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Roderick's BBQ & Seafood - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants Seafood Restaurants Barbeque Seafood, Barbeque [Edit]
2300 1st St(between Livermore Ave & Mcleod St)
Livermore, CA 94550
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
37 reviews for Roderick's BBQ & Seafood
Review Highlights
"My husband loves the hush puppies too."
(in 8 reviews)
"...moist and tender, they practically slid right off the bone."
(in 3 reviews)
"Catfish and snapper shine as do the barbeque items."
(in 7 reviews)
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37 reviews in English
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Review from MAX-ADAM A.
San Leandro, CA
4/17/2008
I used to work for Rodericks and this review is both from an employee and customer point of view.
Roderick is an amazing dude. Never once did i see him stray himself away from customers nor to his employees. He treats everyone the same and is well liked by a lot of people. He gave me the opportunity to work for him in his kitchen even though i didn't have a lot of experience yet he knew how much i loved the food industry. He treated all his employees with a lot of respect and love.
As a customer, i would have to say that his food is beyond great! Working there, i saw how everything was made and its all from scratch. It's real food, spectacular food! I too am bummed that he closed his Pleasanton location, Livermore is a bit far out for me but trust me, i will go there and continue to support him, his businees and "good eats!"Listed in: EAST BAY HOT & NOT SPOTS, mmmm JUNK!
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Review from Charlye W.
Fremont, CA
9/23/2006
We first came here with a two-fer coupon several years back and we've come back several times since with no coupon too. Roderick's is reasonable anyway, particularly for weekday lunch, where nearly everything, including baby back ribs, is under $10.
http://www.rodericksbb...
Everything we had, except the hush puppies, was outstanding beyond words. I think that if you're a hush puppy fan, you might like those too. I found them a tad too greasy for me, although I did enjoy their cousin, fried okra. Particularly memorable was the sweet potato mash. (Actually, I think they call it candied yams) It was creamy and sweet and rich. I'm sure that they don't label this one low fat -- it made me feel as guilty as eating a whole cheesecake in one sitting.
This family-run restaurant has a nice down-home feel to it, and it looks like a few Southern transplants have become regulars. I, for one, have never eaten BBQ in the South. However, if you count a few rounds of BBQ in Texas, this place has them beat. -
Review from Scotty D.
2/21/2007 2 photos
THE BEST BBQ YOUR GONNA FIND IN THE TRI VALLEY EAST BAY!
sooo love all of the ribs, brisket, catfish, snapper, yams and hush puppies! it was so nice to have them so closely in pleasanton but cheaper rent and a much better location brought them to downtown livermore. where ever i may be it's really worth a trip for this great taste of the south in the bay area.
the owner rocks and is soo damn cool i wish he was my best friend because i need my roderick's fix quite often.
UPDATE- LIVERMORE A BUST!
GET YOUR ASS BACK OUT TO PLEASANTON ASAP! IT NEVER OPENED OR CLOSED IN LIVERMORE SO GIVE THE CREDIT BACK TO PLEASANTON FOR THIS GREAT AND ONE OF A KIND PLACE -
Review from Bill C.
San Ramon, CA
5/28/2006
Excellent BBQ. I used to travel to Alabama, Georgia and Florida a lot for business and I loved the BBQ down there. Lucky for me, Roderick's is a local place that would fit right in down South.
When you come here be sure you are hungry. REALLY Hungry! The servings are huge and they taste so good, you don't want to stop. The beef ribs were so moist and tender, they practically slid right off the bone. The pork ribs were tender and spiced just right. We also decided to try the hot links... they were perfect. The sides were also right on the money. The food was just perfect.
The staff seems to be work as one big family. They were all cheerful and helpful. This place is a little hard to find, but that's why it's one of the best kept secrets around. The next time you want some good BBQ, this is the place to go. I am looking forward to trying their brisket and chicken next. Mmmm - Mmmm.
Their website is: http://www.rodericksbb.../
PS- Bring clothes that clean easily, like any good BBQ, the food gets everywhere! -
Review from joe y.
Livermore, CA
11/22/2008
Truly a sad day for Livermore. We are supposibly a "cow town" and only have one reasonably decent BBQ place!
This sucks! -
Review from Robert G.
Milpitas, CA
7/21/2006
When the place get's busy, the food takes a bit to arrive. But bbq is good. A bit on the expensive side, so if you're in college or less, it may not be the place for you. The ambience is plain, but accentuated by the giant smoker on the right as you enter. Don't get there too late for luch or they won't have somethings or won't be able to serve you at all.
The food is well cooked and very tasty. Get the sampler of different meats if you have trouble. The sauce is on the thinner sweater side of bbq sauces. The fried fishes are also nicely done. And, they serve there meals with hushpuppies! I first saw hushpuppies while travelling in the South, but never really saw them in the bay. They are not the best I've tasted, nor do they come with gravy (as some Southern places give), and they are bit on the dry side, but still kudos for bringing them to hushpuppy baron bay area.
