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Armadillo Willy's BBQ
Categories: Restaurants Barbeque Restaurants Burgers Event Planning & Services Caterers Barbeque, Burgers, Caterers [Edit]
2260 Bridgepointe PkwySan Mateo, CA 94404
(650) 571-7427
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Step into The Counter® and you're greeted with a clipboard and an extensive list of fresh mouth-watering ingredients that allow you to build your own… read more »
293 reviews for Armadillo Willy's BBQ
Review Highlights
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"oh and don't forget to get a corn muffin." In 21 reviews -
"I have the baby back ribs all to myself." In 19 reviews -
"They have the BEST potato salad ("mm." In 27 reviews
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293 reviews in English
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Review from Dan B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
In my original review, I accidently called Armadillo Willy's a chain place.
And in my defense, this particular location is smack dab in the middle of an outdoor mall surrounded by Target and Toys R Us and flanked by a Mimi's, a BJ's, and Red Robbin.
So you could call it an innocent mistake.
It turns out that these folks are local and have been doing BBQ for close to 30 years.
And since it's always bad form to call a local place a chain . . .
I just have to say sorry about that.
On to the update:
My recent return had me once again ordering the Belly Buster. The difference this time around was the addition of three rowdy and ravenous nephews in tow.
That BBQ plate was a hit. The boys stopped running around long enough to devour their food - a feat in and of itself. My brother in law and I had our fill of ribs, links, and chicken, and there was still some left overs.
My little girl enjoyed the corn bread and the chicken while my wife and sister in-law decided to have salad - tri tip salad that is.
I got to say this place is really growing on me.
I am really liking the consistency of the food, the amicable staff, and the super kid friendly atmosphere.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/25/2010
optional music:
http://www.youtube.com...
obviously not necessary but it's fun.
Some years back, I… Read more »
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Review from John E.
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm picky about BBQ but have to give Willy's some love because their BBQ is authentic. I've eaten at a lot of BBQ places (including the Salt Lick in Driftwood, TX) and still think Willy's is great for lunch. You can't beat it. I guess if I had to pick a place in the valley for ribs, I'd go for Tony Romas but Willy's is true BBQ and a better value for the money.
Note: John Berwald sent me a nice note saying that Tony Roma's is a rib joint and not a BBQ joint. He's got a point. If you want BBQ, go to Willy's because they are the best in the valley. I haven't reviewed Andy's or JC's but I've eaten at both and Willy's is better. Anyway, on with the review.
I only ever get the brisket sandwich or ribs but both are friggin delicious!
I like lots of sauce with my BBQ and am disappointed that they took the bottles of BBQ sauce off the tables. Now you have to get it in small plastic cups from a large, metal dispenser. But otherwise, it's all good. -
Review from Jordan C.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2012
Ok for fast food BBQ. The staff was friendly and enthusiastic, the restaurant was clean, and the food reasonably priced. You order at a counter and are then given a vibrating coaster to let you know when to pick up your food.
I ordered the pulled pork sandwich and beans. The pork was tender, but lacked flavor or a smokey taste. The beans were ok but very watery.
Overall, it was an ok lunch place but not a destination worth going out of your way for. I make my own BBQ at home, and while I do not have to produce the quantity these guys do, I know how easy it is to make really good "Q" , so 3 stars is all they get. -
Review from Joe M.
I haven't had BBQ in a long time and my buddy suggested we try Armadillo Willy's which was within walking distance from his apartment. The place was packed when we arrived, which was a good sign to us that it would be some pretty tasty stuff.
I ordered the Texas BBQ Rib Family Pack ($30) togo for my buddies and I to share, which came with a full slab of ribs, 4 corn muffins, corn salad, and beans. I thought the ribs were a little dry but the muffins were pretty good though I do love corn bread and missed out on the real thing. The corn salad was delicious as were the beans, which had bacon in them. Overall it was just ok and I have had much better BBQ elsewhere.
