This is only the second restaurant in the county that I have seen has a dedicated hand washing sink in the dining area! As a public health professional I appreciate the importance given to promoting good hand washing. My go-to is the St Louis Style half slab and never disappoints. Side of mac & cheese is amazing. They have discontinued the grilled pineapple which is sad though. The server was very friendly and attentive. Great location!
(5)
Neil M.
Good food, bad service. I had the two meat (brisket and pork) combo meal. The BBQ was very good. Nicely smoked and lightly sauced, each meat was tender and delicious. The Weber Bean were good, sweet and smoky, with chunks of real bbq meat. The cornbread was of the box variety and adequate. While the good was good, the service was not. The host was confused upon seating me. The waiter took 10 minutes to greet and take my order. The waiter seemed overwhelmed and uncaring through the whole meal even forgetting to provide silverware. No one came to check on me and their was no "thank you" when I left. Go for the good food, but don't expect great service.
(3)
Mariah S.
Excellent service from both the host and food server and Excellent well prepared food. Ordered the kids burger meal, 3 meat combo with two sides, and side of loaded baked potato. The sides were steamed broccoli and baked beans - both perfectly seasoned. The wedge cut fries that came with the burger had slight crispy coating and were fantastic. Unfortunately Not all FD fries are this prepared this way but should be! Bill came out to be less than $30. No complaints at all. Loved all the sauce choices. The women's' restroom were clean and tidy. The server was friendly and smiled and made us feel welcomed. Highly recommend for a satisfying meal and great service. Plenty of parking and lots of seating.
(5)
Tracy K.
MMMMmmm wow this place is great. Haven't had BBQ in a while and I'm really not much of a fan, but everytime I eat here, I'm thoroughly satisfied. My family and I came and ordered the platter that serves 4-5 people You can choose to get a 3rd meat of brisket, pork, or another one that I don't remember. We got the brisket. The food came out quickly, the workers were nice, and the flavors were definitely so much better than BBQ that I've eaten at other places. Really liked how they have so many different types of sauces with different flavors that you can mix together, leaving endless possibilities of the flavors that you can get. Would probably say that my top two favorite things were the fries (omg I couldn't stop eating these) and the chicken. It was my moms birthday that weekend as well, and they gave her a free Sundae which was nice.
(5)
Greg W.
This place is terrible!!! Extremely SLOW service! We arrived at 6:30pm & had to wait 20 minutes for a seat. There were 5 open tables available. Not sure what we were waiting for. Once we sat down & ordered, we had to wait another 20 minutes for our food. The place wasn't busy at all. The BBQ should be fresh & ready to go at al times. Texas Brisket Sandwich was awful!!!!!! Tiny little sandwich with almost no meat in it. South West chop chicken salad - tasteless! Roster chicken platter- plan boring chicken. Mashed potatoes were the best dish! They have 5 BBQ sauces & they are all really really bad! I'll never go to this place again. This place is an absolute joke. These clowns need to head out to Austin & learn how to BBQ. Waste of money.
(2)
Rachel A.
I love their boneless wings. Except today they tried to tell me they didn't have enough wings. They gave me my money back but I still got one order of wings, they were traditional when I had originally ordered boneless. Very frustrating I'm disappointed.
(4)
Andrew D.
Famous Dave's is a dying chain and this location definitely reflects their downfall. We started off well, with fairly quick service including ordering and drink delivery. Drinks were refilled throughout and staff was friendly, but those were the only positive takeaways. It took well over 30 minutes for food to be delivered (I honestly lost track of time...it was that long), and was only brought out after we asked the server where it was. No apologies were delivered for the delay. This is BBQ, if it takes longer than about 10 minutes to deliver, they are definitely doing something wrong since BBQ is precooked. I would have walked out before the food was delivered if I had been paying, but I had a gift card so I wanted to use it. The portions were fairly small for the price paid. The bill was $40 (w/o tip) for two entrees and two iced teas, terribly overpriced, especially for the portion size. Then when the check came, they could not get it correct, twice. I finally just left my gift card (which more than paid the check and tip) and walked out. There are some decent alternatives in the area for family sit-down dinning including Red Robin next door. For BBQ, try Willards just up the road, or even eat at a Dickey's.
(2)
Hilary B.
I was on a trip for business and looking for somewhere for dinner with colleagues. This was a great pick with great food and service. I got the Sweet Mama's Punch (a little sweeter than I normally like, it tasted like fruit punch), the Georgia Chopped Pork with cornbread muffin, collard greens and fries. My two colleagues shared the Feast for Two. We didn't have room for dessert, all the meals were large and delicious.
(4)
Angelic P.
This is the worst Famous Daves I've ever had. We did To Go and 1st they lost our ticket so we had to wait after we called in order then got back to hotel NO Bar B-Q sauce on meat or in bag. Rib Tips burnt and dried out not edible. Only thing good was the cornbread. This was a waste of money.
(1)
David M.
The food here is off and on. Sometimes I've had a decent meal here. The last time though was really bad. The guy who went to dinner with me gotta fly in his water. He sent it back about 15 minutes later I asked for water and there's a fly in that. of course I had to send that back. I'm not sure if there's something going on there or not. My barbecue was overdone and dry. everyone at the table was not happy with their meal. And we're talking about a table of about 15 people. the waitress did not do a bad job she tried the best she could at least from everything I could see. But the food has to improve for me to even consider going back there.
(2)
Terri J.
I stayed at a nearby hotel and just wanted to grab a quick hot meal and relax in my room. I had a nice glass of wine while I waited at the bar. The bartender was a very friendly lady who was attentive to all sitting there. They didn't seem to have a full bar and not a great beer selection but none of that affected my own meal. The food came out quickly and it did not disappoint. It was really good. I would definitely return.
(4)
AJ F.
Had a great meal at Dave's. Waiter recommended roasted chicken and it was moist and tender. Good service. Would return if we are in the area.
(5)
Chris C.
Here's the thing about Famous Dave's -- the food isn't as good as a lot of top notch BBQ locations, but it's still worth checking out and the prices are right. I love their Devil's Spit sauce (it's nice that they have two spicy choices here), and the service at this location has always been great.
(4)
Gurpal K.
Was surprised when I tried their food and it was good. From the outside, it just looks like one of the other 'eh' restaurants that may have generic american food but it was surprisingly different. I was pretty impressed with their BBQ sauces esp coming from Kansas city, which has the best bqq ever! Ordered their homemade chips and tried all of the sauces with it, it was simply delicious. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Patrick B.
I'm usually a huge fan of Famous Daves. This particular location comes up a bit short. The staff always seem friendly, and the restaurant is never full which is nice. My problem is the food. We used to go to the Dave's in Oakton and the food was spectacular. Even for a chain restaurant. The wings, ribs, pulled pork - literally everything was knock out over there - in Oakton. Then Chantilly opened and the food was pretty good at first, but has been in a slow decline it seems. Occasionally we get a good meal, but they aren't consistent at all for some reason. Thankfully, the good meals seem to outnumber the bad, but it's still a toss up. For example, on more than one occasion, I had to literally cut the ribs with a knife. I have never had this problem at the Oakton location. The meat literally falls off the bone, which, is the way it should be! Seems like a quality control issue in the kitchen, but thankfully we have had some good experiences to outweigh the bad and keep us from having to go wait in line at Oakton.
(3)
Timothy R.
FIVE STARS. Perfect. Let me break it down. We went at lunch time on a Sunday during a bunch of football games. We were seated immediately and greeted by Kaitlyn. She was very nice, and checked on us three or four times during our maybe 30 minute meal, so service was great. Helped out with some questions my wife had then took our order. Food came fast. It felt like within five minutes. But we ordered the standard chopped pork so that isn't a big surprise. Overall? It was delicious. My pork was a little red, but it was still good. The atmosphere was great.
(5)
Tisha B.
Solid four stars. I am reserving a star because I didn't actually try any barbecue LOL. I was with my girls so one of the besties decided that we should have dessert before dinner LOL the banana pudding was surprisingly very well made. Our server was awesome and just happened to walk up right when we were having very inappropriate conversations!! He just laughed right along with us. I picked a cocktail that was entirely too sweet for me even when I'm being super girly. He happily helped me make a better selection and exchanged the two drinks without a problem. Needless to say everyone in our party had a great time. The food came out perfectly and we had a ton of leftovers for the next day. We've decided to add this place to our rotation for girls night!
(4)
Victoria L.
My favorite Famous Daves location. The employees are super nice and helpful. My favorite waitress was an older lady name Connie. The cutest old lady ever and she moved around like she was 16 years old. But service is really amazing, I'm surprised how well put together it is here. I usually order the 2 meat combo with ribs and bbq chicken which never disappoints. The mac and cheese with jalapenos is addicting!!! The best side there is, its cheesy with just a hint of jalapenos so it's not too spicy. The food comes out quickly and consistent each time. I literally use the whole bottle of sweet and zesty when I come here and dip anything I can in there. I can drink this stuff!!! My other favorite item on the menu are the nachos with bbq chicken n baked beans. Heaven!!!! A burst of all things bbq goodness is layered on top of tri-colored chips. One of the best bbq in the area thats affordable with good quality. When you have a bbq craving this is a great location to go to.
(5)
Ashley W.
I typically love Famous Dave's but this one in Chantilly, was a big dissapointment. We had my rehearsal dinner at the hotel we were staying at the night before the wedding. We ordered their catering service. Was not impressed with the pork and my fiance found a PENNY in his pork. Completely unacceptable and dangerous. We told them about it and they gave us some gift cards. I would not go here.
(1)
Jasen H.
This Famous Dave's has slow service at best. Friday nights are dead and it has been over 30 minutes to get our food. I swore the last time I was here and had to get up and go to the bar to refill my water was the last time I'd come here... I chose to give them another chance and at least they were consistent. Bad again.
(1)
Donald F.
I am a huge fan of this Famous Dave's. My wife and I use to frequent this establishment often, when we first moved out to the NOVA area, and before I became a Yelper. I mean this was our go to for BBQ, simply because we didn't know the area well and didn't know of any other BBQ spots. I will say that, if I was a member of Yelp back when my wife and I use to frequent this estasblishment more often then I would have probably given this place a 3 or 3.5 star rating, simply because they lacked in consistency in terms of service and their quality of food. The good news is that our more recent trips have been pretty darn consistent with service and quality of food. Our go to items are the Southside Rib Tips, Feast For Two, Two Meat BBQ Combo, and finally when I'm feeling a bit guilty for being at Famous Dave's I'll go with the Dave's Sassy BBQ Salad (with pork) to ease my guilt a bit....LOL. We normally switch it up when picking the sides so we don't really have any side go to items. Also I want to state that I'm absolutely a fan of their corn bread muffins, which is why I always order an additional one with any of the menu items I listed. Not sure what they put in those little things but I enjoy them every time. In conclusion, I think this Famous Dave's is pretty good and should get a visit from anyone looking for BBQ in the area. I'm pretty sure you'll be at least 3 stars satisfied when you leave.
(4)
Mike R.
Was walking out of Dulles Airport and had received an email for a sandwich, dude, drink for $7. I was tired and thought this was a good deal. FD would be about 10 min. So I tried to order online, but it was useless. So I tried to call. The phone rang and rang and finally the answer machine snagged it. After listening to junk, and many minutes later, a lady came on. Now I'm 1/2 there already. I started to give her my order and she rudely puts me in hold! By the time a gentleman came on (and he later said he was a manager), I had driven by the exit to go there. I decided that I didn't need to spend my hard earned money on a place that is generally overpriced and wasted my time trying to place a simple order. The thing is, I was considering bringing 2 sisters and a little boy there this weekend. But not going to happen now.
