True BBQ and Whiskey Bar

Reviews 8

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Robert Polk

Excellent drinks but overpriced mediocre food. Despite the very mixed reviews a group of us decided to give TRUE BBQ a try. Unfortunately, the other comments here on the quality of the food were fairly accurate. Below is our full review by major categories: FOOD was the worst part about the experience. The quality was very mediocre. We tried almost all the appetizers, and while a few were decent, they were mostly without much flavor. The house salad had greens on the bottom that were completely wilted and on their way to being liquefied (either the salad was not made to order and refrigerated or else someone didnt care about quality).The brisket was drier than a history or chemistry lecture. There was much more emphasis on the toppings: homemade pickles and a spiced mascarpone spread (cheese on BBQ is a bad sign). The pulled pork sandwich with slathered in a sickly sweet raspberry sauce. There is far, far better BBQ available for less than half the price only a few blocks from here. In my opinion almost all of the menu items were wildly overprice for what they were (see more about price below). The homemade spiced potato chips and pickles they provide while you wait for your food was one of the few bright spots of the meal. DRINKS were definitely the only redeeming aspect of the meal. The drinks were expensive but were also excellent. They were strong, flavorful and had an excellent selection. Their whiskey selection was very good and reasonably priced. If you want a good drink, and are willing to pay slightly more for quality, then this place is for you. SERVICE was kind of a mixed bag. The greeter and our server were both very friendly. Our server was very knowledgeable and helpful with selection of whiskey. However, despite it not being very busy there were definitely large gaps of time when we were waiting for attention (especially waiting for our checks and to pay). PRICE was the biggest problem we had with this place. For example, a brisket sandwich costs $11 and the meat is dry and otherwise mediocre. You can get a far, far better brisket sandwich with way more, much better meat for $8 at another BBQ place nearby. Appetizers range in price from $7-14, entrees and BBQ from $17-32. This might be reasonable pricing for Chicago, but way too high for Northwest Indiana, especially when you consider the quality. OVERALL: If you’re looking for somewhere to meet up with friends for some good drinks and a few decent appetizers then this might be the place for you. If you’re looking for good BBQ & food this is definitely not the place for you. While they have a large menu, it would have been better to focus on fewer items and do them better, especially if you’re going to charge a premium.

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Jennifer Prather

We arrived at 12:30 p.m. for lunch. When I went to order our ribs, or waitress told us they dont have any ribs. Correction, per her, the ribs werent going to be ready for another half hour. Im glad I hadnt arrived when they opened at 11 a.m. and been told no ribs! A barbeque place and the ribs arent ready??! Maybe it was my hunger, but I let her know I was very, very disappointed. My sons and I ordered other items. My salmon was good but I didnt care for the bed of rice and beans. My husband enjoyed the rice and beans off my plate. Both my boys ordered different sandwich items. And neither ate more than three bites. The brisket was full of fat. And the brisket burger was too smokey. Per my husband, his vegan smoked veggies were good but were hardly considered a meal. He ordered a vegan appetizer to complete his meal. Our waitress, Carly, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable on the whiskey, beer, wine and food items. She made every interaction with us as friendly and positive as she could, knowing I wasnt happy and additionally seeing my boys uneaten food. Three of the four of us were disappointed in the food. We wont be going back.

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Todd Bunge

You can never go wrong with BBQ and Whiskey. Great selection of whiskey from around the world. I like their menu breaking them down into states and countries. I was there for a late lunch so not busy at all. So not busy I had to wait 10 minutes before flagging down the bartender to place my order although there were three wait staff walking around. The bartender at least was very helpful. I got the True style pulled pork. Sauce selections nice and even features a rotating flavor to keep things interesting. Pork was good but a bit dry. Their take on fries is interesting. A thick sliced spiral. Kind of a cross between a curly fry and a steak fry. They were good. Ill have to come back for the ribs and good looking desserts. Two large square fire pits outside with seating so would be fun on a nice night.

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Marilyn Simmons

I went to this place two days in a row with a group of guys while on a business trip it was that good. We even brought the bosses the second time. I was with some guys from the south where they know BBQ and they said this place had some of the best smoked BBQ ribs they have ever had. I had the salmon sandwich and the beef brisket sandwich which were excellent. The group also got the chicken wing appetizers both days and they were excellent wings. Waitress said they smoke then fry the wings. The decor inside is also nice and would be a great place for a date.

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Ryan Flerlage

This place was an amazing BBQ place for dinner. The waitstaff was excellent and attentive to our every needs. The drinks were beyond amazing. Every drink that was ordered was made promptly and deliciously. The food was excellent as well. The only thing I wish was the meat was a little more moist. My pulled pork sandwich was mouth watering except for the fact they didnt mix in the BBQ sauce with the pork instead put it on top as a condiment. I do recommend coming to this place if you arent afraid of a more pricey restaurant for the sake of scrumptious food.

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B Zamora

The atmosphere when you first enter is awesome! Went there with a large group the drinks were great the food was even better. I dont think the prices were outrageous for the food; they were actually pretty good for the quality (quantity was lacking a bit). I got the salmon tacos and Id like to have seen more salmon but that is my only complaint! I asked for the tacos to be corn but they came out as flour; the manager came out right away and corrected the mistake! Great service!!!! Cant wait to go back!!! Try the HOT BARBEQUE SAUCE and DESSERT

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Rogelio Cano

Tried this place 2 days ago. The food was overpriced and TERRIBLE. I ordered the mashed tater appetizer. $10 bucks for 5 balls. They were disgusting. I couldnt even finish one. I ordered the brisket burger. Forgot the price but I took 2 bites and was done. My wife had their pulled pork sandwich. She took about 3 bites and quit. I cant believe I paid as much as I did.. I love bbq food but this place has no right calling itself one. I wont be going back. Im sure this place wont be around for long anyway.

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Keith Walter

Three of us stopped for dinner on a cold winter Wednesday. restaurant seemed to having a slow evening. we were seated promptly and had a enjoyable waitress that truly seemed to be enjoying her job. This was our first visit and i will say it will not be our last. Two ordered the pulled pork sandwich and I ordered the 1/2 chicken, All were prepared promptly and were very tasteful. Enjoyed sampling the different sauces that are available. Will return again to try some other items on the menu

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