Just stumbled upon this place, was greeted to amazing service by a young lady who was just so accommodating! Came to this restaurant with a vegetarian friend who doesn't usually get to eat at BBQ restaurants, but the menu had a wide selection of alternatives. Meals were impeccable, would 10/10 eat again. The decor was fun and different, made me feel like I was eating at a diner in the deep depths of the South of USA. Will be back :) read more

Red's True Barbecue - American Near Me - Leeds, XWY

Being American born and bred, and having been to all of the barbecue Meccas of the American South and Midwest, I can state that this is authentic Q. The flavor and smokiness of the meats was spot on, and passed the "no sauce" test easily. All meats had a good smoke rinThe ribs were my favorite, followed by the chicken. The breast was tender and juicy, no dry at all. The brisket was satisfactory, good flavor, but I like it a bit fattier than what was put out. That's a very tough cut to get perfect, but it was perfectly edible as is. The sauces were god; complimented the meats well. This misses one star for the slaw. It is a Carolina style sweet & sour, but it wasn't quite sweet & sour enough. I applied some NC vinegar based bbq sauce, which improved it a lot. The staff was efficient and very pleasant, and provided great information about the food and restaurant. I'd come back, and will state for the record that this is true American style Smoked BBQ. read more

Red's True Barbecue - American Near Me - Leeds, XWY

A stone's throw from The Corn Exchange, Red's was a real stab in the dark as we hadn't heard of them before and my friend, a massive BBQ fan, was firmly in Bodeans BBQ Restaurants' camp (see review http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/bodeans-london-2). It was packed in there, so we figured it must be decent. We weren't disappointed. The friendly staff managed to get us some window seats despite being practically full. After a quick scan of the menu (which helpfully suggested a complimentary drink for each meal option), we only had to wait a couple of minutes before our drinks were served and these were followed about 15 minutes later by our meals. That's when the conversation ceased...as we devoured every inch of the pulled pork burgers, fries and corn on the cobs whilst daring each other to try each of the sauces provided (their 'Judas Ketchup' was the best IMO). The bill came to £30 which considering we had two drinks each and a sizeable meal was pretty good; we'd been well taken care of so tipped accordingly. If you're bored of the usual (and seriously lacking) high street fast food joints, definitely get yourselves to Red's. Tip: If you're not a fan of coleslaw, ask for it to be left off your burgers as they bung it on there and not on the side. read more

Red's True Barbecue - The Triple 6 Hot Sauce will kill you... - American Near Me - Leeds, XWY

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So, after the burger incident, I came back here again. Not glutton for punishment, as such, but glutton for meat and it was about time that I got some dinner. My friend and I got seated really swiftly, but it was getting on for 10pm ish, and I have to say - I'm a fan of late night eating. Not enough places serve food beyond 10pm and I love nothing more than sitting sociably with beers and a plate of good grub late on. We used to do this often at Uni, and unfortunately I struggle to find late night bites that aren't £3 chicken burgers in Leeds town. (If you know of any, please send 'em my way.) So, this time I did the right thing, and ordered the ribs. I did one of the combo meals, meaning I got the most humongous chicken wings to accompany my platter of flesh, and ordered just the one side - those fabulous smoky porky beans. Definitely the best side here, just overtaking the pickles. In spite of the fact the place was buzzing, and the staff rushed, we got our check really quickly. I was very tempted to order another shake, but knowing they come in pint milk bottles, I knew it'd be wasted. (Or at least half would!) Taking in all the free smells available, I picked a sauce and got stuck in. Oh heavenly, succulent rib meat. It does just fall off the bone, and it's flipping addictive. The wings are cooked extremely well, and even though I favoured the pork over the wings, I did my best to demolish them. I'm not sure how best to actually finish a plate here - eat as quickly as possible before you feel full, or take the stamina approach and methodically endure bite by bite. Either way, I've not achieved finishing a plate here ever. And so, the verdict is thus. I love the theme, and welcome the American style eating. It's not something I think any of us should indulge in on a regular basis, for obvious reasons, but it's certainly a real treat for anyone who loves enjoying good meat. I really like the chips here, and whilst that might not sound like an achievement, I'm sure it must be as so many places get them wrong. The sauces and glazing however have, after at least three visits, become cloying. I can't quite appreciate the difference in any of them, all being so sickly sweet, and so after about half an hour of eating I found myself desperate for a new taste. The initial rush of that rib taste just doesn't remain exciting for me, but that is just me. So, with the sauces being rather samey, but the meat being really well cooked I'm on par and reckon it's definitely worth a visit for a treat, but I'll be spreading those out so I don't completely lose interest. I daren't try the burgers again, despite being well celebrated by trusted friends, as I just can't afford the disappointment! Kudos to the excellent range of drinks though, and there's definitely enough on the menu to make each visit an indulgence in something new. We'll definitely be seeing each other again sometime... read more