Service for our togo order was pretty quick but it wasn't somewhat unclear as to what sides were included in the package since they're all grouped together on the menu. I tried to order the sweet potato fries but it turns out that they are a premium item, as were the regular fries. Seems to me that those would be staples and should have been included, so that was kind of disappointing. The place was packed when I went so they're clearly doing something right. There are some dog-friendly covered tables outside within the enclosed windscreen which is nice since it can pretty windy in the area. I just wasn't terribly impressed by my experience.
Food: 6/10
Service: 6/10
Price: $$
Atmosphere: 7/10 -
Review from Emmalouise B.
San Mateo, CA
The sort of place you go if you love Meat and Carbs - you won't find salad's and plates of veggies here!
The food is fairly decent but not the sort of place I get excited to eat at but it's a good last minute choice if I can't decide what to have for dinner and I'm having a 'naughty' day. The pulled Pork is pretty good (http://www.yelp.com/us...) and Monday's is all you can eat Ribs day.
Fancy a drink with your meal? They recently started serving wine too!
Ordering is like cafeteria style. Order at the till point them take a seat with a little pager then you food gets placed in the window where you collect it yourself, drinks are self serve too.
*Birthday Tip* Join their email club and about 10 days before your Birthday you get an email with a printable coupon for a free Milkshake or Dessert. The coupon is valid for 3-4 weeks so you don't have to go on the day of your Birthday. I suggest going for the Milkshake, unless you like a giant Cookie (http://www.yelp.com/us...) that tastes like raw dough (this is the only dessert they really have which can be turned into a Sundae if you wish).Listed in: A bit of Everything, I'm gonna party like...
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Review from Karen H.
Daly City, CA
2/21/2012
Came here with my co workers since it's right across the street from my work. You order first and sit down then they will call your name. The cashier goes next in line (which was me), so I walk up to her and am about to give her my order when this other customer asks for something and takes that person order instead. Um...ok...don't tell me next...then stop helping me to go serve someone else. That person didn't even get in line. That was so rude. I was hungry and annoyed so I went to another cashier and asked them to take my order. I was holding the menu telling the cashier what I want, then the cashier that was orginally rude to me, grabbed the menu out my hand. I was like WTH. She gose oh sorry I didn't know you were using it. IT'S in my hand and I am pointing to things. ARE U FING BLIND............
N e ways I was suprised by the food.
The corn torilla soup side was a huge portion and very flavorful. There are no means in this soup, so score!
The parmasean fries were huge, but not flavor
The corn muffin-a big piece, but kinda dense.
I would come back here to try other stuff, but not sure when since my first time wasn't that great..hm.... -
Review from Ma B.
South San Francisco, CA
5/3/2012
This place is so good! I have never tried their dinner plates only sandwiches, sides and salads. Employees are so friendly and food is really good. Gets a bit too crowded at night and it seems to be very kid friendly with kids running around and screaming so I prefer take out. If you let your kids run around in restaurants this might be a good place to sit down for dinner. Usually lunch time weekdays or weekends is quieter with polite kids, parents and good food! Try it out!
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Review from Mei C.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2012
Went there on Saturday for take out. The girl working the register looked like she was pissed that I dare to order to go and not eat in. She even rolled her eyes when I said take out please. WTH.. does this restaurant frown on take out Or are you being cheap on the take out containers. Geesh!
To make the experience worse, when I got home and opened my order, they left out the Texas Toast, that I paid extra for as an additional side. Ugh!
I called and the same pissed off girl answered the phone and snottily commented that I should have checked my order before leaving. Then she said I can go back "right now" since the order was sitting on their counter. Like I really want to drive back for COLD toast if it's been sitting there the whole time. They should have double check my order before handing me the bag!!!
Only reason I am giving this two stars is cause the food I got was ok. But then again, how could they screw up BBQ. -
Review from Patrick T.
San Mateo, CA
3/18/2012
I've always eaten togo now and then but its been mediocre. So one day my small company has dinner there reluctant to go I give 'em a chance and return.
Food
I order the three way combo meal three different meats my picks being pork bbq ribs, brisket and sorry its been a couple months I think sausage. Side corn salad. Seeing under my meal in bold letters NFL Lineman proportion and being two years out of college football as a lineman I am cautious and curious. So after a fourteen hour day I order the $17 meal. To my amazement the ribs weren't dry like the usual takeout which probably dries out on the ride home. The beef brisket moist and not tough with a mild tangy sauce yummmm. Sausage good little spice. Side being corn salad great for a simple dish the cilantro and onions gave it a fresh latin taste which was pleasant. Portions as the menu said were lineman proportion I was perfectly satisfied.
