Famous Dave's

3.5 star rating
70 reviews Rating Details

Category: Barbeque  [Edit]

1060 Corporate Dr
Westbury, NY 11590
(516) 832-7300
Hours:

Mon-Thu 11 am - 11 pm

Fri-Sat 11 am - 12 am

Sun 11 am - 10 pm

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Very Loud
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
Yes
Caters:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"...either Texas beef brisket or Georgia chopped pork, coleslaw..." (in 3 reviews)
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"The blackberry ribs are insanely good." (in 42 reviews)
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"Price : All American BBQ Feast for Four or Five $57.99." (in 2 reviews)
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70 reviews in English

  • Review from Sonny G.

    OZONE PARK, NY

    5.0 star rating
    10/10/2011

    OH mY BeJeSus how I used to love this place before I became a vegetarian. Yikes the food here is so tasty!! Me and my family would get the garbage pail which is a meal that feeds 4-6, and it's served to you on a garbage pail top!! The pulled pork and the ribs were my favorites. The food is absolutely delicious. They have an array of sauces here, about eight or so. Each bbq sauce has it's own creative and delicious flavor.  Famous Dave's decor looks something like a log cabin in Aspen. The dark wood and dim lit atmosphere makes you feel like snow is on the nearby ground, even if it's summer. I can also speak for their side dishes, such as mac&cheese, mashed potatoes, and hmmmmmm let me not forget those warm cinnamon apples. I love Famous Dave's.

    Soon I'm going to return with the intention of trying fish if they have any....and if they don't I'll just eat sides :)

  • Review from Chris I.

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    • 6 friends
    • 26 reviews

    Fresh Meadows, NY

    3.0 star rating
    1/25/2012 2 photos 1 Check-in Here

    I frequently go to the restaurant across the parking lot from this place and it always packed.  I'm a huge fan of BBQ and have always wanted to try it out, so when a colleague and I  were in the area for a meeting one rainy Monday night it was a no brainer.

    We were greeted right away and seated in a booth on the side of the restaurant. The place is huge and looks like a giant outdoorsman's cabin. Antler chandeliers, big fireplace in the middle and hunting, trapping and fishing gear hung on the wall. Very cool.

    It was a Monday night so it was very slow and yet our drinks seemed to take forever to come out. ( I did notice they were training some new waiters so maybe that was it. )  They had a good selection of beer and more importantly it was ice cold and came in a 23oz glass!

    As for the food we ordered the Southside Rib Tips and they were ok. A little to much bone for my liking. (maybe that how they're supposed to be) The rub was good and the pickled red onions on the side were good. The hellfire pickle was just a reg pickle, no zing what so ever.

    For mains my colleague got the full rack of Memphis ribs which he said he really liked.  I got the 1/3 rack of St. Louis ribs and the beef brisket combo. I have to say that they were really good. Nicely cooked and sauced well. Both were juicy and flavorful.  The side on the other hand, not so much. The Wilbur beans were just ok and the firecracker green beans  were a soggy sad mess with no fire at all. The corn on the cob was soggy and the corn bread tasted like "Jiffy" corn bread mix. In fact it even came in muffin form.  

    From a meat standpoint they're are as good as chain restaurants get. I'm sure they're are better options though, but all in all they are still solid. I'd just avoid or pick better sides.

  • Review from Marika T.

    Fresh Meadows, NY

    3.0 star rating
    12/7/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Famous Dave's is much better than Dallas BBQ but not as good as Dinosaur BBQ or Hill Country. The chicken wings and the petite side potato salad are the most memorable items from the menu. The potato salad is creamy from the mayo and tangy from the onions. The wings are always consistently good. Stay away from the All-American BBQ Feast unless your group is willing to share everything. Tempting yes but, you probably can do without the roasted chicken and the pastrami like beef brisket. The Wilbur beans, cole slaw, mac n cheese, and corn bread muffins are pretty good as well. The infamous St. Louis-Style ribs are border line good only if it isn't overcooked. Use their sauces if it is. In fact, use Wilbur's revenge on everything.

    Two things you definitely do not want to fill your stomach with are the corn cobs (just like KFC's) and Dave's - not to famous- watered down chili. A good place to eat and drink after a long day at Roosevelt Field Mall but not my go-to place for BBQ.

  • Review from Caroline D.

