visited City Barbecue for the first time and was pleasantly surprised. Was scared from the mixed reviews but it was honeslty great for a chain barbecue restaurant. Ordering was straightforward, and the food came out quickly--about 10 minutes after placing the order. Its counter ordering/pickup service so keep that in mind, but there are tables to sit at and a self-serve sauce and drink station which was nice. There are five different sauces available and they're honestly all great. The meats are served without sauce, which allows you to customize each item individually which is nice. I tasted each meat and side without sauce for this review to get a sense of the flavor that most places cover up. I got the Judges platter for $40 and heres what it came with: Sides first: The mac and cheese was rich, clearly heavy on cheese flavor which was a suprise, and well-seasoned with a noticeable saltiness. It wasn't as saucy as the homemade stuff(which i do love) and it did not have any smoky character, but it was better than a typical restaurant mac and cheese. The corn pudding was sweet and soft in texture, similar to a cornbread casserole with corn mixed in. It was quite sweet overall and leans more toward a dessert-style side than a savory one. Would probably be great with ice cream on top. Texas toast was solid. It was a good size, well-toasted, buttery, with a soft interior similar to brioche and a crisp exterior. No complaints here. Meats: Pulled pork was tender. Smoke flavor was present but subtle. There was a small bone found in the portion, and some pieces were fattier than others but i honestly love the fatty parts. Above Average. Brisket was excellent in texture--very tender and easy to pull apart. It had a clear smoky flavor and stood out as one of the better meats. I love the fat to meat ratio. This was excellent melt in your mouth meat. Chicken thigh was very juicy, but had less smoke flavor compared to the other meats. Its hard to make chicken not boring so this was average. Ribs were very good. They looked a little dry but they were tender, falling off the bone while still holding a slight bite like they're supposed to have. The smoke flavor on the ribs was more noticeable and well developed than on some of the other meats. Above Average Overall impression: The food quality was consistently strong across the board. There were no major issues aside from a small bone in the pulled pork. The smoke profile across the menu is more subtle compared to traditional local barbecue spots, but it is also controlled and avoids the overly dry meat or overly smoky issue that can happen elsewhere. At around $40 for the meal, the value is decent rather than exceptional, especially for a chain restaurant. However, the food quality is high enough that it still feels justified. Final rating: Food quality: A Value: B read more

We were traveling through and were looking for some good Bbq. I never like giving bad reviews but I want to be honest. I ordered 2 meats with 2 sides. Since he had never been to this restaurant I ask the guy that was taking our order what's good, what are they known for. He said the pulled pork so I ordered the pulled pork and turkey with green beans, & baked beans. They ran out of turkey at 12:30pm so they gave us the pulled chicken. The pulled pork was majorly fat and the chicken tasted like the pot pie with a soupy consistency. Maybe that the way this area likes them. We have traveled to many states and this was a first of having them this way. The green beans were great! read more

City Barbeque - Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken, baked beans, & green beans. - Barbeque Near Me - Poplar Level, Kentucky

This was my second order from this location and will likely be my last. My pulled pork sandwich had a bone in it. I tried to call the location to let them know, but after listening to their hold music for 10 minutes, I gave up. So now instead of dinner I have a toothache - total bummer. read more

City Barbeque - Barbeque Near Me - Poplar Level, Kentucky

Came by for dinner as this was close by the zoo. It was a nice sunny night so we decided to sit on the patio. Food was great, we got the sampler kinda meal, a bit of everything. My son loved the ribs, the sausage, Mac & cheese, fries and potato salad was really good. It definitely hit our protein goals for the day, worth a visit if you're in the area! read more

My friend and I met up for lunch. He ordered the Brisket sandwich. I ordered the Quarter Dark Chicken plate with Cole slaw and corn bread. Service was good. The cashier was professional. Both meals tasted great. The ambience was good. Overall it was a good place for lunch. March 11, 2026. read more

