How does one really rate serialized mediocrity? Seriously.
Call me jaded by the marinade of Dr. Hogly Wogly and honest to god real backyard Que, but the factory Que here is just like a Denny's, in other words where you go if you don't want to risk success or failure, but just eat, a lot.
The best thing was their sides, but to be honest the "Creamy Slaw" was a carbon copy of KFC's. Does anybody know if they are the same chain? If so, that question is answered. It was not bad, in fact one of the reasons I do stop at KFC is the slaw. The potato salad was nice with the potatoes cooked completely and other veggies nice and crisp. Even the mac and cheese was great. However...
Sides are great, but Famous Dave's is a Que place so what counts is the meat. First off I had the brisket (like I've said, I am a beef guy) and my wife the baby backs. There are 5 different sauces to choose from, mild to "oh my god that was supposed to be spicy but fell so far short that it can be chugged." No risk with the BBQ Sauces. The meat was indeed smoked, not sure with what, it was something other than an aged hard wood, I could taste some of the sap or something chemical you get from either softer woods or wood not completely aged and dried. The brisket was hot and moist when served, but dried on the plate and became mealy. Sauce could not help this. They did better with the baby backs, but then again, how can you not, the cut is so fatty in the first place. The only way to screw it up is to vastly over cook or grossly under cook. There is a huge "done" range for baby back ribs; they are forgiving. So I had a couple of those bones (see, I do not turn up my nose at the pig) and found they were just like everyone else's, read that Chili's and say Tony Roma's. Please note I am comparing chains here because as far as I know there is no chain in the world that pulls off superior Que.
Now we get to things like service and atmosphere. Our server was over every 3 minutes, is everything okay? So will you be back? And so on. It was annoying and as a matter of fact, no I won't be you over eager twit! To say I was annoyed is an understatement. I had my watch out, she literally stopped by every 3 to 5 minutes. Talk about desperate. I normally tip about 30% or more because I know a good tip can make your night, but sorry, good old standard 10% for you, I just couldn't open my wallet that wide is was chaffed from all the inquiries as to when I would be spending more there. The décor was cookie cutter, as if they have done it about a thousand times (which I guess they have) and while comfortable did not impress.
Over all this place should get about a 2 1/2 stars from me, but since I can't give a half star I will be generous and round up to a simple 3 stars since I recognize that some people are going to love it. But believe me you can make better Que on your Weber at home any day of the week.
This will not make my "Cheers Spots" but will make my "BBQ search list" since it is Que after all, sort of.