Went here for lunch today with the wife on a little bit of a whim to see how this Dave's stacks up to other ones we've dined in. It was an outstanding experience!!! While the food is typical barbecue fare that you find in chain barbecue restaurants the service that we received today from Brittney was special. She's a type of employee that you hire away for your own place. The food was good to but the service made this visit. Will definitely be back and will ask for Brittney there's no doubt.
(4)
Mitch S.
Food is always good if it isn't they work hard to make it right. Kind of a challenge to get drinks refilled. Never a bad meal in the past 8 plus years I've been coming here. Perry Fosters Georgia style pit barbecue in Missouri is the only 5 star in the US. Daves gets a 3
(3)
Brad B.
Meh. I'm not a chain restaurant guy & this is an example of why. I'm sure when this was a small operation with just a few restaurants that it was great. Service was polite & friendly, restaurant was very slow so it was quiet & easy. The food was just there - very bland, not at all special. Try Roosters in Frankin, Judge Beans in Brentwood or Martins in Nolensville.
(2)
Lynn M.
My husband ate here tonight (10/18/13). He had the fried catfish and coleslaw and red skinned mashed potatoes. He couldn't believe how bad the meal was. I suppose you don't go to a BBQ place and get fish, but if it's on the menu, it should be edible. It was burnt and tasted weird. My husband was worried it was spoiled. He said the coleslaw had a chemical taste to it (like bleach he said). The mashed potatoes were not good either, but not as bad as the other 2 items. He will not be back for awhile. He was wondering why the parking lot was not full when most places nearby had an hour wait. Now he knows why.
(2)
Ashley S.
We decided on this restaurant because it was close to the hotel and because we were starving! I got the rib and the sweetwater catfish with New Orleans dipping sauce and it was amazing!!! The ribs were tender, even the sides were delicious. ...it was just an overall great experience
(5)
Scott M.
"A beacon on a Sea of Franchise Farce." I stole this from another posting because it fits. And it's catchy. I'm totally stealing it and next time not even giving the other guy credit. As a strictly barbecue eatery I'd probably pass on this place. The saving grace and best burger I've ever had in Franklin, is the Ultimate Barbecue Burger. It's messy and dang good! And oddly, this place serves Brunswick stew. Being a NC native, Piedmont region, we know barbecue and Brunswick stew. It's not served hot enough for me, needs to be steaming like soup. But it is pretty good here.
(4)
Lauren S.
There's honestly nothing wrong with Famous Dave's and some people really like it... to me, it's not worth writing home about. (I went to a rehearsal dinner here last weekend) There were those big "garbage pail lid" platters all over with brisket, pulled pork, chicken, ribs, corn muffins, baked beans & cole slaw. I found the brisket and pulled pork to be a little dry... but there are lots of sauces at the table so you can slather it up if that's your thing. This may sound strange but my favorite parts of the meal were the cole slaw, baked beans & the bread pudding for dessert. Service: Keep in mind I was there with a BIG group but.. our waiter seemed pretty overwhelmed, poor guy! Tip: Don't waste your time with the margaritas - VERY sweet, not much tequila flavor at all.
(2)
Charles S.
I've eaten here many times. My parents seem to think this is a good option for barbecue. I can't say that I agree. I can think of a half-dozen other places that I prefer, unfortunately, few of them are located near Cool Springs, and fewer still are open for dinner. The ribs are better at Stoney River across the street, and it's not even a barbecue place, it's a steakhouse . The brisket is so-so; Mickey Roo's on the other side of Franklin is has a much better brisket. The pulled pork sandwich is the closest approximation to dog food I've had since the last time I had a sloppy joe. About the only saving graces are the Devil's Spit sauce and the Texas Manhandler sandwich. Considering the prices, they think their food is far better than I do.
(2)
Julie K.
UGH! They used to have great weekly specials. They got rid of those and raised their prices. My kids used to beg me to go there but I just refuse to pay $50 for two kids and one adult and not have the food blow me away. In addition, there is one female server there (who is ALWAYS there) who is just flat out rude. Always. Last time I went I had the rib tips and they were the fattiest, most horrid thing I have ever tried to eat. Nope - not going back. Ever.
(1)
Bill F.
How good is chopped pork? Really. It's fantastic here at Famous Dave's. Such a great late night dinner after a full day of recruiting. Really enjoyed myself. Chain BBQ doesn't sound appetizing but this is real good boi.
(4)
Jeff S.
