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    Back Deck BBQ

    4.3 (150 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM

    Back Deck BBQ Photos

    Business Info

    BACK DECK BBQ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Back Deck BBQ

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    Menu
    Netra A.

    Still delicious. I'm not going anywhere else for my meats. Seriously this place feels slept on a bit and I don't understand why. I know yall some eaters here in Louisville so get out and eat here. The service has always been exceptional in my experience. This visit I got my food to go and it was still warm when I got home. Yum yum so freaking fulfilling, tasty, and scrumptious.

    Ribs and fries
    Bob M.

    This is what you want BBQ to be. This is a no frills just good BBQ place. My wife had the pulled pork and green beans and liked it a lot. I had the ribs and fries. These ribs were very tender and literally fell off the bone. The fries were made fresh and were extra crispy. It was a perfect end to our day of bourbon, beer, and wine.

    Gracious host and owner
    Kimmi S.

    **This review is for the Story Ave location** We were a party of 20-30 and the staff handled us like a champ! Service was on point, food was soooo flavorful and it was a nice laid back atmosphere that came with a jammin DJ that kept us on the floor There is also a quaint back deck with seating Parking is across the street- caddy corner from the building The owner made sure all our needs were met

    This was the Burnt End Lunch and it comes with one side. I selected Smokey Beans.
    Robin S.

    Oh my lawd!!! How am I just now hearing about this place. Ten out of Ten. Those beans...they are simply the best beans I have ever had. Spicy and delicious. They counterbalance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. Burnt ends were good. Chewy where I wanted them to be chewy. Meat had a nice char, good smoke flavor and the BBQ was sweet. Little greasy, but Solid 8. Burnt ends lunch was 18 bucks. Comes with one side and a drink. I selected a Coke. I was delivered a Coke in a can. It wasn't cold, but that was ok...I was at home and put it over ice. I bought several sides to sample so I know which one to pick for my next visit. 1. Potato Salad - tangy. Very wet base. Solid 8 2. Yams - simple and flavorful. I like mine with a little sweetness on top with the marshmallows. But Solid 9 3. Mac n cheese - I ordered via Door Dash. So a little dry. But the taste is good. I just added a little milk reheated it a min and they were back to being creamy. 4. Beans - will be my side of choice going forward. Has huge flavor. Smoky, spicy and damn near perfect! Solid 10 This is definitely one of the best BBQ places around Louisville.

    Absolutely delicious!! Amazing food, fast and excellent service!! Will definitely be back!

    Passed apps
    Sydney M.

    Back Deck BBQ L.L.C / the owner, Chan Nelson absolutely crushed it at our wedding in October. I wanted to support a small business when catering for our wedding and we couldn't have picked a better place. They served: Bacon wrapped shrimp Pulled pork Pulled chicken Green beans Mac & cheese Cole slaw We can't thank them enough for all of the hard work they put in to make our day so special. Chan is one of the hardest working business owners in Louisville and deserves nothing but the best. I have gotten dozens of messages raving about the food and all of our out-of-towners stopped by the next day for plates of leftovers. If you have an event, keep it local - they're up there with the best! Or just go and check them out for lunch during the week. Disclaimer - I have eaten at the actual restaurant as well. And they have a NEW LOCATION Back Deck Bar and Lounge 1601 Story Ave Louisville, KY 40206 United States

    Menu pt2
    Jeffrey G.

    It was pretty good! I thought the brisket was a little on the dry side. We got the Family Platter. $125 We got 4 large sides with platter, then I believe my daughter ordered extra sides so we could try all of them. The pic is a little bit of all of it except the green beans. They were flavored well. I totally spaced out on taking a pic of the trays of meat and sides brought to our table. We got double brisket (2lbs) Smoked turkey (1 lb) Pork ribs (about 8-10 bones) There are burnt ends and beef ribs too, but can't choose for a platter meal. My daughter, her boyfriend, and granddaughter went a couple of weeks ago and raved about it. They got brisket, beef sausage and chicken then. They fought over leftovers! My daughter claims the brisket was definitely a little drier tonight. It was still good though. It's sort of a hole in the wall place. Seating is limited. It seems they have lots of carry out orders. There are 5-6 four-top tables inside and 4-5 picnic tables outside. We needed the picnic table to have room for all the platters. With 3-4 extra sides and tax it was about $145.

