. The food was delicious. Everything was what I needed to hit the spot. The only thing that isn't up to the same level of Dixie Grill is the lemonade and sweet tea. This is for sure a place to go if you are in the Laurel area.
(5)
Tara G.
WE LOVE This place! Everything on the menu is very well priced and always very delicious! Its a nice change from the $$ restaurants in Montgomery County.....they do catering and its always a huge hit. The catfish fingers are amazing!
(5)
Linda W.
When I want BBQ in Maryland, I got to Red, Hot, and Blue in Laurel. Blues music atmosphere, with great wait staff compliment the food. I love the pulled chicken sandwich. Just writing this review makes me want another one!
(4)
Brandima A.
Bring a friend because you'll need help finishing your plate. The smoke house can be smelled from down the block and only adds to the hunger of the eagerly awaiting patrons. My favorite is the catfish, which is so hard to find in these parts, fried in a golden batter with a side of succulent pulled pork and Southern Sweet Ice Tea. Laurel Regional Hospital is just down the street in case you are diabetic. The many bar b que sauce choices feature different regions of the US and show case the difference in opinion of what BBQ is. Wear elastic pants or take out so you can get comfy on the sofa. Can be messy, wet naps provided.
(4)
Foodspy J.
I used Red Hot & Blue to cater my Family Reunion. I arranged everything through the corporate catering office (George Westberry). From contact last year, I found everyone to be extremely professional and helpful. RH&B came in with the best prices and assistance in planning the appropriate amount. Laurel delivered and setup and the gentleman was pleasant and again, very professional and most importantly - on time. My experience was great! Thanks RH&B staff!
(5)
Shine S.
WARNING: You will get the ITIS So far at this location, I've had great experiences. I like the sweet rub, dry rub, wet rub. You can even do half and half. The ribs are superb, falls right off the bone. I've been to this location a few times. The only thing is parking sucks. It's street parking. So even if I wanted to pickup and go, it's still a pain. I decided to venture out to another sister location, parking was better, but the food was overcooked. So each chain I find different, but Laurel has been my favorite yet. Sides are absolutely great and so far all the BBQs have been great! 5-stars for me! They need to open some on the westcoast!
(5)
Ashley F.
You poor Mid-Atlantic-ers. This is no where close to Memphis BBQ. Yes they got the ideas but there is no taste to the food. I ordered the Tennessee Triple ( Because my home state is in the name....oh yeah they have 3 meats i guess). I chose the dry rub ribs *true Memphis Style* and the sausage and pulled pork. The Ribs were ok... the seasonings were perfect, the meat was tender but bland. Same thing went with the pulled pork. I was kinda disappointed and drowned everything in the BBQ sauce which was surprising tasty. The sausage was awful. It had some spice in there that made my tongue want to eject itself from my mouth. Please avoid. Maybe you all should see for yourselves... I mean, I am from the city of BBQ and in Maryland, apparently this is it. From the look of the reviews, you guys praise this location as being the best. If that's the case, don't eat BBQ in Memphis because you will feel like your time with RHB had been a total sham. RHB, a little advice to make your stuff better... its easy. 1) season your meat more before cooking, marinade it or something. 2) serve some bread with your food. 3) add mac and cheese. every southerner eats it with their BBQ. 4) get rid of that damn sausage!!! By the way.....Please keep the beans, they're good. BBQ sauce is delish and unique. Wonderful service too for such a big party. I'm out~*~
(2)
Mary W.
Unassuming from the outside, red hot and blue offers great BBQ in laurel at a reasonable price. Several different BBQ sauces to choose from, each with their own appeal, a real nice dry rub, seemingly limitless menu options, all wrapped up by service with a smile. The sausage is the go-to, but I also enjoy the ribs, and pulled pork. The sides all fall a little flat, but its the pure BBQ taste that will keep me coming back
(4)
Christopher M.
I totally agree with the previous reviewer that this chain restaurant doesn't have a chain feel at all. The location is great, and the people always treat you right once you get inside. I always bring people here when they come visit from out of town, and the first thing I make them try is the pulled pork nachos. I don't know what it is about their chips, but they are the best I have ever had. Then pile high the pulled pork and toppings and you have a winner. The nachos alone are worth the five stars. The ribs are tasty and and you get a choice of wet sauces and dry rub. The beans are great, and so is the slaw. Like most BBQ places they have sampler plates where you can mix it up, and that's the way I always go. The only thing I didn't like was the beef brisket. It was a little dry. They have great takeout. They are always fast, even if you don't order ahead. They have a separate counter for take out, making it even easier. Me and my friends love this place, and its usually where we all meet up for dinner.
(5)
Danny S.
Stopped by here after a fun day in D.C on a cold December day. I had heard it was a chain but it did not have the appearance of one. Unfortunately the food tasted like it was from a chain. Being from the Midwest (home of true BBQ) I found this BBQ to be rather tasteless. Where was that smokey BBQ flavor in the meats? I had the pulled BBQ chicken sandwich and it had NO flavor. The place was packed so it must be fine for those who have never experienced TRUE BBQ. They do have a great dessert!
(2)
Clay U.
Headed back into Maryland from a day tooling around DC and it was time to feed the family. We have frequented Red Hot and Blues numerous times over the years and figured it was a good bet to please everyone. The service was fine, I would even rate it at excellent, but the food was a serious disappointment. The pulled pork was completely tasteless. No yummy slow cooked, fatty pork flavor. Not even a hint of smokeyness. The pulled chicken, just the same. If not for the sauce, it literally had NO taste. The ribs (I got dry this time) were a bit better, but truly nothing like I have experienced in the past at other RH&B's. The Cole Slaw was typical and good enough and the beans were flat out yummy. All in all a very disappointing experience, especially after all the good experiences we have had previously at other locations. I am not ready to throw in the towel completely, but I doubt I will be returning to this location anytime soon.
(2)
Tracia D.
Did not enjoy AT ALL. Our server was awesome, however the food for the night, AVERAGE. We could've gone to Silver Diner, TGIFridays, or even Denny's and got better food. We ordered the catfish fingers; average. From the kids menu chicken nuggets and fries; average. My husband got a burger; bland as hell - below average, and dry ribs, while very tender; you know what I'm going to say... Average. I ordered the catfish and sweet ribs. Catfish and ribs both just okay. The only reason I'm giving 2 stars is because the customer service was very good. Needless to say, we will NOT be going back.
(2)
Ji K.
What happened? After yesterday my mind is wavering if RH&B is still my favorite rib joint in the area. Their dry rub ribs were excellent during my 3 or 4 previous visits. Yesterday it was literally too dry. It seems like we got a bad full rack? They have a good special going right now though. For $20 you can order a full rack of ribs w/ 4 small sides. Potato salad and baked beans were good. Not so good were collard greens and fries. We also got their nachos and I would recommend them. It was big enough for 4 to share and you can choose from 3 different versions (pulled pork or pulled chicken or chili). We got half pulled pork and half chili. We preferred the pork side over the chili side but I would still order it the same way next time. Combining both sides made it even better for me. What's different about this branch is their bread. I think it is sour dough style and comes out hot. I like them a lot and it remained good as previous visits. Even though I didn't get them this time around, I also like their pulled pork sandwich. If I get another bad rack next time I will just move on to Famous Dave's from now.
(3)
Adam T.
This is definitely my favorite BBQ restaurant in the area, and I'm a big BBQ fan. I like the fact that they don't have to cover everything in sauce to make it taste good. You can really tell the quality of the food. I usually go for the pulled pork, but everything is good including the burgers. You really can't go wrong. I would definitely give it a try.
(4)
Alex M.
Only been here once, the ribs were quite good.
(4)
Stuart M.
I've been eating here for years and it consistently satisfies. And then, to make things even better, they started serving mini corn muffins that are just plain delicious about two months ago. I don't think they are on the printed menu so be sure to ask. Yes, this is a chain outlet, but be warned: not all Red Hot and Blues are the same. The one in Gaithersburg was not up to par. The one in Annapolis was good. But the Laurel location is my favorite. This place is exceptionally good at pulled pork, pork ribs, potato salad, beans, and bread. The pulled pig sandwich is fantastic, though it comes on a run-of-the-mill bun that is not at all like the other awesome bread that they serve. It has less of a smokey flavor than pulled pig at some other joints, but I love it. You can choose your sauce, either a Memphis style mild, a vinegar style, or a hot sauce. My wife usually gets the chicken sandwich (huh?), which comes on their awesome fresh bread and which she always enjoys. The accompanying fries are great (kind of like Arby's curly fries, but not curly). The slaw is very good. The potato salad is also very good (lots of potato and egg, not lots of mayo). Lately I've been choosing beans instead, and they are savory indeed. I should note that I once had ribs that were overcooked and dry, but that was an anomaly. Also, if you eat here a lot, you'll hear the same small set of popular blues tunes on the speaker system. The wait staff is friendly and efficient and the service is fast. We never seem to leave room for dessert. And that's the mark of an excellent BBQ joint.
(5)
Su K.