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This place is definitely aimed at the male market. With a menu consisting of things like ribs and 'oh-so-now' pulled pork (give me a break), I was less than impressed. I love my meat but I am not a caveman. I do not wish to spend my time at a restaurant picking out bits of meat from between my teeth or continually having to wipe my hands on napkins because they're covered in pork fat. I'm a laydeeee! I ended up ordering a measly portion of cheese-stuffed, deep fried jalapeños and sweet potato chips to dip in the selection of sauces. The sauces were tastier than the food, if you ask me. It's unlikely that I'll be returning to Red's. It's just not me and a bit too much like somewhere you'd see that dude from Man Vs Food shoving ridiculous amounts of heart attack-inducing American yuckiness into his gob. I think the only way you'd get me back here would be to ply me with booze beforehand. Everything tastes good when you've had a few - fact. But until then, I'll be dodging this boring, overpriced, testosterone-targeted bullet. read more

Red's True Barbecue - The sauce selection was better than the food - American Near Me - Leeds, XWY

Yknow I almost feel bad writing this review....almost. I was here recently on a works do in a party of 10. We had tried booking in advance but due to a problem with the booking system our reservation didn't go through. When my coworker phoned to look into it, the staff member told him - in a pretty 'oh well eh?' manner, by all accounts - that we would just have to turn up on the night and hope there was a table available. It was a weekday, so we didnt really expect the place to be packed, but for some god alone knows reason it was. Youd think that due to the inconvenience we had been dealt with there would be a little bit of effort on the restaurant's part to put things right. We were pretty much ushered back out and told to check in after a half hour or so, only to be fobbed off a second time. Almost two hours later, we finally get our table, this whole air of us being some sort of nuisance still prevalent with a couple of the staff. We were led to a long table and sat at the most uncomfortable 'church pew' type benches ive ever had the displeasure of sitting in. We were also sat smack bang next to the toilets, adding that extra bit of human bodily waste as a seasoning to our food. I will say that the decor in Red's is very charismatic, very reminiscent of the dive bars and steak houses ive been to in the U.S. I also really liked the old fashioned porcelain dishware the food was served up in. Too bad the aroma of dried urine from the toilets made the whole thing look like our food had been served up in bedpans. The cute furnishings unfortunately just doesn't compensate for the lacklustre service, the waitress that practically ignored us the whole time and the bland as old boots brisket I paid well over the odds for. Word of advice: you are barely 10 metres away from the Cattle Grid. Go there instead. read more

Red's True Barbecue - Beef brisket - American Near Me - Leeds, XWY

I arrived after work on Friday about 4:30 and told them I was meeting mates there. I sat down and they basically ignored me until I hauled one for a drink, after about 10 minutes. Once my friends arrived, they were more attentive. Friends had told me it was great and raved on about the food so I was looking forward to it. I had ribs and a side. Was better than average and would go again but probably not my first choice as you can't book. read more

Red's True Barbecue - Pulled pork and sweet potato fries. 17oz beef skirt with fries and slaw - American Near Me - Leeds, XWY