I generally avoid chain BBQ restaurants - BBQ just wasn't intended to be mass produced. But tonight I made an exception, as business travel found me at a hotel a few blocks from Famous Dave's, and my appetite had one of those BBQ cravings going on. Pros: Quantity and cost. I had the rib and meat combo ($14.49) and chose the hot link sausage to accompany four pork ribs. The hot link was quite good - I would buy it to grill at home. The ribs were OK - very tender but somewhat lacking of flavor. This platter comes with two sides. I chose the Wilbur beans (baked beans with brisket, jalapeno - probably the best part of the meal) and green beans. You get a corn muffin and corn on the cob, too. Cons: It's chain BBQ. As mentioned above, the ribs were lacking in flavor. The green beans were not nearly as good as the menu made them sound. The corn on the cob was almost completely without flavor. Oh, and small TV's that are positioned way too high to be seen by most bar patrons. Nice. Not thrilling, but nice.
(3)
Carina N.
I had been craving some barbeque and ended up stopping here for the first time late at night. I ordered the barbeque pulled chicken sandwich with fries and it was fantastic. The sauce on it was perfect and the chicken was wonderful. I really enjoyed the wedge fries they have and trying out the different sauces they have at the table. And the service was great, my waiter was very attentive and friendly. My drink was always full and he made helpful suggestions for food and dessert. Overall it's great good for a good price and the delightful waitstaff make it even more enjoyable.
(5)
Valerie A.
My husband and I have been to this Famous Dave's once and it was great. Great service and the food was spot on. We will be returning for sure.
(4)
Jamey T.
I went to Famous Dave's over the holidays with my family. We had the feast that they serve in a trash can lid. (Cool story there, our server told us that's how Dave used to do it.) My dad loved the ribs, best he'd ever had. My wife said the roasted chicken was so good she'll choose Famous Dave's next time it's up to her. My brisket was so good. I never thought I would find brisket here that was as good as I use to have in Texas. The service was great. Will go back soon.
(5)
James L.
After three seperate dining experiences and complaining on the website and a comment card I received no response after several weeks.The food and service has been severly lacking as of late. We asked for a booth on one occasion and was prompltly seated in the bar area, if we wanted to sit in the bar we would've asked. The food has continued to be a disapointment. You think hand pulled pork would have less fat and gristle, gave them a third chance last time and it was the worst yet. The portions continue to get smaller as well. Someone needs to take notice soon!!!!
(1)
Aaron D.
To paraphrase the Joker - "Why so famous?" --- Service was good. Bench seating was comfy and the decor seemed clean, although I thought the particular shade of teal that Famous Dave's uses on its banquettes and ceiling was legally restricted to Florida diners. BBQ was OK. Award-Winning St. Louis Ribs were meaty and nicely sauced, but they didn't have any of the smoky flavor that comes from really great BBQ. (Do they not smoke their BBQ in St. Louis?) Other meats (brisket, sausage) and sides were also just ok - mashed potatoes seemed like they came from a mix (despite the presence of potato skins), potato salad tasted overwhelmingly of scallions. Cole slaw and mac-n-cheese were probably the best of the bunch, but mostly because they were inoffensive, not because either of them hit a home run. I did like the unusual inclusion of corn and a bit of jalapenos in the mac. Unlike some other reviewers, I didn't think the corn muffins were anything special, but my wife really liked them so I gave her half of mine. If you like corn on the cob (I'm not a huge fan), you'll be happy since it seems to come with everything. I like that Famous Dave's offers 'mini' versions of its desserts for just $1.99. I can't remember the last time I ordered dessert in a restaurant, because I'm usually too full from the meal. But I thought I could stomach a mini, so I tried the Kahlua brownie mini topped with ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream. The brownie that arrived was larger than expected, compressed into a small sundae dish and nicely heated. Couldn't taste the Kahlua at all - just chocolate and sweetness. (For the second time, I realized you can tell how sweet a dessert is by taking a bite of dessert and trying to wash it down with sweet tea. If the tea tastes unsweetened, you know that your dessert is off-the-charts sweet and all your sugar sensors have been overloaded. That happened here with the brownie, although the sweet tea didn't taste all that sweet to begin with.) Incidentally, this is the first place we've been in a long while where the hostess assumed we were tourists. ("So where are you visiting from?") That was awkward, since we're locals. But apparently the question is understandable since this Famous Dave's is a magnet for out-of-towners. At least two of the five tables in our section seemed to be filled with people just passing through. Do tourists come for Cool Springs Mall or the office parks? Conclusion: If you're craving BBQ in Cool Springs, this is not a bad option, but I wouldn't make a special trip. ps - There is an actual Dave behind Famous Dave's and he has a pretty interesting life story ( famousdaves.com/about-da… ). pps - I do have to admit that Famous Dave's has some pretty good BBQ sauces. My favorite was the peppery Texas Pit.