The year was 1996. Tom Cruise had us at "hello" and wasn't jumping on Oprah's couch. The sound of Bing! Bong! Wiiirrrr! Pssschhhh! Boing Boing! Wirrrrrrrrrrrrrr!....Welcome! You've got mail! could be heard in homes throughout America. Everyone heard the phrase, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit." Princess Di and Prince William's dad get a divorce. And a young Korean gets his first taste of BBQ thanks to three little pigs called red, hot, and blue. At that point, it was the most glorious food he'd ever tried, and a quest began to have BBQ as often as he could. He frequented RH&B like it was going out of business. Every city he visited, he demanded to be taken to a place where meats were smoked. After decades of meatings, he found new loves that thrilled his taste buds. While RH&B will always remain his first, he's since had better. Fallout Boy said it best, One night, and one more time Thanks for the memories Even though they weren't so great He tastes like you only sweeter Sorry three little pigs. He tastes like you only sweeter. He being pretty much every other BBQ place in Laurel. Food - I ordered the Tennessee Triple ($14.99, yelp.com/biz_photos/SJV-… ) - a 1/4 rack of ribs and your choice of 2 meats and 2 sides. The ribs are served dry (a thick coating of dry rub), wet (basted w/ their mild BBQ sauce), or sweet (basted w/ their sweet sauce). I had a 1/4 rack dry, 1/4 rack sweet, and the pulled pork with coleslaw and baked beans, which is essentially the 1/2 slab platter w/ an order of pulled pork for an extra $1. The ribs are spareribs and are prepared fall-off-the-bone tender, but the meat itself falls apart as well. Since I prefer baby back ribs prepared in this fashion and expect spareribs to be meatier, I don't like the ribs here as much as I do at other places, but to each his or her own. The pulled pork is excellent. Tender and moist, and especially good covered in the Carolina sauce available at your table. The coleslaw and baked beans were both great but they are tiny, tiny portions. Ketchup or some other sauce should be served in those little dishes, not a side. Although the food tasted great, the portion was small. Thank goodness it was served with a roll, b/c I started dipping that sucker in BBQ sauce. My dining buddy had the All-In Burger ($8.49, yelp.com/biz_photos/SJV-… ) - a burger w/ pulled pork, onion ring straws, cheddar cheese, and mild BBQ sauce piled on top. Like a Planeteer, the beef patty was nothing spectacular on its own, but by those powers combined, you had something awesome. Sauces - Sufferin Sweet (not at your table, you have to request it): nothing out of the ordinary; KC Masterpiece tastes better. Mojo Mild: nothing out of the ordinary; even Kraft is on par. The Carolina one: really watery, vinegar based sauce - good poured over your pulled pork but useless otherwise. The hot sauce: for a BBQ joint, I thought it was pretty spicy - when combined w/ the Sufferin Sweet, it makes for a pretty tasty sauce. My only gripe about it is the spout has a flowrate of 1 drop per minute even with vigorous shaking. I just take that sucker off and pour it. Dessert - the banana pudding ($3.49) wasn't too bad. I've had the cobbler before and it was also decent. For great BBQ sandwiches, I'd have to give RH&B the nod over BBQ House, but the ribs, sauces, and portions are better at Famous Dave's, Shane's, and BBQ House. For example, you can get a 1/2 rack + 1 meat for $17.99 @ Shane's, but since there's no waiter service, there's no tip. As a result, the prices are about the same but the meat is tastier (not to mention fall-off-the-bone tender baby back ribs), the sauces are better (mmmm! Spicy!), and the portions are enormous. As a result, RH&B places just under BBQ house on the the SuBQ continuum. Parking Tip: As you head up Main St from Rte. 1, be on the lookout to your left for 6th St. After you pass it, make your next right - you should see a brick pedestrian crossing and a faded red sign for Patuxent something, and you'll enter a parking lot. Make your first left, park towards the end, and head up the stairs to RH&B. Or you can try your luck and see if you can find street parking in front (free). So thanks for the memories, RH&B. You're just not that great anymore.
(3)
Victoria B.
Thought I'd give this a try, so into the car I went to pick up some carry out. I got the Brisket platter with hush puppies and BBQ beans. My order came out quickly. The beans were very good, the hush puppies were delicious, the bread I got with my order ... that was really good bread. I was less than impressed by the brisket though - it was a bit bland - the meat itself could have been seasoned better, and the BBQ sauce wasn't that flavorful either. I'd be willing to give them another try for other things on their menu, though.
(3)
Tony P.
I really like the baked beans and potato salad. The wet slab for 2 is a great take out choice. Drummies are great starters. Don't forget to ask for extra spicy sauce. That gives the bbq a real kick.
(4)
Stephanie M.
We stopped here on the way from DC to PA for a quick and good lunch, and that is exactly what we got from Red Hot & Blue. Our server was prompt, friendly, and attentive and the service was snappy. My husband ordered the fried platter - catfish, shrimp, french fries & hush puppies. The hush puppies were good, which I know because I ate them. I ordered the Smokehouse Salad, which had beef and chicken BBQ on a bed of romaine with corn, cucumbers and tortilla strips. The salad was not great - the meat was awesome, but the salad was little sad. Overall, it was a nice lunch, but next time I would opt for the BBQ (and hush puppies).
(3)
Chris K.
The atmosphere here is OK, but it is difficult to beat their carryout service when it comes to BBQ sandwiches. This is the best place for pulled pork BBQ in the Laurel-Burtonsville area.
(4)
Nicholette P.
I am a huge fan of RH&B. I have been coming here since I was a kid! They catered my H.S graduation party for tonssss of people! I love the pulled pork and the sauce is sooooo good! I don't normally eat coleslaw but I will munch on theirs! I love the ribs too! They have a table at the Main st. festival every year, and when I can make it I always pick up sandwiches for my parents! I went in once to actually sit down, but I have to say the service was not so hot, so we always call ahead and get carry out!
(4)
Chad M.
Great food! Been going here for a long time.
(4)
Angela M.
Oooh Red, Hot & Blue - you make my stomach feel patriotic!! Enough to bust out and sing - "Oh say can you see?" But I won't. Yes, you're all welcome - you don't even have to thank me. I've been here a few times physically...(and mentally, double that number). Anytime I crave some great barbecue, I think of Red, Hot and Blue. Things that me & the restaurant have in common: 1) Our chili tastes scarily the same. If I didn't know better, I'd think it was culinary espionage. 2) People like our cooking (but I don't make the big bucks like you Red Hot). RH&B has great meats, great sides and great bread. Their drinks leave us wanting a little bit, but that's the way of the world with soda fountains and brewed teas. Their pulled chicken, pulled pork and pulled legs (sorry, I make bad joke) are fantastic. I really like that you can choose your own favorite sauces to top the meat with. The coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, beans, chili, etc. are accents to the menu, but you know you're going there for the meat. Also a local favorite. This place is down-home and comfortable. Be ready to feel like one of the overall-wearin' straw chewers!! Also, be prepared to wait during the peak dinner hours and on weekends; it's worth it though. Btw, parking is behind the restaurant.....hard to see, but it's there.
(4)
Beth T.
Mediocre at best. The highs: good customer service, attentive waitstaff. The lows: the food. Cold french fries and beans, dry rubbed ribs were dry and inedible. The salad dressing was so spicy that it made the salad inedible (described as "sweet and fiery" -- I think they forgot the sweet! )Tasteless coleslaw, and rubbery hush puppies. I think there's only 2 kinds of BBQ sauce -- both mild, and there's hot sauce on the table. All in all, we'll go to Famous Daves if we want chain BBQ. Part of the fun of BBQ for some of us in our party is to try different sauce/meat combinations. The rest of us just want decent quality meat and fries. Evidently we should have been served bread, if the other reviews are to be believed, but maybe our waitstaff wasn't as good as they appeared since we never got any.
(2)
Kathy H.
My first experience w/RH&B was several years ago at the windmill just across the Severn River Bridge - that's all it took! Love it! The Laurel location is closer for me and just as good, the quality of the food is consistent and reliable. It's a great little hole in the wall that you can drop in when you're feeling casual. The only "bad" experience was with a to-go order. We ordered lots of ribs and sides plus the fried onion loaf. It was so freshly prepared and hot that it actually melted the styrofoam container - ew! It ruined the entire batch with the smell. Oh, well, guess we won't do that again!
(4)
Timmy C.
Nestled in the corner of Laurel's main street are the nations BEST spare ribs. No joke. I have had ribs all over America and none compare to Red Hot & Blue. Seriously, don't come here unless you plan on ordering the spare ribs. They come in either half a rack or a full rack and include either 2 or 4 sides depending on which you order. Please do not confuse spare ribs with baby back ribs. Spare ribs are both meatier and fattier then their baby brothers. The meat literally falls off the bone and has a nice smoky flavor to them. You can order them either wet or dry. Wet containing either a regular BBQ sauce or sweet sauce. I usually get them dry which has no sauce, just a delicious rub on top. Hush puppies are a must as are the baked beans. The ambience of the restaurant is nice if not typical of any rib place. It's really a Memphis theme so blues memorabilia and neon lights litter the walls. The tables have a checked cloth on top and sport all the sauces you need (my favorite is the vinegar rich BBQ sauce). I've been coming here as a kid but didn't really appreciate it until recently. The restaurant is at the corner of 216 and main and is quite easy to miss. When you find it please feel free to park for no charge in the back. I know of two other locations. One on the Chesapeake Bay (which I've never been too) and one in Dallas, TX (which was just as good as in Laurel.) I'm sure that there are others and if you come across it please don't hesitate to stop by and make em say ughhhh.
(5)
K S.
To say that this is the best BBQ I've ever had is probably not strong enough. I have been to the national BBQ competition in DC a few times and have tried a lot of pretty good BBQ. This is the shizzle ma jizzle, hands down. Soft tender meat that fall off the bone with a nice crusted outer shell and just the right amount of soft tendon. This is then wrapped in their awesome BBQ sauce that has a great balance between honey, mustard, salt, and a few other ingredients, I'm sure. The other Red Hot & Blue places do not taste like this. Too bad we can't get this in Los Angeles.
(5)
Teresa H.
3 words - Baby Back Ribs. They are a must get there. The meat is soft, juicy and literally falls off the bone (as baby back ribs should). We got half dry-rub and half sweet bbq and they were both delicious. My favorite was the sweet bbq. Very flavorful. The dry rub was good, but it was lacking a little something. We also got the onion stack for an appetizer and that was good too. The batter was light and the portion was pretty big for an appetizer so it was very filling. Overall, very good. I'm not a big fan of greasy foods, but I would definitely go back here again.
(5)
Nate B.
Pulled off the highway for a quick bite. Should have kept driving on.
(2)
HighStandard S.
Got take out here. Service was fast---suspiciously so--- and friendly enough, but the food just didn't taste good. I got ribs and pulled pork, St Louis style, I think, "wet". They just were not yummy. Too much sour tasting sauce, and it seemed the sauce was just poured on top and had not been used in any stage of the cooking process. The sides of beans and slaw were just so-so, portions were small.
(1)
Reed D.
It is hard to believe I have been going here for well over 15 years, and I still love it. Good food, great prices and normally not too busy. I really like the dry ribs but try to stick to the pulled chicken salad, sweet potato and baked beans for health reasons. Wes has to be the best waiter in the world. It is a bit out of the way for me but worth the drive.
(5)
Kelli S.
I heard about this place from a post on Facebook, I thought we would give it a try for dinner. Unfortunately, it was not as good as I had hoped. It was a cute location, but the food was not worth the stop in my opinion, this was not good barbeque. I had the Delta Duo (or something like that) which had a portion of ribs, I chose the brisket as the second item. I was not impressed. When cooked properly, meat should fall off the bone so to speak, or at least be tender and delicious. My daughter had the ribs and almost flung one across the restaurant trying to pry them apart. My son had the pulled chicken sandwich and said it was dry and bland, coming from a pretty easy going teenager that says a lot in my book. The sauce was tasty, but other than that all I can say is that our waitress was friendly. We will look elsewhere when looking for a good barbeque restaurant and will not return to Red Hot and Blue.
(2)
Kobie C.
Its hot as hell outside and I we were hungry after leaving Zanzibar and my girl friend asked what we should eat and of course the first spot to come to mind is Red Hot & Blue. The bbq is on point in my opinion and I rate that high as well as the catfish and the hoochie coochie burger. We both got the lynchburg lemonade that I suggested and she was messed up. Ribs were sweet and melt off the bone perfect. Now I had to write this before my it is fully took over. Keep up the good work ya'll and I will be celebrating my bday there in 2 weeks.
