Cancel

Open app

Search

Bodean's

3.9 (266 reviews)
ModerateAmerican, Barbeque, Burgers
Closed 12:00 pm - 11:00 PM

Bodean's Photos

BODEAN'S ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Classy
Loud
Outdoor seating

Recommended Reviews - Bodean's

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Bodean's Cobb Salad (£12.75), Pulled Pork (£5.95)
Miko B.

Pretty mediocre Texas style BBQ, especially if you've had a chance to try the real deal. It'll get the job done to satisfy those meat cravings, but don't expect to be blown away.

Baked avocadf
Lena C.

Walked by and the menu made me drool. Made reservation for the same evening. The staff was very lovely! Hawaiian Punch was yummy. The food was just ok. The only main disappointment was the coleslaw. It tasted like thinly sliced watery cabbage. Not the coleslaw you would assume to get at a bbq place. I was really looking forward to a great bbq dinner and was slightly disappointed to the lack of love in my food.

Anthony S.

I never thought there would be great American Texas style BBQ in London but boy I was proven wrong! I had the Jacob's Ladder which was fall off the bone tender, and it was absolutely delicious with some Chipotle BBQ sauce. The chips that I requested (in lieu of mashed potatoes) were very on-point as well! The only thing that was lacking was the speed and attentiveness of the service - it took me a while to get utensils to eat after I got my BBQ platter because the server who said he would get some for me forgot about it! Would recommend this place based on the food!

Entrance
Bruce K.

Barbecue, I have missed you. I'm sorry for moving away from you to here, the Olde Worlde. After being tempted by another Bodean's that has since closed (and is now so recorded on Yelp), I was cautious about letting my stomach know that this was a possibility lest there be another disappointment. But we knew within a block. The smell of chargrilled meat! We're coming for you! Here we are! What are we having? Chicken? Ribs? Pork? Want! Want! WANT! Time to start salivating! It was like my digestive system was a child on Christmas morning. I managed to shut it up with an "imported" American beer while I made my decision. Order and pay at the clearly labeled "order here!" till ("register" in American) and get your number. Then go back to your table, rubbing your hands together at the prospect of consuming flesh! A few minutes, my ears caught the "264!" being shouted and my food was brought to me. A tray of "burnt ends" and a pile of pulled pork with another pile of fries (none of these Brit 'chips' thankyouverymuch) and a plastic cup of slaw. The meat was tender and the sauce was spicy and sweet. The fries perhaps weren't very hot, but the slaw was tart. All told, pretty darned good especially considering it was served on a plastic tray. No, not a plate on a tray. Just a piece of butcher paper on a tray. Like they'd ever do THAT at a British restaurant! There's a former six-pack container on the table to hold condiments like ketchup and two kinds of barbecue sauce. Also a roll of kitchen paper for wiping up the bits that didn't quite make it all the way into your mouth. Really good food and £15 or so for a full plate (less for a sandwich, more for a full rack of ribs). Quite possibly the only place in London you'll find American beers like this. Lone Star? Really? Yes, really. The TV's hanging from the ceiling were tuned in to ESPN America. Who knew there was such a thing? Boston and Vancouver Stanley Cup, followed by the Yankees kicking some Cleveland behind. I get the impression that they show all the US sports here. Oh, it was good. Oh, I was stuffed. Oh, I will be back!

Ribs/ pulled pork/ fries and slaw
Slaven U.

Delicios food. Had the ribs / pulled pork with slaw and fries. Sauces were great too. Hot sauce is very tasty and didn't taste like you were dying . Priced great and had great lunch / daily specials as well Setting is very nice and chill.. definitely recommend

Ground floor main entrance
Alicia Y.