(1)
Stacie B.
Updating my review based on another experience. Service was much better than our previous time here. Food was good, but I'm just not the biggest fan of this place. For some reason it tastes 'chain-ish', not authentic or made-from-scratch. Good selection of BBQ sauces, I will give them that and the sweet tea is good. Decent BBQ, but I've had better. Glad our service was better than the last time around though.
(2)
Jason W.
Great to-go for the hotel and a movie. Nothing like eating ribs in private where you can be as messy as you want!
(4)
Wonnie T.
This place is definitely not a Make To Order. Pricey but shitty food. I ordered a full-slap rib and I thought they were rocks. I'd rather eat ribs at Chinese Buffet.
(1)
Heather G.
I realize that I only ever come to Famous Dave's when I am craving a cookout. This visit was no exception. Since I wasn't invited to a Memorial Day BBQ, my friends and I went to FD for a cookout experience. Two things warranted my first review of this place: BBQ chicken and Banana Pudding. Geesus!! The BBQ chicken is really the best that I have tasted in a long time. I am sure it's not better than my mama's but since I haven't had my mama's BBQ chicken in a long time, I won't make that comparison, just yet. Everything about that chicken was just right. The meat was juicy, yet flavorful and the sauce was just perfect. Not too sweet, not too tangy. Perfect. I ordered a slab of ribs but after one bite I put it down because I didn't want it to take the taste of the BBQ chicken out my mouth. Seriously. I ended up giving my ribs to another friend. Next time I visit here, I will order two BBQ chicken pieces. But wait, there's more. Famous Dave now offers Banana Pudding on their dessert menu. As a southern girl, I appreciate this dessert for all that it is worth. And extra points to FD for having it taste almost as good as mine. I offered my dessert to my friends at the table but I didn't rave about how good it was because I REALLY didn't want to share with them. Does that make me a bad person?
(4)
Charity W.
My husband and I have spent a fair share of money here and today was probably the first time that we were truly disappointed. I ordered takeout online which my husband picked up on his one and a half hour trip home from DC. We got the feast for two with special instructions to substitute the apples for baked beans. I also ordered two sides for my son- mashed potatoes and the mac and cheese, again with a special instruction to make without jalapenos if they could. I'm in the restaurant industry so I know that might not be possible as they batch cook most of it. My disappointment comes from not so much getting the wrong order. There were no apples nor was there coleslaw (which the order comes with and is my favorite) but there were TWO orders of baked beans and jalapenos in the mac and cheese (again, not really that upset with that). So I called the store and spoke with a nice girl that apologized and said she would get a manager. I just wanted them to credit my husband for the baked bean order as our check was $48 plus tip. The manager is what truly disappointed me. Instead of letting me completely telling him what was wrong with the order, as soon as I mentioned apples, he interrupted me and said "we don't have apples anymore". I said, well if someone has special instructions, wouldn't you give them a courtesy call to say that you don't have that item and see if they want something else? I even put in the special instructions that the mac and cheese was for my son, the reason for asking no jalapenos. All I wanted was a credit. Didn't ask to speak to a manager and wish I hadn't because he was extremely defensive. He did offer for me to come back in to pick up the coleslaw but never apologized, offered a coupon for future order. Just told me to check my bank statement to make sure the credit went through because sometimes it doesn't. A good establishment and a good manager would offer a credit/coupon for a next order to 1) make sure that customer comes back and 2) because you are probably going to make more money that way. Sad to say, we won't be back.
(2)
Joann B.
This is my second time dining here and this visit was a lot more memorable. The onion strings/rings, corn bread, burnt ends, bbq chicken and brisket were very good. I'm not a BBQ connoisseur and can only compare to the Salt Lick in Austin, TX - but Famous Dave's does a pretty good job for a chain. Everything we had was well made and didn't necessarily need to drench the brisket in sauce - although I'm the type of person that does....I really liked the Texas Pit sauce. There were 5 other sauces to try, but I wanted to stick to what I like. The onion strings aren't too greasy and are nice and crispy. The corn bread came hot and they were soft and sweet. The only thing that could have made these corn muffins outstanding would be honey butter! The bbq chicken was made perfectly and were tender/juicy. Everything was tasty and worth another trip here if I happened to be craving bbq. Again, we left no room for dessert, we'll try them one of these days. The service was decent, but my husband had to remind our server that he had ordered an iced tea. No big deal. We'll see Famous Dave's again. :)
(4)
Herb I.
We are used to good Texas BBQ, and were so surprised to find it this good this far north. What a great meal! The bread pudding was awesome as well!
(5)
Clarence J.
This is fine. The barbecue well-flavored -- Famous Dave's uses an excellent dry rub that doesn't generally need barbecue sauce, but they have some nice sauces available as well. I'm not typically a ribs person, and admittedly don't eat them often, but the ribs here were some of the best I can remember having -- moist and full of flavor and without too much fat. (I really dislike the texture of too much fat . . . like in the rib tips here, which was the one thing I really didn't enjoy during my visit.) The sides were relatively straightforward and alright. The "Hell-Fire Pickles," which are not an actual side dish but are served with a few things, had excellent flavor even if they didn't have the heat I at first expected based on the name; I will definitely ask for extra if I return. A relatively large and bright place, it feels somewhat cold and commercial, as could be expected from a chain. (Some Famous Dave's have a little more character to me. This one just seemed relatively cookie-cutter.) The friendly, enthusiastic staff bring warmth though.
(3)
Scott W.
Horrid service -- avoid this location. Staff looks bored and disinterested. Place seems deserted half the time, most likely in favor of the next door Red Robin. Had a number of really poor To Go experiences there, waiting well past the estimated time for the food to be ready. Enough. Lesson learned. This place is out.
(2)
Mare P.
Friendly and attentive server. He put on the fire place for us which was nice. My husband ordered the brisket & I had the rib and pork combo. We both loved the corn bread muffin. I had the green beans and mac and cheese. I didn't like the green beans and switched to the baked beans which were fine. The brisket had a nice flavor. My pork was just okay and I liked the ribs. It was a nice meal but nothing really stood out as exceptional except for the corn bread muffin.
(3)
Sean P.
Famously Average? Famous Dave's isn't bad food, but it's not good enough to be "famous". It's like one of those restaurants that prides itself in having "world famous" food, but nobody outside of the state (let alone the country) has heard of it. Don't get me wrong, the food has decent enough flavor, and there's definitely plenty of it, but nothing about it really goes above and beyond or stands out. The rubs and sauces that Famous Dave's uses are somewhat flavorful, ranging from sweet and tangy to spicy Southern style. Ribs and BBQ are the standard fare here, but everything overly coated and saturated by the sauces, engulfing the natural flavors of the meat. I'm normally a big fan of catfish, but Dave's fish underwhelmed. The breading was lacking and the fish was mostly bland (not to mention their tartar sauce left quite a bit be desired). I will say their brisket is done well enough, moist and satisfying. But when it comes to ribs, the sauces seem a bit overpowering. I want to taste the meat with the sauce complimenting the flavor. Here, the ribs feel more like a vehicle for the sauce, and sauce overpowers the natural tastes. The wait staff there are friendly and fairly prompt, attentive and willing to lend a hand. They've always been outgoing and courteous, so no complaints there. The decor itself leaves a lot to be desired. I get that chain restaurants are generally kind of cheesy -- you almost come to expect it. Yet, somehow despite that, Dave's interior feels mass produced and artificial. It's not easy to explain, but it doesn't feel genuine. It's stale, boring and really trying all too hard to be "South'n".
(3)
Bill N.
Three hungry guys stopped in for supper. We started with the Dave's sampler, (that was gone in minutes). Then on to the main course, I got the feast for one. It was more like a feast for two, the food was all very good. The service sucked, only a few tables full and the watier seemed not to really care. I will stop again because of how good the food was.
(4)
Stacy K.
My husband wanted Famous Dave's for his birthday meal. I ordered to go and was told a time to pick it up. The food was not ready on time. After another 15 minutes it was ready. Got home and the food wasn't even hot so I am not sure why they needed extra time? I ordered the chicken tenders which were hard as a rock. This is not a restaurant that we typically visit. This is the second time eating their food and it will be the last. Definitely could find better.
(2)
Taylor S.
I really love famous Dave's. now I'm a huge fan of BBQ and have been too many BBQ restaurants here in va and this place is still my favorite. Their beef brisket is never dry and I don't have to drown it in BBQ sauce unlike some places, there chicken is amazing I don't wanna eat any other chicken besides theirs cause its so good! I get the man handler sandwich it's amazing and it helps feed my inner Ron Swanson. And plus if you aren't into feeling like you need a nap after you eat they have the sassy BBQ salad that is really good too plus you get a corn bread on the side. The staff is always really nice and check back regularly to see if you are okay. So overall this is my favorite BBQ place.
(5)
Max F.
Used the "to go" service. On time, food was as expected for chain BBQ. No complaints. Fast! You will enjoy it, especially if you like TX style. The BBQ sauce was very much like "Salt Lick" (Austin TX), sweet and a bit tangy.
(4)
Terry K.
I'm so sorry vegetarians. I'm so sorry for the missed opportunities you have in not choosing to eat meat. I respect your views and some of you may see me as a vicious animal killer, but hey, more meat for me. :) I love Famous Dave's. I've been to this one and the one in Fairfax near Jermantown Rd and the one in Woodbridge. All of them have been nothing but pure beef beefy goodness. Wife and I usually order the Feast for two - mainly because it has a good variety of meat plus sides. Plus, because there's so much food we have enough to take home and then eat it again the next day! I think many people can be turned off by the standalone flavor of the meat because it may be too salty for some, but I love it. I usually use a mix of the Devil's spit and the sweet and tangy sauce. The next time I go back, I want to try out those burnt tip things that they were advertising. Looks good. Seriously, if you want meat, this is the place to go. In terms of chain BBQ places, Famous Dave's can't be beat. The poor cows. Won't someone please think of the calves? And then raise up to be nice and juicy so I can eat them later?
(5)
Long N.
Foods OK. Just like any other Famous Dave's. Always get the lunch combo deal with 2 items plus a side.
(3)
Dwayne M.
Can't go wrong with any order. They need to expand on their draft selection as well as offer military discount.
(5)
Chieu L.
I don't know where to start but I have to say that their service BLEW ME AWAY! If I could give them a million stars I would oh and their BBQ too! Coming from the south their BBQ wasn't half bad! It was pretty awesome and totally quenched my thirst for BBQ and their I love their variety of sauces! It's great! We came her with another couple and it was our first time. They found out and gave us an awesome "free appetizer" coupon for our next visit AND I fell in love with their pickles and they said because you loved it so much here's a WHOLE jar for you! I woulda' taken a picture but I ate it so fast forgot to!! They also got us to sign up on their email list and sign up for our birthday treats! You literally can get almost anything on their menu and not go wrong with it! Just make sure to try all their sauces! I liked the sweet and savory!
(5)
Wai T.
You can order Fried Pickles here. Yes it's true. It's not on the menu but it is available. The burger was pretty good, it was juicy and fresh. I wished there were more veges but it's a meating place so you can't expect too much. We really enjoyed the St Louis style ribs and chicken wings. They are both done right.
(4)
Greg M.