(5)
aaron s.
I always judge a bbq spot by its pulled pork sandwich and sides. And Red Hot and Blue knocks it out of the park!!! the Potato Salad is to die for and the pork, no matter which sauce you add, is phenomenal. The decor and music is pretty fun too - you wouldn't know you're just outside of D.C. DEFINITELY recommend the restaurant for a group or family too
(5)
P S.
I don't regularly get a chance to eat bbq. This was place was good and things were as expected. The service was great and food was good.
(4)
Mark D.
Service was fantastic, especially on a Friday night. We were extremely well taken care of, refills were filled before you even noticed that the glass was half full. BBQ was good, from the sausages, the pulled pork and chicken, and the ribs. Nice location with lots of parking in the back.
(4)
M. M.
This is part of a chain, but it doesn't have a "chain" feel at all. For one thing, it's located in Laurel's gentrified "Main Street" neighborhood in a nice brick office complex that was made to look like a block of big old brick houses, bordering on a residential area. Most of the other chains in and around Laurel are your standard neon-topped boxes on the main Route 1 mall drag. Inside, the ambience is like you're eating in a family-run BBQ bar. For another thing, this particular location of Red Hot and Blue doesn't even seem to be featured on the "locator" website for the chain, although every local knows right where it is. I can't speak to all the discussions of ribs on here because I always get either the pulled pork sandwich or pulled pork platter, and sometimes an extra side of baked beans. RH&B's baked beans are the awesomest beans I can get unless I bake 'em myself, and after a hard day at work, who wants to dick around mixing up a can of beans and then waiting an hour for them to properly cook? (And don't go telling me I should be hopping out of bed at 6 am to load up the pressure cooker with 'em either.) As for the pulled pork, it's always been moist for me and though its flavor is pretty mild on its own, that's OK with me as I like to slather it with bbq sauce and I've also been to enough pork-sammie places to know that "it haz a flavor" doesn't always means it has the flavor you want to taste (such as too smokey or too vinegary...yuck). The bread and hush puppies are also decent and really, what more could you want? RH&B also gets big points for its carryout service, which fills orders pretty dern fast (I saw them get four orders done inside of 15 minutes tonight), We've eaten in the restaurant a couple times and that's fine if you have the time to spend, but usually I like to take food home. RH&B carryout is one of the best alternatives to icky fast food in the area. Just be careful with the brown paper bags they use. They may be environmentally friendly, but sauce and meat juice tends to break on through to the other side, so don't set them on your lap or on your upholstery in the car.
(4)
Andy G.
Not bad for BBQ, but nothing to write home about. Nice to stop off of the highway between D.C. and Baltimore - but I wouldn't make a special trip of it.
(3)
Rachel S.
The Leesburg, VA Red Hot & Blue is fabulous. The food is delicious - the potato salad has a yummy bacony taste, and the BBQ is very good. Not so at the Laurel location. My husband and I visited this Red Hot & Blue Sunday at noon. Maybe this should have clued us in, but we were the only people there. On a Sunday. At lunchtime. We proceeded to order pulled pork. It just didn't have any flavor, apart from the BBQ sauce. Honestly, I can get a way better pulled pork sandwich at Harris Teeter for $2.95. The potato salad, which I relished at the Leesburg location, was just OK. No bacony taste to swoon over. What a disappointment! I won't be visiting this RH&B location again.
(2)
John M.
Tucked into the one area of Laurel that is worthy, Main St.-it actually has charm! This place is always bustling and busy, and for good reason. Damn good barbecue, ribs, authentic hush puppies, pulled pork, cold beer and blues music to boot. What's not to like?
(5)
B. J.
Best dry rubbed baby backs in DC or Baltimore! Great brisket and pulled pork too. When I am near Laurel, I find time to go there.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes 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 Drive-Thru : No Caters : Yes
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Roberto N.
For over 23 years this has been our go-to barbecue place. The unfortunate thing is that it's not located in the 'restaurant center' of town instead is it is on historic old Main Street which is a great location with a great interior but it's slightly off beaten path. It's worth seeking out; Best Ice Tea Best blue cheese Best pulled pork Best mild sauce And one of the better values for lunch.
(5)Dianne Z.
In the past, the business I work for has used this location for catering. They are VERY good with that. Make this your first choice if you are considering a take-away catering deal. They will also deliver if you need that. This past week I was in the area and it fit the bill: We were hungry, it was there. Tip: Plenty of parking in the back of the row of businesses. Walk up the steps to the far right of the building. We were seated immediately at 1 PM on a Friday and our waitress was apparently a pro. Beverages brought out before we made our menu selections (and later, a glass of ice to refresh our teas.) Take the offered house-made spicy mustard, you will not regret it. The best restaurant potato salad EVER, even though I could not finish it off due to all the other food on my plate.
(3)Venessa H.
This is a good BBQ place. There was a great waitress who always remembered my order. I've eaten here dozens of times and ordered takeout dozens more, always with no issues. Unfortunately things turned ugly on my latest visit. I got a water from the bartender and there was a red substance on the straw. I thought it was cherry juice from the maraschino cherries that maybe she put in someone's drink, so I just wiped it off. Well she handed me napkins and for sure it was blood on the napkins and probably on my straw, too. I drank half the water before I realized this. Immediately after this happened I watched a cockroach crawl across Elvis Presley's face (a photo of him on the wall behind the bar). I will not return after this. I loved this place! This was the only bad experience I've had there. I've had many great experiences at RH&B, but I just can't stomach going back. I would say try it out for yourself, but don't go to the bar.
(3)Lilly M.
They have the BEST smoked chicken nachos ever! Friendly staff and always on top of things. No waiting here.
(5)Ngozi E.
Great atmosphere and great food. The price is good and the food was delicious. I will definitely be coming back here.
(4)Frank W.
The food is so awesome at this place and very reasonable!!! Would definitely come back again!!
(5)Christopher W.
Been coming here for about a year. Their burgers are cooked very well. I normally get the chipotle Burger. When you want to splurge on good, but bad for you food, I go here. I am pretty pleased with this place.
(4)Christina S.
I can't recommend this place at all. "Memphis pit BBQ" implies BBQ - and smoked meat. There was no sign of smoke anywhere on our 5-meat sampler plate. The beef brisket was so tasteless and texture less I think it may have been boiled. Pulled pork and chicken were slightly better - but I've had more flavorful chicken from costco's rotisserie. Positives: Alex, our server, was great; good sides - the hush puppies were really great... and a huge draft microbrew for just $7. Maybe I'll come back - and just order beer and hush puppies.....
(1)Ric P.
I frequent the other Red, Hot & Blues in the area and I've never had a bad experience. This visit to the Laurel Red, Hot & Blue wasn't the best. The waitress got our order wrong. After fixing the problem the first set of wings had rubbery skin and were not hot. The second wing attempt was better but were not knock my socks off, wings. The wife's burger order had to go back as the hamburger was medium-rare vice the well-done she asked for. I'll never write off a Red, Hot & Blue but maybe I should stick to the other establishments.
(2)Gi W.
Um well my friend was there and asked if I wanted to try something to go I order half rack dry ribs and cole slaw and a salad the best thing from all those items was the salad ......I then traded my friend and asked for his bacon cheese burger instead it was so dry and it was medium cooked just taste like old cheese the fries we're ok!!! I just think for a bbq place this place is weak :( not cool
(1)Emily K.
I love red hot and blue!! I've been to this location a few times and it never seems to be crazy busy when I go. I'm not sure why because it's awesome!! I love the food! The pulled pork is simply delicious. Actually everything they have to offer is delicious. They also have a whole bunch of different sauces to choose from. Yum :)
(4)Mike F.
Can't say enough good things about this Red Hot & Blue. I love the atmosphere, the beers at the bar and the food! My favorite is the pulled pork with their house bbq sauce. I love eating it there but I have also picked up several pounds of it for tailgates. I love their sides here as well, especially the fries. If you are in the area and are looking for a laid back atmosphere with good food, give it a try.
(4)Jeff K.
I've been a patron of Red Hot and Blue for over two decades. It is my favorite place to get Memphis-style barbeque in Maryland. I've always found the food and service to be great. My favorite entrees are the gumbo, wet ribs, sausages, original style Memphis drummies, and my favorite sides are fries, coleslaw, and the bake beans.
(4)JP S.
Not to shabby for a chain. Our waiter was attentive and while it was busy, we had our food pretty quick. Dry Ribs came right off the bone. Sides were pretty good. Beer flowin'. Wesley A was our waiter. We opted for some Ribs ... a 1/2 slab can feed a small army. Order um dry rubbed and slather them with the special BBQ sauce table-side SaleebScore: Food: 8/10; Service: 8/10; Value: 8/10. Music: 10/10...LOL.
(4)Blake E.
I stop at Red Hot and Blue every time I travel south from NYC... it's a quick stop of 95. It has the best pulled pork around the staff is always friendly and efficient ... it has a true hometown feel for the price you cant beat the BBQ. Highly recommend it to anyone looking excellent BBQ. Also I have yet to find their homemade potato salad.
(5)Olivia M.
I can't say enough awesome about this place! First service is always & I mean always PERFECT. I've been here about 10 times and have always been seated upon arrival, orders taken quickly & accurately and the bill brought timely. It's really a standout feature. On to the food: wonderful! First they have a full bar with great drink specials. The bread (which you typically have to request) is a French baguette lightly brushed with garlic butter outside served hot. Go ahead, indulge. North Carolina style BBQ. I've had the pulled pork, chicken, catfish, and shrimp. Great. The potato salad will make you wake up at night with cravings. Perfect blend of mayo & celery! The beans are perfect.... Stop reading this & Just go.
(5)pseudo n.
A solid inexpensive lunch choice. Did a few farewell lunches here for my workers, at their request. Food is pretty decent.
(3)Daniella H.
Nothing special here, but it is a go to take out for us since it's less than a mile away. I'm a huge fan of the roasted sweet potato, it falls out of the skin. They have a cinnamon sugar butter that comes on the side, but I just like to sprinkle on a little cinnamon...it's so good the butters not needed! My husband always gets the burgers which he likes I had the pulled chicken sandwich, which was pretty good--not dried out. I had the catfish platter one night--big mistake-super dry. Definitely learned my lesson there!
(3)Joseph J.
One of the best BBQ places ever. Good customer service. Ample portions. Ribs are to die for. Salads, BBQ sandwiches etc all good. Their chicken wings & fish used to be not good but recently they have upgraded them & now are greatly improved. Potato salad is legendary. Chili...excellent. Even their beans are delicious.
