Relaxed, rustic-chic eatery offering counter-serve BBQ smoked meat staples plus hearty side dishes.
Seann Paul
Very good barbecue. Definitely has good smoked flavor. Very tender. The sauces are good. I just wish you had some sweet tea to go with my barbecue.
… moreDaniel Hackett
This is a small local place, much better then some of the chain restaurants. Parking might take some effort but its well worth it once you sit down. They have two child seats. Nice country music was played during my visit. I felt welcomed also. The brisket is very tasty and flavorful. As I took my first bite the seasonings and flavors just took over my mouth. The mac and cheese and the greens were tasty. The ribs were also tasty with and without sauce. They have sodas(coke products)and beers and unsweetened tea, but they have some sweetener to add to your tea. There is also a cooler with can beers and soft drink bottles. There is also a sink in the restaurant next to the sauces which is great if you want to get the sauce off before you go. They also will keep your food in a warmer if you take something to go.
… moreBismarck Hernandez
Overall impressions:
It’s very close to where I live. I sat on the terrace; it was a spectacular day. I came here based on the recommendation of someone who has been visiting this place for over five years.
*** This review is based on my personal opinion and experience as a consumer and chef ***
** Welcome from the owner (Ken) and his team: 10/10
Food ratings (0-10, with 10 being the best):
The sides:
** Mac and Cheese 10/10 (very good, I recommend it)
** Mashed potatoes 6/10 (it was plain)
** Potato salad 8/10 (it was creamy, but a bit plain)
The meats:
** Pulled pork sandwich 10/10 (excellent flavor)
** Spare ribs 7/10 (the aroma of the smoke was beyond words, but they were quite dry and lacked seasoning. However, they have three sauces, and I added a lot to my ribs, and they were much better. I chose the spiciest one.)
** Sliced brisket 6/10 (the aroma again is beyond words). My slices were the ones that had more fat (maybe not all slices are like that, but I didn’t like the ones I got).
The owner and his team make you feel good; they have a good sense of humor, and the customer service is very good. I’ll be back. I really liked the place and the decor.
… moreSophia D
TENDER, JUICY, and DELICIOUS!
10/10 would highly recommend! Not only is it a bang for its buck, but the food was literally the best seasoned/ flavored and juiciest BBQ I’ve had yet! Sauces are a bit limited (3 flavors) but the food just is so good on its own- tbh it doesn’t need much more. The sides were also soooo good- get the Mac and cheese! Do it! Trust me! Sooo damn good!
There was also like no wait time- so quick! I sat down and they called my name!
… moreJeffrey Stack
I have done takeout here 4 or 5 times in the past year since it is on my way home. I say every time, not again. I also did one large party order. The food is fine but definitely a bland sandwich. I have done ribs, pulled pork, chicken and brisket. All very average. Lack of smoke or flavor. Sauces help, but one should not have to count on sauce for flavor. Especially brisket. Coleslaw is ok. Baked Beans are as good as you get from a name brand can. Last week i had BBQ twice. Two different places and there was no comparison. Not saying Hammerdown is bad, just very underwhelming. I think my unscheduled or unplanned comparison this week influenced my review. Usually i have BBQ once every 2 or 3 months so hard to do a side by side comparrison from memory.
… moreElizabeth
Hammerdown came highly recommended for their terrific BBQ. As someone who has lived in multiple “homes to the best BBQ” I have definitely tasted my share. And Hammerdown ranks well up there – the ribs were fantastic! Their various meat dishes do not require sauces to be flavorful and juicy. I worked with Ken to have a casual rehearsal dinner delivered. It took a while to connect, but once we made arrangements the food and service were everything we hoped for. On-time, fresh, great sides that weren’t merely an afterthought, reasonably priced, and most importantly, delicious. It’s a small business, so there is no “event coordinator” or easy online invoicing – but they came through in a big way. Highly recommend.
… moreHeidi Pepin
Food was good as were the portions. We tried the brisket and pastrami, both were melt in your mouth delicious. The sides were a bit mixed – liked the coleslaw and mac/cheese, but the green beans were lacking. My husband loved the cornbread, but I felt it was a little crumbly, but the flavor was good. Didn’t love the BBQ sauces. Would definitely come back and try the meat again!
… moreAnil Dwivedi
Driven by so many times and finally decided to stop in on a Friday afternoon.
Pastrami served Fri and Sat only, totally worth it! Excellent chicken also, not dry or shredded. Chopped and delicious. The pulled pork also excellent, as is the brisket. All are smoked and you sauce them yourself with a selection of sauces .
We ordered a platter and pounds to go. The pastrami ran out by 3:30.
Sides are very good also. The mac and cheese had a nice smoky flavor and very cheesy. The baked beans are sweeter than I like with a three bean mix, nice twist. Cole slaw has a wonderful tang from vinegar and not heavy on the mayo.
They have an excellent tap selection with many local favorites.
I will definitely be stopping back in!!
… morePatrick Klippen
Have never been treated so poorly! Girl behind the counter was extremely rude! Seemed like she was having a bad day. Walked over to the register and waited. Nothing. No one greeted me or anything. Waited a few minutes and left. Have been coming here but not anymore. You can see from my other reviews that I dont leave bad reviews, but this was more then justified! Sad thing is, the owner was standing right there.
… moreAndy C
Best smoked chicken sandwich in Virginia. Come here every year after Oatlands Plantation Cross Country Invitational. If I didn’t live far from here I would eat here at least once per week.
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