Famous Dave's is a regular and welcome member of the rotation. The staff are always fantastic. The manager is friendly and checks in on us every time. The environment is friendly to all types - except those perhaps too unwilling to suspend a little bit of Midwest schmaltzienss. Since moving to the east coast, I've met an incredible number of people with a very refined and well-honed opinion of what is and is not proper BBQ. Even spelling BBQ is a sore point. To all those people, I give thanks for teaching me the many wonderful dishes I know and love today. Whereas they wouldn't be caught dead at a national chain like Famous Dave's, I'm okay with it - I think it's perfectly decent BBQ. On to the substance, negatives first: Negative point: They do not offer beef ribs (not many places here do actually) but we'd love to see that. Negative point: Their old-recipe Rip Tips is way better than their new ones. The new ones are too well manufactured - the old ones had much better (varied) taste. Negative point: Their beef brisken is unpredictable - had several times with significant fat/gristle - make sure you tell them you expect a lean cut if you really do. Negative point: The sausage tastes fantastic, but at least three times has come out cool in the center - make sure you ask them to (re)heat it through and through. The many positives: Their BBQ chicken is awesome, the best I've had except at a friends wedding reception in SoCal - they were the best. The chopped pork is wonderful, juicy and flavorful. The ribs are awesome - order the basic St. Louis style and add sauces as you see fit. The range of sauces is great, you have many to choose from including what I grew up thinking was normal to more exotic sauces. The service is great! The sides are varied and all mostly good. As are the desserts. If you're a BBQ judge like several friends are, I'm sure you won't come here, but for those with a more pedestrian BBQ palette, this place is great.
(4)
Julie N.
Just wanted to let you know that I've been working virtually with Crystal for a few months now, placing catering orders for Boeing. I work in California so you'd think that might be slightly difficult, however... Crystal has been more than accommodating. Her efficient work habits, skills and virtual personality has been FAR above and beyond anything that I would have expected. It has been my pleasure working with Crystal and even though I never get to sample the food, I've also heard nothing but raving reviews from my travelers. Keep doing what you are doing at Famous Dave's and thank you in advance for continued great food & service! If you ever need an event catered, please do not hesitate to contact Crystal, she will plan or suggest a menu that will fit your catering needs.
(5)
Tom T.
After looking at he menu, the real value was the sampler dinner for two. The meat on the ribs in our sampler was mediocre and thin on several of the 6 ribs on this sampler (bummer). They were generous on the fries, starches and carbs but where were the "ribs"? Would I go there again? Yes. The service was good and attentive yet not over bearing. So next visit, I will ask for big meaty ribs as I was not impressed last time. they've GOT to get it right sometime whey you simply ask for it! Till then...
(3)
Jada G.
I love, I love, I love this place. I have enjoyed (thoroughly) everything I've eaten here. The food and atmosphere, for that matter, doesn't feel like that of a chain restaurant. The manager, on all of my visits, has come by the tables asking if everything was good. Do you know what has really stolen my heart? That damned bread pudding. Oh my! All of my servers have been kind too!
(4)
John D.
The one star is for the staff who really tries hard, and for the collard greens which were very good. The rest of the food is pretty bad, especially the brisket which unlike places like Willard's in Chantilly or Bad to the Bone further down 29 is served as a gristly, fat laden slab of meet. The pork BBQ was largely fat as well. We'll try the others in the area before coming back here.
(1)
wu s.
This is a sit down BBQ joint. I had the brisket and ribs with double slaw. It came with corn bread. It was filling, but when I have BBQ, I like the meat piled high with good sauce. I was surprised by how small amount of meat was on the plate. Lots of choices for sauce at the table, but only a couple were good. I don't plan on going back. It was a little pricey too for what you get. I'll be trying some of the other BBQ places first or just pass on BBQ.
(2)
Ryan L.
For what it is, this is definitely worth it. Great meats and sides. The coleslaw was awesome and the Mac and cheese was the first thing finished by the adults. We will frequent here frequently.
(5)
A J.
Although the waiters are nice-this food is disgusting. The ribs were tough and not worth the price. I went there years before and thought the same thing. Save your money and make ribs yourself.
(1)
Sam Y.
Awesome BBQ! We ordered the Famous Feast for two. I recommend that you only get this if you have 3-4 people. There were only two of us and we had so much food leftover. I love their garlic mashed potatoes (they leave the skin on) and firecracker green beans (it has little pieces of ham in it). The meat is always very tender and has so much flavor. They also have a bunch of different hot sauces/BBQ sauces on the table that you can add. The Devil's Spit is my favorite! And the corn muffins are so yummy! Everything on the menu is good :) The atmosphere is quaint and the service was great! The manager came over ot our table a couple of times and asked how we were doing. I love personal attention when coming to restaurants.
(4)
Lenny G.
We stopped in for dinner while vacationing in DC. This was our first time Famous Dave's. We got the sampler platter and the smoked brisket meal with sweet corn and fries. Food arrived quick and hot. Famous Dave's sauce is a little sweet but over all very good. They have plenty more sauce options. The brisket was awesome, tender, juicy and had great smoked flavor. The sampler let us try the rib tips which were very good along with the catfish, boneless wings, onion rings, and chicken tenders. These two menu items fed both my wife and I and our two kids, ages 11 and 4.
(4)
Dave M.
Good Sauce We had been ordering the sauce. The Devil's Spit and the Sweet & Zesty are our favorites. One day a co-worker forwarded an email saying that anyone named "Dave" eats for free on a particular day so we couldn't say "no". It's a nice, sit-down restaurant that serves ribs and chicken and stuff you'd associate with BBQ. The service was out of this world. We had one of the best waitresses we'd ever had. But the food was so-so. I just wasn't impressed. Did I cry? No. Did I throw it away? No. But it didn't blow me away. What does blow me away is the sauce. You can buy bottled sauce that you can use at home, and this is what I do. So if you have a grill on your deck, just cook it up yourself however yo like it, and then use Famous Dave's Sauce.
(3)
Amy L.
I had St Louis pork ribs (the bigger, meatier kind) and they were delish. The sauce was just the right balance of sweet & spicy for me. The beans are amazing despite having a surprising kick. The corn bread - the sweet kind - is fabulous. Mthe house made chips are good, but I'll definitely ask for minimal seasoning next time. The decor is supposed to be like a picnic or BBQ at a park. One of the "Signals" is that they have a roll of paper towels on the table instead of providing extra napkins. I'm usually OK with this, but these were amazingly hard to tear (pieces from the roll). Very kid friendly: noisy, kids' meals (around $6) come with side, dink & oreo cookies
(4)
Shelby D.
The last two times I've been in the area we have come here for dinner. Food has always been good and service is fair as well. Next time I'm here I will definitely come again!
(4)
Jen C.
I agree with Peter being a 3.5 rating; it's a nice stop-in for BBQ without having to go so far to DC or Frederick. I would say this is comparable to a TGI-chain version of some great BBQ houses. When you're on the go and just need a quick fix in a nice ambiance, Famous Dave's would be for you. But if you're a BBQ/pulled meat aficionado, stick with those hole in the wall BBQ houses that are known for what they do. I had the pulled pork combo, with a side of mashed potatoes and corn (standard). It also comes with a slice of toasted garlic bread, which was really tasty. The pulled pork was too dry for my liking, but flavors were all there in combination with the sides. There are plenty of sauces to choose from at the table. Service was great and fast. Our waitress checked up on our meal twice :)
(3)
Kelly K.
Wow, this place is a zoo at lunchtime. The service is pretty good here but the staff is strained by having too many people at lunchtime. The food is so so. I recommend the ribs over the chopped pork which was inferior to many other places I have been. The ribs were tasty but greasy. The sides are small and just okay. This place is really like a fast food restaurant. Food comes out super fast and tastes like they just heat it up. The corn bread is good but that is because it is sweet with sugar. In fact, I think there is probably a lot of sugar or other sweetener in much of their food. I like their pecan pie. A generous piece served with a very generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you stick with the lunch menu prices are decent. Recommend going early to avoid crowds. Giving them three stars because some items are tasty and the servers seem to work hard here. They need to hire more staff for lunch service!
(3)
Jeff S.
Never disappoint. My Son LOVES this place!
(5)
Hazel G.
Went for lunch one day, as a coworker suggested I give them a try. This place is fantastic! The service was fast, and friendly, even my kids who can be as finicky as cats, fell in love with this place. I had the burnt ends sandwich, with coleslaw and it was absolutely perfectly cooked. Yes, I will be back, but next time I am trying the one in Gainesvile and taking my husband. If I could fault the place for one thing, that would be the size of the lunch time platters which are HUGE!
(5)
R. W.
For NOVA this is a good place to get BBQ. The Ribs, the chicken, and the brisket have all been good. The place is busy - and the service average - but the food is worth it. I just talked the wife in to picking some up on her way home. Score one for online ordering.
(5)
Tsai H.
Visit Famous Dave's last night. Love their Lunch & Early Bird Specials. Served daily till 5:30 p.m. Service last night was not so great, but the food is amazing (I would give a five star if the service was good yesterday). Ordered 2 meats lunch special Platter. Buffalo chicken wings were good, but did not come with any sauce and only one tiny piece of carrot and a strip of celery. The Rib tips were delicious and not too much bone this time. Potato salad tasted really good, but I think they shrunk the portion. Dave's Famous Bread Pudding was amazing. A must try. Would definitely go back again. Great place for family.
(4)
Jack F.
After popping a few rounds at Blue Ridge Arsenal (see yelp.com/biz/blue-ridge-… ), I can think of now better way of being Texan than eating a huge plate of BBQ ribs. There aren't many BBQ options around the DMV area; but compared against other franchises like Rockland's or Red, Hot, and Blue, Famous Dave's is easily one of the better BBQ joints. And, they offer a pretty good deal too. For $34.99, you can get a half slab of St. Louis-style spareribs, half a roasted chicken, and 1/4 lb. of Texas beef brisket in addition to hearty sides of coleslaw, Famous Fries, Wilbur Beans, corn-on-the-cob, and corn bread muffins. This "Feast for Two" easily feeds three (two persons if you're less inclined to share). The ribs are tender and juicy but the briskets tend to be on the dry side. At least there's Famous Dave's BBQ sauces. My favorite sauces are the spicy hot "Devil's Spit" and the smokey, tangy "Texas Pit" recipes. Famous Dave's is hardly a contender in the world of BBQ but it'll do when there's nowhere else to go. [Original Visit: April 25, 2009]
(4)
Patrick M.
Went there for my Birthday.....Big mistake the server was great but the food was the worst BBQ I have ever had. I orderd the brisket and the tray looked good when served, first bite and the first thought was wet bread with nothing but fat. I took a second bite and then took a good look at the brisket......it was sliced wrong IE with the grain and also it had hardly any taste smoke or spice???? I have been smoking and grilling meats for 42 years and I do know a thing or two about good Brisket, I was offered a free meal after I called to complain Iturned it down
(1)
Violet A.
I dig their sweet/spicy pickles. I usually order a bacon cheeseburger that hass BBQ on it. I've had the potato salad, cole slaw, fries. I do not like their fries, too bland and doughy. The staff was fine and kept my iced tea a-comin'.
(3)
richard g.
Went for lunch and ordered the pulled chicken sandwich with a side of broccoli and an unsweet tea. I was with a fairly large party but overall the service wasn't too bad. The value though was not good, especially when compared to other BBQ places. For $15 I had 1 glass of Iced tea (waiter never checked back after the first and only glass), a half bowl (about 5 or 6 florets) of broccoli, and a pulled chicken sandwich that with the top of the bun on you couldn't see the chicken. The food itself was good, the broccoli was cooked very well but the sandwich tasted more like bun than pulled chicken. I wasn't looking for a huge portion and I know this is the DC area, but still, you should be able to have a sandwich with more meat than bun and more than 1 glass of simple Iced Tea for $15.
(2)
Tara A.
