Famous Dave’s (8330 Razorback Road)

Mike and I stopped by Famous Dave’s for a quick lunch. We’ve always enjoyed their barbeque and although there may be other places better, Dave’s is certainly, for us, one of the most convenient.

We declined the dining room seating and opted for the bar area. After we got seated, we ordered a couple of beers and the smoked salmon spread appetizer (chunks of salmon, cream cheese, capers and chipotle peppers served with grilled flatbread) and checked out the lunch menu. The salmon spread is one of our Dave’s staples – and  it really is good – if you go to Dave’s and enjoy smoked salmon – be sure you order it.  I’m trying to replicate that recipe at home – so far without much success.  I think I need to up the capers and peppers.

Anyway … Don’t ask me, ‘cause this rarely happens, but both Mike and I ordered the same lunch – the two meat combo, both with a couple of ribs and the brisket.  I did get coleslaw while Mike got the potato salad – but otherwise all the same. And, for the first time since we’ve been going there – Dave’s was a bit disappointing. When our lunch came, we dove in, but the ribs simply weren’t the usual meat-falling-off-the-bone tender and the brisket was pretty flavorless.  I told Mike maybe I should have chosen the pulled pork and he said he wished he’d gotten the BBQ Stuffed Potato (which he had once before and raved about).

Service was good – but short of excellent.  I don’t know if the bartender was just bored with her job or if she was having a bad day – but it seemed to be an effort for her to check on us, clear plates, etc.  She did all that, but, again, it seemed more like a chore rather than cheerful service.

So – bottom line – Famous Dave’s?  I have to keep them on the Do Again list for now – if for nothing else than the salmon spread.  But if the next time we go there results in the same level of review – I’ll really have to reconsider if the salmon spread is really worth it!!