PRICE
Suprisingly cheap for all that meat
SERVICE
Not really any because you grab your food and refill your drinks
VENUE
Family friendly spacious
POST OVERIEW OF A.W.BBQ
Posted this because maybe bbq isn't meant to be takent out togo but eaten not long after it was pulled off the smoker. So if you think the meat is dry eat in not out. The place is Not bad its actually almost great for the cheap price and quality bbq. I will return tomorrow just came here to see if they have dessert for my girlfriend and ended up posting.
THANKS FOR READING YELPERS -
Review from Heather L.
Pacifica, CA
12/23/2011
OK - this place is a chain, and I'm not a huge fan of chains....but this place is alright in my book. The pulled pork sandwich and the brisket sandwich (both of which are available in mini-sliders that you can mix and match) are delicious. The rolls they serve them on are delightful and made specifically for them by some local bakery.
It gets packed during lunch hours, but I've never had a problem finding a table. The people are nice and the ambiance is casual. I love that they have wine and beer and that both are very cheap - even if I usually only go during work hours...I like the idea that I can have an adult beverage with my delicious pork or beef BBQ should I not have to go back to work after...
No, it's not a BBQ "joint" that one would find in the typical BBQ meccas of the South, but it's not too shabby either. I thoroughly enjoy my meals when I eat there. -
Review from Boris M.
San Leandro, CA
4/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great BBQ place their ribs just to die for.... Super nice staff and great place will see you soon......
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Review from John H.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2012
* Solidly decent BBQ *
Nothing to write home about, but I've seldom gotten bad food here. It is a great space for large gatherings for friends and clubs of all kinds. We've had several club meets here on the weekend and it has worked out well. -
Review from Malia W.
12/11/2011 1 photo
Normal armadillo willy's, I have no complaints about the food. My friend and I shared a rib meal with fries and a corn muffin on the side for about $15 and it was plenty of food. We sat in the outside area which was great since my dog loves coming with me to restaurants.
We went on a Saturday afternoon and the place was pretty busy. Even though its right next to a target, we found great parking and our order was ready very quickly.
My dog, Legend gives the ribs 4 stars :) -
Review from Philip L.
12/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good place for meat
* Got the beef brisket sandwich, which had lots of meat for a reasonable price. Taste is decent.
* Fun, come-as-you-are place to watch sports games
* Haven't had the burger but it looks tasty. -
Review from Che M.
Hercules, CA
Had lunch here with my BF, his aunt & his uncle last week on a Friday! It was my first time trying this place and it wasn't that "great"! My BF & I ordered together & paid about $40 for our meals...(no drinks...just water). He ordered the baby back ribs which was alright (nothing special) & I ordered the brisket which was SOOOO dry! My utensils stuggled cutting through the dry brisket that it literally slipped off my plate tossing my salad all over the place :( I did enjoy the rest of my what was left of my Caesar salad & the corn salad that came with my order (you get to choose 2 sides). So yea, $40 for lunch was totally not worth it....
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Review from James P.
San Diego, CA
12/26/2011
Armadillo Willy's met my expectations. In other words, it was just OK. BBQ pork sandwich, average bun. Tasted fine but nothing special.
That said, they do know how to move the line and it is a good spot to grab a quick bite and move on. Plenty of seating. -
Review from Adam R.
San Bruno, CA
3/9/2012
This place was nice very easy to find, we got our order pretty quick they gave good amount of food, the ribs didn't really have much flavor nor did any of the meat actually. To be honest the only thing I found good was the onion rings and the cornbread I felt I only ate because I was hungry , yes I got full but I definitely wasn't satisfied and I had heartburn right after. I've def had better BBq elsewhere that was worth the $ check Peres BBQ (sf) and gorillas (Pacifica)
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Review from Vb L.