(3)
Kiley S.
My husband & I really enjoy famous Daves. The wait staff is always so friendly & they pay special attention to the little ones! We love BBQ & Famous Dave's is never a disappointment. We usually get the feast for 2 ( I know really fat style) but we just enjoy sampling everything. We don't usually do chain BBQ but Dave's is different :)
(4)
Lawrence H.
It was very good! All the meats (particular the ribs) were very flavorful: great seasoning, smoke, and char/caramelized sauce. I really dug the beans because they had a lot of zing to them. We got the feast and it was a good variety. My friend got the chicken tenders, and they were just alright. But, I don't go to a BBQ place for tenders. I love BBQ, and I'll go back to Famous Dave's.
(5)
Danny L.
The Owners of Famous Daves are really special. They continually strive to make sure your feel at home when you visit. The manager here is great too. Make sure to order the Mac and Cheese..(it has the perfect lil' kick...) The ribs are exceptional also... Gotta love the selection of sauces... Fries..yum yum...The corn on the cobb tastes like previous frozen...so opt for something else instead... Dig those corn muffins... And the chicken is hard to beat as well...The baked beans were loaded with flavor (and meat)..yum..Obviously, we got the feast for two...Even had some left for the next day...
(4)
Geoffrey L.
This is definitely some of the best BBQ I've had in a while. I would highly recommend their sandwhiches, but that's because I'm a BBQ sandwhich kind of guy.
(5)
Elliott W.
Dave's is a perplexing review to write. It's a chain. I don't usually like chains. They're bland, boring and unimaginative. To some degree, so is Dave's. But Dave's recipe's and process are based on a real live BBQ pitmaster. That is, there is a Dave who is famous aside from having lots of restaurants. And, unlike many chains, there is a little unpredictability to Dave's. I've had good meals and less good meals at Dave's. Once I had inedible brisket at Dave's. I've had skimpy ribs at Dave's. My server made it right both times. In my way of thinking, this at least reveals a human process in the kitchen -- some real smoked meat (there's a pile of wood out back for cooking - not just for show.), an actual pitmaster (not a conveyor belt), and daily batches. Most of the time, the food is reasonably good. Sides are enjoyable. Portions fulfilling. My favorite Dave's item is the smoked ribeye. They smoke a rib roast to just under rare, then finish on the grill, which yields especially good flavor. The fried catfish are also good. Overall, a decent place to go and the whole family has something.
(3)
Lou R.
I'm still in recovery after the amazing ultimate BBQ burger I had last night The atmosphere was interesting, Famous Dustin held his section down well, and the price point wasnt bad. I think I'll add Famous Dave's to my preferred stops
(4)
Joe S.
Good old fashioned BBQ! For a mass produced BBQ, I cannot and will not complain. The cornbread muffins should be against the law.... They are that good!! Will go back for sure
(4)
Sissy D.
It was good! My chicken (white meat) was really tender...and moist. The brisket and pork were also good. Yummy cole slaw, texas toast,and the pecan pie was real tasty! Great price on combo plates.
(4)
Gerald P.
Best ribs in town. Meat falls off the bone and melts in your mouth.
(4)
Linda N.
Some of the locals dig this place? I guess. The only thing I thought was good was the hot links. The beef brisket was dry and barely flavored. The chicken was uninspired. It's another bbq chain. I am still in search for real bbq.
(3)
Patrick S.
I've always been against big chain BBQ, but sometimes you can be pleasantly surprised. I ordered a St. Louis Style Ribs and Brisket and Mac N Cheese. The Ribs were tasty, with a nice bark and smokey flavor, but were a little on the puny side as far as meat. I opted for the St. Louis style instead of the Baby Back's just for that reason. The brisket was very tender, but didn't have a deep flavor that i was looking for. It helps they have 6 different sauces to choose from. The mac n cheese was good too, and it had corn in it, which was very unexpected, but tasty none the less. Overall the ribs are thing to get here....
(4)
Shelby C.
