T K
I usually go on a promoted party event days. When I first came the food was decent or should I say pretty good and that was around the time they first opened up as I continue to come occasionally, quality of food got worse. I usually get the catfish greens and baked beans or catfish and fries with an extra side, it comes with 2 sides. I recently went. I believe it was February 21st and I got the grilled wings because they were recommended by a friend, they were not hot at all as in fresh just like warn, super small and super dry…I was so hungry and I wanted to eat before having a couple of cocktails so I end up keeping the food because I didn’t want to wait another 45 mins for food that still probably wouldn’t have been good but I will never do that again because I’m quick to send food back when it’s not right or get a tefund, but I would not order that ever again. It was horrible. It seems like they didn’t care about what they were putting out. I guess it depends on how busy they are on the quality that you receive. Going forward if I ever visit again I will refrain from eating the food and just maybe have me a cocktail. Another friend recommended the turkey tips which I tried to get but they were out of that when I was trying to try something different at this point this is not a go to for food for me anymore it’s s turn off. Consistency is what I look for when I spend my hard earned money to eat a decent meal.
… moreTitiana Mack
Ordered the Margarita Flights , which was good and strong. Me and my Friend order the catfish nuggets and chicken tips the food was excellent. Mia our server was great came and checked on us . Had a chance to meet Nikki( general manager) she provided a lot of hospitality. Will definitely be back !!!
… moreTamieka Reid
My husband and son randomly chose Bernices for lunch and dined in. They were greeted by the waitress but was asked what they wanted when before they barely sat down or viewed a menu. Waitress lacked intuitive waitress skills. Like many people dont actually dine in to be served.
They were never offered water or table settings. Which they ordered habanero wings, you would think water would be offered. When they received their water, it was in a short whisky glasses with stir straws. Food was just OK, not the best quality for the price. Wings seem to be frozen, fried and then tossed in sauce.
We love trying new establishments in the area, but this one seems to cater more to their after hours events, and possibly takeout customers more so than dining in.
… morelydia robinson
Disappointing and Misleading Experience – This Is Not a Restaurant
My friends and I chose this place for a girls’ night out after seeing it promoted on Black Foodie as a restaurant. Unfortunately, what we experienced was not a restaurant at all—it was a poorly managed club with misleading advertising.
First red flag: when we called ahead to make reservations, we were told reservations weren’t needed because there was “plenty of seating.” That turned out to be completely untrue.
Second red flag: upon arrival, we were told parking was $40. We declined and had to park in a dark lot several minutes away and walk back.
Third red flag: security conducted an invasive, unnecessary search that felt inappropriate and unprofessional.
Once inside, we waited about 10 minutes to be acknowledged, only to be told we could not sit at open tables unless we purchased a bottle. At that point, it was clear this was not a restaurant. We were seated on a stage, next to loud speakers and TVs, with only a coffee table and chairs—completely unsuitable for dining.
When a larger party nearby left, we asked if we could take that table and were told yes. Moments later, a party promoter placed “reserved” signs on the table and explained that she controls that section because she brings parties there regularly. This raised serious concerns about communication and transparency.
When we asked to speak with the owner, they refused to come out. Instead, the owner made an announcement over the microphone stating that if you arrived early and didn’t get a table, you were “too late,” and that you must buy a bottle to sit at a table. This was unprofessional, disrespectful, and completely inappropriate for a business claiming to be a restaurant.
To make matters worse:
• Food was served in to-go containers only, with no plates.
• Orders were taken in the server’s personal phone notes.
• There was no visible register or proper system.
This establishment is false advertising itself as a restaurant. It is a club—period. Black Foodie and similar platforms should either remove it or clearly label it for what it is so customers are not misled.
Supporting Black-owned businesses should not mean accepting poor treatment, lack of professionalism, or disrespect for customers. This experience was disappointing and unacceptable.