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    • 7 reviews

    CAMBRIA HTS, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/20/2012

    UGHHHH ! The best ribs I've had in awhile!!!! The dry rub is great. I had the dry rub ribs as an appetizer and i was full before the main course was even at the table! Me and my BF were stuffed.

  • Review from Sarah H.

    Lindenhurst, NY

    3.0 star rating
    10/6/2011

    Husband and I split the american feast which is like $35 for brisket, ribs, chicken, corn on the cob, coleslaw and corn muffinz.

    the BBQ was good. I think my favorite part was playing with the 6 or 7 different sauces that they had that were all surprisingly different from one another. Yea, that sauce selection was the only thing that really impressed me. Otherwise, the beer on tap was luke warm, the corn on the cob was ehh not the plump corn kernels they should be. The chicken was really good, great seasoning and for the price it is a good deal.

    Nothing to say O M G about but decent food, decent price, okay service. I would only go back if my husband wanted to which I know he will since he loves BBQ. I think I like Smokin Als better though :/

  • Review from Alice L.

    Forest Hills, NY

    4.0 star rating
    8/24/2011

    Came on a whim after purchasing BBQ Rib flavored chips at the Christmas Tree Shops - don't ask.

    The award winning ribs were just that! The myriad of sauces on the side just added to the fun! Even thought the ribs were already sauced, you just wanted to put more on just to keep trying all the delicious sauces. Sweet, Bold, Smokey, Spicy, Insanely Spicy and More!

    The sides were good but the Mac and Cheese, OH the Mac and Cheese! I think it had jalapeño's in it. GIMME MORE MAC AND CHEESE PLEASE!

  • Review from D. J. H.

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    • 43 friends
    • 63 reviews

    Fresh Meadows, NY

    4.0 star rating
    7/13/2011

    When I used to eat ribs, this was one of my favorite places to get them. Famous Dave's is absolutely PACKED on Friday and Saturday nights, commanding at least an hour wait. Is it the best place in the world for BBQ? Not likely, but it's damn tasty, nonetheless, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

    If you are into ribs, my preference was for the St. Louis style. Service here is fairly quick, and they'll have you chowing down as soon as possible. There's a bunch of sauces to slather on, and I would mix the Georgia Mustard and the Devil's Spit. I liked how meaty these ribs are. The baby backs may have been more tender and fall off the bone, but there was something so much more *visceral* about tearing into the St. Louis.

    Now, when I come here, I usually opt for the pulled pork, the roasted chicken, or a combo of both. The pulled pork satisfies my meat cravings, without the excess fat of the ribs/ It's incredibly tender, and absolutely delicious. Whereas I used to go straight for the Devil's Spit, they've now released the infernal Wilbur's Revenge. Damn, that is a HOT sauce. Probably the hottest thing I've tasted at a national chain. And it makes me happy. I just wish they had it when I did the rib thing.

    I recommend the roasted chicken over the barbecue chicken, by the way. It's a fresher taste, to me, whereas the barbecuing interferes with the chicken's own flavor. I still sauce it up like crazy.

    Sides: I like the Wilbur beans, which are baked beans with shreds of pork, and the green beans, which are a bit spicy. I'm not a fna of their cole slaw, and the potatoes are nothing special. You get a small cob of corn with your meal, and one of the tastiest corn muffins around. I brought a friend here once, and she took home a half-dozen of the muffins. Call me crazy, but I like to drizzle either the Devil's Spit or the Wilbur's Revenge sauces onto my muffin as I eat it. You might say "yuck", but don't knock it 'til you try it.

    Unless you're one of those Barbecue Snobs (you know who you are) who insist on the snooty, dry-rub places in Manhattan, I recommend you try this place to get your barbecue fix. Besides, it's easy to get to if you are in Queens or Long Island, and there's parking.

  • Review from steve g.