Not as good as expected from other review. Staff wasnt that friendly.
(2)
John O.
Good food an service
(3)
Diane G.
Love coming here except for today. It's Easter , drove 1/2 hr to get here and they say no baby back ribs! That's why I came here. Make sure you call a head if that is want.
(3)
Helene C.
This place was convenient since it was close to the mall. I must agree service was slow but the server was friendly and apologetic. Food was just ok. Not a place I would revisit.
(2)
Jerry B.
I wasn't impressed. I will not be going back. There are far too many establishments to make this one a repeat.
(2)
Lou L.
Friendly staff... Fast service... Good food ... will be back each time I am in town.
(4)
Josh M.
Another go and that was what I call service. Sincerity and honest food served up today! Got the feast for two and to start some Pineapple Rage wings! Delicious. Tony our server and Larry the manager made sure it was a pleasant experience. Thanks again Tamara for asking for another chance.
(4)
Bridget S.
We had a great family lunch. The family platter was served and fed six with leftovers. Great food, value and service..loved their BBQ sauces.
(4)
William B.
Great ambiance and food. The cornbread is good and the feast for one it was very good. Wife had the catfish which she didn't care for but the waiter quickly replaced it with the pulled pork.
(4)
Bryan H.
The quantity was perfect. The sauce choices are good. The meat is pretty good. Nothing to write home about, but if I want BBQ in that area I will stop by again.
(3)
Mario E.
I mean. It was all good! The tips, the chicken...you cant go wrong. The servers were friendly and it wasn't crowded. Im definitely coming back.
(5)
Tama A.
After a long day at the client site and in town from Miami I decided to be bad and come here for dinner alone. It's yucky and rainy and I'm from Miami so this weather made me hungry; food gives me a hug haha. I decided to sit at the bar and the bartender/server was Andy who was very nice and provided excellent service to everyone equally. I was over hearing his convos with other guests. So welcoming, warm, and friendly. I proceeded to order the beef brisket with Mac & Cheese and greens. Can we say heaven in my mouth?!? The beef brisket was to die for. Andy suggested try adding Texas Pete's Pepper Sauce to the greens and whew! What a great kick that gave it. I then had the bread pudding being greedy which I could not finish but it was also AMAZING !! I have zero complaints... Well, maybe only about the weather but not this place! Thanks to Andy!
(5)
Sarah B.
A couple of weeks ago, I was having a hankerin' for some ribs, and hubby and I headed to Famous Dave's. I can't think of the last time we had such an inclination, been years. We have visited this location before, and randomly over the years also visited locations in Knoxville and elsewhere. Way back when, I remember thinking Famous Dave's was the bomb of BBQ and ribs... like ultra delicious awesome. And our dinner the other night was fine, don't get me wrong, but the ultra delicious awesomeness just wasn't there. In their favor, the wait was not long at all, which for Cool Springs is great. The service was OK, but not especially speedy nor especially attentive. Our entrees were good, but again that put-their-name-in-lights factor wasn't coming across for me. The food wasn't especially warm, which is OK for some things - but makes me think either our server was too overbooked or didn't care. My baked sweet potato wouldn't melt the butter because of temperature, that should tell you something. Good cornbread, that almost got their name in lights once again, but now that I have Jim & Nick's baby cheesy cornbread like muffins just down the road - my allegiances have changed a bit. Will I give them a second chance? Sure, at some point. But it will probably be a while.
(3)
Jessica C.
After a long day of shopping at the nearby mall all we wanted was a great meal for dinner. Famous Dave's was very close by so we stopped in there even though we had never heard of it. Well it was a great choice! We were a party of 6 so we ordered the feast. The feast is a loaded meal for 4-6 (more like 6) with ribs, brisket, chicken, fries, corn, beans, cole slaw, and corn muffins all for only $60. All 6 of us are till we were full and still had a bit left. Great food great customer service!
(4)
Oz T.
The food here is very nice Price is rather good, I tried it on a monday night so it was pretty empty . Service was so slow I have no idea what the waitress was doing but it was not serving tables.. the BBQ sauces are rather nice.. place would be great if you did not have to look at a menu for 15 min when you're hungry and the staff never did bring my last drink..
(3)
Pete D.
I wavered between 2 and 3 stars here, this is like a 2.3 stars review. Service was entry level with some big time gaps between check ins, food was fine but not nearly as good as the one I used to frequent in Chicago. It's not horrible but I was not blown away either. I will not make a special trip to come back. Near the Cool Springs mall.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : 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 : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Mark H.