It's taken me quite some time to write this review after having dinner here and it's not because it was bad, it just wasn't anything spectacular. It's basic BBQ, the sauces are fairly generic and the sides are nothing special. The portions are large and the service is friendly. Would I come here as a regular? No. Would I come here again if the mood hit me? Yes.
TIP: Come here if you're in the mood for BBQ, happen to be in the neighborhood and don't want to go to another restaurant. It certainly doesn't suck!Listed in: San Mateo's Finest for Vicky…
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Review from Leana L.
9/23/2011
During our disaster preparedness fair at work, they had Armadillo Willy's BBQ catering for lunch. They had a tent set up with their cooking equipment and their truck parked behind it. Once we stepped up and gave them our lunch voucher, we got the option of beef, chicken, or veggie. I opted for the chicken and was immediately delivered a chopped BBQ chicken sandwich on a giant bun. Accompanying it was a bag of Miss. Vickie's chips and a drink (soda or water).
When I went to go eat it, the bun was just way too much bread. I almost just wanted to eat the giant heaping pile of chicken, but I was without a fork. Instead, I decided just to pick up the bottom bread and eat it like an open-face sandwich. There were two sauce options: a BBQ sauce and a jalapeno BBQ sauce. I put about a tablespoon of the jalapeno BBQ sauce on the meat and it added a nice subtle kick to the already flavorful chopped BBQ chicken. Even without the top bun, it was a very filling meal and I was full 'til dinner time (and I didn't even eat the chips)! -
Review from Al S.
7/30/2011
Business trip... can eat whatever I like that's really not good for me... have had incredible BBQ...... but didn't have time to fly back to St. Louis for the evening. (ya.... like I'd even DO that!?)
This is, when compared to my favorite multi-location BBQ restaurant, (Memphis Championship BBQ in the Vegas area with 3 stores), or Phil's in San Diego, not a close contender.
I paid $30 for a 3-way combo; chicken, pork ribs and brisket, with a pulled pork sandwich and large cookie pie. Cornbread side and slaw were not good at all. Cornbread was a small square, not chunky w/corn to emulate homecooked, and slaw was too dry for my taste, and strangely loaded with peanuts. I first tasted peanuts in a slaw-type recipe when I was in South East Asia in the 60's. The Thai's use it in their "Sumtom", a papaya salad. But they work better for me in that salad then a US domestic side with my BBQ. I prefer either a great creamy or vinegar based slaw. This was, for me, neither. The sliced meats were OK in a pinch, but the ribs came off more boiled than smoked. Something got lost between concept and table? I'm figuring they could've done much better with the meats.
Keep your expectations low as you first go to a counter where you order from kids who would rather be doing facebook on their laptops or handhelds, then take a table and sit, waiting for same kids to bring you your meats and sides. I did take-out, but the food should be the same as dine-in, right? I took a lot of extra sauce back to the hotel with me. Good thing, as it had more flavor than the meats.
For me...... if I get BBQ into my head, I'll even go to a franchise location for my fix. However........ I will not go to a Tony Roma's. (Tony has been excommunicated from my BBQ church for bad BBQ meats in 1998.) At this point, only Tony's True Redeemer will be able to forgive him. I know it's hard to reproduce great BBQ when you go "multi-unit retail", and usually, when I travel, I'm trusting better Q from "one-offs"; like Burrell's BBQ in Santa Ana, CA... a converted house on the edge of a residential district.
OH....... I ate the pulled pork sandwich the next day for lunch, and gave the big cookie pie to the kids when I got home! The pulled pork sandwich survived OK as a leftover, and the cookie pie, well, how can you go wrong with chocolate chip and kids? But I would'a enjoyed a deeper dessert menu. :-)
--------- UPDATE 07.30.11 ----------
I received a very nice message from The Founder of Armadillo Willy's this AM, and was very impressed with his attention to my review. He apologized for my experience..... and I responded that it was, to paraphrase, "..... a review based on just one visit... and an opportunity to make things better..." I mean, to be fair, if I had been there three times over a couple months, even I would add more credibility to my opinion. However, when I'm looking at reviews, I do take that into consideration, and generally look for a "trend of opinion."
