So you're thinking about hitting up Famous Dave's? Smart move. Nothing beats that smoky aroma when you walk through the door. But here's the thing - with so many options on Famous Dave's menu and prices ranging from $10 sandwiches to $40 meat feasts, it's easy to either overspend or miss out on their best stuff. Last time I went with my cousin's family, we ended up ordering three things we shouldn't have (sorry, burnt ends - not your best day). That's why I put together this no-nonsense breakdown after sampling half their menu over six visits.
Breaking Down the Famous Dave's Menu and Prices Category by Category
Their menu's divided into clear sections, but portions vary wildly. Don't assume all "plates" feed one person - some could feed two light eaters.
Appetizers That Actually Feed a Group
The apps look shareable but some are shockingly small. Their Wilbur Beans ($6.99) come in a tiny cup while the Georgia Chopped Pork Nachos ($14.99) could feed a football team. Personally skip the wings - had them twice and both times they were dry. These starters give real bang for buck:
| Item | Price | Feeds How Many? | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Beef Brisket Burnt Ends | $11.99 | 2-3 people | Yes - smoky & tender |
| Spicy Chicken Tenders | $10.99 | 2 people | Only if you like heat |
| Fried Pickles | $9.49 | 3-4 people | Best value app |
Oh! Almost forgot the Cornbread Muffins. They automatically bring these out warm with honey butter. Free refills too. Don't fill up on them though - rookie mistake I made twice.
BBQ Dinners: Where Portion Sizes Get Confusing
This is where folks get tripped up. "Feasts" sound huge but some "plates" are bigger than you'd think. Had my anniversary dinner there last month - ordered the wrong combo and had leftovers for days. Their meat prices fluctuate about $2 depending on location:
| Protein | 1-Meat Plate | 2-Meat Plate | Full Rack Ribs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Ribs | $21.99 | $27.99 | $31.99 | Most popular - fall-off-bone |
| Texas Beef Brisket | $22.49 | $28.99 | [N/A] | Smoke ring perfection |
| Georgia Chopped Pork | $17.99 | $23.99 | [N/A] | Great for sandwiches |
All dinners include two sides. Coleslaw's surprisingly good (not mayo-heavy) but skip the bland mac'n'cheese unless you're 8 years old. Pro tip? Upgrade to sweet potato fries for $1.50 - worth every penny.
Sandwiches That Beat the Plates for Lunch
Around noon, forget the big plates. Their BBQ sandwiches come with one side and cost less than most fast-casual spots. My construction buddy swears by the Brisket Burger ($15.49) but I'm partial to the Pulled Pork ($13.99). Both beat anything at chain burger joints.
Kids Eat Cheap But Watch the Fries
Kids' meals are $6.99-$8.99 but here's the catch - default side is applesauce. Fries cost $1 extra. Little Madison threw a fit last visit when we forgot to upgrade. The mini corn dogs disappear fast though.
What Does Famous Dave's Cost For Real-World Situations?
Menu prices don't tell the whole story. Here's what you'll actually spend:
| Situation | Order | Total w/Tax & Tip | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Lunch | Pork Sandwich + Drink | $18-20 | Yes - fills you up |
| Date Night | 2 Apps + 2 Plates + Wine | $85-95 | Only for special occasions |
| Family of 4 | 2 Kids Meals + 2 Adult Plates | $75-85 | Better than steakhouse pricing |
Notice how drinks jack up costs? Sweet tea is $3.99 with endless refills but that craft beer I tried last month? $7.50. Adds up fast.
Famous Dave's Menu and Prices Hacks They Don't Tell You
After talking to servers at three locations:
- HACK Lunch combos (Mon-Fri 11am-3pm) - Chopped pork plate for $13.99 instead of $17.99
- HACK Order meats "extra wet" - they'll drown it in signature sauce (no charge)
- HACK Kids eat free on Tuesdays with adult entree purchase (select locations)
Their online Famous Dave's menu and prices sometimes differ from in-restaurant. Always check the physical menu for seasonal specials.
What About Dietary Restrictions?
My vegan niece visited last summer - tough but possible. They've got:
- Garden salad (hold cheese) - $9.99
- Veggie burger - $12.99
- Seasonal veggies side - $4.99
Gluten-free folks? The ribs and smoked chicken are safe but avoid sauces unless you ask for GF versions.
How Famous Dave's Menu Prices Stack Against Competitors
Did a price check at three BBQ chains:
| Item | Famous Dave's | Dickey's | Sonny's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Rib Rack | $31.99 | $28.99 | $29.49 |
| Brisket Plate | $22.49 | $20.99 | $21.99 |
| BBQ Sandwich | $13.99 | $11.49 | $12.99 |
Dave's costs more but portions are 20-30% bigger than Dickey's from my experience. That brisket sandwich? Actually two meals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Famous Dave's Menu and Prices
What's the cheapest meal at Famous Dave's?
Lunch specials win. Georgia chopped pork sandwich combo with side is $13.99. Or go Tuesday nights when kids eat free.
Are Famous Dave's portions big enough to share?
Absolutely. The 2-meat plate feeds two light eaters especially if you add cornbread. My wife and I split this often.
Why are rib prices inconsistent online?
Depends on meat market costs. Always call ahead - I've seen $3 differences between locations 10 miles apart.
Do they have all-you-can-eat deals?
Not anymore. Discontinued in 2022. Their Feast platters are the closest now.
What's actually included in "Feast" pricing?
The $44.99 All-American feeds 3-4: ribs, chicken, pork, plus cornbread, fries, coleslaw and beans. Bring stretchy pants.
The Verdict on Famous Dave's Menu and Prices
Look - it's not cheap BBQ. But considering food costs these days? That $22 brisket plate gave me lunch plus two leftover sandwiches. Skip fancy drinks and appetizers unless you're celebrating. Stick to lunch specials or share dinner plates. Honestly? Their Famous Dave's menu and prices make sense when you order smart. Just whatever you do - save room for bread pudding.
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