I'm Boston beer, American BBQ & listening to The Beatles in London. It cannot get anymore cliché than this. If you are craving meat (not chicken really), this is the place to be. They're known for their 'Burnt Ends', and if you do get them get it with the pork ribs and a pint. Nice grungey place, especially like the pink Neon pig on the glass display. The layout is pretty open here (at least on the first floor). If you're expecting to have a nice private moment, you'll probably end up sharing a table with others. They have a few two long table that seats 10pax and corner tables facing the walls and tables that are perfect for couples or threesome. One the basement however (aka Rib Room), has a different atmosphere altogether. It has cosier environment, complete with a full bar, cushioned seats that fits a good 4pax for intimate sessions. The food, what we ordered: 1. Burnt ends with Pork Ribs Wet £16.95 - comes with fries and coleslaw - could choose your Burnt Ends in wet or dry, wet comes with all the juice and dry, is just dry with sauce on the side (I think) - it's quite a generous portion, but enough for one hungry meat eater 2. 135g Boston Butt Sandwich (more like a burger) - comes with fries - coleslaw ordered separately £2.50 - pork shoulder smashed between two perfect buns 3. A pint of Sam Adams £6.95 Total damage: £33.35! A little steep for two You like meat? You will have enough meat here.

Max J.

Now this is great BBQ as we know it in the USA! Bodeans does not take reservations but for some reason there is always a seat available. Most of the seats upstairs are the bench type but unknown to many there is a large seating area downstairs. I didnt know this until I was using the restroom when we were about to leave. I had a milkshake there that was possibly the best I have ever had. The BBQ and fries were spot on. When you get in line to order it seems to take a while but it is worth the wait. And they bring the food to you once you have ordered and paid. A definite place to visit to eat in London.

Mac & Cheese. Tasted like it came from a box mix...
Morenita C.

Short story: pricey and just okay. Long story: A dinner for two while on business in London central. Here's what we ordered and what we thought. Alcohol: Bloody Cesar £5.50. No celery salted rim, very watered down, even the Clamato felt watery. Not recommended. Starter: Memphis nachos £8.75. Where do I even start? The chips were store bought and already flavored with something powdery that messed up the overall flavor. The cheese... what cheese? There was no cheese, only a few pieces of pickled jalapeño thrown on top of some watery sour cream of sorts. This starter really disappointed us. Bodean's platter for two £27.50. Meat was decent, the ribs mostly. Chicken thighs a bit dry, but not bad per se. The burnt tips were meh. Tasted like goulash meat to us and not in a good way. Side of mac & cheese was pale and unimpressive. Tasted like it came from packaged powder, and likely did. Coleslaw: straight awful. We each had a fork of this slaw and put it down. Neither of us tried it again, it's way soaked in mayo and has no other flavor. Sweet potato fries: decent. Regular fries: salty but ok. Bottom line: it was just okay. We won't be back or recommend to others. It's okay only if you have low expectations, which we didn't, considering the booked up nights they have here.

Pig Door Handle - you heard it here first!
Linzi M.

An American and an Irish drunk walk into Bodean's meat palace of meat and ask 'How's the veggie burger... is it good?' 'Do you have wine, the white kind please' Regular or large? Oh look the Yankies are playing... super! Bodean's have a life sized cow statue, a pig as a door handle and BBQ on the menu. What exactly do you expect? We got a lovely staff girl, very patient and willing to attempt to pronounce French wine names and open a fresh bottle. Bodean's, hog tie that mofo, you can bet your ass i'll be back.

Great neon sign for Bodeans!
Mick C.

Ahhh, this place makes me feel like my own very lil slice of home. Well, maybe if I lived on a pig farm or something. But there's definitely something about a delicious pulled pork sandwich that reminds me of summer BBQs, Fourth of July, fireworks, and cutoff jean shorts with Old Navy American flag t-shirts. I loved the baked beans (American BBQ ones), the COLESLAW! (I'm a fiend for it), corn bread (as Chris Rock eloquently put it: "ain't nothin wrong with that!"), and the BBQ sauce. And those were just the sides! Though nothing can beat a real homegrown smokehouse like back in the States, this place is pretty legit.

Chicken - finger lickin' good
Livi S.