Red's deserves a solid 3.5 stars but I've rounded it up to 4 stars because I feel like 3 wouldn't do it justice. I had the pitmaster burger, which was essentially a ton of different barbecued meats + cole slaw inside a bun. The brisket was particularly good. If you're a burger person, I'd recommend it. My boyfriend had the medium beef rib which was absolutely massive. So fair warning to anyone who dares to order the large! Anyway he seemed to really enjoy it! We also ordered sides of beans, onion rings, and chips. Avoid the onion rings as you only get 2 per order (aka £1 per mediocre onion ring). The chips weren't anything special either. I did, however, really enjoy the bbq beans and if I ever come back, it will be the only side I've got my eyes on! The beer selection is not great so that was a little bit of a let down. Overall, good American barbecue (especially for the north of England)! read more

Red's True Barbecue - The pitmaster... It's a hot beautiful mess slapped between two buns. I approve! - American Near Me - Leeds, XWY

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I'd previously been to Red's in London, so when I was heading up to Leeds for work, and spotted one nearby I knew I had to go there. I hadn't realised quite how close to the office - needless to say that if I worked two minutes from here then I'd be happy, broke and even bigger. I arrived pretty much on the dot at twelve for lunch, and it wasn't yet busy. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich, with a side of fries and the onion rings. That was my idea of "nothing too heavy"! Great pork, made even better with the vinegar based barbecue sauce they suggest goes best with it. Fries always good, particularly with the judas ketchup, and although this was the first time if tried Red's onion rings, they too were good. You get two massive ones in a portion, and I didn't finish them. I ended up prioritising, eating the pork and slaw out of the bun. All really good, and staff were great. The only reason they lost a star was because in a near empty restaurant they sat me behind a pillar and they were slow in taking my card payment. Otherwise, perfect. read more

Red's True Barbecue - Excellent pulled pork! - American Near Me - Leeds, XWY

The BBQ ribs were great, my pulled pork sandwich was mouth-watering. But what's even better is the theme for this restaurant - all hallelujahs! and amens! and "let there be meat". Their menu looks like a bible, complete with a fork & knife making a cross on front. We LOVED it! See pics for more read more

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Arrived 4.30pm. Told have to wait half but did the ingenious thing of taking our number and ringing us when a table became ready. Saunter in Corn Exchange and 15 mins later, our table was ready. Niece who is 9 ordered from kids menu. Nephew 11, we thought might need adult portion as kids ones tend to be lacking but here the pulled pork slider was generous. Shame all the other bits of the kids menu goes back to samey nuggets type fodder. As for the adults, my rib tops starter was quite nice if a little gristly but good all the same. Main was the brisket plate. The brisket melted in your mouth and gravy on it was drinkable. Didn't say it came with slaw so when I ordered slaw as a side, it seemed bit of a waste. Good variation of sauces from ketchup to three types of bbq and a hot sauce for the brave. The fries were nothing special if even a little let down by the rest of meal being so great. Drinks were plentiful in choice, be prepared to be asked a few times about top ups. The restaurant is busy and quite active with the cooking area being with the customers. I can imagine later in the night it would become even more rowdy with the night life. Had American bbq in Maine and in New York City and this is on a par. read more

Red's True Barbecue - Brisket with two humble sides of slaw and skin on fries. - American Near Me - Leeds, XWY

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This was the second time we have been to Reds True, and it seemed much better than the first. We arrive about 3.30 pm - not too busy, it was quiet enough to be able to talk and we were seated straight away. We were told about the specials which included Jerk ribs - and told these were spicy. I chose the ribs and the missus chose the brisket and burnt ends s'witch. Both came within a relatively quick time and boy were the ribs hot! One of the waiting staff must have seen how spicy the ribs were and offered me a glass of milk which was on the house. Its little touches like that which have earned this place the extra star. Will definitely be visiting again. read more

Red's True Barbecue - Brisket and Burnt Ends S'witch @ Reds True BBQ Leeds - American Near Me - Leeds, XWY

Me and my boyfriend were spending the weekend in Leeds, and we had been recommended this place by a friend. When we first went in we were greeted by amazing staff who were super friendly! They told us we would have to wait at least 1 hour to get a table so they took our name and number and gave us a card, within 30 minutes we got a call saying a table was available. When we got there we were served immediately and our food came within 10 minutes!! The food was beyond amazing, a great price for what you're getting, the whole package, we would most defiantly recommend! read more