Excellent food I have driven by that place so many times my daughter and son have eaten their mom. You'd love it. They were correct.! I love their bread and their food. It's excellent. read more

Great service, great food, and I love this place! Thank you to everyone here and all their great work I'll be back again

You to pick up and clean up dishes after your food, just like a regular fast food restaurant. So there's no tipping. However, the quality of the food is great and it's nice to be able to try different sauces. The interior was as clean as a new restaurant. read more

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Wow. This meal was a spectacular miss for me. I really hate writing negative reviews but this experience warrants it. Driving home from a friend's one day, I decided to stop in and try the Nashville hot chicken sandwich that I had seen advertised as their monthly special. In no way did I think that this would be an authentic hot chicken experience but what I received for $15 was truly awful. It was the toughest, driest piece of chicken ever. All of the breading fell off of the chicken and was burned. There was no flavor other than charred. The fries were undercooked and seasonless. Luckily, I did have the Brushfire spicy BBQ sauce which did give them some flavor. I definitely won't be back. read more

Brisket, shredded chicken, turkey, corn bread, fries, mac & cheese, and Texas toast. Some of the best bbq I have had in a long time. Totally worth the price and they also give a military discount which was a bonus. read more

This has happened to many times at this point I want be going back. 3 meat samplers platter 3 dollar up charge on brisket and 3 dollar up charge for burnt ends! Brisket is hard and dry ribs dry and 5 burnt ends all fat no meat 27.00 dollars for tree bark damn shame baked beans ok potato salad ok bread is hard enough to knock someone out. Very disappointed read more

City Barbeque - Barbeque Near Me - Poplar Level, Kentucky

They had in fine print $3 up charge on brisket, which is fine but put it in bold print for older folks. I got my brisket it was both cold and dry. This sauces were up by the drinks. We needed single serve containers to put sauces in. Notified an employee we needed assistance only to be told we will get to it "when we can to it get to it." WOW stay home when you are not going to provide decent service. read more

City Barbeque - Barbeque Near Me - Poplar Level, Kentucky

The food and service were excellent. Chris was very helpful. Brisket was superb, must try!

We booked City BBQ for a graduation party, ordering for 30, and this location filled the order. Our food arrived on time and was set up wonderfully by the delivery person. A full experience and I was thankful not to be required to do it myself. Well worth the delivery fee and tip. We chose the mac and cheese plus cornbread for our sides. The pork was great, the chicken was extremely salty and I wouldn't select it again. We also received sauce, pickles, plates and utensils. Totally set us up! No experience with the restaurant itself and its ambiance but we wouldn't hesitate to stop in or do a takeout here. read more

Best Barbeque ever!! Love the ribs and the Brisket!! Cashier Chris is personable and knows the menu well.

Ribs are fabulous. Love the chicken and seeing the smoke ring on the poultry. Hand cut fries are one of my favorites.

I wanted to say just how wonderful this establishment is. I live in California and my Daughter, Son In Law and grandchildren live in Louisville. Whenever we're wanting to send them dinner it's been a seamless easy experience. Sending them dinner and having it delivered has been amazing. They say the food is spectacular!!! Thank you for making it so easy for this Mama to feed her kids from 2300 miles away. read more

City Barbeque - Our Confirmed order - Barbeque Near Me - Poplar Level, Kentucky

Stopped here on a whim when our original plans fell through and I am glad we did! The space is very clean with an industrial feel to it. There is a drive through and a patio space but we ate inside. I ordered the baked beans, corn pudding and Lolo's Pulled Pork (Pulled pork marinated in vinegary Swine Wine and topped with creamy slaw). I also sampled my friend's fries (with cheese and bacon). Fries are really great but combined with those toppings you have a real heart stopper there, haha. I loved the beans, they have brisket mixed in and that made them so decadent. The corn pudding was moist with a ton of flavor. The one thing that didn't thrill me was the sandwich. I ordered it because I love pulled pork with coleslaw, but I didn't realize they put a heavy vinegar sauce in with the meat (this was not clear on the wall menu, only on the website menu). I mean, it wasn't horrible, but I will definitely select something different next time I am in. Didn't interact with the staff much but when I did they were professional and pleasant. Will come again! read more