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    • 3 reviews

    Bellmore, NY

    2.0 star rating
    1/13/2012

    I went to this place for lunch with a co-worker.  The atmosphere is very western\country-ish.  There are antlers hanging on the walls and lots of wood.and logs built into the decor.  Each table is furnished with a roll of paper towels sitting on a 1/2" galvanized pipe as the holder.  You can tell it is very family friendly because there were crayon marks all over the wall of the booth we were sitting in.  The wood table was covered with fork stabbings and carved initials.  This should help you picture the type of element this place is attracting.  The wait staff were young, yet accomodating and friendly.  We started with the rib tips for an appertizer, which came with fries and a spicey dipping sauce.  I hope you like salt!  I ordered the half slab of ribs and.my co-worker ordered the brisket. The portions were a decent size as they throw is plenty of sides to fill you up including a corn muffin.  The taste of my food was ok, but the quality is less then what I am used to, especially for a $17 lunch order.  My co-worker did not like his brisket.  The quality of the meat was sub-par and resembled spam with BBQ sauce on it.  Oh, if you don't like gobs of BBQ sauce, fat, and salt this place wont be for you.  I typically like to eat healthy but felt nauceous after finishing my meal.  I dont think I will be going back anytime soon.  This place my be good for college kids or families with young children, but definitely not good for me.

  • Review from Feygens S.

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    • 183 friends
    • 178 reviews

    Elmont, NY

    3.0 star rating
    10/27/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Great Place To PIG OUT!!...Literally. Now I See Why Dave Is Famous. 7-8 Different BBQ Sauces, Ribs Fall Off The Bone, Brisket Pulls Apart, Sides Are What Sides Should Be For BBQ. This Place Is Great!! I Recommend The Feast On A Garbage Can. Has Everything!! Good Family Restaurant Too! I Will Be Back!!

  • Review from Scott K.

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    • 3 reviews

    Midtown East, Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    8/24/2011

    Tried this place out because my family had a giftcard. One of the best overall meals I've ever had at a restaurant hands down. We got two orders of nachos for the appetizer and it was amazing, we wanted to go for a third-but then again wanted to save room. I ordered the combo where I got ribs and pulled pork. I can't stress enough how satisfied I was with both. Especially the fact that me and my sister had a ball mixing up the sauces they have on the table for you. The cornbread, the beans, the mashed potatoes...just as awesome, we left no side unturned. I left full and it wasn't too expensive. Just 3 weeks later I visited Smokin Al's in Massepequa and was really disappointed that I spent 35$ compared to the 20$ at Dave's and was very very dissatisfied with the food at Smokin Al's.

    Go here and you will not be dissapointed

  • Review from André C.

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    • 36 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    9/6/2011

    If Paul Bunyan had a favorite American restaurant this would be it! The restaurant itself is a log cabin... literally. Decorated with faux Native American-Indian mementos it is a shabby lumbered abode with bountiful seating and minimal refinement. 5 BBQ sauces and one ketchup bottle don the table with a giant roll of paper towels that remind me of public school bathroom paper. The place is grungy, dimly lit and downright delicious.

    I am hard pressed to say that this place is the best barbecue I've ever had (because it's not) but I will admit it comes awfully close! I went with two other friends of mine. We all agreed to go in on the Two-Meat BBQ Combo. In true American form, the waitress brings it out on a sizable aluminum trash can lid. Yes, a lid. Not a plate, not a pot. A lid. And it made complete sense to me. Picture the deliciousness of left over meat that's been allowed to soak in it's own juices over night. That savory metaphor is transplanted onto a lid giving the impression it was going to the trash: well not on my watch!

    Two pieces of chicken breast, moist and perfectly cooked were seasoned with a lemon vinaigrette. Biting into it the skin is not crunchy but firm and this deceives the eater into thinking the chicken is going to be a poor piece of poultry. But when the teeth read the depth of the breast and the taste buds detect the hints of lemon it comes as a joyous surprise.
    Ribs are nothing if not doused in sauce. About 8 of them were on the lid and the meat was nearly scorched. I am not a fan of ribs. Never have been, and now I realize why: It was always so tough to eat them. Dave's cooked the ribs to charcoaled extremes but this does not make it taste burned or tough. The irony with this presentation is that the ribs are actually very meaty and almost drip off the bone, not visible to the naked eye but you're certainly cognizant of it once you bite into it.
    The starches on the lid were potato wedges which are not exactly spectacular and frankly they're not supposed to be. The purpose of the wedges is to soak up all that greasy---wait, there was very little grease-- I should say saucy goodness.
    There were cooked beans and cole slaw. I didn't touch the slaw because it's a waste of precious intestinal real estate when you're busy trying to pack in as much protein as humanly possible. I did however, try the beans and they tasted like a helping of bacon smothered in a can of Goya's Pintos. The beans were cooked well and the sauce was not aqueous which is a common flaw in baked beans.
    The pulled pork was the reason this place did not get 5 stars from me. I love pulled pork, it's the reason I couldn't convert to Judaism. The chunks were small and were dried. There wasn't much detectable seasoning and then I discovered why there are five sauces on the table. I tried Texas Pitt and it was yummy but it tasted even better with baked beans on a fork of potato wedges.

