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    Frankie's BBQ

    3.2 (87 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque, Burgers
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:30 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Frankie's BBQ Photos

    FRANKIE'S BBQ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Reviews With Photos

    Shannon W.

    ok, if you love bbq then Frankie's is a MUST! hands down the best sauce ever! we always get the mini rib-tips... big portions, steak cut fries & then there is the white bread in the bottom that has soaked up a little grease from the ribs & is drowning in the sauce (it's a humble piece of white bread but something magical happens) the neighborhood is a little sketchy the place is a little bit of a hot mess, you wait in line to order through a window, there are a few seats but i take mine to go... But remember, it's about the food & it is fabulous!!

    Big Pimp's Rib entree
    Kelly C.

    First time ever in South Bend. Here for a bowling tournament. One of our team members recommended this joint as they had tried them out when they got here last night. I have to start with some disclaimers: first, when a friend tells you a place is a "hood" joint, you typically have two expectations. There's low expectations, and then there's "hood" expectations. Fortunately, Frankie's met our "hood" expectations. Situated on a corner in a rather nondescript neighborhood, Frankie's appears to be a place that's been around and serves the community well. Friendly staff, and customers who greeted us as if we were cousins. (That will always get you kudos where we come from.) This place was clean and cozy. The menu choices appear to appeal to the flavor of the neighborhood. Featuring ribs, and turkey legs, I was surprised that there wasn't any chicken, except for chicken strips (sticks). Sorry, guys. I had to take a star for that. One menu item, the Round House sandwich appears to be a community culture favorite (it's a well dressed bologna sandwich). We saw a patron with one. It looked awesome. Prices weren't bad. We paid close to $50 for three entrees. We had the ribs, the combo (chicken sticks and jumbo shrimp with rib tips), and the Frankie's Polish sausage. Each were generously portioned and came with fries. I was a bit disappointed that fries were the only side options. There were side items that could be purchased separately for an additional price. We received a discount for using cash. (Don't balk folks. Sign of the times) So here's where they lost stars with us: no chicken (except for the chicken sticks). As I mentioned, I'm not a fan of ribs. But my husband (Big Pimp), a seasoned carnivore, said even he would have like more chicken choices. A half star was lost on the limitedness of side dishes. I would have liked to see more choices. And dessert as well. Overall, we were impressed. The food came fast and was absolutely delicious. It reminds me of the "rib shacks" from back in the day where I'm from. The meat was tender. I'm not a fan of ribs, but my tips were very good. Big Pimp says his slab was A-1, tender, juicy, and his sauce was spot on. They dropped the ball on my shrimp, however. They definitely were not jumbo. Would love to give this place 3 1/2 stars. Can't figure out how to give them another half.

    Menu and prices

    Prices have gone bonkers. 17-18$ for a tip dinner after tax and credit card fees if you don't pay cash.

    Last two visits.

    So I've given many bad reviews for this place in the past. Once upon a time it was great. Than took the exit to crapsville. Now they're back to the good side. Problem is now they run out of rib tips often. But the last two time tips were good and fries were out of this world. Not going to do a longer review but I'll enjoy them being back to the good side. Oh the serving size is 2.5 lbs 1st time 2.9 second visit. I don't like the idea of when you pay your surrounded by CC machine wanting tip and people expecting it. That is uncomfortable. Pictures are from last two visits. I can't give 5stars because they run out and except a tip.

    Rib tips, Ribs and fries
    Aja F.

    My husband's family is from South Bend, IN so whenever we come to visit or pass through we have to stop at Frankie's. Now I'm not going to tell a story about this place. It's kind of hit or miss. This time we came it was good and that's what we expected. But before this time we came a couple of other times and it wasn't the best. So this time I can say it's worth the 4 stars.

    July 5, lunchtime
    Diana Z.

    I like how it is a no frills no fuss type of environment. Most people opted to take their food elsewhere but we sat outside by the beautiful mural. None of us ordered the ribs or rib tips. Their chicken strips and fries were okay. I was disappointed by my pulled pork sandwich but my hot wings were fine. The potato salad was overpriced and untouchable. I am not happy about bringing visitors from Poland and South Carolina to eat a local favorite which was only so-so. When my foreign friend ordered his accent was a bit thick and the cashier was visibly annoyed about misunderstanding him and could have been more patient. I had to jump in to speak.

    Rib Tips?

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    1 year ago

    Much like Chris A, I haven't lived in South Bend since 2008 but I still go back for Frankie's. Best sauce on the planet.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Still the best in town. Fat caps in Roseland is not real bbq.,.............................

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    This is the most addictive BBQ!! That sauce! Only thing I miss since leaving the Bend.

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    My tips were so good this time! They gave me so much food! I will definitely recommend them

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    2 years ago

    The food is the best!!!!! Super professional staff. Very quick service, and never a disappoint in all of the above.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Frankie's BBQ

    I wish Frankie's could ship some rib tips doused in their sauce to me in Florida? Miss this place for sure

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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