City Barbeque - Lolo's Pork Sandwich, baked beans and corn pudding - Barbeque Near Me - Poplar Level, Kentucky

Don't waste your time unless you want VERY slow service and COLD food. At one time this location did pretty good. However, now the location is VERY SLOW and could care less about their customers. read more

This restaurant SUCKS!!!! Placed an order for the pit master nachos with the chips on the side TWICE and BOTH times they forgot the meat! WTF???!!! And had the nerve to get smart with me for being pissed off!!! Seriously??!! I won't EVER ago back!! read more

They brought back the fresh cut fries finally! Chris was very friendly while taking my order with a smile.

We dined at City BBQ over the weekend, they hosted a fundraiser for my son's baseball team so we came out in droves to support the cause! It's a quick service set up with a smaller dining area with 9-11 tables. You order at the front and then they call you name when it's ready. It was very busy when we arrived and we only waited 8-10 minutes for our food. The menu is extensive so we opted for the Judge's Sampler ($34.99) - more than enough for two! It included a quarter chicken, half slab of ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, two sides, cornbread and Texas toast. We chose the collared greens and Mac n cheese. The real show stealer was the ribs and brisket, but everything was very good. Was a bit disappointed with the collared greens. The kids ordered the kids tenders, that included a side and drink for $5.99. They loved they had serve yourself free refills! Would recommend for a quick spot with fast service and moist meat. read more

Solid bbq spot (yes, I know some will automatically condemn chains, but if you want to miss out on some quality bbq, that's on you, I suppose). This place is something of an homage to different styles (as the decor reflects, highlighting different spots in different regions). Good brisket (my test meat for any bbq restaurant, as many just don't do it well, and you get either a pile of fat or overcooked shoe leather)--theirs is well-seasoned and always moist and tender. Pulled pork is a solid option as well, and the ribs always seem to have that nice little tug as the meat pulls clean from the bone. Good sides too (partial to the mac and cheese--and love the use of cavatappi pasta, a horribly underused pasta for mac and cheese--and green beans). Nice selection of sauces, from sweet to tangy to spicy. Wash it down with a sweet tea or a cold beer, they have both (and soft drinks and such too, but I don't feel like I'm having bbq with those!). Service is always friendly (counter service, no table service). Atmosphere is casual...as I think you'd expect for a bbq place! read more

City Barbeque - Pork, brisket, mac and cheese, green beans, and Texas toast - Barbeque Near Me - Poplar Level, Kentucky

Forgot my drink and my coleslaw was frozen. if I'm paying 16 dollars for a mediocre chicken sandwich you could at least make sure there aren't literal ice crystals on my sandwich read more

So I got into Louisville before my buddies got off of work. So I took an Uber ride to a gym that was close to the airport. Got in a workout and lo and behold there is a barbecue place in the parking lot. Reviews did not look spectacular, but I've never been to any of their locations. I was pleasantly surprised after reading some of the reviews. The employees were very pleasant, the place was very clean, the food was up quickly, and I know it's crazy.... But I got a salad at a barbecue place; it was a really good salad! All in all a very nice experience. I am sure for some of the regulars that a new location is always working out some of the bumps. However, my experience was very good. read more

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Great food, reasonably priced with exceptional and very fast service!! We came in with a party of 11!! Highly recommend!