I loved it!!! I have never been to a famous daves but glad I did. I got the Louisiana ribs and beef brisket. The meat was so tender and ALL of the sauce are fantastic. I got coleslaw and fries with it. The coleslaw very tasty and the fries were good too. There is nothing I can complain about. The server was very friendly and helpful and the host was nice as well. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I have not gone to too many BBQ restaurants so I don't know what else is out there. But I can't wait to come back here!!
(4)
Lucky D.
Stopped in for a late lunch. The host was friendly and seated us in the cocktail area. It took a while for the bartender to come over, but it wasn't a problem. Had to glance at the menu to make a decision anyway. I chose the 2-meat lunch combo. A good amount of food, even plenty for a dinner portion. The brisket was awesome. Very moist and tender. The spicy sausage had a nice casing around it, giving it that familiar yet uncommon snap when you bite it. Great flavor, a little spicy...delicious. The sides were OK. The green beans have potential but could use some work. The apples are of standard, prepacked consistency, but have Amaretto added. I actually like them, and normally those apples are not my cup of tea. The corn bread was similar to Boston Market's. The meats were the true highlight however. The service was friendly, with some lag time but we were not in a hurry. Some of the menu items can get a bit expensive, but there is lots of variety for the frugal.
(4)
Noel V.
My favorite restaurant of all time!!! Quick seating, fast service, delicious food, what more could you ask for? Their brisket is the best!!!
(5)
C H.
The staff was beyond friendly and helpful, +1 star for service. Atmosphere was fun, a drawback to cliche southern living, but still fun and interesting. Food was a little disappointing, but ok for a chain BBQ place. Myself and my partner shared a platter of pulled pork and brisket. Both were served over a bread slice, and both were on the fatty side, bummer. A little marbling is fine, but this went beyond what I'd expect. (-1 star) Maybe they don't subscribe to the 'low and slow' method? The brisket has a strong smoke flavor from a decent rub mix. With 6 sauces to choose from, there's one that you're bound to like. Cornbread was passable, nothing special. Sweet tea was better than expected. The biggest draw back was portion of food. This isn't something I normally complain about given I can make a meal out of an appetizer, but myself and my partner felt disappointed on this item: The sides are served in very tiny side-dish bowls, so you get about 1/2 a cup of any side you choose. (Lots of empty space on the plate) Meat portion was ok (4 thin slices of brisket) so that's average for lunch. My single lunch platter with 2 sides included and a sweet tea came to ~$17 with gratuity; I would have expected more food for that $. I've spent half that at a non-chain BBQ places within 10 miles of here and received more than double the portion. I didn't leave hungry, but I felt a little ripped off for the value of the meal. We didn't get dessert, but they looked interesting. Maybe I'll go back just for that next time, but this won't be the first place we go when we have a BBQ craving.
(3)
Amita R.
I usually end up going to the other location in Oakton for lunch, but we end up going to this location for dinner. Been there twice now and the one thing that I can say about this place, is that they are quick. I think from the time we ordered until we got our food, all of 10 minutes had passed (if that!). The food is what you expect of a bar-b-que place, but I enjoy it. Definitely recommend their sweet potato fries when they have them on their menu and their Pulled Chicken Sandwhich. I've heard their ribs are good and my finacee loves their catfish.
(4)
M B.
How could you not love this restaurant? For a chain, it is REALLY good! I've been coming here for years, and each time it's been a great experience. If you order the barbeque platters, you will walk out so stuffed and probably with leftovers. They have great stuff. I'm not really into eating much meat so I usually just get chicken dishes. I've had BBQ chicken, chicken tenders, wings, and their newest item on the menu-- BONELESS WINGS! I was so excited that they had boneless wings because I love them. They're kind of like crispy chicken nuggets with sauce on them. They are to die for. I had a platter with those the other night-- I got half BBQ and half buffalo-- they were absolutely delicious. Seriously, they put BWW to shame. Especially since you get corn, cornbread and two side dishes with it. Another cool thing they have on the menu is the family-sized platters...of just EVERYTHING that they serve to you on what looks like an aluminum trash can lid (I swear it's not dirty). I love this place more than words.
(5)
Nabeel A.
I love meat (Sorry vegans). We decided to try this place out and let me tell you this place smells like meat -- and frankly I was a bit turned off by that. I am not sure why? Maybe because I dont want my dining experience to be taken hostage by strong smells unless its coming from my food as it's being delivered to the table. We ordered some beef briskets and a roasted Chicken and it was fairly good. (I have had better). It didnt have the kick I was looking for. The waitress was nice but was over-worked (she forgot the refills twice). Not sure if I will return based on the smell factor.
(2)
Valencia W.
Went to Famous Dave's because the BF hadn't gone and i wanted to try this location instead of the Woodbridge one. We were seated near the door which I didn't like but I was so hungry that I decided I'd put up with the noisy kids to have a good meal. The restaurant didn't disappoint and our server was very nice and did his job well. Consistently making sure we didn't need anything else along with making sure our drinks were filled. Food was great and the amount was fantastic. I'd recommend going to Famous Dave's in Chantilly as I enjoyed their food.
(4)
Peter K.
4 stars (if I had s choice it would be 3.5 stars) but I upped it to 4 because: --- not many places offer barbecue brisket around here. Famous Dave's is tender and properly seasoned; --- service was speedy- stepped to the restroom after ordering and the food was waiting on my return; ---sandwich platters were just enough for a meal; no need to take home leftovers. Next time I want to try the signature ribs.
(4)
ZumaJay Z.
Not bad... not bad at all. My bro-in-law ordered for take out... it was quick and easy. Oddly, the server there had never eaten there... hmmm... We ordered two salads, BBQ chicken, and a chicken sandwich. I had the sandwich and it was pretty tasty and juicy. My wife had the BBQ chicken and thought it was just average. The salads were good, according to my bro and sis in law. The sides were fantastic. It was overall, a good meal. The pricing was a little bit on the high end for what it was... but alas, we were happy at the end of the meal.
(3)
Angela B.
The food was nothing special...I can do much better BBQ at home and buy much better for cheaper at Red Hot & Blue. The side dishes are ALL CARBS or sugar-loaded, except the green beans, which were an experiment in awful, seasoned only with red pepper flakes and barely heated above frozen. Avoid this place like the plague unless you thrive on ultra-loud, verberating soundboxes full of overindulged, underattended Fairfax County two-year-olds screaming at the tops of their tiny lungs. (We call them FC Over/Unders). The wait staff was indifferent, more interested in flirting with each other than attending the diners and the flatware was sticky (was it rolled in paper napkins without even being washed?) DANGER UNCLEAN!!
(1)
Sharif N.
I split a chicken Salad with my wife and it was really good. Some kind of sweet BBQ dressing was applied. Also, I had the chicken rice soup and that was fantastic. Finally, I had the Beef Brisket as my main meal and the food was very tasty. French Fries were good, and apple dumplings were delicious. Service was good but parking is tight as well as the seating.
(3)
Felix C.
Chain BBQ but it will do! I like to get the full rib rack and share it and even have leftovers! BTW their corn muffing are awesome!!!
(4)
Bruce F.
Love the ribs and sides.
(5)
Glen H.
Great smoked meat
(3)
Lewis W.
Great place for families, service was good, food was well above average. Our group, 3 adults and one kid, split a catfish fingers appetizer, which was very good. I had the Lunch combo with BBQ wings and Spareribs. Spareribs may have been the best I ever had, wings were okay. I also tried some of the beef brisket from someone else in our group and it wasn't nearly as good as the ribs or wings. The coleslaw tasted fresh and was very good. I will definitely go back here again.
(4)
Chris P.
It was pretty good. Resturant was clean and the staff was attentive. Our server knew her stuff. My sandwhich was rather skimpy on meat. I have the Man Handeler which is brisket and sausage, well there were 2 little slivers of sausage. Not realy happy about that.
(4)
Ceeee C.
This place is DINERO.....I'm not sure why I don't go here more often. Great Bar Scene for watching games. Buffalo Wings are delicious. Rib Tips are delicious, but are so bad for you! I love their little Corn Bread Muffins too :) No complaints here! Must try it :)
(4)
Catherine D.
Fun decor and decent BBQ. Like that you have all the sauces to choose from. Staff at this location is friendly and attentive.
(4)
Steve S.
Northern Virginia isn't exactly a barbecue mecca but, when I have a craving & the grill isn't an option I head to Famous Dave's. The mixed drinks are decent but, they don't do you any favors & usually I'll opt for a beer with my meal. Decor is fun & tries for a hillbilly feel, the servers all wear shirts with funny phrases on the back such as "We Dig Pig", most are pretty young but usually friendly. I'm not a big fan of the brisket but, that's just me. The Memphis (naked) style ribs are tasty, the rub is very good but, occasionally they are a little tough. I really like the Willard Beans & while I'm not a cornbread fan, the cornbread muffins are really good. Corn on the cob is sad, sad, sad, someone routinely kills it in a vat of water over hours of boiling. As far as sauces I'm a fan of the Devil's Spit, it has spice to it but not too much for the timid, my better half enjoys the Sweet & Zesty, it's not horrid but too sweet for my taste. They have all the sauces table side so be adventurous. You only get one napkin but there is also a roll of paper towels on the table to rescue your chin & fingers along with a "washing sink" close by. All in all I recommend the place, I went today & have lunch tomorrow ;)
(3)
nat t.
Decent ribs and steak. I wasn't a big fan of the Blue Cheese sauce in this place - it seemed to have too much cheddar in it. From what I've sampled so far, Hard Rock Cafe do the best Blue Cheese steaks. As a bonus for my birthday, I got a free dessert :-). I found the service to be very prompt and attentive.
(3)
Ed W.
Great ribs and pulled pork. Need to find one near my house so I van become a regular.
(5)
Jonathan P.
food was ok .. nothing really special bout their bbq ribs.. server brought all r food at the same time ..and i ask her why .. she said she tot i wanted like that.. dummyyyy
(2)
Deidra B.
Consistently outstanding food and service! If you love BBQ, you will like Famous Dave's. If you've never been to a BBQ place, then you need to go to Famous Dave's BBQ in Chantilly . A chain restaurant, Famous Dave's offers great BBQ like you'd find at a true countrified Southern joint (although if you are one of those BBQ experts from the South, I am sure you will offer a detailed critique). They offer Memphis style, a decent selection of sauces, various meats and a down to Earth setting.
(4)
C O.
A solid all-around barbecue place. Good meat, good cornbread, decent sauce. My only complaint is that the corn was pretty bad, but who comes to a place like this for the sides?
(4)
S W.
There's no reason to get anything but the St. Louis Ribs platter. Put the Rich and Sassy sauce on the ribs. They are very meaty and, when cooked properly, which mine always have been, they are fall-off-the bone tender. Much more flavor than red hot and blue, which is right down the street from me, but I drive past for famous dave's ribs.
(5)
Ann B.
I can't really call myself a BBQ connoisseur, since I usually leave the grilling to the men, but I had a very enjoyable experience at Famous Dave's. I had the Dave's Sassy BBQ salad with Georgia chopped pork. (Yes I know, it's kind of a sin to have a salad at a BBQ joint. But I'm trying to be good, so whatever.) I thought it was pretty tasty and pretty much devoured the whole salad. My friend had the BBQ Chicken which he enjoyed dipping in the variety of sauces at the table. I'm not a big fan of spicy food, so my favorite, hands-down, was the Sweet and Zesty. The cornbread was scrumptious and the Drunkin' Apples in cinnamon and amaretto sauce were a nice little treat at the end of a big meal. I'd give the service 3.5 stars. While our waiter brought our drinks quick, we did have to wait a little bit longer than I had thought "a few more minutes" meant to place our order. But once we ordered, our food was delivered in no time. Our waiter was friendly and pleasant. Overall, a great dinner.
