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Hours
| Friday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–8 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 874-D, 878 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95123
Phone: (408) 440-2108
Website: http://empirearmadillo.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
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Reviews
Jay Dhillon
It’s great to see an ambitious new BBQ restaurant open, especially one that’s trying to fill a hole in the neighborhood that Armadillo Willy’s left whilst also trying a new additional concept (the NY deli).
It’s a brand new place so I expected some teething issues. Fortunately there were no issues with the speed or service, everyone was extremely polite and kind. I appreciate the section they have about the owner and his interesting story in the making of some of the most iconic apple products! I love the Silicon Valley techie now following their passion in food angle. Pretty cool!
Everything was great but the bbq itself left a lot to be desired. I didn’t get to try the sandwiches on this trip, though I love the concept.
I had a triple plate of brisket (requested fatty), baby back ribs, and St. Louis style ribs, with Mac and cheese and garlic toast. The quantity was decent, the St. Louis ribs are a bit small and the baby back ribs are even smaller.
The sides were good. Toast was tasty, Mac and cheese, though not my favorite style of Mac and cheese (white cheddar), was pretty good. The inclusion of the bacon bits elevated it and their bacon is extremely flavorful.
Brisket.. I’ll be honest, it was completely unremarkable. For “18 hour smoked”, it was shockingly tasteless, lacking any discernable smoke flavor, and the non-fatty parts were dry. If you’re not a huge BBQ person you’ll probably think it’s okay but it was truly average at best. Even BBQ Pit down the does a dramatically better brisket and even it doesn’t hold a candle to some of the better ones.
The St. Louis ribs were better but quite dry on the outside. Almost as if the outer layer was petrified. They were meatier and thicker though, so the inner parts of the meat were more tender. Generally I’d think it’s because I had them closer to the end of the day but when you’re spending close to $40 you really don’t expect dry anything. The flavor of these was decent, though. The ribs were a bit small.
The Bay back ribs were much thinner and thus a bit more dry. They were okay but nothing too special.
Their BBQ sauce is average. They offer a jalapeno BBQ sauce as well but it’s very watery and not exactly what I expected in flavor.
I also tried the chicken tortilla soup and thought it was good. And the cornbread is downright delicious on its own, but with the included (cinnamon?) butter, it’s magical. One of the best I’ve had.
I wanted to try the sausage but strangely, they won’t sell you links by the link. Just the link plate, but that’s way too much commitment.
Overall it was a mixed bag. The non-BBQ items like the soup, sides, and cornbread were good but the BBQ needs work – it’s down on flavor and tenderness. And at $37 for my triple plate, I didn’t feel like I got a great value. It was a 3/5 meal but I’m hoping it was just an off day and am giving a more generous 4 stars as they’re new. I’d definitely come back to try their sandwiches.
… moreIt’s a brand new place so I expected some teething issues. Fortunately there were no issues with the speed or service, everyone was extremely polite and kind. I appreciate the section they have about the owner and his interesting story in the making of some of the most iconic apple products! I love the Silicon Valley techie now following their passion in food angle. Pretty cool!
Everything was great but the bbq itself left a lot to be desired. I didn’t get to try the sandwiches on this trip, though I love the concept.
I had a triple plate of brisket (requested fatty), baby back ribs, and St. Louis style ribs, with Mac and cheese and garlic toast. The quantity was decent, the St. Louis ribs are a bit small and the baby back ribs are even smaller.
The sides were good. Toast was tasty, Mac and cheese, though not my favorite style of Mac and cheese (white cheddar), was pretty good. The inclusion of the bacon bits elevated it and their bacon is extremely flavorful.
Brisket.. I’ll be honest, it was completely unremarkable. For “18 hour smoked”, it was shockingly tasteless, lacking any discernable smoke flavor, and the non-fatty parts were dry. If you’re not a huge BBQ person you’ll probably think it’s okay but it was truly average at best. Even BBQ Pit down the does a dramatically better brisket and even it doesn’t hold a candle to some of the better ones.
The St. Louis ribs were better but quite dry on the outside. Almost as if the outer layer was petrified. They were meatier and thicker though, so the inner parts of the meat were more tender. Generally I’d think it’s because I had them closer to the end of the day but when you’re spending close to $40 you really don’t expect dry anything. The flavor of these was decent, though. The ribs were a bit small.
The Bay back ribs were much thinner and thus a bit more dry. They were okay but nothing too special.
Their BBQ sauce is average. They offer a jalapeno BBQ sauce as well but it’s very watery and not exactly what I expected in flavor.
I also tried the chicken tortilla soup and thought it was good. And the cornbread is downright delicious on its own, but with the included (cinnamon?) butter, it’s magical. One of the best I’ve had.
I wanted to try the sausage but strangely, they won’t sell you links by the link. Just the link plate, but that’s way too much commitment.
Overall it was a mixed bag. The non-BBQ items like the soup, sides, and cornbread were good but the BBQ needs work – it’s down on flavor and tenderness. And at $37 for my triple plate, I didn’t feel like I got a great value. It was a 3/5 meal but I’m hoping it was just an off day and am giving a more generous 4 stars as they’re new. I’d definitely come back to try their sandwiches.
Steve K
Been twice now. Overall I think the food is much better under the new ownership. Enjoyed the brisket as a platter and as a sandwich…slightly prefer the sandwich. Was happy to be offered the choice of lean, fatty, or mixed. Have also sampled St. Louis ribs and pulled pork, which were both good. The baby backs I tried were a bit dry, however the fries and the giant cornbread muffin are both excellent. Staff was friendly and helped navigate the new menu.
… moreKen Steury
Congratulations, you hit that out of the ballpark today. I ordered my usual from the old ARMADILLO Willies with the new Empire ARMADILLO. BBQ… ribs, sweet potato fries, and corn salad. It was excellent, even better than the original. The last few times I went there the fry’s were soggy . This time the fries weren’t soggy they were perfect texture, so were the ribs, and so was the tasty corn salad! Thank you for bringing decent barbecue back to my neighborhood!
… moreIsmael Ortiz
Delicious food! Great prices.I love the Bacon Cheeseburger. It’s soooo good!
… moreCatarina Darcy
They definitely have a lot of improvements to make, but I do give grace that they are newly opened. Both of the meats I ordered were DRY. I was also disappointed there was not fountain drinks available. Barbecue sauce is good, mac and cheese is good. JJ who took my order was kind and friendly!
… moreMike Salisbury
Armadilly Willy’s is back! Reopened with their old menu plus sandwiches and desserts. As good as ever. Thank goodness it’s open again.
… moreWalt Johnson
I’m happy to have great bbq back in our area.
… more