But again, I was very impressed that he responded to http://Yelp.com input, and feel that it's only fair I visit his San Mateo location one more time when I'm in the area. His personal attention to my, or anyone's review, says a lot "positive" about this retail BBQ restaurant. Al -
Review from Maria S.
10/8/2011 4 Check-ins Here
While I love their food, particularly their BBQ brisket and their BBQ sauce, what I really can't pass up here might surprise you.
Texas Toast!
Yes, something about the way the Texas toast tastes when snatching bites between my brisket and Willy beans just makes me swoon. And sometimes when I really want to have a carb adventure, I'll order a kids grilled cheese, where they use Texas toast and some buttery cheddar. Mmmmmm!
It's the simple things in life that make me happy. :) -
Review from Ashley C.
San Mateo, CA
Updated - 8/6/2011
Went back again last night and this time we tried the "belly buster" which gives you generous portions of the various meats along with two sides and corn muffin!
As mentioned before, this can probably feed 4-6 people. There was 5 of us and we still had plenty of food to feed a 6th person. We definitely like the larger portions served along with the reduced pricing.
For you first timers out there.....the Belly Buster is a good way to go so long as everyone is agreeable to the two side dishes or as we did....we picked two common sides. At this visit it all worked out.
A+ on the food and once again the service was spot on.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/4/2011
Had dinner her last night and we've been coming here for years and glad to see that they finally did… Read more »
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Review from Walter W.
Redwood City, CA
Updated - 1/11/2012
Ordered fatty brisket, got lean brisket. As far as lean briskets go, it was average for California. For someone expecting fatty brisket, not suitable at all.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/5/2007
I know; i'm lumping in a california bbq chain with greats like the lockhart triumvirate and goode… Read more »
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Review from Viola L.
9/7/2011
Came here for lunch with some coworkers. The reputation of the brisket and BBQ ribs preceded the visit, so I had some sort of expectation.
Service is standard, order and wait to pick up your food when your buzzer thing starts lighting up. The cashier who took my order was very bubbly and friendly. The wait time was good, my food came out promptly. Prices are a bit higher than average, but not by much.
I ended up getting the BBQ pulled pork sandwich with the original sauce and a side of spicy peanut slaw. The bread was a buttered bun, which was delicious. There wasn't enough BBQ sauce, so I had to get two small containers worth. The slaw wasn't very spicy, but had a good flavor, which the peanuts probably contributed to.
Overall, decent lunch spot, although it wouldn't be my first choice. I've had a lot better pulled pork sandwiches and slaw. and for the price, I'd rather go elsewhere. -
Review from Valerie C.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2011
Armadillo Willy's biggest downfall is its lack of consistency. One day it's http://dabomb.com, on another it's barely mediocre. One day you get your food before you're even done filling up a soda and the next day half your lunch hour has passed and all you have to show for it is said soda and a buzzer. Honestly, if it weren't for my coworkers' penchants for chik'n-n-ribs (actually called "Lone Star Chicken & Texas BBQ Rib Combo" but my version sounds better) and Boca Burgers and my occasional craving for singed animal flesh, I would probably go here only once a month versus the current....oh....WEEKLY visits.
Coming here is like being in a bad relationship: When it's bad it's bad, but when it's good it's REAL good. And you just keep wanting to give it ONE MORE CHANCE. [Which reminds me, I wonder what the ex is up to these days...?]
My favorites, on the good days, include the tri-tip, corn bread, and corn salsa. Probably the only thing that doesn't change is the sauce and the 10% AAA discount (this is like the only place I actually use that dang thing). -
Review from Steven F.
San Francisco, CA
8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nothing is fantastic here.
But all you can eat ribs on mondays for $15 is worth it because there lots of new ribs constantly coming out when it is busy. However the ribs you get are hit and miss because some are dry and junk while other are super meaty and moist. so good luck....
Meats:
Nothing was outstanding... Just get what you are craving. Only risk is sometimes the ribs are dry from getting over smoked.
BBQ burrito on wednesdays is gigantic. good cheap big meal. I think is best with the bbq chicken...the worker recommended beef, but it was tasted oversauced and stringy fat.