(4)
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Address :14452 Chantilly Crossing Ln
Chantilly, VA, 20151
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Pablo Q.
This is only the second restaurant in the county that I have seen has a dedicated hand washing sink in the dining area! As a public health professional I appreciate the importance given to promoting good hand washing. My go-to is the St Louis Style half slab and never disappoints. Side of mac & cheese is amazing. They have discontinued the grilled pineapple which is sad though. The server was very friendly and attentive. Great location!
(5)Neil M.
Good food, bad service. I had the two meat (brisket and pork) combo meal. The BBQ was very good. Nicely smoked and lightly sauced, each meat was tender and delicious. The Weber Bean were good, sweet and smoky, with chunks of real bbq meat. The cornbread was of the box variety and adequate. While the good was good, the service was not. The host was confused upon seating me. The waiter took 10 minutes to greet and take my order. The waiter seemed overwhelmed and uncaring through the whole meal even forgetting to provide silverware. No one came to check on me and their was no "thank you" when I left. Go for the good food, but don't expect great service.
(3)Mariah S.
Excellent service from both the host and food server and Excellent well prepared food. Ordered the kids burger meal, 3 meat combo with two sides, and side of loaded baked potato. The sides were steamed broccoli and baked beans - both perfectly seasoned. The wedge cut fries that came with the burger had slight crispy coating and were fantastic. Unfortunately Not all FD fries are this prepared this way but should be! Bill came out to be less than $30. No complaints at all. Loved all the sauce choices. The women's' restroom were clean and tidy. The server was friendly and smiled and made us feel welcomed. Highly recommend for a satisfying meal and great service. Plenty of parking and lots of seating.
(5)Tracy K.
MMMMmmm wow this place is great. Haven't had BBQ in a while and I'm really not much of a fan, but everytime I eat here, I'm thoroughly satisfied. My family and I came and ordered the platter that serves 4-5 people You can choose to get a 3rd meat of brisket, pork, or another one that I don't remember. We got the brisket. The food came out quickly, the workers were nice, and the flavors were definitely so much better than BBQ that I've eaten at other places. Really liked how they have so many different types of sauces with different flavors that you can mix together, leaving endless possibilities of the flavors that you can get. Would probably say that my top two favorite things were the fries (omg I couldn't stop eating these) and the chicken. It was my moms birthday that weekend as well, and they gave her a free Sundae which was nice.
(5)Greg W.
This place is terrible!!! Extremely SLOW service! We arrived at 6:30pm & had to wait 20 minutes for a seat. There were 5 open tables available. Not sure what we were waiting for. Once we sat down & ordered, we had to wait another 20 minutes for our food. The place wasn't busy at all. The BBQ should be fresh & ready to go at al times. Texas Brisket Sandwich was awful!!!!!! Tiny little sandwich with almost no meat in it. South West chop chicken salad - tasteless! Roster chicken platter- plan boring chicken. Mashed potatoes were the best dish! They have 5 BBQ sauces & they are all really really bad! I'll never go to this place again. This place is an absolute joke. These clowns need to head out to Austin & learn how to BBQ. Waste of money.
(2)Rachel A.
I love their boneless wings. Except today they tried to tell me they didn't have enough wings. They gave me my money back but I still got one order of wings, they were traditional when I had originally ordered boneless. Very frustrating I'm disappointed.
(4)Andrew D.
Famous Dave's is a dying chain and this location definitely reflects their downfall. We started off well, with fairly quick service including ordering and drink delivery. Drinks were refilled throughout and staff was friendly, but those were the only positive takeaways. It took well over 30 minutes for food to be delivered (I honestly lost track of time...it was that long), and was only brought out after we asked the server where it was. No apologies were delivered for the delay. This is BBQ, if it takes longer than about 10 minutes to deliver, they are definitely doing something wrong since BBQ is precooked. I would have walked out before the food was delivered if I had been paying, but I had a gift card so I wanted to use it. The portions were fairly small for the price paid. The bill was $40 (w/o tip) for two entrees and two iced teas, terribly overpriced, especially for the portion size. Then when the check came, they could not get it correct, twice. I finally just left my gift card (which more than paid the check and tip) and walked out. There are some decent alternatives in the area for family sit-down dinning including Red Robin next door. For BBQ, try Willards just up the road, or even eat at a Dickey's.
(2)Hilary B.
I was on a trip for business and looking for somewhere for dinner with colleagues. This was a great pick with great food and service. I got the Sweet Mama's Punch (a little sweeter than I normally like, it tasted like fruit punch), the Georgia Chopped Pork with cornbread muffin, collard greens and fries. My two colleagues shared the Feast for Two. We didn't have room for dessert, all the meals were large and delicious.
(4)Angelic P.
This is the worst Famous Daves I've ever had. We did To Go and 1st they lost our ticket so we had to wait after we called in order then got back to hotel NO Bar B-Q sauce on meat or in bag. Rib Tips burnt and dried out not edible. Only thing good was the cornbread. This was a waste of money.
(1)David M.
The food here is off and on. Sometimes I've had a decent meal here. The last time though was really bad. The guy who went to dinner with me gotta fly in his water. He sent it back about 15 minutes later I asked for water and there's a fly in that. of course I had to send that back. I'm not sure if there's something going on there or not. My barbecue was overdone and dry. everyone at the table was not happy with their meal. And we're talking about a table of about 15 people. the waitress did not do a bad job she tried the best she could at least from everything I could see. But the food has to improve for me to even consider going back there.
(2)Terri J.
I stayed at a nearby hotel and just wanted to grab a quick hot meal and relax in my room. I had a nice glass of wine while I waited at the bar. The bartender was a very friendly lady who was attentive to all sitting there. They didn't seem to have a full bar and not a great beer selection but none of that affected my own meal. The food came out quickly and it did not disappoint. It was really good. I would definitely return.
(4)AJ F.
Had a great meal at Dave's. Waiter recommended roasted chicken and it was moist and tender. Good service. Would return if we are in the area.
(5)Chris C.
Here's the thing about Famous Dave's -- the food isn't as good as a lot of top notch BBQ locations, but it's still worth checking out and the prices are right. I love their Devil's Spit sauce (it's nice that they have two spicy choices here), and the service at this location has always been great.
(4)Gurpal K.
Was surprised when I tried their food and it was good. From the outside, it just looks like one of the other 'eh' restaurants that may have generic american food but it was surprisingly different. I was pretty impressed with their BBQ sauces esp coming from Kansas city, which has the best bqq ever! Ordered their homemade chips and tried all of the sauces with it, it was simply delicious. Will definitely be back!
(5)Patrick B.
I'm usually a huge fan of Famous Daves. This particular location comes up a bit short. The staff always seem friendly, and the restaurant is never full which is nice. My problem is the food. We used to go to the Dave's in Oakton and the food was spectacular. Even for a chain restaurant. The wings, ribs, pulled pork - literally everything was knock out over there - in Oakton. Then Chantilly opened and the food was pretty good at first, but has been in a slow decline it seems. Occasionally we get a good meal, but they aren't consistent at all for some reason. Thankfully, the good meals seem to outnumber the bad, but it's still a toss up. For example, on more than one occasion, I had to literally cut the ribs with a knife. I have never had this problem at the Oakton location. The meat literally falls off the bone, which, is the way it should be! Seems like a quality control issue in the kitchen, but thankfully we have had some good experiences to outweigh the bad and keep us from having to go wait in line at Oakton.
(3)Timothy R.
FIVE STARS. Perfect. Let me break it down. We went at lunch time on a Sunday during a bunch of football games. We were seated immediately and greeted by Kaitlyn. She was very nice, and checked on us three or four times during our maybe 30 minute meal, so service was great. Helped out with some questions my wife had then took our order. Food came fast. It felt like within five minutes. But we ordered the standard chopped pork so that isn't a big surprise. Overall? It was delicious. My pork was a little red, but it was still good. The atmosphere was great.
(5)Tisha B.
Solid four stars. I am reserving a star because I didn't actually try any barbecue LOL. I was with my girls so one of the besties decided that we should have dessert before dinner LOL the banana pudding was surprisingly very well made. Our server was awesome and just happened to walk up right when we were having very inappropriate conversations!! He just laughed right along with us. I picked a cocktail that was entirely too sweet for me even when I'm being super girly. He happily helped me make a better selection and exchanged the two drinks without a problem. Needless to say everyone in our party had a great time. The food came out perfectly and we had a ton of leftovers for the next day. We've decided to add this place to our rotation for girls night!
(4)Victoria L.
My favorite Famous Daves location. The employees are super nice and helpful. My favorite waitress was an older lady name Connie. The cutest old lady ever and she moved around like she was 16 years old. But service is really amazing, I'm surprised how well put together it is here. I usually order the 2 meat combo with ribs and bbq chicken which never disappoints. The mac and cheese with jalapenos is addicting!!! The best side there is, its cheesy with just a hint of jalapenos so it's not too spicy. The food comes out quickly and consistent each time. I literally use the whole bottle of sweet and zesty when I come here and dip anything I can in there. I can drink this stuff!!! My other favorite item on the menu are the nachos with bbq chicken n baked beans. Heaven!!!! A burst of all things bbq goodness is layered on top of tri-colored chips. One of the best bbq in the area thats affordable with good quality. When you have a bbq craving this is a great location to go to.
(5)Ashley W.
I typically love Famous Dave's but this one in Chantilly, was a big dissapointment. We had my rehearsal dinner at the hotel we were staying at the night before the wedding. We ordered their catering service. Was not impressed with the pork and my fiance found a PENNY in his pork. Completely unacceptable and dangerous. We told them about it and they gave us some gift cards. I would not go here.
(1)Jasen H.
This Famous Dave's has slow service at best. Friday nights are dead and it has been over 30 minutes to get our food. I swore the last time I was here and had to get up and go to the bar to refill my water was the last time I'd come here... I chose to give them another chance and at least they were consistent. Bad again.
(1)Donald F.
I am a huge fan of this Famous Dave's. My wife and I use to frequent this establishment often, when we first moved out to the NOVA area, and before I became a Yelper. I mean this was our go to for BBQ, simply because we didn't know the area well and didn't know of any other BBQ spots. I will say that, if I was a member of Yelp back when my wife and I use to frequent this estasblishment more often then I would have probably given this place a 3 or 3.5 star rating, simply because they lacked in consistency in terms of service and their quality of food. The good news is that our more recent trips have been pretty darn consistent with service and quality of food. Our go to items are the Southside Rib Tips, Feast For Two, Two Meat BBQ Combo, and finally when I'm feeling a bit guilty for being at Famous Dave's I'll go with the Dave's Sassy BBQ Salad (with pork) to ease my guilt a bit....LOL. We normally switch it up when picking the sides so we don't really have any side go to items. Also I want to state that I'm absolutely a fan of their corn bread muffins, which is why I always order an additional one with any of the menu items I listed. Not sure what they put in those little things but I enjoy them every time. In conclusion, I think this Famous Dave's is pretty good and should get a visit from anyone looking for BBQ in the area. I'm pretty sure you'll be at least 3 stars satisfied when you leave.
(4)Mike R.
Was walking out of Dulles Airport and had received an email for a sandwich, dude, drink for $7. I was tired and thought this was a good deal. FD would be about 10 min. So I tried to order online, but it was useless. So I tried to call. The phone rang and rang and finally the answer machine snagged it. After listening to junk, and many minutes later, a lady came on. Now I'm 1/2 there already. I started to give her my order and she rudely puts me in hold! By the time a gentleman came on (and he later said he was a manager), I had driven by the exit to go there. I decided that I didn't need to spend my hard earned money on a place that is generally overpriced and wasted my time trying to place a simple order. The thing is, I was considering bringing 2 sisters and a little boy there this weekend. But not going to happen now.