Went here for lunch today with the wife on a little bit of a whim to see how this Dave's stacks up to other ones we've dined in. It was an outstanding experience!!! While the food is typical barbecue fare that you find in chain barbecue restaurants the service that we received today from Brittney was special. She's a type of employee that you hire away for your own place. The food was good to but the service made this visit. Will definitely be back and will ask for Brittney there's no doubt.
(4)Mitch S.
Food is always good if it isn't they work hard to make it right. Kind of a challenge to get drinks refilled. Never a bad meal in the past 8 plus years I've been coming here. Perry Fosters Georgia style pit barbecue in Missouri is the only 5 star in the US. Daves gets a 3
(3)Brad B.
Meh. I'm not a chain restaurant guy & this is an example of why. I'm sure when this was a small operation with just a few restaurants that it was great. Service was polite & friendly, restaurant was very slow so it was quiet & easy. The food was just there - very bland, not at all special. Try Roosters in Frankin, Judge Beans in Brentwood or Martins in Nolensville.
(2)Lynn M.
My husband ate here tonight (10/18/13). He had the fried catfish and coleslaw and red skinned mashed potatoes. He couldn't believe how bad the meal was. I suppose you don't go to a BBQ place and get fish, but if it's on the menu, it should be edible. It was burnt and tasted weird. My husband was worried it was spoiled. He said the coleslaw had a chemical taste to it (like bleach he said). The mashed potatoes were not good either, but not as bad as the other 2 items. He will not be back for awhile. He was wondering why the parking lot was not full when most places nearby had an hour wait. Now he knows why.
(2)Ashley S.
We decided on this restaurant because it was close to the hotel and because we were starving! I got the rib and the sweetwater catfish with New Orleans dipping sauce and it was amazing!!! The ribs were tender, even the sides were delicious. ...it was just an overall great experience
(5)Scott M.
"A beacon on a Sea of Franchise Farce." I stole this from another posting because it fits. And it's catchy. I'm totally stealing it and next time not even giving the other guy credit. As a strictly barbecue eatery I'd probably pass on this place. The saving grace and best burger I've ever had in Franklin, is the Ultimate Barbecue Burger. It's messy and dang good! And oddly, this place serves Brunswick stew. Being a NC native, Piedmont region, we know barbecue and Brunswick stew. It's not served hot enough for me, needs to be steaming like soup. But it is pretty good here.
(4)Lauren S.
There's honestly nothing wrong with Famous Dave's and some people really like it... to me, it's not worth writing home about. (I went to a rehearsal dinner here last weekend) There were those big "garbage pail lid" platters all over with brisket, pulled pork, chicken, ribs, corn muffins, baked beans & cole slaw. I found the brisket and pulled pork to be a little dry... but there are lots of sauces at the table so you can slather it up if that's your thing. This may sound strange but my favorite parts of the meal were the cole slaw, baked beans & the bread pudding for dessert. Service: Keep in mind I was there with a BIG group but.. our waiter seemed pretty overwhelmed, poor guy! Tip: Don't waste your time with the margaritas - VERY sweet, not much tequila flavor at all.
(2)Charles S.
I've eaten here many times. My parents seem to think this is a good option for barbecue. I can't say that I agree. I can think of a half-dozen other places that I prefer, unfortunately, few of them are located near Cool Springs, and fewer still are open for dinner. The ribs are better at Stoney River across the street, and it's not even a barbecue place, it's a steakhouse . The brisket is so-so; Mickey Roo's on the other side of Franklin is has a much better brisket. The pulled pork sandwich is the closest approximation to dog food I've had since the last time I had a sloppy joe. About the only saving graces are the Devil's Spit sauce and the Texas Manhandler sandwich. Considering the prices, they think their food is far better than I do.
(2)Julie K.
UGH! They used to have great weekly specials. They got rid of those and raised their prices. My kids used to beg me to go there but I just refuse to pay $50 for two kids and one adult and not have the food blow me away. In addition, there is one female server there (who is ALWAYS there) who is just flat out rude. Always. Last time I went I had the rib tips and they were the fattiest, most horrid thing I have ever tried to eat. Nope - not going back. Ever.
(1)Bill F.
How good is chopped pork? Really. It's fantastic here at Famous Dave's. Such a great late night dinner after a full day of recruiting. Really enjoyed myself. Chain BBQ doesn't sound appetizing but this is real good boi.