Sauces:
Cowboy ketchup - the best thing they got.
Original bbq sauce - okay bbq sauce
Jalapeno bbq sauce- junk. just use their hot sauce there and make your own with the original bbq sauce.
Wasabi Ranch - super gross.
Sides:
Tatertots - awesome. fresh and always crispy.
Fries - awesome. taste fresh cut.
Corn bread Muffin - pretty good.
Potatoe Salad - pretty good.
Texas toast - okay. -
Review from Fallon P.
Decided to try this place because I always wondered how the food was since there's one near my job, but this is the closest location to where I live.
The bf and I walked in expecting to be seated. But, you actually have to wait in line and order and the cashier hands you a coaster that blinks when your order is ready and then you can get it at the counter. So, I guess that's good that you can choose where you want to sit, especially if there's a Giants game on the screen, which there was when we were there.
The bf ordered a BBQ brisket sandwich, while I had the turkey "burger," and we shared the potato salad and the garlic parmesan fries. The bf really liked his sandwich. He said the brisket was really flavorful and juicy. My turkey "burger" was ok. It was actually sliced turkey and not ground turkey. So, I guess that's what I wasn't used to. The potato salad was pretty good and we really enjoyed the garlic parmesan fries. FYI, your first sauce for the fries is complimentary, anything more and you get charged for it.
Overall, this place was fairly good. I was just a little disappointed with the turkey and I didn't want chicken at the time. I guess it's hard to please someone like myself who doesn't eat beef or pork. Anyway, we ate and were stuffed for about $20. So, can't really complain about that. -
Review from Victoria B.
Sunnyvale, CA
10/25/2011
YUMMY TriTIp Sammy!
I usually get the cut pork with tons of hot bbq sauce but they had Tri Tip today and wowzee it's so goooood!
The bread is buttered and lightly toasted. The meat is so flavorful.
I am now a big fan for their Tri Tip sammy! -
Review from Scott L.
Bay Area
12/30/2011
For a chain, the food is good. The meats tend to be a bit dried out and require extra sauce, and the prices are fairly high.
If you're dying for BBQ and don't feel like leaving foster city, it's good. We eat it probably once a month to satisfy our smoked-meat cravings (the ribs and fries are probably the best things on the menu), but would much prefer to make the drive over to pacifica and get some Gorillas BBQ.
Protip: Very kid friendly place (even for really little kids) but bring an applesauce packet or something if you have kids that get extra cranky if they are hungry, the food takes about 10 minutes longer than it should to come out (since it's basically already cooked). -
Review from Cynthia L.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
It's been awhile since I've been here and it looks like they've changed a bit. Nicer plates. Food tastes better. Artwork. What was super nice was on our last visit, I had asked for a high chair and the employee who brought one out went way beyond from what I was expecting. Not only did he bring it out but he wiped it with a cleansing wipe ad dried it afterwards. Wow! That was such nice service to receive.
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Review from L L.
San Mateo, CA
10/9/2011
I am generally not a big fan of chain restaurants, but Armadilly Willy's doesn't disappoint. My all time favorite thing on the menu is the Carolina BBQ Salad. I know...weird...bbq pork on a salad? But I'm telling you, it's super good.
My kids (teenagers) always get the Western BBQ burger with fries and ask for it prepared medium well. It's consistently tasty and always prepared a perfect medium well.
My husband usually gets the pulled pork sandwich or a burger. He is a super foodie and is always surprised how much he loves this place.
Armadillo Willie's is a great place to eat if you want somthing quick and tasty and relatively inexpensive. Especially when dining with the whole family.
***UPDATE***
Just received a super thoughtful email from the founder of Armadillo Willy's and I have to say, that just earned them another star. He prefers his place to be thought of as an 8 store mom and pop rather than a chain and his thoughtfulness and care in sending a message proves that. The food really is surprisingly outstanding. Give this place a try if you haven't already! -
Review from Joe P.