(1)Stacie B.
Updating my review based on another experience. Service was much better than our previous time here. Food was good, but I'm just not the biggest fan of this place. For some reason it tastes 'chain-ish', not authentic or made-from-scratch. Good selection of BBQ sauces, I will give them that and the sweet tea is good. Decent BBQ, but I've had better. Glad our service was better than the last time around though.
(2)Jason W.
Great to-go for the hotel and a movie. Nothing like eating ribs in private where you can be as messy as you want!
(4)Wonnie T.
This place is definitely not a Make To Order. Pricey but shitty food. I ordered a full-slap rib and I thought they were rocks. I'd rather eat ribs at Chinese Buffet.
(1)Heather G.
I realize that I only ever come to Famous Dave's when I am craving a cookout. This visit was no exception. Since I wasn't invited to a Memorial Day BBQ, my friends and I went to FD for a cookout experience. Two things warranted my first review of this place: BBQ chicken and Banana Pudding. Geesus!! The BBQ chicken is really the best that I have tasted in a long time. I am sure it's not better than my mama's but since I haven't had my mama's BBQ chicken in a long time, I won't make that comparison, just yet. Everything about that chicken was just right. The meat was juicy, yet flavorful and the sauce was just perfect. Not too sweet, not too tangy. Perfect. I ordered a slab of ribs but after one bite I put it down because I didn't want it to take the taste of the BBQ chicken out my mouth. Seriously. I ended up giving my ribs to another friend. Next time I visit here, I will order two BBQ chicken pieces. But wait, there's more. Famous Dave now offers Banana Pudding on their dessert menu. As a southern girl, I appreciate this dessert for all that it is worth. And extra points to FD for having it taste almost as good as mine. I offered my dessert to my friends at the table but I didn't rave about how good it was because I REALLY didn't want to share with them. Does that make me a bad person?
(4)Charity W.
My husband and I have spent a fair share of money here and today was probably the first time that we were truly disappointed. I ordered takeout online which my husband picked up on his one and a half hour trip home from DC. We got the feast for two with special instructions to substitute the apples for baked beans. I also ordered two sides for my son- mashed potatoes and the mac and cheese, again with a special instruction to make without jalapenos if they could. I'm in the restaurant industry so I know that might not be possible as they batch cook most of it. My disappointment comes from not so much getting the wrong order. There were no apples nor was there coleslaw (which the order comes with and is my favorite) but there were TWO orders of baked beans and jalapenos in the mac and cheese (again, not really that upset with that). So I called the store and spoke with a nice girl that apologized and said she would get a manager. I just wanted them to credit my husband for the baked bean order as our check was $48 plus tip. The manager is what truly disappointed me. Instead of letting me completely telling him what was wrong with the order, as soon as I mentioned apples, he interrupted me and said "we don't have apples anymore". I said, well if someone has special instructions, wouldn't you give them a courtesy call to say that you don't have that item and see if they want something else? I even put in the special instructions that the mac and cheese was for my son, the reason for asking no jalapenos. All I wanted was a credit. Didn't ask to speak to a manager and wish I hadn't because he was extremely defensive. He did offer for me to come back in to pick up the coleslaw but never apologized, offered a coupon for future order. Just told me to check my bank statement to make sure the credit went through because sometimes it doesn't. A good establishment and a good manager would offer a credit/coupon for a next order to 1) make sure that customer comes back and 2) because you are probably going to make more money that way. Sad to say, we won't be back.
(2)Joann B.
This is my second time dining here and this visit was a lot more memorable. The onion strings/rings, corn bread, burnt ends, bbq chicken and brisket were very good. I'm not a BBQ connoisseur and can only compare to the Salt Lick in Austin, TX - but Famous Dave's does a pretty good job for a chain. Everything we had was well made and didn't necessarily need to drench the brisket in sauce - although I'm the type of person that does....I really liked the Texas Pit sauce. There were 5 other sauces to try, but I wanted to stick to what I like. The onion strings aren't too greasy and are nice and crispy. The corn bread came hot and they were soft and sweet. The only thing that could have made these corn muffins outstanding would be honey butter! The bbq chicken was made perfectly and were tender/juicy. Everything was tasty and worth another trip here if I happened to be craving bbq. Again, we left no room for dessert, we'll try them one of these days. The service was decent, but my husband had to remind our server that he had ordered an iced tea. No big deal. We'll see Famous Dave's again. :)
(4)Herb I.
We are used to good Texas BBQ, and were so surprised to find it this good this far north. What a great meal! The bread pudding was awesome as well!
(5)Clarence J.
This is fine. The barbecue well-flavored -- Famous Dave's uses an excellent dry rub that doesn't generally need barbecue sauce, but they have some nice sauces available as well. I'm not typically a ribs person, and admittedly don't eat them often, but the ribs here were some of the best I can remember having -- moist and full of flavor and without too much fat. (I really dislike the texture of too much fat . . . like in the rib tips here, which was the one thing I really didn't enjoy during my visit.) The sides were relatively straightforward and alright. The "Hell-Fire Pickles," which are not an actual side dish but are served with a few things, had excellent flavor even if they didn't have the heat I at first expected based on the name; I will definitely ask for extra if I return. A relatively large and bright place, it feels somewhat cold and commercial, as could be expected from a chain. (Some Famous Dave's have a little more character to me. This one just seemed relatively cookie-cutter.) The friendly, enthusiastic staff bring warmth though.
(3)Scott W.
Horrid service -- avoid this location. Staff looks bored and disinterested. Place seems deserted half the time, most likely in favor of the next door Red Robin. Had a number of really poor To Go experiences there, waiting well past the estimated time for the food to be ready. Enough. Lesson learned. This place is out.
(2)Mare P.
Friendly and attentive server. He put on the fire place for us which was nice. My husband ordered the brisket & I had the rib and pork combo. We both loved the corn bread muffin. I had the green beans and mac and cheese. I didn't like the green beans and switched to the baked beans which were fine. The brisket had a nice flavor. My pork was just okay and I liked the ribs. It was a nice meal but nothing really stood out as exceptional except for the corn bread muffin.
(3)Sean P.
Famously Average? Famous Dave's isn't bad food, but it's not good enough to be "famous". It's like one of those restaurants that prides itself in having "world famous" food, but nobody outside of the state (let alone the country) has heard of it. Don't get me wrong, the food has decent enough flavor, and there's definitely plenty of it, but nothing about it really goes above and beyond or stands out. The rubs and sauces that Famous Dave's uses are somewhat flavorful, ranging from sweet and tangy to spicy Southern style. Ribs and BBQ are the standard fare here, but everything overly coated and saturated by the sauces, engulfing the natural flavors of the meat. I'm normally a big fan of catfish, but Dave's fish underwhelmed. The breading was lacking and the fish was mostly bland (not to mention their tartar sauce left quite a bit be desired). I will say their brisket is done well enough, moist and satisfying. But when it comes to ribs, the sauces seem a bit overpowering. I want to taste the meat with the sauce complimenting the flavor. Here, the ribs feel more like a vehicle for the sauce, and sauce overpowers the natural tastes. The wait staff there are friendly and fairly prompt, attentive and willing to lend a hand. They've always been outgoing and courteous, so no complaints there. The decor itself leaves a lot to be desired. I get that chain restaurants are generally kind of cheesy -- you almost come to expect it. Yet, somehow despite that, Dave's interior feels mass produced and artificial. It's not easy to explain, but it doesn't feel genuine. It's stale, boring and really trying all too hard to be "South'n".
(3)Bill N.
Three hungry guys stopped in for supper. We started with the Dave's sampler, (that was gone in minutes). Then on to the main course, I got the feast for one. It was more like a feast for two, the food was all very good. The service sucked, only a few tables full and the watier seemed not to really care. I will stop again because of how good the food was.
(4)Stacy K.
My husband wanted Famous Dave's for his birthday meal. I ordered to go and was told a time to pick it up. The food was not ready on time. After another 15 minutes it was ready. Got home and the food wasn't even hot so I am not sure why they needed extra time? I ordered the chicken tenders which were hard as a rock. This is not a restaurant that we typically visit. This is the second time eating their food and it will be the last. Definitely could find better.
(2)Taylor S.
I really love famous Dave's. now I'm a huge fan of BBQ and have been too many BBQ restaurants here in va and this place is still my favorite. Their beef brisket is never dry and I don't have to drown it in BBQ sauce unlike some places, there chicken is amazing I don't wanna eat any other chicken besides theirs cause its so good! I get the man handler sandwich it's amazing and it helps feed my inner Ron Swanson. And plus if you aren't into feeling like you need a nap after you eat they have the sassy BBQ salad that is really good too plus you get a corn bread on the side. The staff is always really nice and check back regularly to see if you are okay. So overall this is my favorite BBQ place.
(5)Max F.
Used the "to go" service. On time, food was as expected for chain BBQ. No complaints. Fast! You will enjoy it, especially if you like TX style. The BBQ sauce was very much like "Salt Lick" (Austin TX), sweet and a bit tangy.
(4)Terry K.
I'm so sorry vegetarians. I'm so sorry for the missed opportunities you have in not choosing to eat meat. I respect your views and some of you may see me as a vicious animal killer, but hey, more meat for me. :) I love Famous Dave's. I've been to this one and the one in Fairfax near Jermantown Rd and the one in Woodbridge. All of them have been nothing but pure beef beefy goodness. Wife and I usually order the Feast for two - mainly because it has a good variety of meat plus sides. Plus, because there's so much food we have enough to take home and then eat it again the next day! I think many people can be turned off by the standalone flavor of the meat because it may be too salty for some, but I love it. I usually use a mix of the Devil's spit and the sweet and tangy sauce. The next time I go back, I want to try out those burnt tip things that they were advertising. Looks good. Seriously, if you want meat, this is the place to go. In terms of chain BBQ places, Famous Dave's can't be beat. The poor cows. Won't someone please think of the calves? And then raise up to be nice and juicy so I can eat them later?
(5)Long N.
Foods OK. Just like any other Famous Dave's. Always get the lunch combo deal with 2 items plus a side.
(3)Dwayne M.
Can't go wrong with any order. They need to expand on their draft selection as well as offer military discount.
(5)Chieu L.
I don't know where to start but I have to say that their service BLEW ME AWAY! If I could give them a million stars I would oh and their BBQ too! Coming from the south their BBQ wasn't half bad! It was pretty awesome and totally quenched my thirst for BBQ and their I love their variety of sauces! It's great! We came her with another couple and it was our first time. They found out and gave us an awesome "free appetizer" coupon for our next visit AND I fell in love with their pickles and they said because you loved it so much here's a WHOLE jar for you! I woulda' taken a picture but I ate it so fast forgot to!! They also got us to sign up on their email list and sign up for our birthday treats! You literally can get almost anything on their menu and not go wrong with it! Just make sure to try all their sauces! I liked the sweet and savory!
(5)Wai T.
You can order Fried Pickles here. Yes it's true. It's not on the menu but it is available. The burger was pretty good, it was juicy and fresh. I wished there were more veges but it's a meating place so you can't expect too much. We really enjoyed the St Louis style ribs and chicken wings. They are both done right.
(4)Greg M.