(5)Sarah M.
Stopped in with a large party on a Friday evening. The staff was happy to accommodate our fairly last-minute party of Ingress gamers, including splitting the check a million ways. Well not a million, but probably 10 ways at least. The service was fantastic- the manager even came over at one point to ask questions about why we were all there (we were playing Ingress- google it if you haven't heard of it, it's quite fun, especially when you play with a group of people.) I LOVE the decor- there are pictures and posters in frames all over the place, on every wall. It's very casual and laid-back, like a BBQ/pub should be. I started with a pint of the house ale- delicious and perfect mild brew. I'm not an expert on beer, but I really enjoyed this one, and I can see myself taking the hubby on a date soon just so we can go back and he can try one (or two!) I ordered a pulled pork sandwich with fries. Hands down, this was the best pulled pork sandwich I've ever experienced. It was tender, flavorful, moist... just great. And there was a pretty hearty serving of it, too. They have an array of sauces you can put on your sandwich, so I just added more of the mild one- super good choice. It wasn't too smoky, too sweet, or too tangy. A great blend of all three, really. The fries were also excellent, cooked and seasoned just right. Service was top-notch, too. Our drinks were kept pretty well-refilled, and food came out quickly. One of the guys at my table ordered hot wings, and after smelling them, I might have to become a wings kind of person. They were amazing (and I didn't even eat them!) One of the members of our party had a birthday, and the staff came out and brought him dessert and we all sang to him! I should mention that earlier in the evening, my husband and kids ate at the same place, while our group walked around and played. He ordered and really enjoyed the catfish. The kids had burgers and ate every bite (which is a huge feat, since they're 3 and 5, and get picky sometimes) He said they had the best Arnold Palmers too! Definitely recommend this place and we'll absolutely be back!
(5)James C.
I really like Red, Hot, and Blue. The food is great. My only concern is that they don't have Wi-Fi in their Laurel, MD. location. I would frequent Red, Hot, and Blue more often if they had Wi-Fi,
(3)Laurah J.
I was born and raised in the south. So, when I moved up here to the great northern lands, I was dismayed to find that every little shack that would have been a BBQ shack in the south is, here in Maryland, a crab shack. I hate crab and had been searching desperately for GOOD BBQ (apparently BBQ does not mean the same thing to northerners as it does to us southerners). Then I found Red, Hot and Blue. And promptly ate myself into a BBQ-induced food coma. Their Memphis dry ribs are awesome, as are the pulled pork and pulled chicken. The ribs are usually so tender the meat just falls off the bone and practically melts in your mouth. The onion loaf is to die for, and their sweet tea lives up to my southern-gal expectations. As far as service goes, we've always gotten friendly fast service. Never an empty glass, always bring plenty of napkins, and everything is timed correctly. Can't beat Red Hot and Blue if you need a BBQ fix.
(5)Steffany H.
I was starving after a meeting and with limited options in this area, I figured I'd give red hot and blue a shot. I've had their food before at catered events but I've never actually been in the location. I ended up ordering food to go to my next meeting but the gal at the take out counter was extremely helpful. I ended up ordering the brisket and it was amazing. The meat was so tender and well cooked. The BBQ sauce was pretty good too! What I didn't care for as much were the sides.... First, the choices are limited. The bext looking options were green beans, baked beans (which I hate) and fries. I was disappointed that the green beans tasted canned and the fries were just okay. For a BBQ spot, I'm expecting cornbread and some mac n cheese. hmmmm Another guy came in and ordered wings and he said they were awesome sauce so I'd definitely come back to try those, but I won't be in a rush to come back and try anything else.
(3)Daniel E.
Decent pulled pork, authentic BBQ for sure. Potato salad was as they described, grandmas! Was OK, nothing to write home about necessarily.
(3)J C.
I ordered the Five Meat Treat, which came with their ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, sausage, and beef brisket, coleslaw, and baked beans. The pulled chicken and pulled pork were a little dry, but that was remedied with BBQ sauce. The slices of beef brisket were good, but the cut they chose didn't have enough fat on it, so the beef tasted kind of flat and subdued, as opposed to exploding through your mouth with flavor. The highlights of this dish were the sausage and the ribs, which I got dry. The ribs were extremely tender, with meat falling off the bone. The ribs seemed like they were BBQed in some kind of sauce, then after cooking, rubbed with a dry rub. This seems odd to me. The sauce and the dry rub didn't overpower the meatiness of the rib, so I was okay with it. The sausage was also excellent. The casing was crisp and had a good snap. The ground meat inside was perfectly seasoned and had a springy mouth-feel, which I found good for chewing.
(3)Katherine B.
Oh red hot and blue. You disapointed me so. I was excited to come here, my friend had been telling me for so long how good it was. I had recently OD'd on a bbq marathon on the travel channel and needed some bbq in my life. I wish i would have tried the higher rated bbq places in laurel but i did not. I came with my 2 year old daughter. She didn't even like the food. I got the sampler platter, so pretty much everything: chicken, ribs (dry), pulled pork, sausage and potato salad. HOW DO YOU MESS UP SAUSAGE? It was like they squeezed every bit of juice, it was dry, flavor was ehh. The chicken was dry, again no flavor. The pork had to be boiled. no lie. no flavor. The dry ribs texture was ok? NO FLAVOR. I even tried to drench everything in the rub they have at the table and dip in the sauces which were also just OK, and everything was still---just not good. The potatoe salad was ok, red potatoes, onions. no complaints,but nothing to really blow you away. I didn't realize this was a chain. If you are looking for a bbq chain you are much better off going to famous daves. The server was very very nice.
(1)Lauren A.
I can't say too much about this place, at least not too much that's positive. It isn't awful, but not great. The inside could use a little TLC. Not the cleanest or the easiest to look at. I understand the theme of the place, but the decor is just...messy looking. It took me so long to figure out what to order last time I went, mostly because nothing sounded enticing. I ended up ordering hot wings that were pretty decent. My dining partners both got pulled chicken sandwiches that they were satisfied with. I tried it the second time I went, but I wasn't very impressed. It was ok, just just ok. Altogether, the experiences I've had are nothing to write home about. Service was attentive and alright, and prices are reasonable. If you're into BBQ-type cuisine, I'm sure this is a decent choice. I'd still suggest Mission BBQ first, though.
(3)kyle t.
Well butter my butt and call me Betty, this is some damn good chopped pork! In town for a couple of days and staying just north of DC. Looking for a place to eat I of course checked out Yelp and in the immediate area this came up as one of the better rated places around. I asked a couple of locals and hey up comes the name again, hmmm. Now I figured this was a for sure lunch stop, and I was right. I sat at the bar for lunch and had some sweet tea and asked the bartender what her favorite was. The answer came out quick, seemed honest and it started with chopped and ended in Pork so how could I say no. Bring it on. The sandwich was fantastic and very tender, some of the best chopped pork I've ever had. Good enough I started planning dinner the next night! Came back for dinner the next night and this time I changed it up, I sat at the bar and ordered from the menu. Great list of meats with and some interesting soups and things. I tried the Beef brisket and got it chopped instead of sliced (my theory is its less likely to be chewy). Just like the pork for lunch the day before this was some of the best brisket I've had. Very tender, not at all chewy and great flavor. There were some nice pieces of bark mixed in that just made my taste-buds do a little jig! Thank you locals and of course thank you Yelp app on my phone. My taste-buds thank you both! KT
(4)James G.
This is my favorite Red Hot and Blue location. It has consistently had good food and service for years. I suggest the pulled pork sandwich, potato salad, and banana pudding (in any order).
(4)MaryLou B.
My favorite BBQ in this part of the country! I love the sauces! The sausage is an awesome compliment to any meal. My kids love the fries drizzled with the BBQ sauce. I grew up in Missouri.... Love KC BBQ!
(5)Molly H.
This place is fantastic. I eat here regularly and have for years. Food is delicious and prices are very reasonable. In particular, their burger is the best I've ever had and of course, the pulled pork, salads, and everything else is delicious too. The only thing I don't really like are the fries (they aren't very crispy) so I tend to avoid those and I'd like it if they had a few more sides to choose from (like sweet potato fries)... but still an awesome place. On Sundays, they have seafood specials (like shrimp salad) which is pretty darn tasty. Take out is super speedy too, you call and it's ready within minutes.
(5)Jerry S.
This is not the Country Kitchen in Wallace, NC, but it's as good as you're going to do around here for commercial Memphis style Q. The space is broken up into two rooms and a bar, so it feels a little more homey than most. They follow through on the Blues theme with the music and the photos and posters that fill the walls - look for the one of very young Elvis. The ribs are meaty, moderately smokey, and cooked to just a little bit of chew. I get them dry and add a little Mojo Mild sauce. The pulled pork is my usual, with the Carolina vinegar sauce and a sprinkling of spice rub from the shaker on the table. Great potato salad, standard cole slaw, nice barbecue beans. One side that I especially love is the store-baked rolls, though a little birdie told me between pouring drinks that they source the dough from a local gourmet bakery. Tip - pull the butter out of the basket immediately, or the hot roll will melt it. Real iced tea and lemonade. Large portions (I've never had room for desert) and quick delivery by a runner in a "Pit Crew" tee shirt. Service? I went with a friend who was doing the Atkins diet, and when she asked if she could trade the two sides for a salad, the reply was "which dressing would you like on that?" I've been a regular since the location (second in the chain) opened about 20 years ago. Dave who?
(4)Jen R.
The nachos are pretty horrible. And the potato salad didn't taste very good. It's really good at the Annapolis location. This place smelled funny and the women's restroom was out of order, had to use the men's room, yuck! Definitely wouldn't go here again.
(1)Yaka H.
Although a BBQ chain, we like it better than its competitors (so far). SX opted for the 5 Meat Taste (comes with a sample of pork ribs, shredded beef shortrib, pulled chicken, pulled pork, and sausage) with sides of potato salad and beans. I tried the Delta Double, which is their two meat platter of pork ribs and sausage with sides of coleslaw and beans. We also ordered a side of hush puppies. It was only $1.99, but there was a cereal bowl full of hush puppies! The beans are pretty generic, but tasty. The coleslaw wasn't overly dressed with mayo which was pleasant change from other coleslaws I've had. The pork ribs here were pretty good. We ordered ours dry rubbed and like to add the sauce ourselves. They were pretty tender and well smoked. The sausage was 2nd runner up for our favorite meat here. A nice snap of the casing, full of flavor and smokiness. The pulled chicken was surprisingly moist. The beef was the most disappointing, as it just tasted like regular beef shortrib (no smokey flavor or anything).
(4)Bob A.
