Ridgewood Barbecue
| Address: | 900 Elizabethton Hwy, Bluff City, TN 37618, USA |
| Phone: | +1 423-538-7543 |
| Site: | ridgewoodbbq.com |
| Rating: | 4.8 |
| Working: | 11AM–7:30PM 11AM–7:30PM 11AM–7:30PM 11AM–7:30PM 11AM–2:30PM 11AM–2:30PM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 16
MA
Mark Bennett
There isnt enough stars in the survey. As for those who have reviewed ribs from the Wood, please double-check your receipt and make sure you didnt eat at another BBQ joint elsewhere. Ribs cant be found anywhere close to the holler, except for the ones on the hogs at the farm next door. As for the food, it will change your life. Ive eaten BBQ all over this country. For those that are from Texas, no offense but TX BBQ isnt a fair comparison. The nature of brisket and sausage being smoked and served on butcher paper simply isnt in the ballpark in my opinion. All of the other regional BBQ joints in the area are claimed to have "bbq as good as ridgewood". If its not that good, why do all the other places use this restaurant as the benchmark? Hmmm, maybe with them being "just as good as ridgewood" helps them stay in business for at least 6 months before they close the doors.
RY
Ryan Lee
Everyone loves it around here, but I think there are much better in the area. Creekers in Stoney Creek in the Elizabethton area is better by a pretty wide margin. The beans are as legendary as everyone says. But the meat is so drenched in overly sweet sauce that you have no idea what it actually tastes like. My biggest issue is that the people are short and rude. Theyre not interested in great customer service because they land, inexplicably, on all sorts of lists every year. Driving people away doesnt bother them. Bottom line: I only go here if Im with people who love the place, and thats where they want to go. If its my choice, this isnt it.
BA
Barleywine14
This place is great. Its a bit hidden. In fact there are no signs at the main road and I didnt even know it was there until a friend clued me in despite driving past it for the past 20 years heading to the speedway.They use hams instead of shoulders to make bbq so it is a tad different but it is outstanding. The baked beans are great. The blue cheese dressing is incredible to dip your fries in and I dont even like blue cheese. This stuff is a must try though. My wife and I get a plate and split it, the portions are that big. The only drawback is that it can be a bit difficult to find a parking place. Other that that no complaints.
MI
Mike Lynch
Theres a reason that Ridgewood Barbecue has been around for decades. My grandparents would take me here when I was a kid and I still make it a point to stop when I am back in East Tennessee. Definitely the best barbecue pork I have ever experienced. Great smokey flavor. Their sauce is good, but the meat is the star. Check their website for hours since this is a family-run business. Arrive early since waits can be an hour or more and they close at their posted closing time no matter how long the line is. Definitely some place everyone should experience at least once.
TH
TheSilentOne
I hate leaving bad review. But the way everyone in the area raves about this place, I really was expecting a better experience. I love BBQ and Ive been ever where trying BBQ from different areas. So when I walk into a BBQ joint I dont want smoked ham or crappy beans. It to long of a wait and if you complain about anything you get a whole " Well, were the best so deal" kinda vibe. Serious go someplace like Dixie Outpost or Pratts if you want good BBQ.
KA
Kat McKay
Locals love this place. They are big on pork. Im not much of a pork eater. It was ok. They sale beef but not brisket. Of course they were out by the time we got there. Our service was good. Very crowded a wait to get in and out. Prices are very good. Im sure if I was a pork lover I would have given 4 or 5 stars. I didnt care for there sauce. My husband loved the slaw. The beans and french fries were very good. It seems to be the place to go.
GA
Gary Kowall
Visited the great State of Tennessee from Florida. Happened upon this place on a drive through the country. Their BBQs are INCREDIBLE! I can see why they have successfully been in business so long! Brought a quart jar of their sauce back to Florida and everyone loved it. If you like real BBQ you wont regret stopping here. Wish we had one in Florida (where many consider a BBQ slices of meat on a bun and a squirt bottle of sauce).
RE
Rebecca Bellamy
Weve had the opportunity to have BBQ all over the Eastern half of the United States, California, Iowa, Mexico, Louisiana and NOTHING compares to Ridgewood! Ask for Cindy when you go and be sure to leave her a good tip! Shes an awesome cook and waitress! Has been with Ridgewood for 30 years! I promise; you wont be disappointed! Mike loves the BBQ beans and coleslaw too!
CA
Carolyn Deans
The portions are big, the blue cheese dip is a must have. I have been here several times during different seasons and in the evening its typically crowded. I was there today around 4:30....wide open to my surprise! The service is great, the whole staff is friendly and the food is delicious what more can you ask for ?
MI
Michael Kaal
Their Blue Cheese dip changed my life!!!!!! Its so good, I took some on vacation to share with my family. This is the best place to eat BBQ in the Tri-Cities. Its worth the drive and wait. I take my family and friends their every time I want to impress. You need to try the beans, blue cheese, and any BBQ.
JO
John Sapp Jr
This Place is Amazing. Southern hospitality with the greatest of Homemade Slaw, potatoes fries, the secret recipe beans are amazing also oh yeah try the crackers and Bleu cheese. The Best of All- is the BBQ Pork Platters. Wow! I absolutely know why they are voted #1 in Tennessee for BBQ. John S. Hartly, Delaware.
T
T Kel
I am here now and so happy to be back. The ham is not crappy. This place makes their bbq with shoulders which is fantastic. The beans are incredible and the slaw is really some if the best. In tri cities, this is a must try. Ridgeway barbeque is the best in East Tennessee and gives anywhere a run for the money.
NA
Nathan
Ive been all over and this is still my favorite BBQ place! While the service is so-so, you have to understand their sole goal is to get you in, get barbecue in your mouth, and get you on your way. No frills! Seriously though, this is the best BBQ place, dont trust anyone who says otherwise.
OU
Outdoor Quest
Not even close, not sure what the other posters are use to but smoked pulled port is not mushy. it was most likely sitting in a steam table too long. and the ribs fell of the bone they were so over cooked. i gave it 2 stars cause the waitress was nice. Sorry never coming back here.
DA
david bowman
The best bbq place we have ever eaten without a doubt.. may be a bit of a wait, but it is worth it.. the blue cheese dip is out of this world, the food is plentiful and the service is always top notch.. believe the hype, it is that good!
AN
Andrew Sutherland
All you need to know: this is the best barbecue in the world. Its got the perfect amount of smokiness and the perfect sauce. Every time Im near Johnson City/Elizabethton (which sadly, is not often), I make a point of coming here.