(4)Jeff S.
I generally avoid chain BBQ restaurants - BBQ just wasn't intended to be mass produced. But tonight I made an exception, as business travel found me at a hotel a few blocks from Famous Dave's, and my appetite had one of those BBQ cravings going on. Pros: Quantity and cost. I had the rib and meat combo ($14.49) and chose the hot link sausage to accompany four pork ribs. The hot link was quite good - I would buy it to grill at home. The ribs were OK - very tender but somewhat lacking of flavor. This platter comes with two sides. I chose the Wilbur beans (baked beans with brisket, jalapeno - probably the best part of the meal) and green beans. You get a corn muffin and corn on the cob, too. Cons: It's chain BBQ. As mentioned above, the ribs were lacking in flavor. The green beans were not nearly as good as the menu made them sound. The corn on the cob was almost completely without flavor. Oh, and small TV's that are positioned way too high to be seen by most bar patrons. Nice. Not thrilling, but nice.
(3)Carina N.
I had been craving some barbeque and ended up stopping here for the first time late at night. I ordered the barbeque pulled chicken sandwich with fries and it was fantastic. The sauce on it was perfect and the chicken was wonderful. I really enjoyed the wedge fries they have and trying out the different sauces they have at the table. And the service was great, my waiter was very attentive and friendly. My drink was always full and he made helpful suggestions for food and dessert. Overall it's great good for a good price and the delightful waitstaff make it even more enjoyable.
(5)Valerie A.
My husband and I have been to this Famous Dave's once and it was great. Great service and the food was spot on. We will be returning for sure.
(4)Jamey T.
I went to Famous Dave's over the holidays with my family. We had the feast that they serve in a trash can lid. (Cool story there, our server told us that's how Dave used to do it.) My dad loved the ribs, best he'd ever had. My wife said the roasted chicken was so good she'll choose Famous Dave's next time it's up to her. My brisket was so good. I never thought I would find brisket here that was as good as I use to have in Texas. The service was great. Will go back soon.
(5)James L.
After three seperate dining experiences and complaining on the website and a comment card I received no response after several weeks.The food and service has been severly lacking as of late. We asked for a booth on one occasion and was prompltly seated in the bar area, if we wanted to sit in the bar we would've asked. The food has continued to be a disapointment. You think hand pulled pork would have less fat and gristle, gave them a third chance last time and it was the worst yet. The portions continue to get smaller as well. Someone needs to take notice soon!!!!
(1)Aaron D.
To paraphrase the Joker - "Why so famous?" --- Service was good. Bench seating was comfy and the decor seemed clean, although I thought the particular shade of teal that Famous Dave's uses on its banquettes and ceiling was legally restricted to Florida diners. BBQ was OK. Award-Winning St. Louis Ribs were meaty and nicely sauced, but they didn't have any of the smoky flavor that comes from really great BBQ. (Do they not smoke their BBQ in St. Louis?) Other meats (brisket, sausage) and sides were also just ok - mashed potatoes seemed like they came from a mix (despite the presence of potato skins), potato salad tasted overwhelmingly of scallions. Cole slaw and mac-n-cheese were probably the best of the bunch, but mostly because they were inoffensive, not because either of them hit a home run. I did like the unusual inclusion of corn and a bit of jalapenos in the mac. Unlike some other reviewers, I didn't think the corn muffins were anything special, but my wife really liked them so I gave her half of mine. If you like corn on the cob (I'm not a huge fan), you'll be happy since it seems to come with everything. I like that Famous Dave's offers 'mini' versions of its desserts for just $1.99. I can't remember the last time I ordered dessert in a restaurant, because I'm usually too full from the meal. But I thought I could stomach a mini, so I tried the Kahlua brownie mini topped with ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream. The brownie that arrived was larger than expected, compressed into a small sundae dish and nicely heated. Couldn't taste the Kahlua at all - just chocolate and sweetness. (For the second time, I realized you can tell how sweet a dessert is by taking a bite of dessert and trying to wash it down with sweet tea. If the tea tastes unsweetened, you know that your dessert is off-the-charts sweet and all your sugar sensors have been overloaded. That happened here with the brownie, although the sweet tea didn't taste all that sweet to begin with.) Incidentally, this is the first place we've been in a long while where the hostess assumed we were tourists. ("So where are you visiting from?") That was awkward, since we're locals. But apparently the question is understandable since this Famous Dave's is a magnet for out-of-towners. At least two of the five tables in our section seemed to be filled with people just passing through. Do tourists come for Cool Springs Mall or the office parks? Conclusion: If you're craving BBQ in Cool Springs, this is not a bad option, but I wouldn't make a special trip. ps - There is an actual Dave behind Famous Dave's and he has a pretty interesting life story ( famousdaves.com/about-da… ). pps - I do have to admit that Famous Dave's has some pretty good BBQ sauces. My favorite was the peppery Texas Pit.