Very hot and good food. Didnt take long at all. Ribs were tender. seasoned well. Cashier was polite

Wonderful BBQ, great service and good food. Would recommend to anyone. great Louisville bbq

The restaurant seems like fast food but with a Smokey scent. The service was you order at the counter and sit yourself down at the tables. Today we ordered the city sampler and the 2 meat sampler. The service was good, the brisket was moist and not dry, the turkey was great. Overall I think this a great find. read more

City Barbeque - City sampler We picked Mac cheese and potato salad - Barbeque Near Me - Poplar Level, Kentucky

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This is my first experience with City barbecue. For lunch order, I ordered the brisket sandwich, fries, cornbread, and chocolate cake, to drink, Dr. Pepper. The brisket had no flavor, the fries were soggy with no flavor, the cornbread lacked any flavor and reminded me of something frozen, thawed and reheated that was already made. Hell even the Dr Pepper I got out of the fountain had no flavor. It was straight up carbonation. So being the first experience, absolutely the last experience. The place was clean, the people were nice, but the food was just absolutely horrid. Needless to say not only will I spread the word about how horrible this place was but will not give it a second thought at not partaking in this place this again. Come on city barbecue get it together. read more

Great sauce for the fresh fries the chicken sandwich was just right with the coleslaw dressing nice time at this location

Visited the new location on Poplar Level Rd for City Barbeque and everything was great! The staff was very friendly, patient, and helpful when ordering. I had the kids pulled chicken sandwich and green beans and it was very good! I got the chocolate cake for dessert it was a huge slice, and delicious. I also really liked the freshly made lemonade! My friends also had the pulled chicken sandwich but with potato salad and banana pudding for dessert and agree the food was very good. The inside was clean and had plenty of seating. They also have an outside patio for the warmer months and a drive-through! Definitely recommend! read more

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Service: I've only gone twice through the drive through and there is a bit of wait like 5-10mins I'm guessing. Friendly customer service. Ambiance: I usually see the place at the beginning of dinner time and the people look relaxed sitting outside and enjoying their meal in a clean setting. The interior looks pretty big. Food: Yummy. You get what you pay for. All Of the meats are moist and tasteful. I really appreciate that they have a drive through so you're not stuck sitting inside just to appease your taste buds for a quick BBB meal. Seeing the many logs of wood outside near the smokers was a great sign for me that the food had to be delicious. It is! read more

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This place just is amazing, the food was perfect and the service was awesome. I'm glad I chose this place to eat because i really felt at home and i can't wait to share my experience with friends and family and all the people who need to try this wonderful place of a restaurant read more

What a great restaurant! I've tried the ribs , pulled pork & chicken this was of the highest quality & preparation . The backed beans , potato salad ;as well, side salad was excellent! The preparation of their side salad shows exemplify's their character & quality . I would highly recommend this restaurant and what a great staff about the only nice thing in Louisville... read more

I normally always have a great experience when I got to City BBQ but today they were not on their A game. Normally get brisket but was feeling chicken today so I got the new chicken sandwich. When I got home after getting my food and started eating. After eating half my sandwich I realized that the chicken was raw in the center. Thinking maybe it was that color because it may have been smoked, but after pulling it apart I confirmed it was raw. This has never happened to me from them before from them that is why I'm surprised. I hope this reaches the right people to help assure this doesn't happen again. Here's to hoping I don't get sick this evening. Fingers crossed! read more

City Barbeque - Raw Chicken - Barbeque Near Me - Poplar Level, Kentucky

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Amazing place, great atmosphere, and a great place to hang out at and eat some good BBQ! They're very quick with food too.

They keep getting every order wrong. The Mac and cheese is absolutely flavorless. They gave me ranch dip instead of potato salad. read more

City Barbeque - Ranch dip instead of potato salad. - Barbeque Near Me - Poplar Level, Kentucky

I ordered the Nashville hot chicken sandwich. The chicken was uncooked and ended up giving me lethal food poisoning. The vomiting and diarrhea hasn't stopped. I think I'm dying and it's city bbq's fault. Never again. read more

we didn't receive our total order, the food is terrible!!! the mac & cheese was dry and had zero flavor the baked beans I would give a two on a scale of one to 10. The barbecue size was nasty too. I definitely won't be returning. read more