… moreJames Kee
After passing this place multiple times and seeing it packed every weekend, I was anxious to try this food. I ordered a rib tip, smoked chicken wing combo with a side of dirty rice and greens. The greens were an additional $7 for a small container. I went to the bar to have a cocktail while waiting on my order. Don Julio blanco and lemonade is a 4 Oz cup for $17. It was steep but I got it anyway. After getting home, I dove into my food that was extremely bland. I asked for sauce on the side (which wasn’t in the bag). I wanted to taste the flavor without sauce. It had very little flavor. The chicken was smoked to the point that it was dry. The greens had more of a vinegar flavor than anything else. The dirty rice was also lacking. I don’t mind paying a large price for good food. I especially love to support black business but this was well below expectations.
… moreTisha
The service was horrible this was Ladies night out and we made our first mistake by choosing this place. When we arrived our waitress sat us on two small couches and two individual chairs. The table was so small that it left no room for us to use it. Then we noticed there was another group of six that was about to leave. We asked our waitress if we could sit there instead. After waiting 30 minutes for the group to finally leave, we finally sat at a normal table. As we sat in the new seats for only 10 minutes. We were asked to get up by a party promoter as she placed reserved signs on the tables while we was seated. The promoter was asked why were we asked to move elsewhere. A call was made to the restaurant prior to our visit and it was confirmed by the restaurant staff that reservations wasn’t needed. We asked to speak to the manager only to witness with our own eyes as she shook her head no. Then the Dj announced that you can’t sit at the tables if you’re not buying bottles. There wasn’t any signage anywhere in the restaurant or on their website that stated those details. We will never ever return back to this restaurant again. I’m so glad we didn’t waste our money or anymore of our time. We simply just got up and left.
… moreO. J. Simpson
Bernice Bar B Que in Hazel Crest offers a warm, lively experience filled with Southern barbecue classics and welcoming service. The BBQ is celebrated for its slow-smoked meats, upbeat vibe, and local charm, making it a favorite for both casual meals and festive nights out
** Atmosphere and Service
The restaurant exudes a fun, friendly energy, often hosting events like karaoke nights that bring the community together.
Guests have complimented both the indoor and patio seating, describing the vibe as reminiscent of a speakeasy or a cozy neighborhood gathering spot. Staff, especially the servers and bartenders, can improve on being attentive and genuinely welcoming to the inviting ambiance.
** Food Quality
Bernice’s specializes in traditional BBQ fare, including smoked wings, catfish, rib tips, brisket, turkey tips, hot links.
Reviews highlight hits like the smoked wings, catfish, and burgers, with many guests enjoying the sauces and flavorful sides. The mac and cheese and fries have received mixed feedback, with some diners loving them while others felt they could be improved.
*** Community and Events
Bernice’s also stands out for its community approach, drawing locals for gatherings, special occasions, and casual hangouts. Loyal patrons note the friendly owner, event nights, and the effort to create a fun, social atmospher.
### Final Thoughts
Bernice Bar B Que is a heartfelt Hazel Crest establishment where tasty BBQ, vibrant events, and genuine hospitality come together. Whether for the smoked meats or the memorable nights out, it’s a place that continues to earn its reputation as a local favorite.
-OJ
… moreAsha Ballard
I went for Happy Hour with my husband…it is a great date night spot! The service was phenomenal, the atmosphere is grown and sexy! We ordered catfish, greens, dirty rice, a cheeseburger/ fries and baked beans as well as a lemon drop and a margarita. I would go back for the catfish and greens and well as the cheeseburger. They have a nice patio. They played some good music so it was a nice vibe.
… moreTyanna Tyson
Spent 20 dollars without tax for this. It’s supposed to be a small turkey tip. However, it’s just a plate full of fries. I also wasn’t a big fan of the taste
… moreR Lacey
Really wanted some tips & links. Link was delicious, rib tips were over smoked for my taste, flavor was bland & they didn’t provide any sauce.
… more