    As someone who is counting calories now at the behest of my doctor, I found it surprisingly satisfying that I only consumed 900 calories in one sitting. I will be back to try out other things. The menu had calorie counts all over it and the variety of meats was impressive. There were the standard cuts of meat as well as burgers, and even salads and fish. Why anyone would come here to have salad and fish is beyond me though. The place was packed though: everyone came here. Tons of long banquet-looking tables were festooned with vociferous adults and rambunctious children. The wait list was long and there is rarely open seating. The noise was ear-splitting but the food compensated by allowing your olfactoral senses the ability to drown out your sense of hearing.

    I love BBQ, it's right up there with the triumvirate of yummy cuisine: Mexican, Italian and BBQ. Hopefully next time I'll run into Paul Bunyan.

  • Review from Monica T.

    Ridgewood, Queens, NY

    4.0 star rating
    4/30/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    I don't really count this as a typical chain since, first off, it's not nearly as prevalent as other places.  Second, the service is definitely not typical chain style service.  This is the second time I've ever been to a Famous Dave's but this one had much better service than your typical semi-apathetic server would provide.

    Huge, HUGE points to our server Steven for being honest.  We had a coupon code to get a free appetizer that was not reflected in our final bill.  He pointed this out to us & got it corrected, an point that my husband didn't notice until Steven specifically mentioned it.  

    He could have been a total sleazo and lied about it but instead, shocked this cynical couple by showing that there is some morality in the business world.  Aside from the fact that he took care of his customers, the food was good, and he seemed to care about people enjoying the dining experience, that earned him a better than average tip.

    Would definitely go back since the prices are consistent with Smithtown and not Times Square.

  • Review from Chad J.

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    • 213 reviews

    Garden City, NY

    4.0 star rating
    8/22/2011

    Pretty good BBQ that is a great spot for a date

    Had ribs which were great but I found BBQ around my area just as good as this place

  • Review from Erin N.

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    • 6 reviews

    Kissimmee, FL

    5.0 star rating
    7/23/2011

    Great BBQ, great service!  You will not be disappointed.  Pulled pork is the best I ever had and the bbq chicken is amazing too.  Can't wait to go back and try the ribs.  
    Since I moved to FL from Long Island, I became addicted to southern sweet tea and this place not only serves it but gets it right.  I was very impressed.  Wish more places up north served it.  
    Will definitely go back to Famous Daves next time I visit NY,  It's every bit as good as authentic southern BBQ.

  • Review from Scotty J.

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/22/2011 7 Check-ins Here

    Portions aplenty await at this popular barbecue joint.

    The secret here is to arrive early.  We had a nice Friday evening dinner at 5:30 PM in the main room with a table nestled near enough to savor the down-home fireplace.

    We began our meal with the side salad, which contains a bonus of egg and bacon that you won't find outside of a Cobb salad.  As for the entrees, I opted for the brisket and it didn't disappoint -- it was tender and flavorful, but needed a little oomph from the sauces on the table.  Since I love spicy food, the aptly named Devil's Spit more than did the job.

    For my sides, the baked beans with meat were excellent, the corn muffin served warm is always a delicious treat, and the potato salad wonderfully creamy.

    This is my go-to place for lip-smacking BBQ, but it's going to be a long wait if you get there during the dinner rush.

  • Review from Steven L.

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    • 5 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Rego Park, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/24/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I absolutely love this place. Large portions, great food, and plenty of paper towels! The wait here can be extremely long on weekends so get in early or late if you can hold off til 9.

    The Food:
    Anything bbq is awesome. They're baby back ribs are moist, tender and
    Fergalicious (So delicious) / But I ain't promiscuous / And if you was suspicious / All that *** is fictitious
    The beef brisket is so tender but dry out quickly. My friends love their rib tips. Their sauces are good. Mix devil's spit and texas pit for a spicy sweet concoction. I call it famous spit.
    The sides are good except the drunken apples. It's sorta mushy and blah.
    The portions are large and you'll have enough leftover for lunch the next day.