Knew that we would be in Laurel while visiting my wife's aunt, so beforehand I checked Yelp for some good barbecue and came across Red Hot & Blue. It's a nice place on Main Street in the Historic section of Laurel. The place had a good crowd in the restaurant and bar areas even though it was later in the evening. Our waitress was great, attentive and fast. Our family had 3 different dishes from ribs and brisket, to pulled pork and chicken, to spicy shrimp (odd for a barbecue place but very good). All the food was superb. Seasoned right, cooked right, served right. Their fresh baked bread goes great with the meal. We would definitely visit again, next time we are in Laurel.
(5)Mary S.
this is our go to quick ,dependable family dinner place. love the pork bbq, but has good salads too. teenagers like the ribs. 7$ lunches are a great deal
(4)James H.
This BBQ is okay. Have had much better. The people were not friendly at all. Has a very racist atmosphere. I would not recommend this place.
(2)Cheryl J.
I bought my husband a 1/2 BBQ chicken and it was the worst chicken I ever tasted. We couldnt even swallow it! It tasted old, dry, and chewy. He told me to taste it, and I couldnt even swallow it. I had to spit it out. YUCK. The fires were good, my St. Louis Ribs were good. My daughters cheesburger was supposed to be medium rare, it came out well done. Ugh! Never again
(1)May C.
I have always ordered ribs - dry rub, and it is consistently very good. Like their trimmings too - fries, BBQ beans, cole slaw, potato salad. The wait staff is friendly and courteous. The place is clean and cool-looking. Glad there is a place in Laurel that I am not embarrassed to bring friends along.
(5)Axios P.
Good ribs. Had the Memphis dry rub. Friendly staff, price was okay for the quality of the meal. Will be a rerun customer.
(4)Jason E.
This restaurant is an insult to barbecue. It honestly shocks me that, at the time of this review, this restaurant has a 4-star average. It just goes to show that you poor people in the DC area just have no idea what good barbecue is. To think that an area as diverse as DC can't manage to make decent barbecue, well it isn't surprising I guess when you look at what Congress is capable of -- nothing. But the fact that so many people have been mislead into believing this slop is worthy of being called barbecue should cause the National Barbecue Association to file suit for slander against this restaurant chain. Where to start? My girlfriend's work had a Christmas party here. Their downstairs event room is dreary. Crooked pictures hang on the wall, the tiles in the ceiling are busted, one of the air vents is covered with Christmas wrapping paper, really an entirely depressing room. The meal was served buffet style, with an appetizer of boring wings and mozzarella sticks that tasted as though they had just been microwaved from their store-bought frozen packaging. The entree have options of pulled chicken, pork, and beef, I think. I can't really know that because nothing was labeled. They all tasted the same, somehow lukewarm and dry. Bad atmosphere, bad food, I think we would have been better off getting a sack of McRibs (it's back, you know) at McDonalds.
(2)DoesItHaveYooHoo X.
Red hot and blue is simply delicious. Their laurel location is located right on Main Street in old laurel and is quaint and delightful. You step inside to a dining room that is a shrine to delta blues men of yesteryear and today. The tables give the impression of the down to earth, local place that it is. The food is simple but it is delicious. Especially good is the pulled pork, which they also use as the meat for their original and delectable nachos. I particularly enjoy the hush puppies and baked beans sides. If you're looking for great BBQ in laurel, head to red hot & blue. Does not have YooHoo
(1)Fat G.
I went in with a friend on a busy Friday night and ordered chicken strips. Sad to say, that they were served under cooked. Not so undercooked as to be completely raw, but undercooked enough that I spent two hours after leaving the restaurant evacuating my bowels. My friend did the same. When I attempted to speak to the manager, Bob, about the level of doneness of my wings, he stated that since I ate them all, I wasn't entitled to a free meal. I can understand this and I did make the choice to eat them even though they were slightly undercooked, but I was just hoping to let him know that the kitchen was putting out food that shouldn't be served to customers. I wasn't looking for a free meal. Overall, the food is actually fairly decent, as long as it's cooked all the way. Also, if you do decide to eat here, please tip your servers. They are being paid less than minimum wage and the tips are supposed to bring the hourly wage above minimum wage. If a server does a good job, he/she deserves at least a standard tip, which is approaching 20% in the US. Don't be cheap because you don't feel like tipping, Getting stiffed on a $300 table is ludicrous.
(3)Steve C.
Well we decided to stop here after a competition as it was only a couple blocks. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the hostess and the manager. They went above and beyond to seat our large group of approx. 30. We started with the Red Hot & Blue Nachos, consisting of flour tortilla chips with pulled chicken and topped with cheddar and jack cheeses, tomatoes, green onions, jalapeños and sour cream. I have to say they were awesome and the serving was huge. Others had the Onion Ring Loaf and the menu describes the dish as fresh cut onion rings shaped in a loaf, lightly battered by hand and fried golden. Served with BBQ ranch for dipping. So off to the main course. I had the Five Meat Treat, a sampling of ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, sausage, beef brisket and two sides. You can order the ribs as wet, dry, or sweet. I went with the dry. It comes with baked beans and coleslaw, but there are other options. It was a large serving of meat and all were tasty. I thought the brisket would be a little better. Also, they have a huge selection of BBQ sauces on the table. We enjoyed sampling the sauces while waiting for our food. I have to say this is a pretty good BBQ joint and the service was awesome. Also, you can ask for some of their dry rub to go. it was about $5.00 for a small container.
(4)Rob N.
Bare Bones? Sonny Bryan's? Famous Dave's? Feh. RH&B is the only chain BBQ joint that does pork that rivals what comes out of my own smoker. It's plentiful, it's moist, it's tasty and smoky, and it comes to the table hot and fast. The only place you're gonna find a better rib is gonna have sawdust on the floor. Their cole slaw is pretty damned good, too. This is food that is slap-your-mama tasty.
(4)Jim S.
Very good for a north-eastern chain. The meats are all good, the sides are pretty good. Does not compare to real BBQ or a real smoke house, but for the area and the money it is good.
(3)Melody C.
My first, and only trip to RH&B was a work luncheon. We got there and were seated pretty close to the wall.. too close, imo, at a table with uncomfortable chairs an old plastic table cloth that looked less than clean. In fact, all of the tables looked like this. A dead fly on the table and a moth on the wall. Gross. The waitress was slow and we had to notify the hostess we hadn't yet been served and she finally made her way over. We all ordered drinks and our meals. Food came in a bit and I was underwhelmed by the look of my meal. No cheese on my Fried Chicken Salad, and not a good portion size of chicken. The cut up breast definitely looked small. It tasted decent but nothing great. I would take Chickfila's new Cobb Salad over it any day, and it's cheaper too. Everyone else's food also looked pretty blah. Small portions, bland potato salad, overdone hamburgers, and seriously under-stuffed potatoes. The pork baked potatoes my co-workers got looked really sad, hardly any pork! Disappointing for a supposed BBQ joint. Overall a blah dining experience. I would NOT go back. I'm not sure how the reviews are over 3 stars.
(2)Stephen D.
Good food, not great but good. Prices are very reasonable. Service is very good and fast. Ample parking in the rear (its easy to miss the entrance!) We like it, but just not enough to put it in the weekly lunch rotation. Its our go-to spot for taking visitors out to lunch since they have a little bit of everything.
(3)Jason B.
What makes BBQ truly exceptional? Sorry, but it's not the sauce or the rub. Nope, it's the quality of the meat itself, and how it is prepared! And that is where this place shines the most light out of it's spectacular rump. I have no idea what that metaphor means, but I assure you that the MEAT here is primo. But, the sauces, and the rub (I like it dry myself, baby) are delicious as well. It's just that Red, Hot & Blue doesn't attempt to or need to mask the quality of it's meat by its sauces and seasoning. And that's how it should be. That's how they create exceptional BBQ. Plus, the price is right, the staff are friendly, patient, and accommodating, and the place is completely unpretentious. I love it! The BBQ Lover will return...
(5)Eric B.
I have been coming here for years, and it's a great spot. Sitting right at the top of main street, it's only blocks away from home. Their barbecue is always fresh, and the new buns they have been using for their sandwiches lately are great. Red hot and blue keeps getting better and better. Their seafood and southern standards are good, but they have some really good healthy options too. If your in Laurel and want a great dining experience, go to Red Hot and Blue.
(5)Michele W.
great chain restaurant. the meat is tender and flavorful but, could use a bit more infused smokiness. BBQ sauce and dry rubs on table to add to your meal if desired
(4)Sean M.
Apparently this establishment believes that because they have a local following they can get away with serving old, dry tasteless food to carry out customers. Chicken and pulled pork literally tasted like it was cooked four days ago. Maybe the serve the fresh stuff to the people who actually eat in the restaurant...
(1)Alex O.
I had high hopes for the place. Several folks have told me that it's a real diamond in the rough. The story inevitably goes that yes, it's a chain, but this location really transcends the dullness of chain restaurants and is a legit place for terrific barbecue. Maybe I just hit it on a bad afternoon, but sadly, I've gotta say that this is some really weak barbecue. I got the brisket and dry rubbed ribs, along with the slaw and beans. The ribs were flavorless and somewhat dry. There was no smoky flavor to them, nor any sense that they had been properly slow cooked. To make matters more insulting, the dry rub had apparently NOT been applied prior to cooking but instead just rubbed all over previously plain cooked ribs. Are you kidding me?!?!? That sort've defeats the purpose of a dry rub, which needs to be part of the cooking process to really work properly. If you're just coating the cooked meat with it afterwards the result is invariably an overly salty flavor with little depth. It makes me wish I'd gone for the sauced ribs, though the sauce on the table, which was fairly dull, makes me think it wouldn't have mattered. I'll be perfectly blunt: the pre-cooked ribs you find vacu-sealed in the refrigerated section of a grocery store are just as good, if not better. The brisket, like the ribs, was dry and flavorless. After having some pretty good, smoky, thick cut, wet brisket the week before at Curley's Q (a BBQ food truck that visits Bethesda every Tuesday) this piece of brisket was particularly underwhelming. Beer selection was lame. Cole slaw okay, but nothing great, and the beans may as well have come from a can. Service was polite and friendly, but somewhat inattentive. The only thing making me want to give this a slightly higher review was the music; they really did have a great run of old blues and R&B stuff going from the moment I entered to the moment I left. Honestly, if you're all the way out near Laurel and want good barbecue, make the trek out to Kloby's, which offers a better beer selection and far better barbecue.
(1)E L.
Plenty of food! We got the 39.99 platter for two and still had ribs, fries, slaw, corn, cornbread, pulled pork and chicken to take home.
(5)Michele M.
Great prices, huge portions, and strong drinks. The staff is hit or miss, but the food is pretty damn good.