Famous Dave's is a regular and welcome member of the rotation. The staff are always fantastic. The manager is friendly and checks in on us every time. The environment is friendly to all types - except those perhaps too unwilling to suspend a little bit of Midwest schmaltzienss. Since moving to the east coast, I've met an incredible number of people with a very refined and well-honed opinion of what is and is not proper BBQ. Even spelling BBQ is a sore point. To all those people, I give thanks for teaching me the many wonderful dishes I know and love today. Whereas they wouldn't be caught dead at a national chain like Famous Dave's, I'm okay with it - I think it's perfectly decent BBQ. On to the substance, negatives first: Negative point: They do not offer beef ribs (not many places here do actually) but we'd love to see that. Negative point: Their old-recipe Rip Tips is way better than their new ones. The new ones are too well manufactured - the old ones had much better (varied) taste. Negative point: Their beef brisken is unpredictable - had several times with significant fat/gristle - make sure you tell them you expect a lean cut if you really do. Negative point: The sausage tastes fantastic, but at least three times has come out cool in the center - make sure you ask them to (re)heat it through and through. The many positives: Their BBQ chicken is awesome, the best I've had except at a friends wedding reception in SoCal - they were the best. The chopped pork is wonderful, juicy and flavorful. The ribs are awesome - order the basic St. Louis style and add sauces as you see fit. The range of sauces is great, you have many to choose from including what I grew up thinking was normal to more exotic sauces. The service is great! The sides are varied and all mostly good. As are the desserts. If you're a BBQ judge like several friends are, I'm sure you won't come here, but for those with a more pedestrian BBQ palette, this place is great.
(4)Julie N.
Just wanted to let you know that I've been working virtually with Crystal for a few months now, placing catering orders for Boeing. I work in California so you'd think that might be slightly difficult, however... Crystal has been more than accommodating. Her efficient work habits, skills and virtual personality has been FAR above and beyond anything that I would have expected. It has been my pleasure working with Crystal and even though I never get to sample the food, I've also heard nothing but raving reviews from my travelers. Keep doing what you are doing at Famous Dave's and thank you in advance for continued great food & service! If you ever need an event catered, please do not hesitate to contact Crystal, she will plan or suggest a menu that will fit your catering needs.
(5)Tom T.
After looking at he menu, the real value was the sampler dinner for two. The meat on the ribs in our sampler was mediocre and thin on several of the 6 ribs on this sampler (bummer). They were generous on the fries, starches and carbs but where were the "ribs"? Would I go there again? Yes. The service was good and attentive yet not over bearing. So next visit, I will ask for big meaty ribs as I was not impressed last time. they've GOT to get it right sometime whey you simply ask for it! Till then...
(3)Jada G.
I love, I love, I love this place. I have enjoyed (thoroughly) everything I've eaten here. The food and atmosphere, for that matter, doesn't feel like that of a chain restaurant. The manager, on all of my visits, has come by the tables asking if everything was good. Do you know what has really stolen my heart? That damned bread pudding. Oh my! All of my servers have been kind too!
(4)John D.
The one star is for the staff who really tries hard, and for the collard greens which were very good. The rest of the food is pretty bad, especially the brisket which unlike places like Willard's in Chantilly or Bad to the Bone further down 29 is served as a gristly, fat laden slab of meet. The pork BBQ was largely fat as well. We'll try the others in the area before coming back here.
(1)wu s.
This is a sit down BBQ joint. I had the brisket and ribs with double slaw. It came with corn bread. It was filling, but when I have BBQ, I like the meat piled high with good sauce. I was surprised by how small amount of meat was on the plate. Lots of choices for sauce at the table, but only a couple were good. I don't plan on going back. It was a little pricey too for what you get. I'll be trying some of the other BBQ places first or just pass on BBQ.
(2)Ryan L.
For what it is, this is definitely worth it. Great meats and sides. The coleslaw was awesome and the Mac and cheese was the first thing finished by the adults. We will frequent here frequently.
(5)A J.
Although the waiters are nice-this food is disgusting. The ribs were tough and not worth the price. I went there years before and thought the same thing. Save your money and make ribs yourself.
(1)Sam Y.
Awesome BBQ! We ordered the Famous Feast for two. I recommend that you only get this if you have 3-4 people. There were only two of us and we had so much food leftover. I love their garlic mashed potatoes (they leave the skin on) and firecracker green beans (it has little pieces of ham in it). The meat is always very tender and has so much flavor. They also have a bunch of different hot sauces/BBQ sauces on the table that you can add. The Devil's Spit is my favorite! And the corn muffins are so yummy! Everything on the menu is good :) The atmosphere is quaint and the service was great! The manager came over ot our table a couple of times and asked how we were doing. I love personal attention when coming to restaurants.
(4)Lenny G.
We stopped in for dinner while vacationing in DC. This was our first time Famous Dave's. We got the sampler platter and the smoked brisket meal with sweet corn and fries. Food arrived quick and hot. Famous Dave's sauce is a little sweet but over all very good. They have plenty more sauce options. The brisket was awesome, tender, juicy and had great smoked flavor. The sampler let us try the rib tips which were very good along with the catfish, boneless wings, onion rings, and chicken tenders. These two menu items fed both my wife and I and our two kids, ages 11 and 4.
(4)Dave M.
Good Sauce We had been ordering the sauce. The Devil's Spit and the Sweet & Zesty are our favorites. One day a co-worker forwarded an email saying that anyone named "Dave" eats for free on a particular day so we couldn't say "no". It's a nice, sit-down restaurant that serves ribs and chicken and stuff you'd associate with BBQ. The service was out of this world. We had one of the best waitresses we'd ever had. But the food was so-so. I just wasn't impressed. Did I cry? No. Did I throw it away? No. But it didn't blow me away. What does blow me away is the sauce. You can buy bottled sauce that you can use at home, and this is what I do. So if you have a grill on your deck, just cook it up yourself however yo like it, and then use Famous Dave's Sauce.
(3)Amy L.
I had St Louis pork ribs (the bigger, meatier kind) and they were delish. The sauce was just the right balance of sweet & spicy for me. The beans are amazing despite having a surprising kick. The corn bread - the sweet kind - is fabulous. Mthe house made chips are good, but I'll definitely ask for minimal seasoning next time. The decor is supposed to be like a picnic or BBQ at a park. One of the "Signals" is that they have a roll of paper towels on the table instead of providing extra napkins. I'm usually OK with this, but these were amazingly hard to tear (pieces from the roll). Very kid friendly: noisy, kids' meals (around $6) come with side, dink & oreo cookies
(4)Shelby D.
The last two times I've been in the area we have come here for dinner. Food has always been good and service is fair as well. Next time I'm here I will definitely come again!
(4)Jen C.
I agree with Peter being a 3.5 rating; it's a nice stop-in for BBQ without having to go so far to DC or Frederick. I would say this is comparable to a TGI-chain version of some great BBQ houses. When you're on the go and just need a quick fix in a nice ambiance, Famous Dave's would be for you. But if you're a BBQ/pulled meat aficionado, stick with those hole in the wall BBQ houses that are known for what they do. I had the pulled pork combo, with a side of mashed potatoes and corn (standard). It also comes with a slice of toasted garlic bread, which was really tasty. The pulled pork was too dry for my liking, but flavors were all there in combination with the sides. There are plenty of sauces to choose from at the table. Service was great and fast. Our waitress checked up on our meal twice :)
(3)Kelly K.
Wow, this place is a zoo at lunchtime. The service is pretty good here but the staff is strained by having too many people at lunchtime. The food is so so. I recommend the ribs over the chopped pork which was inferior to many other places I have been. The ribs were tasty but greasy. The sides are small and just okay. This place is really like a fast food restaurant. Food comes out super fast and tastes like they just heat it up. The corn bread is good but that is because it is sweet with sugar. In fact, I think there is probably a lot of sugar or other sweetener in much of their food. I like their pecan pie. A generous piece served with a very generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you stick with the lunch menu prices are decent. Recommend going early to avoid crowds. Giving them three stars because some items are tasty and the servers seem to work hard here. They need to hire more staff for lunch service!
(3)Jeff S.
Never disappoint. My Son LOVES this place!
(5)Hazel G.
Went for lunch one day, as a coworker suggested I give them a try. This place is fantastic! The service was fast, and friendly, even my kids who can be as finicky as cats, fell in love with this place. I had the burnt ends sandwich, with coleslaw and it was absolutely perfectly cooked. Yes, I will be back, but next time I am trying the one in Gainesvile and taking my husband. If I could fault the place for one thing, that would be the size of the lunch time platters which are HUGE!
(5)R. W.
For NOVA this is a good place to get BBQ. The Ribs, the chicken, and the brisket have all been good. The place is busy - and the service average - but the food is worth it. I just talked the wife in to picking some up on her way home. Score one for online ordering.
(5)Tsai H.
Visit Famous Dave's last night. Love their Lunch & Early Bird Specials. Served daily till 5:30 p.m. Service last night was not so great, but the food is amazing (I would give a five star if the service was good yesterday). Ordered 2 meats lunch special Platter. Buffalo chicken wings were good, but did not come with any sauce and only one tiny piece of carrot and a strip of celery. The Rib tips were delicious and not too much bone this time. Potato salad tasted really good, but I think they shrunk the portion. Dave's Famous Bread Pudding was amazing. A must try. Would definitely go back again. Great place for family.
(4)Jack F.
After popping a few rounds at Blue Ridge Arsenal (see yelp.com/biz/blue-ridge-… ), I can think of now better way of being Texan than eating a huge plate of BBQ ribs. There aren't many BBQ options around the DMV area; but compared against other franchises like Rockland's or Red, Hot, and Blue, Famous Dave's is easily one of the better BBQ joints. And, they offer a pretty good deal too. For $34.99, you can get a half slab of St. Louis-style spareribs, half a roasted chicken, and 1/4 lb. of Texas beef brisket in addition to hearty sides of coleslaw, Famous Fries, Wilbur Beans, corn-on-the-cob, and corn bread muffins. This "Feast for Two" easily feeds three (two persons if you're less inclined to share). The ribs are tender and juicy but the briskets tend to be on the dry side. At least there's Famous Dave's BBQ sauces. My favorite sauces are the spicy hot "Devil's Spit" and the smokey, tangy "Texas Pit" recipes. Famous Dave's is hardly a contender in the world of BBQ but it'll do when there's nowhere else to go. [Original Visit: April 25, 2009]
(4)Patrick M.
Went there for my Birthday.....Big mistake the server was great but the food was the worst BBQ I have ever had. I orderd the brisket and the tray looked good when served, first bite and the first thought was wet bread with nothing but fat. I took a second bite and then took a good look at the brisket......it was sliced wrong IE with the grain and also it had hardly any taste smoke or spice???? I have been smoking and grilling meats for 42 years and I do know a thing or two about good Brisket, I was offered a free meal after I called to complain Iturned it down
(1)Violet A.
I dig their sweet/spicy pickles. I usually order a bacon cheeseburger that hass BBQ on it. I've had the potato salad, cole slaw, fries. I do not like their fries, too bland and doughy. The staff was fine and kept my iced tea a-comin'.
(3)richard g.
Went for lunch and ordered the pulled chicken sandwich with a side of broccoli and an unsweet tea. I was with a fairly large party but overall the service wasn't too bad. The value though was not good, especially when compared to other BBQ places. For $15 I had 1 glass of Iced tea (waiter never checked back after the first and only glass), a half bowl (about 5 or 6 florets) of broccoli, and a pulled chicken sandwich that with the top of the bun on you couldn't see the chicken. The food itself was good, the broccoli was cooked very well but the sandwich tasted more like bun than pulled chicken. I wasn't looking for a huge portion and I know this is the DC area, but still, you should be able to have a sandwich with more meat than bun and more than 1 glass of simple Iced Tea for $15.
(2)Tara A.