    The Service:
    Great service! Very attentive and friendly.

    The Cost:
    An average dinner is around $21. Include drinks and tip, it'll come out to $25-30.

    Bonus:
    When you take the leftovers home and microwave them, the entire place smells like bbq. love it!

  • Review from Autumn S.

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    • 1 friend
    • 47 reviews

    Fresh Meadows, NY

    4.0 star rating
    9/25/2011

    I spent sone family time here at this place and we loved it. The food is good, it could be a tad bit better for me but I wouldn't hesitate to go here again.

  • Review from Gabriel R.

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    • 14 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Flushing, NY

    4.0 star rating
    8/11/2011

    Everytime I go there I make sure to go with a big appetite. The blackberry ribs are insanely good. Famous Dave's serves BBQ so good it makes you want to buy their sauces and attempt to recreate it yourself, it's that good. They have mac and cheese thats superb, mashed potatoes done so well they bring back childhood memories of eating mashed potatoes for family dinners. There are many BBQ restaurants popping up all over and many are forgettable. Famous Dave's manages to serve food that makes you feel good inside.

  • Review from michael f.

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    • 6 friends
    • 241 reviews

    Valley Stream, NY

    4.0 star rating
    2/24/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Not every place that looks like a chain, and acts like a chain, EATS like a chain.

    Famous Dave's is good BBQ.  The meat is well cooked.  The sauces are varried and flavorful. And the sides are down-home tasty.
    The advantage of it being "chainy" is that the place is huge, the prices are reasonable and the service is very quick.  Great for groups and families.

    All of the rib dishes are great. The ribs tips are addictive. And for the none red meat eaters, my wife RAVES about the BBQ chicken.

    It might be in the middle of a bunch of long island malls, but Dave's is a great place for a BBQ fix.

  • Review from Angelo B.

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    • 1 friend
    • 18 reviews

    Valley Stream, NY

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 7/11/2011

    tried the new sauces, Wilber's revenge( damn thats hot!!!)
    blueberry bbq sauce(awesome!!!!)
    i will def order my ribs with the blueberry sauce next time i go

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      9/3/2008

      went here for the first time after passing by it many times.  loved it!  its kinda like the spare… Read more »

  • Review from Dave F.

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    • 4 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Huntington Station, NY

    5.0 star rating
    4/11/2011

    Barbeque is by far my favorite food. I have sampled the fare of many barbecue establishments on Long Island. I can say without a doubt, Famous Dave's beats them all.

    I ordered the baby back ribs. They were sweet and moist. As soon as I finished a rib, I couldn't wait to start the next. The staff is friendly and the service is quick. I can't wait to go back for some rib indulgence.

    By the way, make sure to read the shirts the staff wears. They are brilliant!

  • Review from chil k.

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    • 53 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/8/2011 1 Check-in Here

    The lunch special is reasonably priced, and the ribs are ok. If you are looking for the "best" ribs this isn't it, but fine for the price.

  • Review from D-Baby B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 83 reviews

    East Elmhurst, NY

    3.0 star rating
    7/31/2011

    For a quick bbq fix or a place to go after the movies i sometimes go here. Usually a slight wait -so that's annoying despite it's huge size. I love their sampler baskets that feed 2 - 4 peeps. Their sauces are tasty.
    My only neg vibe on this joint is ....food taste like it may have a high sodium count!! If you have high blood pressure this may not be your place to chill.

  • Review from Norman C.

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    • 31 friends
    • 97 reviews

    Forest Hills, NY

    3.0 star rating
    11/4/2010

    Famous Dave's is a place I visit when I'm out in LI and crave some BBQ food.  The portions are huge and they have a good variety of BBQ sauces on each table.  

    I personally love their ribs as well as the brisket.  

    Famous Dave's is just average compared to Brother Jimmy's in the city, and doesn't really compare to Dinosaur BBQ, but is a great choice when you're out in LI.  

    Make sure you have an empty stomach before visiting as I can guarantee that you will be full by the end of the night!

  • Review from Tom T.