(5)Christopher S.
Good food and good service. Laurel location is in need of internal renovation. I've frequently used the takeout service and preparation usually takes 20 minutes or less.
(4)Ashley H.
One of my favorite neighborhood restaurants. The food is always good and the service is always friendly. The restaurant can feel cramped at times, but it's also cozy with deep colors, blues streaming through the speakers, and pictures of the good old days sprinkled on the walls. Street parking can be a nuisance but there's a private lot in the back. You can walk right up the steps and find yourself at the front door. My favorite entree items are the salads. Their BBQ ranch dressing is a nice addition to any of them. The nachos are probably my favorite nachos of all time. If you're getting them as an appetizer, you can probably split them between 3 to 4 people. I'm usually sharing with one other person and they're definitely a bit much for only 2. Also, I must give a shout out to the bread. Sweet and buttery, surely bad for you, but oh-so-good.
(4)Buster M.
I didn't have high hopes for this place, but Priceline stuck me in a hotel nearby and I was too tired to drive far for dinner after a day of conference hobnobbing. So I figured why not go with BBQ, how can BBQ be bad? Ordered the Five Meat Treat with hush puppies and BBQ beans. Hush puppies were puckish, beans were bland. None of the five meats were too smoky or tender. The hot sauce was unbalanced--too vinegary and salty--and without the sauce the meat didn't have much going on flavor-wise. In short, some of the worst BBQ of my life.
(1)Laura E.
I was not impressed with the food I will need come here again.
(1)Jonathan H.
What is enlightenment? I think it's different to everyone, but when the moment comes, it is so rare, so precious that you chase it constantly, but only capture it maybe a few times in life. What is enlightenment to me? Being full. Filled like Jenna Jameson, stuffed like Tom Turkey, bloated like a body on CSI. There are four places on planet earth where I have sat back, hands behind my head, feet on the chair in front of me, and breathed a pained but pleased sigh of "I am so.... full. Ugh." Red Hot & Blue sits proudly on my trophy rack of places I have been so full I've needed a break before standing up. I have a habit at all places I eat. I always order a drink other than water, an appetizer, entree, dessert and usually at least one other thing like soup of the day. I can't break tradition, so when I went to RH&B, I ordered the cheese covered nacho appetizer (a meal unto itself), the thing that's supposed to be a chicken sandwich but is really a dumptruck load of crap on a bun (good crap & bun), and the Oreo dessert (it's like a box of ice cream on a plate, without the box). Holy crap. Now I know what it's like for that Indian lady who had the stone baby in her abdomen for sixty years. As I nurse my stone baby, I sit back, hands behind my head, feet up on the chair in front of me, and exhale slowly. I am so damn full.
(3)Courtney C.
Another successful carryout dinner! The smokehouse salad looked delicious and my pulled chicken salad was great as always. The hushpuppies are more savory than sweet like I prefer. Fast, affordable and scrumptious.
(4)Kathie P.
Nice little local restaurant/bar in the neighborhood. When you go in, there are always tons of folks that you know. Food is good - love the pulled chicken and the potato salad. This particular Red Hot and Blue is the neighborhood "go to" when you want a party catered. You can never fail. Service is good - staff very friendly. I like to go one, because of the food, and two because of the local atmosphere. Prices are very reasonable as well. Carry-out is speedy.
(3)Crissy K.
Holy smokes. Maybe it's because I'm not from one of those states that's known for its ribs, but I LOVE Red Hot & Blue. Love. The half rack of ribs with dry rub is simply meat, perfected. The smoky flavor of the meat itself, plus the kick-in-the-pants spicy-ness of the dry rub, accented by a squiggle of sauce -- if you don't like that, you may as well be vegetarian. Warning: The key lime pie, which is no longer on the menu, but which they do make, is not the same awesome key lime pie they used to serve a couple of years ago. In fact, this one pretty much sucks. But on the plus side, that means you don't need to save room for dessert.
(5)Chaz C.
Was there for a meeting and bad experience, It looked good for a dining experiance though.
(2)Jess B.
Awesome. That is all.
(5)Heather G.
I stopped by after my visit to the salon a couple doors down. Was very hungry and the aroma wafting from the door was incredible. I ordered the pulled pork platter which comes with two sides (I chose fries and green beans). I wasn't sure how the coleslaw would taste and am very funny about my coleslaw so asked for a taste so I could decide if I wanted the beans or slaw. Well it must have been an off day for the waiter because I wasn't offered a taste of slaw until the food came to the table. I personally did not care for the green beans as they were heavily seasoned with pepper and salt. I prefer my beans with a little butter and salt not really a big pepper fan. Not to say that someone may not enjoy them but I did not. When the waiter described the platter vs. the sandwich he said that the platter comes with the roll on the side and 2 sides, the sandwich comes with one side and on the bread. Well as a person with texture issues mushy bread is an absolute no for me so I chose the platter. No roll was served with the platter and when I asked the waiter he pointed to the bread that is served before the meal and said this is your bread so I had to ask for a bun and when the bun got to the table it wasn't really that fresh. Drinks were refilled once, he never did come to the table and ask if everything was okay or how the food was. All in all not a bad visit I will return again when in the area and will try other things on the menu.
(2)Nathan C.
We've always loved RH&B. They were the ones who introduced me to pulled pork, and so I will always be in debt to those three guitar-playing neon pigs. Pulled anything is really good here. For an unusual, and very very bad-for-you experience, get the pulled chicken nachos -- but don't plan on eating anything afterwards! The ribs are outstanding, as well. It's fairly crowded pretty much all the time, unfortunately, but service is so fast (hey, they're just sticking already-prepared meat on a plate!) that the wait is never too bad. If you want to try something evil, get a pound of the pulled pork to go, chop it coarsely, then make chili out of it at home. People will think you're some kind of ancient chili god, risen again to smite the flavor-hating infidels with your aromatic spices and tender meats.
(4)Candice W.
How are they still in busines?? And what are the people who rated this place anything over 2 stars thinking?? You are INSANE and your tastebuds are dead!!! Me and friend came here because I wanted BBQ. This was not it! My friend said the food taste like school lunch. I say it's a place to bring a person with high blood pressure or a geriatric on a strict diet, because there was NO flavor or seasoning to anything. I have the triple meat platter (ribs, pulled chicken, brisket). It was like tofu with bbq sauce. That was THE NASTIEST, I meant tasteless, "bbq" I've ever had. I've never been to Memphis but I know bbq is not suppose to taste like .... that mess. The bread, beans, and sweet tea were good though. They should just serve that from now on. On, and my waitress was nice and kept the refills coming.
(1)Brandon B.
Delta catfish sandwich(5/5), delta double sweet ribs(5/5) and pulled pork(5/5). Oreo brownie sundae(5/5). There was a hole after leaving hawaii... I was going to dearly miss dixie grill "put some south in your mouth". So in reminicnse looked for some southren bbq places. Now I have made that hole slightly smaller. Red hot and blue is the filler I have found. The food was delicious. Everything was what I needed to hit the spot. The only thing that isn't up to the same level of Dixie Grill is the lemonade and sweet tea. This is for sure a place to go if you are in the Laurel area.
(5)Tara G.
WE LOVE This place! Everything on the menu is very well priced and always very delicious! Its a nice change from the $$ restaurants in Montgomery County.....they do catering and its always a huge hit. The catfish fingers are amazing!
(5)Linda W.
When I want BBQ in Maryland, I got to Red, Hot, and Blue in Laurel. Blues music atmosphere, with great wait staff compliment the food. I love the pulled chicken sandwich. Just writing this review makes me want another one!
(4)Brandima A.
Bring a friend because you'll need help finishing your plate. The smoke house can be smelled from down the block and only adds to the hunger of the eagerly awaiting patrons. My favorite is the catfish, which is so hard to find in these parts, fried in a golden batter with a side of succulent pulled pork and Southern Sweet Ice Tea. Laurel Regional Hospital is just down the street in case you are diabetic. The many bar b que sauce choices feature different regions of the US and show case the difference in opinion of what BBQ is. Wear elastic pants or take out so you can get comfy on the sofa. Can be messy, wet naps provided.
(4)Foodspy J.
I used Red Hot & Blue to cater my Family Reunion. I arranged everything through the corporate catering office (George Westberry). From contact last year, I found everyone to be extremely professional and helpful. RH&B came in with the best prices and assistance in planning the appropriate amount. Laurel delivered and setup and the gentleman was pleasant and again, very professional and most importantly - on time. My experience was great! Thanks RH&B staff!
(5)Shine S.
WARNING: You will get the ITIS So far at this location, I've had great experiences. I like the sweet rub, dry rub, wet rub. You can even do half and half. The ribs are superb, falls right off the bone. I've been to this location a few times. The only thing is parking sucks. It's street parking. So even if I wanted to pickup and go, it's still a pain. I decided to venture out to another sister location, parking was better, but the food was overcooked. So each chain I find different, but Laurel has been my favorite yet. Sides are absolutely great and so far all the BBQs have been great! 5-stars for me! They need to open some on the westcoast!
(5)Ashley F.
You poor Mid-Atlantic-ers. This is no where close to Memphis BBQ. Yes they got the ideas but there is no taste to the food. I ordered the Tennessee Triple ( Because my home state is in the name....oh yeah they have 3 meats i guess). I chose the dry rub ribs *true Memphis Style* and the sausage and pulled pork. The Ribs were ok... the seasonings were perfect, the meat was tender but bland. Same thing went with the pulled pork. I was kinda disappointed and drowned everything in the BBQ sauce which was surprising tasty. The sausage was awful. It had some spice in there that made my tongue want to eject itself from my mouth. Please avoid. Maybe you all should see for yourselves... I mean, I am from the city of BBQ and in Maryland, apparently this is it. From the look of the reviews, you guys praise this location as being the best. If that's the case, don't eat BBQ in Memphis because you will feel like your time with RHB had been a total sham. RHB, a little advice to make your stuff better... its easy. 1) season your meat more before cooking, marinade it or something. 2) serve some bread with your food. 3) add mac and cheese. every southerner eats it with their BBQ. 4) get rid of that damn sausage!!! By the way.....Please keep the beans, they're good. BBQ sauce is delish and unique. Wonderful service too for such a big party. I'm out~*~
(2)Mary W.
Unassuming from the outside, red hot and blue offers great BBQ in laurel at a reasonable price. Several different BBQ sauces to choose from, each with their own appeal, a real nice dry rub, seemingly limitless menu options, all wrapped up by service with a smile. The sausage is the go-to, but I also enjoy the ribs, and pulled pork. The sides all fall a little flat, but its the pure BBQ taste that will keep me coming back
(4)Christopher M.