Oh my!!! Finally it happened!! After losing count of the amount of people who recommended this place to me, I finally made it to the home of barbecue chicken! So did it live up to the hype, I hear you ask?! Too damn right it did! Mmm hmm mmm! The chicken was grilled to perfection with sweet bbq and so tender! Pure deliciousness! I changed my coleslaw for a side salad, slightly more expensive, but it was drizzled with some insanely nice dressing! Under 10 pounds for chicken, fries and salad! What is this?!! Cannot be central London can I?! Too right it is! I saw a new beer on the menu, so obviously washed the feast down with a beer. It was a Mexican lager, which was kinda average, but I'm sucker for trying new things. No regrets! The fact that this has a more formal down satirise restaurant and the deli makes it even more appealing. It's basically my go to place now for chicken when I'm feeling the craving!

Soho Special
Nick S.

This is some nom-tastic BBQ. The pulled pork sandwich, lathered with enough BBQ sauce to drown a whale, is where it's at. You'll end up queuing up Friday and Saturday nights, but if you get there before 5pm you can probably snag a couple bar stools upstairs without much (if any) of a wait. It may not beat BBQ in the states, but it'll certainly satisfy if you've been away and are jonesin' for a saucy fix.

Boston butt
Adrienne Y.

Staying on my fat American theme, this place exceeds expectations in food portion for a London spot. =D I got the regular sized Boston butt (they had a large) and it was huge!! Tasted great (but a little dry, although nothing that a table-side bottle of bbq sauce couldnt salvage). Service friendly and teeming w american football fans on NFL game nights. They even keep the place open past close time for the game. Cool place. But don't get the pabst, you'd be severely overpaying for quality of beer just because it's an 'import'

Burnt ends and ribs. Lush.

See all

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Grace C.
419
1553
3156

5 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Miko B.
747
543
2009

6 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

15 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0
Photo of Slaven U.
48
43
18

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

17 years ago

Helpful 12
Thanks 0
Love this 15
Oh no 0

17 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Livi S.
197
394
1501

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

16 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Nick S.
70
1593
1955

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

15 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Dan Z.
51
84
12

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Dan B.
3
68
135

18 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

16 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

17 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

15 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

One of the best places for ribs in London, with affordable prices. Slow-smoked BBQ made with the traditional American way.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Nicola M.
41
78
16

15 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 7
Oh no 0
Photo of Yee Gan O.
1381
2298
7858

17 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 7
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 6
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 8
Oh no 0

17 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 7

Bodean's Reviews in Other Languages

Verify this business for free

People searched for American 718 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

BOBO Social - the bobo social on Charlotte Street.

BOBO Social

(24 reviews)

££

Fitzrovia

Nice restaurant with an interesting menu and friendly staff, prices are OK-ish…read more I had a Peanut Butter Burger which seemed crazy but perfectly worked. Only negative side was that they switched the doneness of the meat of my friend and I (on two different burgers...) and that they were both overly cooked in general (a medium which was by far well-done and a medium-rare cooked medium). I would give 3.5 stars.

As the first person to review BOBO social, I'll admit that I would in most cases give a three star…read morerating, but mainly because I think there is definitely potential and really good food. In an attempt not to scare people off from trying this place out, I'm going to go ahead and say 4 stars for now...and here is why..... My work colleagues and I headed over to BOBO Social during it's first lunch seating. Advertising its small plates and innovative burgers, there is also a special to have a takeaway burger and fries for a 10-er, attracting some of the media types in the area who may not be able to break away from their desk and have a sit down lunch. Food: As I wasn't in much of a burger mood, I shared a bunch of small plates with one of my colleagues. These are definitely small plates and probably my biggest disappointment with the meal. Though the servers encourage you to have about 3 plates per person - I would recommend having more than that - though at 8 quid a pop for some of the smaller plates, this may be pushing it for a lunchtime meal. Other spots in the neighborhood with a similar small plate menu leave you feeling much more full at the end of the meal. The food itself was quite good: The steak strips, watermelon, tomato and feta, & Crispy squid among my favourites. I'll definitely look to go back to at least try one of their signature burgers - the peanut butter burger with bacon sounds like it could be a delight. Venue: This is probably the best part of the spot. There is an upstairs with good lighting and a small seating area and also a downstairs to the venue. The downstairs can be rented out for events, private larger bookings or parties, and as an intimate feel with little cave-like seating areas in the back and private bar. I'd definitely encourage a try and to provide the helpful staff with feedback on the meal as they get up and running. This could potentially be a great addition to the Charlotte Street restaurant scene.

