Famous Dave's BBQ in Mall of America: Minneapolis Restaurant Review

If you find yourself in the Mall of America in Minnesota and are looking for some great barbecue, you definitely need to head to Famous Dave's BBQ. It's located on the third floor of the mall. If you're coming to the mall specifically to eat here, park in the South lot, it's the closest to the restaurant. Famous Dave's BBQ is open daily from 11am-10pm. Don't worry about how to dress, as Famous Dave's is very casual. Jeans and t-shirts are fine. Considering the restaurant is in the largest mall in America, it can get pretty loud. If you're looking for quiet dining, look elsewhere. If you want to load up on outstanding barbecue and don't care about noise, you're golden.

Depending on when you want to eat, there can be a wait. I've generally gone during lunch and dinner rush, and never had to wait much more than 20-30 minutes for a party of four to be seated. The best thing to do is have a drink at the bar while you wait. Otherwise, you can call ahead and have the order ready to go for take out. You can even just place your to go order at the counter, do a little shopping, then come back and pick up your take-out. Famous Dave's even has a specific menu section of family sized take out choices.

Prices are above average, but not terrible, considering the portions are generous. Sandwiches run in the $8-10 range and come with a side and chips. Entrees start around $11 for catfish and run over $22 if you want ribs. There a couple crazy huge platters that are over $50, but will feed four people and has chicken, ribs, brisket or chopped pork and sides. Appetizers are typical. If you're getting appetizers, just go ahead and get the platter. It's about $14, but you get to try all the appetizers at once. If you get one meal there, make it the Georgia Chopped Pork. It's amazing.

Desserts are really nothing special here. If you must try any dessert, make it the Dave's Famous Bread Pudding.

There is a limited children's menu that includes macaroni & cheese and peanut butter & jelly for the fussier kids. However, most kids will have fun with how messy the food is here.

I'm not sure why a vegetarian would ever step foot into a Famous Dave's BBQ, but if they do, there is still hope. They do have a Caesar Salad. There are a couple of salmon and catfish dishes, and the side dishes are all meatless. Ideally, you should not take a vegetarian here unless it's just to be mean.

If you have a delicate appetite, and worry about staining your clothes with barbecue sauce, stay away. However, if you are looking to stuff yourself silly with enormous portions of truly messy and delicious barbecue regardless of cost, Famous Dave's BBQ is the way to go.