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    • 8 friends
    • 387 reviews

    Ridgewood, NY

    4.0 star rating
    5/7/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    BBQ heaven.  I love me some Famous Dave's.  The brisket is awesome, the chicken fingers are amazing, and server Steven A. is one of the coolest, most honest waiters I've ever had.  I love the selections of BBQ sauce.  Go here, and enjoy.

  • Review from Max M.

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    • 1 friend
    • 22 reviews

    Massapequa, NY

    2.0 star rating
    8/15/2011

    I've been here a couple times and it's 'meh' to average at best. There's a shortage of good BBQ spots on Long Island which can make any BBQ place seem good. I honestly think I can BBQ tastier meats than Famous Daves. The sides we got were luke warm, chicken was dry, ribs were smaller than we thought and bland.
    It's in a great location for after a movie or long day at the mall, but it's not something I would go out of my way for or wait more than 15 minutes for. Probably won't return anytime soon unless I'm with a group that wants to go. There's much better BBQ on Long Island than this.

  • Review from Ricky R.

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    • 24 friends
    • 66 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    4/22/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Famous Dave's is ok, just ok. One thing that I really don't like about them and will prevent me from going back is the fact that the first thing on their list of ingredients in their BBQ sauce is HFCS, first ingredient. This is terrible, do you know how easy it is to make BBQ sauce? Well, I do and its easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. I realize Dave's is a chain and the sauce is probably made in a huge factory in Iowa somewhere, but that is really no excuse for insulting and not caring about your customers. That being said, if you live in an area where you can't get local, independently owned mom and pop style BBQ, Dave's would be an option. The pulled pork, ribs, wings, beans, fries (which Im sure are coated with sugar), and corn muffins are OK, but don't order (or eat) the corn on the cob, cause it is inedible as far as I'm concerned. Its wet, and soft and mushy and not seasoned well and tastes probably like what a freshly used gym sock would taste like.
    I won't be going back cause I know I can find better BBQ somewhere, and I don't care if its NYC, or jersey, I would much rather make the trip than eat this stuff.
    If they don't care about their BBQ sauce, I'm sure there's a lot more they don't care about.
    I also felt terrible the next day after eating this stuff, I probably had as much HFCS in my system as their factories do.
    NOT recommended, I mean they don't even have Fernet Branca here.

  • Review from Franco C.

    Oyster Bay, NY

    4.0 star rating
    9/25/2007

    Meat and beer - what a combo!

    You have to love a place where, when you order a load of wings, they are brought to you on a garbage can lid...Truth in advertising?  Subliminal messaging?  Perhaps, but the damn things are good.

    The place is always packed- been to the bar area a few times and it can be hard to get a seat at times.  The lines for the tables are just incredible, I hardly venture into the dining room because of them.

    The bartender is usually decent but then again, this is mostly a beer swigging kind of place.

    The hot sauces can light you up which is always refreshing!

    Parking lot behind the place.

  • Review from heather C.

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    • 250 reviews

    New York, NY

    2.0 star rating
    1/26/2010 2 photos

    Dear Dave,
    You pretty much suck at Barbeque. Not sure what makes you "famous."
    Love,
    Yael

  • Review from Kathleen B.

    Northport, NY

    2.0 star rating
    11/14/2008 2 Check-ins Here

    I'm currently sitting at Famous Dave's bar waiting for my food to get here. The bartender seems a little overwhelmed, even though the restaurant is mostly empty.  2 1/2 stars.

    No bread basket before you eat, which is kinda dissapointing.

    The food came out in a timely fasion and it's not bad. I don't taste the pineapple juice that's supposedly in the BBQ sauce on my ribs. The ribs had a medium amount of meat on them and were soft and moist.  

    Onto the sides:
    The sweet potatoes were watery and had hardly any flavor, save for the teaspoon of brown sugar on the top.  The mac and cheese had a jalapeno kick, which was defintely unique, but corn inside my mac and cheese is just plain weird.  The corn on the cob isn't overcooked, but has no salt on it and is slathered in oil, not butter.  The cornbread is bordering on a little too sweet, even for me.

    I've had better meals that didn't cost me $18 for a plate full of mediocre food.  If you're craving bbq though, this is almost the only place to get it in Nassau County.

  • Review from Ryan F.