Its a great place to eat with coworkers, although eating bbq can get a bit messy. I have no shame on consuming good food, so give this place a definite try. -
Review from Josie A.
Pleasanton, CA
3/1/2008
Although it still hasn't opened, there's a new link on their site to the new layout, which makes me feel optimistic
fellow yelpers, please let me know when it reopens! -
Review from Ami P.
Pleasanton, CA
2/3/2007
Superb - my new favorite place! Having grown up in the south, I was beside myself with joy at finding a place with greens, authentic hush puppies & the best damn BBQ, period!
The staff is friendly & helpful, and the restaurant is clean. Perfect in every way. -
Review from Keane L.
6/21/2006
I ordered the beef brisket with hushpups and coleslaw. The servings were generous and the sauce was drinkable. The slaw was light in dressing, giving it a great fresh taste without being dry. The hushpups were good, though I would have enjoyed having a few more.
For a place with a huge smoker, it was surprisingly cool and scent-free. In other words, I smelled the same leaving as I did going in.
Accepts credit cards (including AMEX)! -
Review from Akasha A.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2007
I just got back from a *rare* trip to P-town, and boy was I disappointed that Roderick's was gone. I had a hankering for some ribs. I used to work nearby and would eat there at least once or twice a week and also get dinners to go. My coworkers also loved the place, too. The service was always good and the owner was really nice. I also met the owner's Dad while the Dad was making gumbo. Nice people!
Favorites: baby back ribs & the regular pork ribs, with a side order of greens, sweet potatoes, and potato salad. Sweet potato or peach cobbler pie. The brisket melts in your mouth. The gumbo was really good, too, packed full of crab with a rich roux.
I am glad I did a search and found that Roderick's opening in Livermore. It's far, but I guess I will have to hitch up the old covered wagon for some good BBQ when they open up again.
I want my baby back, baby back, baby back! -
Review from Joel F.
Dublin, CA
6/24/2006
Great place. Catfish and snapper shine as do the barbeque items. Sides not to miss are the greens and french fried okra. If you're looking for traditional heat in the sauce, you won't find it. The hot option is tamer than a lot of mild sauce I've had elsewhere. Doesn't matter, food is great.
Service is friendly and competent. -
Review from Keith N.
Fremont, CA
10/19/2007
I am another bummed customer!!!
I don't live close, but when I get the chance I use to go to the Pleasanton location, now I find out they are closing that location and moving to Livermore. Why couldn't they keep the same location and open a second place? I doubt I'll get out to Livermore to visit their new location, but you never know? -
Review from n n.
San Leandro, CA
8/12/2008
Wow. I must have very different tastes than most people here. This place gets great reviews but I didn't like the Pleasanton experience very much because the sauce was to sweet. It just tasted cheap and I never went back. I will give the Livermore location a try.
Suggest people try ABC BBQ in Alameda. -
Review from arnold g.
Fremont, CA
12/9/2007
Roderick's Livermore location is NOT open yet, and probably won't be for at least a few months. When I walked by the other day, the space was empty, but there were signs indicating that they were coming.
I've been to the old Pleasanton location and remember it being good, but I'm not going to write my review until the new location actually opens.Listed in: Livermore Lunch List
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Review from Katherine F.
Dublin, CA
5/4/2007
CLOSED...what a truly sad event!!
OK, I lived in Oakland for 17 years, and this is by far may favorite BBQ ever. The fish and ribs are amazing, you get lots of great side choices, and my personal fav..hush puppies! The owner is a so warm, and his staff reflects his charm. -
Review from Theda E.
Belmont, CA
3/12/2007
They are closing! We just dined here this past weekend only to find this may be our last Roderick's experience. My friend knows the owner, who said he's 'taking a well-deserved break'. Hopefully Roderick's will resurface soon because I will miss:
- the Alabama Smoked Ribs
- the Baby Backs
- the Brisket
- Smoked Chicken
- Fried Red Snapper (a perfect fry, not a trace of oil!)
- Gabrielle (the smoker - she has a name!)
- the sides
- Friendly service (Roderick wasn't there himself, so we didn't get any extra special service since my friend knows him, they're just a friendly staff)
I love all the sides -- especially the fried okra -- so I recommend going with a group so you can try them all if you're indecisive. The greens are tasty, not overcooked and take on a bit of the smokiness from the pork. So come on down and get your Roderick's fix before they close! -
Review from Will I A m.
San Francisco, CA
3/30/2007
this is a simple place with good BBQ. First time visitor and per the very friendly owner, Roderick, he is in the process of selling the store and looking for a new location to open again. The new place will not be BBQ.
Had the brisket/riblet combo with hush puppies and fried okra and mac n' cheese. Brisket was a bit on the dry side. Riblets were good.