Byron

Byron

(7 reviews)

££

Bloomsbury

Woah! Byron seems to be taking over the world...well at least they seem to be taking over London! I…read moream not convinced there needs to be a Byron here, as there are two other branches within walking distance...but meh...it looks like there are plenty of burger lovers to fill them all. I was expecting it to be hideously busy as there are so many students milling around this area...but there were a few spare tables, and we were seated within a few seconds of arrival. Yay! The burger: - I tried the cheeseburger, with blue cheese (I love that you can choose which cheese you'd like!)...and it was looovely. They gave me a huge chunk of blue cheese, so it started to droop out of the burger in a happy-blue-cheesey-wave. Omnomnom. - When the waitress told us they would be cooked medium rare, we mentioned we like it a bit rare. She listened to us, so our burgers were cooked to perfection, with pink centres and plenty of burger juice dripping out of the bun. Nom. - The brioche bun was soft but managed to withstand all the extra burger drippage. The rest: - This branch has one complete wall of windows and is painted with yellow and white stripes...the effect is very cheerful and bright, especially on sunny days like today. - I loved that they have model cows sort-of-hidden among the light fittings and on the top of mirrors. - The staff were friendly, but also speedy and efficient...perfect for lunch time eating. I still think £8 is a on the pricy side for lunch, so I can't afford to come here very often...but I'll be in a good mood on the days that I do.

Very solid, though my rating probably isn't what you're looking for since I don't eat beef…read more Nonetheless, my portobello mushroom burger with added bacon was delicious to the core. The crispy bun had soft, fluffy insides, and the mushrooms were fresh and cooked well. Not too much sauce, but enough for a good flavor. Cheese to die for. The ambiance and staff of this particular outlet are both superb (if you've seen this Byron from the outside, you'll know what I mean. Glass walls and high ceilings in a very trendy way).

Black and Blue - Fillet steak

Black and Blue

(3 reviews)

Fitzrovia

I've been to the Black & Blue in Notting Hill many many years ago and didn't realize how big the…read morechain had become now. I was staying in a hotel by Warren Street and a friend wanted to meetup for steak. Being a lazy bum I was looking for a place near the hotel and was glad to find a Black & Blue branch. Not the best steak I've ever had (I do live in the US after all), but the small sirloin was £16 and came with chips (perfectly fried), house salad (much bigger than I thought and really tasty), and a sauce (choice of 3). All in all, we had a good meal and it satiated her craving for steak. I'll be coming back on the next business trip.

For what's supposed to be a steak place they have a wide selection of 3 different plates. It has a…read morenice atmosphere. We were served bread with butter, oil and olives. The olives were delicious. We ordered the rib eye and and fillet. I have no complaints about the fillet, it was very tender. But it frog finitely wasn't any better than any other steak I've eaten. Our plates came with a salad. Two dishes 1 salad. I get that the salad is a garnish but honestly a poor excuse for a salad. The steak was fine. Mediocre but nothing to complain about. The chips that came withy the salad honestly tasted like they came out of a frozen bag. I asked a waitress for the wifi password, she entered it and walked away. My phone said it was unable to join. I would have asked her to re-enter it but I didn't see her again. Once our food was delivered we didn't see anyone again for what felt like atleast 45 minutes, no would you like some more water, or another cocktail.... Overall a mediocre experience for a price tag that was not worth it. Would not go again

Byron - Photo. October 2007.