I loved it!!! I have never been to a famous daves but glad I did. I got the Louisiana ribs and beef brisket. The meat was so tender and ALL of the sauce are fantastic. I got coleslaw and fries with it. The coleslaw very tasty and the fries were good too. There is nothing I can complain about. The server was very friendly and helpful and the host was nice as well. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I have not gone to too many BBQ restaurants so I don't know what else is out there. But I can't wait to come back here!!
(4)Lucky D.
Stopped in for a late lunch. The host was friendly and seated us in the cocktail area. It took a while for the bartender to come over, but it wasn't a problem. Had to glance at the menu to make a decision anyway. I chose the 2-meat lunch combo. A good amount of food, even plenty for a dinner portion. The brisket was awesome. Very moist and tender. The spicy sausage had a nice casing around it, giving it that familiar yet uncommon snap when you bite it. Great flavor, a little spicy...delicious. The sides were OK. The green beans have potential but could use some work. The apples are of standard, prepacked consistency, but have Amaretto added. I actually like them, and normally those apples are not my cup of tea. The corn bread was similar to Boston Market's. The meats were the true highlight however. The service was friendly, with some lag time but we were not in a hurry. Some of the menu items can get a bit expensive, but there is lots of variety for the frugal.
(4)Noel V.
My favorite restaurant of all time!!! Quick seating, fast service, delicious food, what more could you ask for? Their brisket is the best!!!
(5)C H.
The staff was beyond friendly and helpful, +1 star for service. Atmosphere was fun, a drawback to cliche southern living, but still fun and interesting. Food was a little disappointing, but ok for a chain BBQ place. Myself and my partner shared a platter of pulled pork and brisket. Both were served over a bread slice, and both were on the fatty side, bummer. A little marbling is fine, but this went beyond what I'd expect. (-1 star) Maybe they don't subscribe to the 'low and slow' method? The brisket has a strong smoke flavor from a decent rub mix. With 6 sauces to choose from, there's one that you're bound to like. Cornbread was passable, nothing special. Sweet tea was better than expected. The biggest draw back was portion of food. This isn't something I normally complain about given I can make a meal out of an appetizer, but myself and my partner felt disappointed on this item: The sides are served in very tiny side-dish bowls, so you get about 1/2 a cup of any side you choose. (Lots of empty space on the plate) Meat portion was ok (4 thin slices of brisket) so that's average for lunch. My single lunch platter with 2 sides included and a sweet tea came to ~$17 with gratuity; I would have expected more food for that $. I've spent half that at a non-chain BBQ places within 10 miles of here and received more than double the portion. I didn't leave hungry, but I felt a little ripped off for the value of the meal. We didn't get dessert, but they looked interesting. Maybe I'll go back just for that next time, but this won't be the first place we go when we have a BBQ craving.
(3)Amita R.
I usually end up going to the other location in Oakton for lunch, but we end up going to this location for dinner. Been there twice now and the one thing that I can say about this place, is that they are quick. I think from the time we ordered until we got our food, all of 10 minutes had passed (if that!). The food is what you expect of a bar-b-que place, but I enjoy it. Definitely recommend their sweet potato fries when they have them on their menu and their Pulled Chicken Sandwhich. I've heard their ribs are good and my finacee loves their catfish.
(4)M B.
How could you not love this restaurant? For a chain, it is REALLY good! I've been coming here for years, and each time it's been a great experience. If you order the barbeque platters, you will walk out so stuffed and probably with leftovers. They have great stuff. I'm not really into eating much meat so I usually just get chicken dishes. I've had BBQ chicken, chicken tenders, wings, and their newest item on the menu-- BONELESS WINGS! I was so excited that they had boneless wings because I love them. They're kind of like crispy chicken nuggets with sauce on them. They are to die for. I had a platter with those the other night-- I got half BBQ and half buffalo-- they were absolutely delicious. Seriously, they put BWW to shame. Especially since you get corn, cornbread and two side dishes with it. Another cool thing they have on the menu is the family-sized platters...of just EVERYTHING that they serve to you on what looks like an aluminum trash can lid (I swear it's not dirty). I love this place more than words.
(5)Nabeel A.
I love meat (Sorry vegans). We decided to try this place out and let me tell you this place smells like meat -- and frankly I was a bit turned off by that. I am not sure why? Maybe because I dont want my dining experience to be taken hostage by strong smells unless its coming from my food as it's being delivered to the table. We ordered some beef briskets and a roasted Chicken and it was fairly good. (I have had better). It didnt have the kick I was looking for. The waitress was nice but was over-worked (she forgot the refills twice). Not sure if I will return based on the smell factor.
(2)Valencia W.
Went to Famous Dave's because the BF hadn't gone and i wanted to try this location instead of the Woodbridge one. We were seated near the door which I didn't like but I was so hungry that I decided I'd put up with the noisy kids to have a good meal. The restaurant didn't disappoint and our server was very nice and did his job well. Consistently making sure we didn't need anything else along with making sure our drinks were filled. Food was great and the amount was fantastic. I'd recommend going to Famous Dave's in Chantilly as I enjoyed their food.
(4)Peter K.
4 stars (if I had s choice it would be 3.5 stars) but I upped it to 4 because: --- not many places offer barbecue brisket around here. Famous Dave's is tender and properly seasoned; --- service was speedy- stepped to the restroom after ordering and the food was waiting on my return; ---sandwich platters were just enough for a meal; no need to take home leftovers. Next time I want to try the signature ribs.
(4)ZumaJay Z.
Not bad... not bad at all. My bro-in-law ordered for take out... it was quick and easy. Oddly, the server there had never eaten there... hmmm... We ordered two salads, BBQ chicken, and a chicken sandwich. I had the sandwich and it was pretty tasty and juicy. My wife had the BBQ chicken and thought it was just average. The salads were good, according to my bro and sis in law. The sides were fantastic. It was overall, a good meal. The pricing was a little bit on the high end for what it was... but alas, we were happy at the end of the meal.
(3)Angela B.
The food was nothing special...I can do much better BBQ at home and buy much better for cheaper at Red Hot & Blue. The side dishes are ALL CARBS or sugar-loaded, except the green beans, which were an experiment in awful, seasoned only with red pepper flakes and barely heated above frozen. Avoid this place like the plague unless you thrive on ultra-loud, verberating soundboxes full of overindulged, underattended Fairfax County two-year-olds screaming at the tops of their tiny lungs. (We call them FC Over/Unders). The wait staff was indifferent, more interested in flirting with each other than attending the diners and the flatware was sticky (was it rolled in paper napkins without even being washed?) DANGER UNCLEAN!!
(1)Sharif N.
I split a chicken Salad with my wife and it was really good. Some kind of sweet BBQ dressing was applied. Also, I had the chicken rice soup and that was fantastic. Finally, I had the Beef Brisket as my main meal and the food was very tasty. French Fries were good, and apple dumplings were delicious. Service was good but parking is tight as well as the seating.
(3)Felix C.
Chain BBQ but it will do! I like to get the full rib rack and share it and even have leftovers! BTW their corn muffing are awesome!!!
(4)Bruce F.
Love the ribs and sides.
(5)Glen H.
Great smoked meat
(3)Lewis W.
Great place for families, service was good, food was well above average. Our group, 3 adults and one kid, split a catfish fingers appetizer, which was very good. I had the Lunch combo with BBQ wings and Spareribs. Spareribs may have been the best I ever had, wings were okay. I also tried some of the beef brisket from someone else in our group and it wasn't nearly as good as the ribs or wings. The coleslaw tasted fresh and was very good. I will definitely go back here again.
(4)Chris P.
It was pretty good. Resturant was clean and the staff was attentive. Our server knew her stuff. My sandwhich was rather skimpy on meat. I have the Man Handeler which is brisket and sausage, well there were 2 little slivers of sausage. Not realy happy about that.
(4)Ceeee C.
This place is DINERO.....I'm not sure why I don't go here more often. Great Bar Scene for watching games. Buffalo Wings are delicious. Rib Tips are delicious, but are so bad for you! I love their little Corn Bread Muffins too :) No complaints here! Must try it :)
(4)Catherine D.
Fun decor and decent BBQ. Like that you have all the sauces to choose from. Staff at this location is friendly and attentive.
(4)Steve S.
Northern Virginia isn't exactly a barbecue mecca but, when I have a craving & the grill isn't an option I head to Famous Dave's. The mixed drinks are decent but, they don't do you any favors & usually I'll opt for a beer with my meal. Decor is fun & tries for a hillbilly feel, the servers all wear shirts with funny phrases on the back such as "We Dig Pig", most are pretty young but usually friendly. I'm not a big fan of the brisket but, that's just me. The Memphis (naked) style ribs are tasty, the rub is very good but, occasionally they are a little tough. I really like the Willard Beans & while I'm not a cornbread fan, the cornbread muffins are really good. Corn on the cob is sad, sad, sad, someone routinely kills it in a vat of water over hours of boiling. As far as sauces I'm a fan of the Devil's Spit, it has spice to it but not too much for the timid, my better half enjoys the Sweet & Zesty, it's not horrid but too sweet for my taste. They have all the sauces table side so be adventurous. You only get one napkin but there is also a roll of paper towels on the table to rescue your chin & fingers along with a "washing sink" close by. All in all I recommend the place, I went today & have lunch tomorrow ;)
(3)nat t.
Decent ribs and steak. I wasn't a big fan of the Blue Cheese sauce in this place - it seemed to have too much cheddar in it. From what I've sampled so far, Hard Rock Cafe do the best Blue Cheese steaks. As a bonus for my birthday, I got a free dessert :-). I found the service to be very prompt and attentive.
(3)Ed W.
Great ribs and pulled pork. Need to find one near my house so I van become a regular.
(5)Jonathan P.
food was ok .. nothing really special bout their bbq ribs.. server brought all r food at the same time ..and i ask her why .. she said she tot i wanted like that.. dummyyyy
(2)Deidra B.
Consistently outstanding food and service! If you love BBQ, you will like Famous Dave's. If you've never been to a BBQ place, then you need to go to Famous Dave's BBQ in Chantilly . A chain restaurant, Famous Dave's offers great BBQ like you'd find at a true countrified Southern joint (although if you are one of those BBQ experts from the South, I am sure you will offer a detailed critique). They offer Memphis style, a decent selection of sauces, various meats and a down to Earth setting.
(4)C O.
A solid all-around barbecue place. Good meat, good cornbread, decent sauce. My only complaint is that the corn was pretty bad, but who comes to a place like this for the sides?
(4)S W.
There's no reason to get anything but the St. Louis Ribs platter. Put the Rich and Sassy sauce on the ribs. They are very meaty and, when cooked properly, which mine always have been, they are fall-off-the bone tender. Much more flavor than red hot and blue, which is right down the street from me, but I drive past for famous dave's ribs.
(5)Ann B.
I can't really call myself a BBQ connoisseur, since I usually leave the grilling to the men, but I had a very enjoyable experience at Famous Dave's. I had the Dave's Sassy BBQ salad with Georgia chopped pork. (Yes I know, it's kind of a sin to have a salad at a BBQ joint. But I'm trying to be good, so whatever.) I thought it was pretty tasty and pretty much devoured the whole salad. My friend had the BBQ Chicken which he enjoyed dipping in the variety of sauces at the table. I'm not a big fan of spicy food, so my favorite, hands-down, was the Sweet and Zesty. The cornbread was scrumptious and the Drunkin' Apples in cinnamon and amaretto sauce were a nice little treat at the end of a big meal. I'd give the service 3.5 stars. While our waiter brought our drinks quick, we did have to wait a little bit longer than I had thought "a few more minutes" meant to place our order. But once we ordered, our food was delivered in no time. Our waiter was friendly and pleasant. Overall, a great dinner.
(4)