    Yams
    Sean P.

    I've been eyeballing this place for a few years on social media, man I'm glad we finally got there today to celebrate some co-workers birthdays! First came out were the wings and my lord those are something from the gods! I'm not sure I've had a better smoked wing experience. I got the dinner portion due to wanting to try multiple sides and heard the staff member saying how good the yams were and no one ordered those so I got some to share. On my meal, the brisket was solid. I do wish the sauce came on the side... It's a good sauce, but I like have the option on whether to use it or not. I'll make note of that for next time. The baked beans were some of the best I've ever had, perfectly done. The Mac and cheese was a popular order in our group and everyone enjoyed theirs. Some said they were perfect, I wish it was a littler creamier but it was still a good Mac and cheese. The yams... the yams were the star of the show for the sides. You have to get those bad boys! The staff was awesome and very friendly, we even got to chat with the owner for a while and he's a super friendly guy that carried great conversation. Can't wait to go back and try some other options.

    Candice L.

    Run, don't walk to Back Deck BBQ to get some of the best, consistently high quality barbecue that this city has to offer. I first learned about Back Deck BBQ on a social media foodies group. I'm always eager to support a black owned business, so we went during the busy Derby weekend and were absolutely blown away. We've since visited several more times, taking multiple family members there, and each group loved it as well. The staff is super friendly and personable. The food is superb. Our favorites include the ribs, smoked sausage, and Mac and Cheese, though we've yet to try anything we didn't like. We always top it off with Lady J's lemonade (Blue Raspberry and Pink are our go-tos). We've never had an issue getting in and getting a seat, but seating is limited. There are several long picnic tables inside and some seating outside, so keep that in mind if you have a larger party.

    Deeeeelish
    Robyn M.

    This is tasty bbq. The Nelson's are super nice and friendly; they greeted us and helped us with our menu selections. We dined in so they brought our plates to our table and held down some conversation from the kitchen while we ate. Felt like eating at family's house. Smoke smells amazing. If you don't smell it from the street it's only because the wind is blowing it up away from the street. Get on them steps and you'll see what I mean. The burnt ends were served today, thankfully! They were tender, well seasoned and delicious. Mac n cheese was a definite highlight of the entire meal. Green beans & smoked sausage, I could've done without. Rib tips are very flavorful but a bit tough today. Brisket is very flavorful, but the fat could've been rendered a bit more, or trimmed before serving. While no sauce is needed, they serve with sauce on the meat (??). We asked for extra on the side. Drinks are only water, Pepsi products and tiny jugs of lemonade based drinks. Meal Prices used to include drinks, they're separate now. Overall the food is good. We'd come back on our next visit to Louisville. Would repeat the burnt ends and be Mac, while exploring some other meats and sides

    As perfect as the presentation of this brisket is, the flavor is even BETTER! SUPERB bark, beefy taste.  Off the HOOK!
    Chris F.

    Incredible! Amazing! Delicious! I could go on for a long time, but - bottom line - do yourself a favor and RUN to Back Deck BBQ! Hands down, this is the THE best Q in the 'Ville. It has it ALL: mouth-watering smokey meats, park bench, comfortable ambiance, competition perfect presentation, welcoming staff and a self-taught Pitmaster who knows how to work a rig! You can taste the Love and the Pride Pitmaster Nelson blesses his Q with in every bite! His brisket rivals Texas' best brisket, and his pork ribs are the best bite-through ribs I have tasted in my 60 years on this planet. Come taste the Q of this Master of his craft - you will be happy that you did!