(3)Kiley S.
My husband & I really enjoy famous Daves. The wait staff is always so friendly & they pay special attention to the little ones! We love BBQ & Famous Dave's is never a disappointment. We usually get the feast for 2 ( I know really fat style) but we just enjoy sampling everything. We don't usually do chain BBQ but Dave's is different :)
(4)Lawrence H.
It was very good! All the meats (particular the ribs) were very flavorful: great seasoning, smoke, and char/caramelized sauce. I really dug the beans because they had a lot of zing to them. We got the feast and it was a good variety. My friend got the chicken tenders, and they were just alright. But, I don't go to a BBQ place for tenders. I love BBQ, and I'll go back to Famous Dave's.
(5)Danny L.
The Owners of Famous Daves are really special. They continually strive to make sure your feel at home when you visit. The manager here is great too. Make sure to order the Mac and Cheese..(it has the perfect lil' kick...) The ribs are exceptional also... Gotta love the selection of sauces... Fries..yum yum...The corn on the cobb tastes like previous frozen...so opt for something else instead... Dig those corn muffins... And the chicken is hard to beat as well...The baked beans were loaded with flavor (and meat)..yum..Obviously, we got the feast for two...Even had some left for the next day...
(4)Geoffrey L.
This is definitely some of the best BBQ I've had in a while. I would highly recommend their sandwhiches, but that's because I'm a BBQ sandwhich kind of guy.
(5)Elliott W.
Dave's is a perplexing review to write. It's a chain. I don't usually like chains. They're bland, boring and unimaginative. To some degree, so is Dave's. But Dave's recipe's and process are based on a real live BBQ pitmaster. That is, there is a Dave who is famous aside from having lots of restaurants. And, unlike many chains, there is a little unpredictability to Dave's. I've had good meals and less good meals at Dave's. Once I had inedible brisket at Dave's. I've had skimpy ribs at Dave's. My server made it right both times. In my way of thinking, this at least reveals a human process in the kitchen -- some real smoked meat (there's a pile of wood out back for cooking - not just for show.), an actual pitmaster (not a conveyor belt), and daily batches. Most of the time, the food is reasonably good. Sides are enjoyable. Portions fulfilling. My favorite Dave's item is the smoked ribeye. They smoke a rib roast to just under rare, then finish on the grill, which yields especially good flavor. The fried catfish are also good. Overall, a decent place to go and the whole family has something.
(3)Lou R.
I'm still in recovery after the amazing ultimate BBQ burger I had last night The atmosphere was interesting, Famous Dustin held his section down well, and the price point wasnt bad. I think I'll add Famous Dave's to my preferred stops
(4)Joe S.
Good old fashioned BBQ! For a mass produced BBQ, I cannot and will not complain. The cornbread muffins should be against the law.... They are that good!! Will go back for sure
(4)Sissy D.
It was good! My chicken (white meat) was really tender...and moist. The brisket and pork were also good. Yummy cole slaw, texas toast,and the pecan pie was real tasty! Great price on combo plates.
(4)Gerald P.
Best ribs in town. Meat falls off the bone and melts in your mouth.
(4)Linda N.
Some of the locals dig this place? I guess. The only thing I thought was good was the hot links. The beef brisket was dry and barely flavored. The chicken was uninspired. It's another bbq chain. I am still in search for real bbq.
(3)Patrick S.
I've always been against big chain BBQ, but sometimes you can be pleasantly surprised. I ordered a St. Louis Style Ribs and Brisket and Mac N Cheese. The Ribs were tasty, with a nice bark and smokey flavor, but were a little on the puny side as far as meat. I opted for the St. Louis style instead of the Baby Back's just for that reason. The brisket was very tender, but didn't have a deep flavor that i was looking for. It helps they have 6 different sauces to choose from. The mac n cheese was good too, and it had corn in it, which was very unexpected, but tasty none the less. Overall the ribs are thing to get here....
(4)Shelby C.
Not as good as expected from other review. Staff wasnt that friendly.