    Manhattan, NY

    3.0 star rating
    7/11/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Good place, especially for the price.  They're right across from City Cellar (Mediterranean/American kitchen & wine bar), but given the completely different cuisines, I'd say there's a symbiotic relationship between the two - they're not really competing for the same customers.

    Let's start with a DEAL - They have a great happy hour M-F from 4-7pm at the bar.  Even if you're not in the mood for a drink (two-fers on all the taps and one-liquor well drinks) they slash 50% off on all their apps (except the sampler plate).

    In the apps department, their smoked salmon spread is delicious (think really chunky tuna/chicken salad consistency) and they serve it up with delicious wedges of fire-grilled pita bread.  Catfish fingers are always crisp, tasty, and served with a duo of complimentary dips.  Wings are good, but I'd suggest you go the BBQ route, rather than buffalo.  For the weak, try ordering mild, since you can always heat it up with their more adventurous (and spicy) BBQ sauces table-side.

    The family meals are filling and can safely feed more than the menu even suggests.  If you're into ribs, Famous Dave's won't disappoint. We ordered a few at the bar (for a buck each, to compliment our happy-hour appys), and with a little forkin TLC, the meat slides right off and is juicy as can be...

  • Review from Tony M.

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    • 176 friends
    • 122 reviews

    Forest Hills, NY

    4.0 star rating
    7/14/2008

    Famous Daves is the Outback Steakhouse of ribs.  Huge portions and with a extremely fair price.   Its good for groups and its a definitely eat with your hands atmosphere.    The ribs are tender and delicous.
    Just an overall good deal!

  • Review from Sera R.

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    • 31 friends
    • 96 reviews

    South Ozone Park, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/28/2009

    As bad as this is for you.  It is delicious.  I don't have ribs often, and this is some of the best my inexperience pallet has had.  I love em' and I crave em.  I not to eat them a lot, I had it like twice last year, so it is a treat when I do go.  And that's all I get, the ribs ribs and ribs.  I usually get the combo with 2 sides  and a cornbread, a) because I love corn bread, and b) the apples are like desert for me.  Something that I never finish.  The portions are huge the paper towels are plentiful, and the sauces come pouring from the heavens.  If you like ribs, give it a go.

    Go there for the dinner rush with out a reservation and be prepared to wait... and wait a long time, in the past we have made the mistake and ended up waiting an hour... call ahead if you know you are going just in case!

  • Review from Carla L.

    Teaneck, NJ

    2.0 star rating
    4/26/2010

    This place wins the award for the absolute worst pork BBQ that I've ever had.

    I really wanted to like this place. I really wanted a good southern style BBQ place on Long Island, like the kind I stop at in Florida, Georgia, or Tennessee when I'm down south. Based on the looks of the place, I thought this just might be it.

    It had the same down-home decor - very rustic with lots of wood and country-style antiques and artifacts. It utilized the same imagery - lots of bbq pits and pigs. And it had the same relaxed, casual vibe - a come as you are kind of place. However, there were 3 things, that it didn't have. There were no pickup trucks in the parking lot. The servers had no Southern accents nor were they disarmingly polite and charming. Both or which are not essential and can be overlooked. Unfortunately, the third thing is the deal breaker - their BBQ was horrible.

    Now, when I sit down for some "Georgia Chopped Pork", I expect a pile of soft and juicy smoked goodness. Meat that is light towards the center with a noticeable pink smoke ring just under the crust. This meat should also be so tender that it nearly melts in my mouth when I eat it. It should arrive naked and be sauced by me at the table with the sauces provided. The meat should be so good on it's own that I almost feel guilty for adding sauce to it, so tender, juicy, and flavorful that I eat half of it without any sauce at all.

    I knew it was a bad sign when I read the menu description for their pork and it said it was "BBQ slathered". Everyone knows that a little sauce goes a long when when it comes to disguising bad meat. So I specifically ordered it without any sauce. The meat that I was served was not chopped, but instead looked like it was the odds and ends from other cuts of meat. Some chunks were large, others tiny, some light, some dark, completely random, no uniformity whatsoever. It was definitely not one piece of meat that had been chopped, but a sad conglomeration of bits and pieces. The meat was tough, grisly, chewy, dry, and fatty. Twice I put a piece of meat into my mouth that was nothing but gristle and fat only to then spit it out because it was inedible. Some pieces were so tough that I had a hard time getting my fork into them. Definitely the worst pork BBQ I've ever had.      