    Kenny W.

    At the suggestion of my closest friends to try bbq at a newer place just across from Iroqouis park. Walking from the parking lot a delicious aroma of smoked meats filled the air made me smile. I was surprised to see a quaint outdoor patio with many picnic tables as well as other upper level seating. On the patio you can watch the pit master working the largest smoker I've seen! Inside the same picnic theme continued. So many bbq choices meats of beef brisket,, chicken, pork and turkey. A la cart as well as Meals for two & family meal choice packages. For our dinner we chose the pulled chicken & pork plate with sides of smoked cheesiest Mac n cheese, baked beans with a touch of heat and a creamy potato salad. (Pics included) Meal Includes drinks for a very fair price. Staff was as friendly as family checking everyone was satisfied. Yes!!! We loved every tasty morsel. Portions were plentiful enough to ask for a go box. We can't wait to return to try a bbq specialty known as a smoked meat delicacy of burnt ends from brisket. Highly recommend for your next cravings for quality bbq. Notes Order from counter, food is brought to table home style. Relaxing casual atmosphere. Medium sized lot parking. Very clean facilities.

    Burnt ends, Mac and cheese, green beans, and sweet potatoes
    Terry J.

    Service was on point. Since this was my first time the cashier recommended the burnt ends. The burnt ends were tender and had a nice smoky flavor. The Mac and cheese was creamy and not over cooked. However the green beans were extremely salty. The sweet potatoes were nicely done but could have caramelized more.

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    3 months ago

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    3 months ago

    Like some good bbq and this place hasn't disappointed me. Their sides are good and tasty too. My favorite is rib tips but it's all good.

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    2 years ago

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    5 months ago

    Food is AMAZING!! The owner is so kind and personable, and food is all made fresh. Would recommend time and time again!!

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    10 months ago

    The food is incredible. Do not hesitate whatsoever. The best baked beans you will ever put in your dirty, blasphemous mouth!

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    1 year ago

    Real bbq definitely one of the best in the city everything is good. Best brisket I've had around here

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    1 year ago

    I mean I can't get enough of this place man. Burnt ends and Brisket are my favorite in Louisville.

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    Feast BBQ

    Feast BBQ

    4.2
    (1.2k reviews)
    6.7 mi
    $$

    They call it the 2nd best BBQ in Kentucky , but we call it the best we have ever had!!…read more The brisket deserves a bite all by itself before you add sauce. Melts in your mouth and well seasoned. We loved the Mac and cheese, my wife is particular about that and this met her standards. The vinegar slaw was perfectly tangy and refreshing. And the sweet potato fries are exactly what you need to dip into those sauces. Get the hot bbq sauce and add the vinegar sauce!! Even as I type I have a nice warmth in my mouth and throat. It made me star dipping everything in the sauce- slaw included!! Burgoo is fantastic!! With a gentle heat, I would get it alone if it came in a big bowl! With so much meat, corn, Lima beans, and carrots but it is the broth (sauce?) that gets you hooked. We had the Ale8-1 Burton slushy, which is sweet and refreshing on a hot day. And for desert we had to try the bourbon bites! Wow! Try to save room. Love the music in the background and casual atmosphere which would be fun for families or friend to meet. They service is friendly and helpful for us newbies! Wish we lived near by, so order up and enjoy!