Byron

(4 reviews)

££

Fitzrovia

Undoubtedly one of the best burgers I think I have ever had!…read more This is a pretty interesting establishment, as other reviewers have observed, the site of an old pub. The choice of decor is a mix between industrial and old world which makes it a pleasant environment. The staff were very attentive and pleasant which makes a very nice change in Central London. I opted to have their special this month, and being that the 2014 World Cup is on, it was a football themed burger - The Ronaldo. This was one hell of a big feast, there's no need for any side dishes if you have the Ronaldo. The burger comprised of two patties, American cheese, bacon, butter fried onions and crispy onions, all served in one of their brioche buns. The meat was good quality and perfectly cooked to medium; nice and pink in the middle. The toppings were generous and perfectly arranged. It made of a hell of a challenge to eat, there's no way to get a bit out of it, so I did have to do a bit of deconstructing, but that just added to the experience! My partner had a cheeseburger, that she also described as one of the best burgers she had ever had. She said it was perfectly cooked and extremely tasty. She added fries which were golden, fresh and very tasty. All in all, if you're looking for a decent hamburger in London, you have to stop off at Byron, it's excellent quality food, pleasantly served and very very tasty!

Occupying the site of an old pub (The Black Horse), Byron Proper Hamburgers dishes out just that:…read morehamburgers done properly and without a hint of pretension. In fact, the burger I ate one evening--after pints at the pub down the road--was one of the best I've had in a very long time. Although a big and growing chain in England, quality of ingredients is a top priority. They source their beef from Scotland and grind daily, then cook to a nice, pink medium doneness. The perfectly cooked burger is placed on a soft bun, with a minimum of condiments. I ordered the "Chilli", which came with green chilli, American cheese, shredded iceberg and chipotle mayonnaise. For sides, you can get traditional French fries, UK-style chips, onion rings, cole slaw or macaroni and cheese. A nice selection of UK craft beers is available to wash down the excellent, satisfying burger. If you're an American staying in London, and are longing for a taste of home, Byron won't disappoint.

Ultimate Burger

Ultimate Burger

(15 reviews)

££

Fitzrovia

When I saw "Ultimate", I had a really high expectation. It was going to be served by the St. Pauli…read moreGirl. Naked. And it would have sparklers on the plate. And the plate would be made of gold. So as you can imagine, it wasn't quite like that. It was a decent burger (I was sort of surprised not to be asked how I wanted it cooked) that was dressed properly with lettuce (what we Americans call Bibb lettuce, I'm not sure how it's called here) and a tomato that was proper and red without core. And a good thick mushroom with bleu cheese that had melted in the heat. There is no way this burger's being picked up and eaten, but I'll admit that I did at least try to take one bite before falling back to a knife and fork. Chips were good and hot, some were a little overdone and some were a little underdone. It seemed like I might have gotten them when the first basket had run low? I wasn't in the mood for a beer - choices were Peroni or Budweiser - so I asked for a large glass of tap water. I got a "low ball" glass that wasn't refilled. All told, a decent eating experience and I would return. But was it "Ultimate"? Not quite.

I'll be honest, I stepped into Ultimate Burger hoping to step out with a negative review in mind…read more For some reason, I've found myself frequenting American-style burger joints in London, and it's gotten to the point where I've started rooting for the little guy as opposed to the chains. For a stateside equivalent, I saw Ultimate as a Red Robin, and while Red Robin makes some great burgers, I'd much prefer a local place. Off the bat it was a mixed bag. While the selection was impressive in terms of breadth and uniqueness and the prices reasonable, service was quite slow even though it wasn't overly crowded. However, when the food arrived all notions of a negative review went right out the window. Primarily, my Smokey Mountain Barbeque Burger was absolutely massive, and I soon realized (as had those around me) that at Ultimate Burger a fork and knife are key. The ingredients used appeared as though they were quite fresh and the burger was cooked just right. One thing I will say is that the burger itself wasn't overly flavourful, but the various compliments made it enjoyable. Additionally, while only a coin over a pound each, my sides of chips and chili con carne were a bit on the mediocre end of the scale. All in all, I stepped out of Ultimate Burger having eaten an absolutely massive burger, two sides, and 500ml of bottled water for under £15, and while it doesn't come close to South Kensington's Byron, who still wear the crown of Best Burger in London, Ultimate was a good experience. So if you're in the area and absolutely must have a burger, Ultimate Burger is a great value and a good experience. However, the strip of Tottenham Court Road surrounding the Warren Street Station is packed with amazing dining options of all cuisine's, so strongly consider those before resorting to a chain.

Bodean's - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...