I totally agree with the previous reviewer that this chain restaurant doesn't have a chain feel at all. The location is great, and the people always treat you right once you get inside. I always bring people here when they come visit from out of town, and the first thing I make them try is the pulled pork nachos. I don't know what it is about their chips, but they are the best I have ever had. Then pile high the pulled pork and toppings and you have a winner. The nachos alone are worth the five stars. The ribs are tasty and and you get a choice of wet sauces and dry rub. The beans are great, and so is the slaw. Like most BBQ places they have sampler plates where you can mix it up, and that's the way I always go. The only thing I didn't like was the beef brisket. It was a little dry. They have great takeout. They are always fast, even if you don't order ahead. They have a separate counter for take out, making it even easier. Me and my friends love this place, and its usually where we all meet up for dinner.
(5)Danny S.
Stopped by here after a fun day in D.C on a cold December day. I had heard it was a chain but it did not have the appearance of one. Unfortunately the food tasted like it was from a chain. Being from the Midwest (home of true BBQ) I found this BBQ to be rather tasteless. Where was that smokey BBQ flavor in the meats? I had the pulled BBQ chicken sandwich and it had NO flavor. The place was packed so it must be fine for those who have never experienced TRUE BBQ. They do have a great dessert!
(2)Clay U.
Headed back into Maryland from a day tooling around DC and it was time to feed the family. We have frequented Red Hot and Blues numerous times over the years and figured it was a good bet to please everyone. The service was fine, I would even rate it at excellent, but the food was a serious disappointment. The pulled pork was completely tasteless. No yummy slow cooked, fatty pork flavor. Not even a hint of smokeyness. The pulled chicken, just the same. If not for the sauce, it literally had NO taste. The ribs (I got dry this time) were a bit better, but truly nothing like I have experienced in the past at other RH&B's. The Cole Slaw was typical and good enough and the beans were flat out yummy. All in all a very disappointing experience, especially after all the good experiences we have had previously at other locations. I am not ready to throw in the towel completely, but I doubt I will be returning to this location anytime soon.
(2)Tracia D.
Did not enjoy AT ALL. Our server was awesome, however the food for the night, AVERAGE. We could've gone to Silver Diner, TGIFridays, or even Denny's and got better food. We ordered the catfish fingers; average. From the kids menu chicken nuggets and fries; average. My husband got a burger; bland as hell - below average, and dry ribs, while very tender; you know what I'm going to say... Average. I ordered the catfish and sweet ribs. Catfish and ribs both just okay. The only reason I'm giving 2 stars is because the customer service was very good. Needless to say, we will NOT be going back.
(2)Ji K.
What happened? After yesterday my mind is wavering if RH&B is still my favorite rib joint in the area. Their dry rub ribs were excellent during my 3 or 4 previous visits. Yesterday it was literally too dry. It seems like we got a bad full rack? They have a good special going right now though. For $20 you can order a full rack of ribs w/ 4 small sides. Potato salad and baked beans were good. Not so good were collard greens and fries. We also got their nachos and I would recommend them. It was big enough for 4 to share and you can choose from 3 different versions (pulled pork or pulled chicken or chili). We got half pulled pork and half chili. We preferred the pork side over the chili side but I would still order it the same way next time. Combining both sides made it even better for me. What's different about this branch is their bread. I think it is sour dough style and comes out hot. I like them a lot and it remained good as previous visits. Even though I didn't get them this time around, I also like their pulled pork sandwich. If I get another bad rack next time I will just move on to Famous Dave's from now.
(3)Adam T.
This is definitely my favorite BBQ restaurant in the area, and I'm a big BBQ fan. I like the fact that they don't have to cover everything in sauce to make it taste good. You can really tell the quality of the food. I usually go for the pulled pork, but everything is good including the burgers. You really can't go wrong. I would definitely give it a try.
(4)Alex M.
Only been here once, the ribs were quite good.
(4)Stuart M.
I've been eating here for years and it consistently satisfies. And then, to make things even better, they started serving mini corn muffins that are just plain delicious about two months ago. I don't think they are on the printed menu so be sure to ask. Yes, this is a chain outlet, but be warned: not all Red Hot and Blues are the same. The one in Gaithersburg was not up to par. The one in Annapolis was good. But the Laurel location is my favorite. This place is exceptionally good at pulled pork, pork ribs, potato salad, beans, and bread. The pulled pig sandwich is fantastic, though it comes on a run-of-the-mill bun that is not at all like the other awesome bread that they serve. It has less of a smokey flavor than pulled pig at some other joints, but I love it. You can choose your sauce, either a Memphis style mild, a vinegar style, or a hot sauce. My wife usually gets the chicken sandwich (huh?), which comes on their awesome fresh bread and which she always enjoys. The accompanying fries are great (kind of like Arby's curly fries, but not curly). The slaw is very good. The potato salad is also very good (lots of potato and egg, not lots of mayo). Lately I've been choosing beans instead, and they are savory indeed. I should note that I once had ribs that were overcooked and dry, but that was an anomaly. Also, if you eat here a lot, you'll hear the same small set of popular blues tunes on the speaker system. The wait staff is friendly and efficient and the service is fast. We never seem to leave room for dessert. And that's the mark of an excellent BBQ joint.
(5)Su K.
The year was 1996. Tom Cruise had us at "hello" and wasn't jumping on Oprah's couch. The sound of Bing! Bong! Wiiirrrr! Pssschhhh! Boing Boing! Wirrrrrrrrrrrrrr!....Welcome! You've got mail! could be heard in homes throughout America. Everyone heard the phrase, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit." Princess Di and Prince William's dad get a divorce. And a young Korean gets his first taste of BBQ thanks to three little pigs called red, hot, and blue. At that point, it was the most glorious food he'd ever tried, and a quest began to have BBQ as often as he could. He frequented RH&B like it was going out of business. Every city he visited, he demanded to be taken to a place where meats were smoked. After decades of meatings, he found new loves that thrilled his taste buds. While RH&B will always remain his first, he's since had better. Fallout Boy said it best, One night, and one more time Thanks for the memories Even though they weren't so great He tastes like you only sweeter Sorry three little pigs. He tastes like you only sweeter. He being pretty much every other BBQ place in Laurel. Food - I ordered the Tennessee Triple ($14.99, yelp.com/biz_photos/SJV-… ) - a 1/4 rack of ribs and your choice of 2 meats and 2 sides. The ribs are served dry (a thick coating of dry rub), wet (basted w/ their mild BBQ sauce), or sweet (basted w/ their sweet sauce). I had a 1/4 rack dry, 1/4 rack sweet, and the pulled pork with coleslaw and baked beans, which is essentially the 1/2 slab platter w/ an order of pulled pork for an extra $1. The ribs are spareribs and are prepared fall-off-the-bone tender, but the meat itself falls apart as well. Since I prefer baby back ribs prepared in this fashion and expect spareribs to be meatier, I don't like the ribs here as much as I do at other places, but to each his or her own. The pulled pork is excellent. Tender and moist, and especially good covered in the Carolina sauce available at your table. The coleslaw and baked beans were both great but they are tiny, tiny portions. Ketchup or some other sauce should be served in those little dishes, not a side. Although the food tasted great, the portion was small. Thank goodness it was served with a roll, b/c I started dipping that sucker in BBQ sauce. My dining buddy had the All-In Burger ($8.49, yelp.com/biz_photos/SJV-… ) - a burger w/ pulled pork, onion ring straws, cheddar cheese, and mild BBQ sauce piled on top. Like a Planeteer, the beef patty was nothing spectacular on its own, but by those powers combined, you had something awesome. Sauces - Sufferin Sweet (not at your table, you have to request it): nothing out of the ordinary; KC Masterpiece tastes better. Mojo Mild: nothing out of the ordinary; even Kraft is on par. The Carolina one: really watery, vinegar based sauce - good poured over your pulled pork but useless otherwise. The hot sauce: for a BBQ joint, I thought it was pretty spicy - when combined w/ the Sufferin Sweet, it makes for a pretty tasty sauce. My only gripe about it is the spout has a flowrate of 1 drop per minute even with vigorous shaking. I just take that sucker off and pour it. Dessert - the banana pudding ($3.49) wasn't too bad. I've had the cobbler before and it was also decent. For great BBQ sandwiches, I'd have to give RH&B the nod over BBQ House, but the ribs, sauces, and portions are better at Famous Dave's, Shane's, and BBQ House. For example, you can get a 1/2 rack + 1 meat for $17.99 @ Shane's, but since there's no waiter service, there's no tip. As a result, the prices are about the same but the meat is tastier (not to mention fall-off-the-bone tender baby back ribs), the sauces are better (mmmm! Spicy!), and the portions are enormous. As a result, RH&B places just under BBQ house on the the SuBQ continuum. Parking Tip: As you head up Main St from Rte. 1, be on the lookout to your left for 6th St. After you pass it, make your next right - you should see a brick pedestrian crossing and a faded red sign for Patuxent something, and you'll enter a parking lot. Make your first left, park towards the end, and head up the stairs to RH&B. Or you can try your luck and see if you can find street parking in front (free). So thanks for the memories, RH&B. You're just not that great anymore.
(3)Victoria B.
Thought I'd give this a try, so into the car I went to pick up some carry out. I got the Brisket platter with hush puppies and BBQ beans. My order came out quickly. The beans were very good, the hush puppies were delicious, the bread I got with my order ... that was really good bread. I was less than impressed by the brisket though - it was a bit bland - the meat itself could have been seasoned better, and the BBQ sauce wasn't that flavorful either. I'd be willing to give them another try for other things on their menu, though.
(3)Tony P.
I really like the baked beans and potato salad. The wet slab for 2 is a great take out choice. Drummies are great starters. Don't forget to ask for extra spicy sauce. That gives the bbq a real kick.
(4)Stephanie M.
We stopped here on the way from DC to PA for a quick and good lunch, and that is exactly what we got from Red Hot & Blue. Our server was prompt, friendly, and attentive and the service was snappy. My husband ordered the fried platter - catfish, shrimp, french fries & hush puppies. The hush puppies were good, which I know because I ate them. I ordered the Smokehouse Salad, which had beef and chicken BBQ on a bed of romaine with corn, cucumbers and tortilla strips. The salad was not great - the meat was awesome, but the salad was little sad. Overall, it was a nice lunch, but next time I would opt for the BBQ (and hush puppies).
(3)Chris K.
The atmosphere here is OK, but it is difficult to beat their carryout service when it comes to BBQ sandwiches. This is the best place for pulled pork BBQ in the Laurel-Burtonsville area.
(4)Nicholette P.