    Rated 4.8 When you think of barbecue, what comes to your…read moremind? I think of this place the only thing I miss is seeing the the big smokers just rolling smoke like a train coming thru town.. but besides all that the flavor is there the juiciness is there and the explosion of a delicious lemonade is right on point. I need to come back to try a dessert so that I could give it a five star. In my professional opinion of eating, I have to say some of the best wings on this side of the river

    Photos
    Order at the counter on the left. Small bar with 15-20 beers on tap.
    Order at the counter on the left. Small bar with 15-20 beers on tap.
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    Doc Crow's Southern Smokehouse and Raw Bar

    Doc Crow's Southern Smokehouse and Raw Bar

    3.9
    (2.5k reviews)
    6.7 mi
    $$

    "Doctor, doctor, give me the news I've got a bad case of…read morelovin' you" (Robert Palmer) Doc Crow's two locations (Indianapolis and Louisville) specialize in Southern cuisine, so you'll see pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, gumbo, pulled pork, brisket, ribs, okra, and jambalaya on the menu. Four of us had an excellent experience for our dinner in Louisville, and besides the food, a lot of that experience was due to our server, Julie. She was great, super friendly and professional, and expertly answered a ton of Bourbon-related questions from my Bourbon loving friend. My wife and I dove into the Southern theme and had a Pulled Pork Sandwich ($16), Southern Colada ($16), Fried Green Tomatoes ($10), and a Southern Gumbo ($10) for dinner. I ordered the Fried Gren Tomatoes to share with the table, and they were wonderful - "Five full moon green tomatoes fried in cornmeal and panko, topped with fresh chives and served with Doc's Remoulade". They were light as a feather, most definitely non-greasy and had a great crunch from the panko and cornmeal. My Southern Gumbo (A hearty stew filled with andouille sausage, chicken and vegetables in savory Cajun broth served over rice. Served with cornbread) was excellent. Great flavor, great spice, plenty of sausage and chicken, and excellent accompaniments in the rice and cornbread. And how could I not mention my Southern Colada, with Michter's US*1 Sour Mash, Pineapple Juice & Coconut. It was quite a bit stronger than any Colada I ever had, but I guess that can be expected when you use an 86-proof small batch Kentucky whiskey in your Colada. Of course, I loved it. This was our second visit to Doc Crow. We were there a few days ago as the first stop on our Louisville food tour and enjoyed a delicious bowl of shrimp and grits. The Doc sure treated us well. PRO TIP Be sure to check out the Doc's jaw dropping collection of bourbon bottles that seem to dominate the various rooms wherever you look.

    Stopped at Doc Crow's since it seems to be a popular spot. Upon walking in, it doesn't seem big but…read morethere's an additional space after the first section. The restaurant includes a long row of bar seating that extends to the other end of the restaurant, so there was no problem for me to find a seat on a busy day. I ordered the Mac n cheese and braised greens, and the Mac n cheese was really good and creamy. The braised greens were just okay, it wasn't the best greens I've had and it could use extra flavor. I don't know if this is a thing they do at Doc Crow's, but in my opinion the bartender excessively kept asking me what I wanted even while I was still looking at the menu. This definitely frustrated me since it was clear that I wasn't ready yet. I think she should have done a better job reading my cues to figure out when I am ready to order.

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    Beautiful Bar area
    Beautiful Bar area
    Heap N Chips
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    Hammerheads

    Hammerheads

    4.5
    (1.5k reviews)
    5.8 mi
    $$

    Awesome food, tried the pork belly sliders, mushrooms the first day, Excellent, I went back the…read morenext day for brisket sliders, also Excellent. .

    Have heard about this gem for 20 years but never tried it until last night. Wife and I sat at the…read morebar - love the atmosphere: spacious dive bar with low ceilings and wood paneling. There are also picnic tables out front. You get a faint whiff of the grill/smoker upon entering. Kylie was our bartender and she was fabulous - knowledgeable, friendly, and answered all of our questions with patience. Wife ordered a mango margarita and doesn't like a lot of tequila, so Kylie went half and gave her a shot on the side in case she wanted to add more. It was wonderful. I had a couple of beers. We started with the fried mushrooms, which aren't what you would expect. It's two large portobellos cut into chunks, battered, fried, and served with sun-dried tomato mayo. They were great. I then ordered a duck taco, brisket taco, and a side of Grippo Fries with smoked mayo. I'd never tried duck but that taco was smack-a-lackin'. The brisket taco was also good, and the fries were fantastic - sweet and spicy, fresh cut, and crispy. Wife ordered a pork belly slider and truffle fries. She enjoyed the slider but didn't care for the fries - just not her thing. The portions here are large. A side of fries will feed three people. We took a hefty portion of them home, as well as some of the mushrooms. We could've sat there at the bar and spent 3 hours socializing and enjoying a smattering of cocktails - love the setting. Look forward to going back and trying one of the burgers at some point.