    I also have to mention the portion sizes. They disguise the amount of meat they are serving you by placing a slice of bread or toast under it. It therefore gives you the impression that you are getting more meat than you actually are. Bread or Texas toast should be served beside the meat, not under it. In addition, the side dishes are ridiculously small. I had the mashed sweet potatoes and the green beans. Each one was served in a small bowl no larger than 1/2 cup in size. Come on, that's ridiculous. And they can keep the corn on the cob.

    They give you five sauces on the table to choose from. Devil's Spit which as you can guess by the name was nicely spicy. Georgia Mustard which was a mustard based sauce with a really nice tang to it. The other three were non-descript sweet sauces. There really wasn't anything to set them apart from each other. I expected at least one of the sauces to be really smoky, really hickory, but I didn't find that. The sauces were disappointing too.

    Someone at my table had Dave's Sassy BBQ salad, also with the chopped pork. Her pork was just as bad as mine. I was shocked by how little pork they served on the salad. It was like only a sprinkling of pork. It should have been a 1/4 pound serving. That's what any respectable BBQ place down south would serve. Someone also had the ribs and he said they were very good. He had no complaints about his meal at all.  So maybe they have good ribs. I don't know. All I know is that after last nights meal, I don't want to return to try them. I'd rather go somewhere else.

  • Review from Rob L.

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    • 128 friends
    • 174 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    9/23/2007

    I wasn't expecting much of this place having just come back from vacation in the south, but Goddamn was I surprised!! They offer about 4 levels of hot sauce, from Mild, Hot, Texas Spit, and Devil's Spit.  The Devil's Spit was awesome, but don't go too crazy with it, or it'll catch up quick.  The Texas Spit was all around a comfortable choice.

    The Cajun Chicken sandwich has a slab of chicken, about 3/4" thick on a huge Kaiser Bun, with the slab of meat extending beyond the bun in TWO directions!! It was huge, and quite tasty to boot.

  • Review from Michele M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    East Meadow, NY

    2.0 star rating
    6/28/2011

    This restaurant is average.  The wait was a few minutes but considering the restaurant was pretty empty, I don't understand why we weren't seated right away.  The wait staff were friendly and kept coming back to see if we needed anything, which was a plus.  

    The food, well, thats another story.  My family ordered many different meals.  Some of us ordered the boneless wings with the most mild sauce.  It was not that mild, it was pretty hot considering it was the mildest sauce.  The ribs were burnt, and dry with not much flavor.  But it seemed the burgers are what were the best thing to order.  They weren't raved about, but they were not bad.

    It seemed like the place was stripped down to look like a real bbq place but it looked more dirty than just a clean bbq style.  

    Also, the portions are not awful, and the prices are too high for a place like this. The food was not great, and I will not be going there again.

  • Review from purvin l.

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    • 20 friends
    • 76 reviews

    Forest Hills, NY

    3.0 star rating
    5/5/2011

    I love BBQ and this place is pretty good. If I am by the mall and its dinner time I usually choose this place. I love that they have differnt types ofbbq sacues at the table and you can try all of them. I find that that their brisket is better than the ribs. Order the brisket, its really good!! Its not the best BBq joint but good enough!!

  • Review from Sandy C.

    Queens, NY

    4.0 star rating
    5/21/2009

    Wow great quality BBQ ribs and meat from a chain restaurant.  I was surprised!  I keep coming back when I want BBQ.  For large groups, we used to get the combo's that included sides, and a variety of meats but we were always left with brisket and chicken.  
    So now we just order a couple slabs of ribs which is everyone's favorite, and wings and separate sides.  It comes out to actually be cheaper that way too.

  • Review from MJ H.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 146 reviews

    Flushing, NY

    4.0 star rating
    5/8/2009 2 photos

    MJ's Star : 3.5
    Price : All American BBQ Feast for Four or Five $57.99

  • Review from Steven C.

    •  
    • 85 friends
    • 161 reviews

    Bellerose, NY

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/24/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Dave, I'm dropping you a star.

    The lunch you served me today wasn't as good as it used to be. The brisket was too lean and the ribs were too burnt. Shape up!

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      11/5/2008

      Great BBQ from a chain? SHUT UP!

      This place is great and I'm so glad to have found it. I would have… Read more »

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