TLDR
NYC's premier destination for Texas-style BBQ. Expertly smoked brisket, massive beef ribs, and a lively, communal warehouse atmosphere.
Reddit Sentiment for HOMETOWN BAR-B-QUE(based on 89 Reddit opinions)
Will Hartman reviews Hometown Bar-B-Que in Red Hook, calling it the best BBQ spot in the city and a perfect place to spend a sunny day, praising its brisket and turkey club.
Details
Widely considered the premier destination for Texas-style barbecue in New York City, this Red Hook warehouse-style venue offers an immersive dining experience complete with live music and communal seating [1]. The restaurant is celebrated for its expertly smoked meats, particularly its rich, peppery, and smoky brisket [2], [3]. While the food garners high praise, the experience is frequently noted as being on the expensive side, with some visitors expressing concerns regarding price and consistency [4], [5].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on classic smoked meats, with the brisket and beef ribs receiving consistent acclaim for their smoky, tender profile [2], [7]. Customers also highly recommend the jalapeño sausage, pastrami bacon jam, and sides like potato salad and cornbread [2], [3]. The pulled pork is generally advised against due to its gummy texture and bland flavor, and some diners have noted occasional issues with dry or overcooked meats [3], [6].
Caveats
Be prepared for potentially long wait times, especially on weekends, and a higher price point compared to other local options [5], [6]. Some diners from the Southern United States argue that NYC barbecue establishments, including this one, struggle to match the authentic standards found in traditional barbecue regions [4], [6].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About HOMETOWN BAR-B-QUE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Looking For Best Pastrami In Brooklyn Help
"The commenter suggests this location for pastrami."
PositiveFrom post: Where Would You Go For Saturday Dinner With A Car
"Mentioned as part of a visit to the pier, where dogs are allowed in the nearby park."
NeutralFrom post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off
"This user has had a similar negative experience with Hometown BBQ on two separate occasions, finding it not worth returning to, though they did enjoy Steve's Key Lime pie."
NegativeFrom post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off
"This commenter believes Bark and Hometown are still very good BBQ options, acknowledging that places can have off days."
PositiveFrom post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off
"This commenter, from the South, also found Hometown BBQ to be mediocre, rating it 7/10 at best, and generally believes NYC lacks truly great BBQ."
NegativeFrom post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off
"This user suggests not giving up on Hometown BBQ, as restaurant quality can fluctuate due to staff or preparation inconsistencies, and they believe it's still above average for NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off
"The quality of Hometown BBQ has declined, with brisket and ribs being dry, overcooked, under-salted, and lacking flavor."
NegativeFrom post: Ferry Rides Abd Restaurants Recs Ideas
"The user commented that the BBQ at Hometown BBQ is good and they have never been to the Tavern."
PositiveFrom post: Ferry Rides Abd Restaurants Recs Ideas
"Hometown BBQ was mentioned as a dining option in Red Hook."
NeutralFrom post: Which Places Have Become Part Of Your Regular
"The commenter prefers the original Red Hook Hometown BBQ but finds the Industry City location more accessible."
PositiveFrom post: Which Places Have Become Part Of Your Regular
"The commenter inquired about the specific Hometown BBQ location, noting Red Hook is remote."
NeutralFrom post: Which Places Have Become Part Of Your Regular
"The commenter likes the original Hometown BBQ in Red Hook but has recently frequented their Industry City location."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Lose Beef Virginity
"Hometown BBQ is mentioned as a place to get good brisket."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Lose Beef Virginity
"Hometown BBQ in Red Hook is mentioned as a place to get good brisket."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Lose Beef Virginity
"A user suggests Hometown BBQ as a potential place to try for a first beef experience."
PositiveFrom post: Best Restos For Firsttime Visitor To America
"Hometown BBQ in Red Hook is recommended, accessible via the free IKEA ferry."
PositiveFrom post: If You Had 100day To Spend On Food Delivery In
"The user recommended ordering a platter from Hometown BBQ."
PositiveFrom post: 3day Food Crawl
"The commenter recommended Hometown BBQ as part of a food crawl in Red Hook, suggesting it as a great daytime spot."
PositiveFrom post: Im An Out Of Tower That Needs To Impress A Local
"This commenter believes that no NYC barbecue is worth the price, viewing the establishments as imitations of Texas or Kansas City styles."
NegativeFrom post: Im An Out Of Tower That Needs To Impress A Local
"Hometown BBQ is considered the best in the city, but might be too much of a scene for an 82-year-old, and the commenter questions if it's true BBQ if Virgil's is considered the benchmark."
Neutral