NYC's top BBQ spot for expertly smoked meats, known for its lively atmosphere & brisket [1].
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.
Hometown Bar-B-Que in Red Hook, Brooklyn, is widely regarded as a premier destination for expertly smoked meats in NYC [1]. This large, warehouse-style restaurant offers a lively atmosphere, especially on sunny days, often featuring live music and communal seating [1]. Patrons can expect expertly prepared brisket and other smoked meats, alongside inventive fusion dishes and classic sides [1].
This establishment is celebrated for its expertly smoked meats, with brisket being a particular standout, described as rich, peppery, and smoky [1]. Other recommended items include the beef rib, pastrami bacon, and chicken tacos [1]. While many praise the authentic Texas-style BBQ, some reviews suggest certain dishes like pulled pork can be bland, and a few have experienced a decline in quality or found it expensive [1, 2].
"The brisket is frequently cited as a must-try, praised for its rich, peppery, and smoky flavor profile [1]. Other highly recommended dishes include the beef rib, pastrami bacon, and chicken tacos [1]."
Customer sentiment is largely positive, with many hailing it as the best BBQ in NYC and praising specific dishes like the beef rib and brisket [1]. However, some find it pricey and have noted a decline in quality over time [2].
Important Note
Some patrons find the restaurant to be expensive, and there have been mixed reviews regarding a potential decline in food quality over time. Wait times can also be significant, especially during peak hours or on weekends.
"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."
Negative"This commenter believes Bark and Hometown are still very good BBQ options, acknowledging that places can have off days."
Positive"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."
Negative"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."
Positive"The quality of Hometown BBQ has declined, with brisket and ribs being dry, overcooked, under-salted, and lacking flavor."
Negative"The user commented that the BBQ at Hometown BBQ is good and they have never been to the Tavern."
Positive"Hometown BBQ was mentioned as a dining option in Red Hook."
Neutral"The commenter prefers the original Red Hook Hometown BBQ but finds the Industry City location more accessible."
Positive"The commenter inquired about the specific Hometown BBQ location, noting Red Hook is remote."
Neutral"The commenter likes the original Hometown BBQ in Red Hook but has recently frequented their Industry City location."
Positive"Hometown BBQ is mentioned as a place to get good brisket."
Positive"Hometown BBQ in Red Hook is mentioned as a place to get good brisket."
Positive"A user suggests Hometown BBQ as a potential place to try for a first beef experience."
Positive"Hometown BBQ in Red Hook is recommended, accessible via the free IKEA ferry."
Positive"The user recommended ordering a platter from Hometown BBQ."
Positive"The commenter recommended Hometown BBQ as part of a food crawl in Red Hook, suggesting it as a great daytime spot."
Positive"This commenter believes that no NYC barbecue is worth the price, viewing the establishments as imitations of Texas or Kansas City styles."
Negative"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"In defense of Hometown BBQ's pricing, this user explains the high overhead costs of operating a BBQ joint in NYC, including labor, smokers, space, and meat prices, arguing it's one of the few places that rivals top Southern BBQ."
Positive"This commenter believes Hometown BBQ is overrated and unnecessarily expensive, stating there's no real BBQ in NYC."
Negative