BBQ sauce was great.
Sides were good. -
Review from Chile V.
Walnut Creek, CA
7/6/2007
Nooooo! Say it ain't so! Roderick's is closing in Pleasanton and reopening in Livermore in the fall. That means I'll have to drive all the way to Livermore to get their yummy catfish for lunch.
Rodericks had the only good BBQ in the area. I know that's not saying much in the Tri-Valley, but it was darn good BBQ. Usually though, I got the Catfish with a side of greens. Rodericks is (I mean was) the only place I know of in the area to get collard greens. (cooked down w/ a little salt pork, sprinkle a little Crystal hot sauce on top...mmmmm...) Oh well, he isn't closing down permanently like my other Pleasanton favorite -- Cabana Dave's. -
Review from Tiffany T.
Beaverton, OR
12/21/2006
Also had the fish sandwhich there the other day it was excellent! Lots of hot fresh fish, letuce, tomato, and light tartar sauce on a sub roll. Perfecto!
This place has excellent food but its just a bit too pricy for me to give it the highest rating. The barbque sauce is tangy, with a bit of a kick and a slightly sweet finish. The goldent hushpuppies are between golfball and egg sized. I enjoyed the redbeans and rice which reminded me of Mother's in New Orleans. Their coleslaw was perfect, not too sweet or swimming in sauce but crunchy, fresh, well seasoned and tasty. They also do a creamy real cheddar macaroni side that is pretty tasty too. My husband had a single order of the ribs and got about 5 ribs total so he wished he had gotten the 1/2 slab but that can be pricy. Still he ate those ribs with relish and they came with quite a few sides! I had the chicken which was hot, covered in sauce and the meat had been cooked to perfection, it just fell off the bone and was wonderful! They serve their food on paper plates which makes for quick cleanup. They also offer catfish and snapper which I haven't tried. The decore is simple and they also have TV with the latest sports happenings. The best place in Pleasanton/Dublin I have found if your craving barbque! -
Review from Melanie V.
Danville, CA
10/12/2006
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place. The owner is right there helping to prepare all the meals. The Peach Cobbler is absolutely the best, and to die for! Staff is friendly, and your food comes out fast! The ribs are great as well, tender, and seem to fall right off the bone. Roderick's also gives your hearty portions for your money. My husband loves the hush puppies too! But make sure you don't leave without having the Peach Cobbler!
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Review from Matthew P.
Philmont, NY
9/25/2005
Excellent bbq. A little expensive and the food is served on paper plates, but the meats are moist and delicious and the sides are spectacular. I have never been there when the owner wasn't there and he remembers you from the last time you were in. The restaurant is tucked away and hard to find, but well worth the trip.
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Review from craig d.
Seattle, WA
10/16/2006
There is more atmosphere on the moon, but truly a great BBQ joint here.
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Review from NoCal S.
Pleasanton, CA
Updated - 6/13/2009
Very sad to hear this place isn't going to get off the ground in Livermore. It was about as close to Texas barbecue as I could get in the bay area, and Roderick is a great guy as well.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/17/2007
We recently moved here from Texas and we were craving barbecue. This is more like Dallas barbecue… Read more »
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Review from Aida M.
Oakland, CA
3/21/2007
I really enjoyed the prawns, fried okra and hush puppies. I had been craving BBQ and I am a big fan of Carmens (hayward) and everett and jones (hayward) but since moving to this side of the hill, its been hard to find that quality. Well the Alabama Ribs did satisfied my craving for great bar b que. I would go here again. My only complaint was the baked beans tasted a little burnt, like it was the bottom of the pot. But maybe thats the way they are suppose to be??? Otherwise, very good.
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Review from Andy G.
San Francisco, CA
10/12/2006
this is the best bbq you are likely to get in pleasanton.
the owner operator is jovial and always at the front counter helping to get out the orders. The service is polite and attentive and the meat is of good quality. The bbq sauce they use has a good tang to it and appropriate levels of spice.
this is good top quality bbq, it is on par with everett and jones in the east bay, but with a better selection of sides, but less varieties of spice -
Review from Anna Y.
Pleasanton, CA
8/21/2006
I love roderick's. Really great food, the staff is friendly and sometimes the owner will stop by and talk for a bit. The sides are very good, my favorite being the sweet potatoes. It can get pretty busy at lunch time but not overly so. This is tied for my favorite barbeque place in the east bay - the other being Chef Edward's in Oakland.
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Review from JeFF T.
Fremont, CA
3/13/2007
This is one of the better BBQ joints in the area. Actually, besides Armadillo Willy's, I don't think there's any competition...not that Armadillo Willy's offers up any competition. The ribs, the chicken, the babyback ribs, hot links...all tender and delectable. I don't think I've ever had a dry piece of meat here. I love their sauce. Get the combo plate for lunch...ask for extra bread. It's too bad it sounds like they'll be closing soon.