Stockton, CA
7/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Armadillo Willy's appears to be a modernized chain restaurant intrepretation of a BBQ rib shack. However, they only have 8 locations, so it's to the managements credit how they go the extra mile in making a BBQ experience more sit down restaurant friendly (instead of having to fight over a rickety table near a bathroom door, like in most rib shacks). I'm actually impressed with how they churn out so much smoked meat in an efficient and quick manner. They have a huge industrial sized smoker on the inside, so you won't see a guy out front sweating while throwing more wood on the fire (he's in an A/C controlled environment instead.). They seem to have the process down to a T, as my meat tasted just as good as anything I've had from any BBQ joint near my town (and tasted like smoked meat, not lighter fluid).
Do I like the idea of a mainstream BBQ place with restaurant hours? Yes. Is it missing the soul of most hole in the wall and neighborhood rib joints? Yes. Is it an even trade off in the end? Sure. I can see the appeal of a family wanting to enjoy a nice BBQ meal, but not wanting the hassle of preparing it themselves. Throw in nice surroundings, dinnerware, and efficient staff....and it's a win-win.
Honestly, I found the meat here to be rather tasty. The price feels a bit inflated and the portions are a bit stingy, but I think that might be more a product of the bay area (as I'm a central valley resident) but if you're craving BBQ, it's easily worth a visit. The baby backs had a great smoke ring in the meat, and the pulled pork was juicy and tasty. Those are the holy grails of meat in my book, so if you can do that right....you have my vote! -
Review from Oriana C.
5/8/2011 14 Check-ins Here
Smokehouse BBQ melt n corn salad.
done. -
Review from Jennifer C P.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
The meat I tried so hard to eat here threatened to make me vegetarian again.
Why?
Why do I have to expect BBQ in restaurants to rival the BBQ I make at home?
Why?
Why do I have to expect a BBQ place make dry rub and sauce as well as I do at home?
Why?
Why do I eat BBQ away from home expecting something better?
I can't even ask why anymore. The Bay Area really lacks a great BBQ joint. Hell, we don't even have one that I would visit more than one time!
The money spent on food here was redeemed by one piece - just one, of tender beef brisket. The ribs were dry and barely had any meat. The chicken was just bad. The service was friendly, but the food was not great and I smelled like smoke all day long - a bitter reminder of the the time, money, and calories I wasted here.
I will pass on this one and muster up the energy to make my own BBQ at home next time I have a craving. Even if I have to BBQ in the rain, I will not go out to find it in a restaurant again. No way. I cannot take the disappointment.
**This is one of many reviews of dress down, inexpensive eats that I will be having for a while as i've decided to skip my usual swanky cocktails and fancy dinners so that I could donate that money instead to the American Red Cross for the Earthquake/Tsunami in Japan fund.
While I do not ask the same of you, if you'd like - please donate $10 directly to the American Red Cross by texting REDCROSS to 90999 -
Review from Eric A.
Burlingame, CA
8/20/2011
The Texas BBQ Brisket was overcooked in their 4000lb wood burning oven. Dry and really disappointing. Price wise, I guess it was ok.
It feels like I'm in a BBQ Fuddruckers (RIP), but filled with BBQ smoke and limitless sauce. The sauce btw was NOT HOT! Jalapeno BBQ sauce to me, means that I'll have having happy mouth time in 5 minutes (twss.) But no, it was more like ketchup, vinegar, maybe a little bit of jalapeno, and pancake syrup. Might as well call it Jalapeno mild sauce.
The price makes it a 3 star, along with the BBQ dryness and lack of hot hot sauce. -
Review from Janice V.
It's been a while since I came here but things have slightly changed. I got the Tuesday special which was a tri tip sandwich. It was alright but I liked mine with hella bbq sauce, haha. When I got my food though, they actually put it in a plastic woven basket. The garlic fries was in this cone shaped thing. I guess they are really stepping up with their presentation. Maybe because they got a new owner? Not really sure. The layout was really spacious before but now they put a small wall up down the middle of the restaurant. Not really feelin' it but at least they still got their flat screen tvs to watch sports haha.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/16/2010
Came here today and got their fish tacos. I loved how the cheese was melted, fresh cut tomatoes, and… Read more »
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Review from angelina m.
South San Francisco, CA
6/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm about to say something that may come as a shock. It may make me a bad person. It makes me a little ashamed, but.....