I am a huge fan of RH&B. I have been coming here since I was a kid! They catered my H.S graduation party for tonssss of people! I love the pulled pork and the sauce is sooooo good! I don't normally eat coleslaw but I will munch on theirs! I love the ribs too! They have a table at the Main st. festival every year, and when I can make it I always pick up sandwiches for my parents! I went in once to actually sit down, but I have to say the service was not so hot, so we always call ahead and get carry out!
(4)Chad M.
Great food! Been going here for a long time.
(4)Angela M.
Oooh Red, Hot & Blue - you make my stomach feel patriotic!! Enough to bust out and sing - "Oh say can you see?" But I won't. Yes, you're all welcome - you don't even have to thank me. I've been here a few times physically...(and mentally, double that number). Anytime I crave some great barbecue, I think of Red, Hot and Blue. Things that me & the restaurant have in common: 1) Our chili tastes scarily the same. If I didn't know better, I'd think it was culinary espionage. 2) People like our cooking (but I don't make the big bucks like you Red Hot). RH&B has great meats, great sides and great bread. Their drinks leave us wanting a little bit, but that's the way of the world with soda fountains and brewed teas. Their pulled chicken, pulled pork and pulled legs (sorry, I make bad joke) are fantastic. I really like that you can choose your own favorite sauces to top the meat with. The coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, beans, chili, etc. are accents to the menu, but you know you're going there for the meat. Also a local favorite. This place is down-home and comfortable. Be ready to feel like one of the overall-wearin' straw chewers!! Also, be prepared to wait during the peak dinner hours and on weekends; it's worth it though. Btw, parking is behind the restaurant.....hard to see, but it's there.
(4)Beth T.
Mediocre at best. The highs: good customer service, attentive waitstaff. The lows: the food. Cold french fries and beans, dry rubbed ribs were dry and inedible. The salad dressing was so spicy that it made the salad inedible (described as "sweet and fiery" -- I think they forgot the sweet! )Tasteless coleslaw, and rubbery hush puppies. I think there's only 2 kinds of BBQ sauce -- both mild, and there's hot sauce on the table. All in all, we'll go to Famous Daves if we want chain BBQ. Part of the fun of BBQ for some of us in our party is to try different sauce/meat combinations. The rest of us just want decent quality meat and fries. Evidently we should have been served bread, if the other reviews are to be believed, but maybe our waitstaff wasn't as good as they appeared since we never got any.
(2)Kathy H.
My first experience w/RH&B was several years ago at the windmill just across the Severn River Bridge - that's all it took! Love it! The Laurel location is closer for me and just as good, the quality of the food is consistent and reliable. It's a great little hole in the wall that you can drop in when you're feeling casual. The only "bad" experience was with a to-go order. We ordered lots of ribs and sides plus the fried onion loaf. It was so freshly prepared and hot that it actually melted the styrofoam container - ew! It ruined the entire batch with the smell. Oh, well, guess we won't do that again!
(4)Timmy C.
Nestled in the corner of Laurel's main street are the nations BEST spare ribs. No joke. I have had ribs all over America and none compare to Red Hot & Blue. Seriously, don't come here unless you plan on ordering the spare ribs. They come in either half a rack or a full rack and include either 2 or 4 sides depending on which you order. Please do not confuse spare ribs with baby back ribs. Spare ribs are both meatier and fattier then their baby brothers. The meat literally falls off the bone and has a nice smoky flavor to them. You can order them either wet or dry. Wet containing either a regular BBQ sauce or sweet sauce. I usually get them dry which has no sauce, just a delicious rub on top. Hush puppies are a must as are the baked beans. The ambience of the restaurant is nice if not typical of any rib place. It's really a Memphis theme so blues memorabilia and neon lights litter the walls. The tables have a checked cloth on top and sport all the sauces you need (my favorite is the vinegar rich BBQ sauce). I've been coming here as a kid but didn't really appreciate it until recently. The restaurant is at the corner of 216 and main and is quite easy to miss. When you find it please feel free to park for no charge in the back. I know of two other locations. One on the Chesapeake Bay (which I've never been too) and one in Dallas, TX (which was just as good as in Laurel.) I'm sure that there are others and if you come across it please don't hesitate to stop by and make em say ughhhh.
(5)K S.
To say that this is the best BBQ I've ever had is probably not strong enough. I have been to the national BBQ competition in DC a few times and have tried a lot of pretty good BBQ. This is the shizzle ma jizzle, hands down. Soft tender meat that fall off the bone with a nice crusted outer shell and just the right amount of soft tendon. This is then wrapped in their awesome BBQ sauce that has a great balance between honey, mustard, salt, and a few other ingredients, I'm sure. The other Red Hot & Blue places do not taste like this. Too bad we can't get this in Los Angeles.
(5)Teresa H.
3 words - Baby Back Ribs. They are a must get there. The meat is soft, juicy and literally falls off the bone (as baby back ribs should). We got half dry-rub and half sweet bbq and they were both delicious. My favorite was the sweet bbq. Very flavorful. The dry rub was good, but it was lacking a little something. We also got the onion stack for an appetizer and that was good too. The batter was light and the portion was pretty big for an appetizer so it was very filling. Overall, very good. I'm not a big fan of greasy foods, but I would definitely go back here again.
(5)Nate B.
Pulled off the highway for a quick bite. Should have kept driving on.
(2)HighStandard S.
Got take out here. Service was fast---suspiciously so--- and friendly enough, but the food just didn't taste good. I got ribs and pulled pork, St Louis style, I think, "wet". They just were not yummy. Too much sour tasting sauce, and it seemed the sauce was just poured on top and had not been used in any stage of the cooking process. The sides of beans and slaw were just so-so, portions were small.
(1)Reed D.
It is hard to believe I have been going here for well over 15 years, and I still love it. Good food, great prices and normally not too busy. I really like the dry ribs but try to stick to the pulled chicken salad, sweet potato and baked beans for health reasons. Wes has to be the best waiter in the world. It is a bit out of the way for me but worth the drive.
(5)Kelli S.
I heard about this place from a post on Facebook, I thought we would give it a try for dinner. Unfortunately, it was not as good as I had hoped. It was a cute location, but the food was not worth the stop in my opinion, this was not good barbeque. I had the Delta Duo (or something like that) which had a portion of ribs, I chose the brisket as the second item. I was not impressed. When cooked properly, meat should fall off the bone so to speak, or at least be tender and delicious. My daughter had the ribs and almost flung one across the restaurant trying to pry them apart. My son had the pulled chicken sandwich and said it was dry and bland, coming from a pretty easy going teenager that says a lot in my book. The sauce was tasty, but other than that all I can say is that our waitress was friendly. We will look elsewhere when looking for a good barbeque restaurant and will not return to Red Hot and Blue.
(2)Kobie C.
Its hot as hell outside and I we were hungry after leaving Zanzibar and my girl friend asked what we should eat and of course the first spot to come to mind is Red Hot & Blue. The bbq is on point in my opinion and I rate that high as well as the catfish and the hoochie coochie burger. We both got the lynchburg lemonade that I suggested and she was messed up. Ribs were sweet and melt off the bone perfect. Now I had to write this before my it is fully took over. Keep up the good work ya'll and I will be celebrating my bday there in 2 weeks.
(5)aaron s.
I always judge a bbq spot by its pulled pork sandwich and sides. And Red Hot and Blue knocks it out of the park!!! the Potato Salad is to die for and the pork, no matter which sauce you add, is phenomenal. The decor and music is pretty fun too - you wouldn't know you're just outside of D.C. DEFINITELY recommend the restaurant for a group or family too
(5)P S.
I don't regularly get a chance to eat bbq. This was place was good and things were as expected. The service was great and food was good.
(4)Mark D.
Service was fantastic, especially on a Friday night. We were extremely well taken care of, refills were filled before you even noticed that the glass was half full. BBQ was good, from the sausages, the pulled pork and chicken, and the ribs. Nice location with lots of parking in the back.
(4)M. M.
This is part of a chain, but it doesn't have a "chain" feel at all. For one thing, it's located in Laurel's gentrified "Main Street" neighborhood in a nice brick office complex that was made to look like a block of big old brick houses, bordering on a residential area. Most of the other chains in and around Laurel are your standard neon-topped boxes on the main Route 1 mall drag. Inside, the ambience is like you're eating in a family-run BBQ bar. For another thing, this particular location of Red Hot and Blue doesn't even seem to be featured on the "locator" website for the chain, although every local knows right where it is. I can't speak to all the discussions of ribs on here because I always get either the pulled pork sandwich or pulled pork platter, and sometimes an extra side of baked beans. RH&B's baked beans are the awesomest beans I can get unless I bake 'em myself, and after a hard day at work, who wants to dick around mixing up a can of beans and then waiting an hour for them to properly cook? (And don't go telling me I should be hopping out of bed at 6 am to load up the pressure cooker with 'em either.) As for the pulled pork, it's always been moist for me and though its flavor is pretty mild on its own, that's OK with me as I like to slather it with bbq sauce and I've also been to enough pork-sammie places to know that "it haz a flavor" doesn't always means it has the flavor you want to taste (such as too smokey or too vinegary...yuck). The bread and hush puppies are also decent and really, what more could you want? RH&B also gets big points for its carryout service, which fills orders pretty dern fast (I saw them get four orders done inside of 15 minutes tonight), We've eaten in the restaurant a couple times and that's fine if you have the time to spend, but usually I like to take food home. RH&B carryout is one of the best alternatives to icky fast food in the area. Just be careful with the brown paper bags they use. They may be environmentally friendly, but sauce and meat juice tends to break on through to the other side, so don't set them on your lap or on your upholstery in the car.
(4)Andy G.
Not bad for BBQ, but nothing to write home about. Nice to stop off of the highway between D.C. and Baltimore - but I wouldn't make a special trip of it.
(3)Rachel S.
The Leesburg, VA Red Hot & Blue is fabulous. The food is delicious - the potato salad has a yummy bacony taste, and the BBQ is very good. Not so at the Laurel location. My husband and I visited this Red Hot & Blue Sunday at noon. Maybe this should have clued us in, but we were the only people there. On a Sunday. At lunchtime. We proceeded to order pulled pork. It just didn't have any flavor, apart from the BBQ sauce. Honestly, I can get a way better pulled pork sandwich at Harris Teeter for $2.95. The potato salad, which I relished at the Leesburg location, was just OK. No bacony taste to swoon over. What a disappointment! I won't be visiting this RH&B location again.
(2)John M.
Tucked into the one area of Laurel that is worthy, Main St.-it actually has charm! This place is always bustling and busy, and for good reason. Damn good barbecue, ribs, authentic hush puppies, pulled pork, cold beer and blues music to boot. What's not to like?
(5)B. J.
Best dry rubbed baby backs in DC or Baltimore! Great brisket and pulled pork too. When I am near Laurel, I find time to go there.
(5)