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Review from Patrick S.
Oakland, CA
11/12/2007
I guess I'm just not a fan of this style of bbq. Didn't care for the pulled pork, chicken, or brisket. I'll give them credit for decent sides, but three stars is generous. I'd give Everett & Jones in Oakland as a reference point, which would get 4 or 5 starts from me.
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Review from Jocelyn F.
Castro Valley, CA
9/24/2007
I have no idea how this place is getting such high reviews. It's like none of the people actually ate there. I'd heard about this place and my old roomie finally drug me out one night. I hear the brisket is out of this world, but I eat ribs and these ribs were sub-par. I didn't like my sides. I actually ate a few pieces and placed the box in the fridge and told my roomie he could have the rest. You don't do that with good bbq. I was a little pissed at him for the way he had been talking this place up to me. He then told me he wasn't that impressed with them either, but someone else had talked the place up to him. I could have slapped him at that point. The hot links weren't even hot. I don't understand. If I recall correctly my yams were smooth, like baby food. This place is gross. The hype around this confuses me. If you want some real bbq, send me a note and when I get ready to grill you can stop by the house. I was pissed and I think this was the last food recommendation I took from my old roomie and when he would try to recommend something I would remind him that this selection rendered his opinion null and void.
Update: So what happens? The owner e-mails me. First reaction was oh she!t, do I really want to open that? I opened it for two reasons: 1. I am way to curious to not find out what he had to say and 2. If I am gonna sit here and say what I feel than I need to be woman enough to deal with the repercussions. The e-mail was totally nice. He apologized for my bad experience, advised me that the next time I came in it would be better and to see him personally in 2008 at the new location. That is an awesome level of service! He did question my timeline, because my review was written yesterday and they have been closed 5 months. Fair question. It has been a while, but I clearly remember the experience, because I fussed out my old roomie AND the person that recommended it to him. So one fly in the ointment does not ruin the experience for everyone. Obviously, a lot of other people don't agree with me. For now this review stands and if/when I head back for the brisket, I'll let you all know. -me -
Review from Jenny M.
San Mateo, CA
11/12/2007
I love Rodericks! My boyfriend and I will come over all the way from San mateo, and the owner always had a smile and remembered us from before. I can't wait until they open again in Livermore! Their brisket is awesome, and so is their catfish and ribs! My bf loves the greens and fried okra. Their hushpuppies are so good! I swear this place is the best in the bay area! Super clean place too. (At least the old one was, I don't know about the new, but I'm sure it probably will be.)
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Review from George P.
Citrus Heights, CA
9/8/2006
Since I felt like having some seafood, I ordered the catfish dinner with potato salad and fried okra. The large plate had a deli-type potato salad, a little bland, but acceptable, a whole bunch of fried okra in the shape of balls, and a couple of hush puppies. Oh, and three little pieces of catfish with some tartar sauce on the side. I thought the size of the fish portion was too small. If there is a next time, I'll try the BBQ items.
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Review from D M.
San Jose, CA
7/12/2007
I am really sad that Roderick's is moving to Livermore. It broke my heart, the last time I was in, that they were moving. The Alabama ribs and fried catfish were dynamic! The greens and sweet potatoes were awesome! I guess I will have to drive a bit further east if a craving comes over me in the fall. I hope their new location serves them well.
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Review from mike m.
Livermore, CA
3/7/2008
i'm only giving 4 stars because i haven't eaten here yet but i'm giving 4 for my excitement level.
can't wait for this place to open. when will that be? stars to follow.. -
Review from Justin N.
Dublin, CA
2/23/2006
I haven't tried the ribs or chicken, but the brisket is very good. It's not stringy and fatty like you get at a lot of BBQ places. The fried snapper is also really good and definitely a big step up from the typical fried fish. Their sides are excellent. Besides this is the only place in the area where you can get fried okra, greens and yams. The hush-puppies are the only thing that I haven't liked. They just seem to sit in your stomach like a rock.
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Review from rubie f.
Dublin, CA
2/11/2008
i love this place , i only gave 4 satrs cause they closed in P town. (very sad) but as soon as i go to livermore i WILL give the last star . yummy ribs , and green and sweet potatos. they should open all over the bay area.
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Review from Jack L.
Livermore, CA
10/20/2008
I was really looking forward to the opening of Roderick's in Livermore. The Pleasanton location had truly great BBQ. I went by the new place the other day to see how the progress was coming along. There is a notice in the window stating that the lease had not been paid and the project had been abandoned. There was still some construction material inside but the smoker had been removed. It's too bad that this place will never happen.
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Review from Miranda N.
Livermore, CA
2/12/2008
does anybody know when this place opens? theres all this talk about it and it said no where that this place was temp. closed and i drove around looking for it.