    Photos
    More of the bar
    More of the bar
    PBLT Sandwich - Definitely overall Pretty good! Needed another slice or two of pork belly but otherwise super tender. Would get again!
    PBLT Sandwich - Definitely overall Pretty good! Needed another slice or two of pork belly but otherwise super tender. Would get again!
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    Momma's Mustard Pickles & BBQ

    Momma's Mustard Pickles & BBQ

    4.1
    (551 reviews)
    12.4 mi
    $$

    Momma's gets it right every single time! My husband and I…read morestopped in for lunch. There were just a few other diners when we first arrived but the place filled up quickly for lunch rush. I ordered the smoked turkey sandwich with fried and green beans. I added a side of ranch and mustard. My husband had the pulled pork sandwich with fries and baked beans. He added spicy pickles and ranch. The sandwiches were excellent. Smoked to perfection while staying juicy. The sides were delicious. Ranch and mustard is made in house and it shows! Knox waited on us and was attentive and thoughtful. The restaurant is casual and feels like a warm neighborhood place. Louisville has many bbq restaurants to choose from but others can be inconsistent and lacks the cool energy of Momma's. If you want an outstanding meal every time, you'll get that at Momma's.

    Mamas is still banging it out strong while they're off all the other restaurants that do what they…read moredo are fallinginto the wayside mamas is still blowing it up. Service is fantastic. The place is packed all the time the food comes out super hot and delicious portions have not changed. Their price on their main items has stayed the same if not, gotten a little cheaper They did not gouge everybody through everything that's going on with the economy. I love it. The one out on Hurstbourne Lane is the king of them all you're ready for some good barbecue this is still the go to place.

    Photos
    Inside view
    Inside view
    Momma's Mustard Pickles & BBQ
    Momma's Mustard Pickles & BBQ

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    Mission BBQ

    Mission BBQ

    4.6
    (292 reviews)
    10.3 mi
    $$

    My husband and I had a tasty lunch. Their pulled pork and pulled chicken were delicious. The…read moreportions are very generous and extremely tasty. The staff were very polite and friendly. I would give this lunch a 5 star review.

    Visited here with friends for a weekday lunch and enjoyed the smoked turkey, greens, and cornbread…read more I also purchased a commemorative cup so I can get reduced prices on refills (that's IF the cup isn't forgotten at home though). Love all of the variety of sauces on the table. Even found a new one at the counter with some horseradish added, which thrilled me. Thanks for the heads up from one of the staff -- much appreciated! Noise level is mild to moderate. Restaurant is very clean. Staff are all extremely friendly and welcoming. One of the staff brought some complimentary cookies to the table for one of our guys who had served. What a nice gesture! Looking forward to return visits in the near future. Appreciate the concept and honoring our service members. I did deduct 1 star this time since one of my friends informed me about something that caused him to pause. He stated a bit of an "ick" that the photos of women service members are apparently displayed in the men's restroom in the stalls. Can't help but feel it's a bit disrespectful and wish those were displayed in the restaurant with all of the other service members. I'll check out the women's facilities during my next visit to see if perhaps a commensurate display of service members is also similarly in place.

    Photos
    Mission BBQ
    Pulled pork, green beans, mac and cheese, and banana pudding
    Pulled pork, green beans, mac and cheese, and banana pudding
    Decor

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    Decor

    Back Deck BBQ - foodtrucks - Updated August 2026

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