(2)John O.
Good food an service
(3)Diane G.
Love coming here except for today. It's Easter , drove 1/2 hr to get here and they say no baby back ribs! That's why I came here. Make sure you call a head if that is want.
(3)Helene C.
This place was convenient since it was close to the mall. I must agree service was slow but the server was friendly and apologetic. Food was just ok. Not a place I would revisit.
(2)Jerry B.
I wasn't impressed. I will not be going back. There are far too many establishments to make this one a repeat.
(2)Lou L.
Friendly staff... Fast service... Good food ... will be back each time I am in town.
(4)Josh M.
Another go and that was what I call service. Sincerity and honest food served up today! Got the feast for two and to start some Pineapple Rage wings! Delicious. Tony our server and Larry the manager made sure it was a pleasant experience. Thanks again Tamara for asking for another chance.
(4)Bridget S.
We had a great family lunch. The family platter was served and fed six with leftovers. Great food, value and service..loved their BBQ sauces.
(4)William B.
Great ambiance and food. The cornbread is good and the feast for one it was very good. Wife had the catfish which she didn't care for but the waiter quickly replaced it with the pulled pork.
(4)Bryan H.
The quantity was perfect. The sauce choices are good. The meat is pretty good. Nothing to write home about, but if I want BBQ in that area I will stop by again.
(3)Mario E.
I mean. It was all good! The tips, the chicken...you cant go wrong. The servers were friendly and it wasn't crowded. Im definitely coming back.
(5)Tama A.
After a long day at the client site and in town from Miami I decided to be bad and come here for dinner alone. It's yucky and rainy and I'm from Miami so this weather made me hungry; food gives me a hug haha. I decided to sit at the bar and the bartender/server was Andy who was very nice and provided excellent service to everyone equally. I was over hearing his convos with other guests. So welcoming, warm, and friendly. I proceeded to order the beef brisket with Mac & Cheese and greens. Can we say heaven in my mouth?!? The beef brisket was to die for. Andy suggested try adding Texas Pete's Pepper Sauce to the greens and whew! What a great kick that gave it. I then had the bread pudding being greedy which I could not finish but it was also AMAZING !! I have zero complaints... Well, maybe only about the weather but not this place! Thanks to Andy!
(5)Sarah B.
A couple of weeks ago, I was having a hankerin' for some ribs, and hubby and I headed to Famous Dave's. I can't think of the last time we had such an inclination, been years. We have visited this location before, and randomly over the years also visited locations in Knoxville and elsewhere. Way back when, I remember thinking Famous Dave's was the bomb of BBQ and ribs... like ultra delicious awesome. And our dinner the other night was fine, don't get me wrong, but the ultra delicious awesomeness just wasn't there. In their favor, the wait was not long at all, which for Cool Springs is great. The service was OK, but not especially speedy nor especially attentive. Our entrees were good, but again that put-their-name-in-lights factor wasn't coming across for me. The food wasn't especially warm, which is OK for some things - but makes me think either our server was too overbooked or didn't care. My baked sweet potato wouldn't melt the butter because of temperature, that should tell you something. Good cornbread, that almost got their name in lights once again, but now that I have Jim & Nick's baby cheesy cornbread like muffins just down the road - my allegiances have changed a bit. Will I give them a second chance? Sure, at some point. But it will probably be a while.
(3)Jessica C.
After a long day of shopping at the nearby mall all we wanted was a great meal for dinner. Famous Dave's was very close by so we stopped in there even though we had never heard of it. Well it was a great choice! We were a party of 6 so we ordered the feast. The feast is a loaded meal for 4-6 (more like 6) with ribs, brisket, chicken, fries, corn, beans, cole slaw, and corn muffins all for only $60. All 6 of us are till we were full and still had a bit left. Great food great customer service!
(4)Oz T.
The food here is very nice Price is rather good, I tried it on a monday night so it was pretty empty . Service was so slow I have no idea what the waitress was doing but it was not serving tables.. the BBQ sauces are rather nice.. place would be great if you did not have to look at a menu for 15 min when you're hungry and the staff never did bring my last drink..
(3)Pete D.
I wavered between 2 and 3 stars here, this is like a 2.3 stars review. Service was entry level with some big time gaps between check ins, food was fine but not nearly as good as the one I used to frequent in Chicago. It's not horrible but I was not blown away either. I will not make a special trip to come back. Near the Cool Springs mall.
(3)