I don't like bbq.
I know! Get the stones, tar and feathers ready. I deserve it. Un friend me if you must. I can't help it. It freaks me out. Meat that tastes like smoke. Meat that tastes like sauce and not meat. Bleh.
I got the 50's burger and it was really good. 1000 island just completes a burger. Try it some time. You'll love it. It's life changing.
I would recommend coming not during a lunch or dinner hour, b/c it gets really busy and trying to find a table and hold drinks with kids is not fun when you're on the hunt and in attack mode.
I will say this, their fries are In the running for the best french fries EVER! They're crispy without being burned and soft without being mushy. Perfectly seasoned and good plain or in sauce. And that's a HUGE compliment coming from the girl who needs a 12 step program for potatoes. Seriously. It's a problem. -
Review from Aisha N.
Daly City, CA
8/16/2011
Came here the other day with my friends and ordered the small plate of "Texas BBQ Ribs" with a side of Little Caesar Salad.
The ribs were sooo good! Not burnt, perfect amount of tenderness and bbq sauce! -
Review from Tim K.
Yuba City, CA
1/6/2012
The first thing I was impressed with at this place was the prices. Sandwiches were under 6 bucks and that was great. I always skip the soda to keep the price down, just get some free water. I can get coke anywhere, I'm here for the Q. Prices were reasonable. Also, as you walk in, you see the giant smokers right up front. Actually found out these are Oyler pits, all wood burning pits made by J and R Manufacturing in Mesquite Texas. In the BBQ world, these are the Rolls Royce of cookers, not easy to get. Most commercial BBQ pits are basically gas ovens with wood added for smoke flavor. These Oyler pits are true all wood pits and if you have time and are interested, ask them about the pits, they are pretty cool.
On to the food: I had two sandwiches, the sausage and the brisket. Sausage was excellent. Smoky, peppery, not as hot as a regular hot link, but great flavor, nice spice. Brisket was good, one sandwich would have been sufficient, but I wanted to try things out. Sauce was good, the mild sauce was nice, the hot sauce was good, a little different because not vinegar based, I liked it. The brisket sandwich came out and the meat had all been sauced, I will ask them not to do that next time. I like to put my sauce on the side and dip. The bread and buns here are really good. I guess they put butter on them, then toast them on the grill, they taste great. This place is good and they are doing a good job and the prices are good for BBQ. I'm going to head back and work my way through the rest of the menu. While I was eating, I looked around at other plates and everything looked great, but I had already ordered two sandwiches, didn't want to make a scene at one sitting. I'll update my review as I try different items.
I've seen some reviews knock this place for being a chain, not the proverbial hole in the wall. I've gone around the country trying BBQ and if it's good, it's good. It's not easy to do it right, but if it's being done right, I don't care if they have more than one location. Just means they're doing it right, it's working. Nation's Giant Hamburgers is my favorite local example of this, who cares if there is more than one location, when it's good, it's good!
It looks like Monday is all you can eat ribs day according to Emmalouise B, another Yelper, if that's true it could be trouble... they may run out of ribs because I don't have anything better to do on a Monday night. -
Review from John L.
San Francisco, CA
6/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'll have to first say that it's pretty difficult to find a "really good" BBQ here on the West Coast. that said, if you're in the mood for some decent smoked grills then Armadillo Willy's is not a bad place to hit.
there's a little bit of a learning curve on how to order food if you've never been there before. basically get in line and order at the cashiers up front - so you'd better grab a menu beforehand to see what you want. then go grab a table and wait for your buzzer to light up when your food is ready at the counter.
Memphis pulled pork and 18-hour BBQ brisket were pretty good. Lone Star BBQ chicken quarter was pretty generous and cooked to perfection. you'll want to get some extra sauce at the self-serve pump though. I liked the original sauce better than the jalapeno sauce.
workers were all very helpful despite how crazy busy it was. flat screen tv's scattered around the room showing sports. outdoor seating available too in a semi-enclosed area which was nice. there are daily specials too so you might want to check ahead of time. the West Coast isn't exactly known for BBQ but this place isn't bad, all things considered. will definitely return