Red's True Barbecue - American Near Me - Leeds, XWY

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Hmm. My mouse has been hovering between 2 and 3 stars on this one for the last 5 minutes.s I've been to Red's on five occasions now, and I don't think I've ever experienced anywhere so hit-and-miss outside of the fast food world, despite the masses of rave reviews I've seen. My first visit to Red's was not long after opening, and it was such amazingness that had I been on Yelp at the time, it'd have gotten a full five stars. I had the beef brisket with sweet potato fries and cornbread, and the brisket alone was superbly chin-wiping delicious enough to earn five stars! The service was great too, the waitress was really attentive without being in your face too much. On subsequent visits though, I've found the service (and on one occasion the food) to be more lacking than a Mills and Boon plot. Not that I've ever read any Mills and Boon, honest. One occasion had us sat waiting around 20 minutes for a menu, and then after we'd finished our meal and wanted to look at dessert, we had to wait 30 minutes for someone to clear the table, and another 10 minutes for someone to bring a dessert menu. Long waits for service have happened on 3 out of the 5 visits too. We once tried the bucket-o-bones, and having had their ribs before I was very excited to be confronted by a huge bucket of the things! Sadly, what we got seemed to be the offcuts of fairly meatless ribs, quite dry, and not the juicy meaty gorgeous ribs that I'd had there once before. I've been back a few times, hoping that I would get that first Red's experience again, but I think I lucked out with that visit. Either that or I've been quite unlucky since! All I'd say with Red's, is take Flava Flav's advice, and Don't Believe the Hype. read more

As a lot of reviewers have alluded to, I discovered Reds through pure word of mouth and social media which I thought was a massive indicator that this is a place we should experience. I located and emailed the menu to my girlfriend who sent me a reply in capital letters (she really meant it) that we should visit Red's as soon as is possible, I mean you just have to read the menu to salivate like Pavlov's pooch, the selection is full of choice but not to the point of option paralysis. The place is appointed as you would expect, long communal tables and wood, lots of wood. The kitchen is open plan so you can see exactly what is being cooked when, and how. My girlfriend is an avid fan of Man versus Food and this place looks like it was purpose built for a visit from Adam Richman! If you want a taste of a selection of specialities go, as I did, for the Pit Burger, the amount of different tastes and textures in that burger is unbelievable - paired with the massive selection of house made sauces you can really get a good taste of what Red's is about. We visited in the first week of opening and we experienced the delays mentioned previously BUT the difference that sets this apart from a lot of restaurants in Leeds is they are going out on a limb to do something different. They aren't a Nandos or another cookie cutter chain restaurant where you can eat the same thing wherever you find yourself. Places like this deserve our patronage, if not we will end up with a city full of uninspiring dirge. read more

I was trying to decide what to eat with a friend and we quite literally sniffed this place out. We followed the delicious smell all the way up Call Lane. We started with a sweet tea and "lemonade", both of which I was excited to try because I haven't had good American versions of either since I left the States. Both were disappointing. The tea was overpowered by the honey, and although I can appreciate that it's their "special" recipe, it would have been nice to just have a good plain sweet tea. The lemonade (what Americans call lemonade is like old-fashioned lemonade to Brits- cloudy, still, and made with real lemons) was pretty much just English lemonade with lemon juice squeezed in. It wasn't sweet enough, or lemony enough, and it was carbonated. We both got the wings (mine were hot, my friends were mild). As far as "hot wings" go, they weren't especially impressive, but as far as giant chicken wings go, they were very good. I had cornbread and she had the sweet potato fries, and both of those were good. All in all, it fell short of really being the Southern bbq I'm used to from back home, it was good food and the smell didn't let down the tastebuds! All that, and together, we only spent about £20 and were full for the rest of the day. They also mention that all the chicken is halal, which means that the chickens were ethically slaughtered (when animals are slaughtered in a kosher or halal manner, they lose consciousness almost immediately vs the shock-gun or electrocution, which allows the animal to stay conscious through their death) and that the restaurant is accommodating to the diverse Leeds population. Sorry for the science lesson but I've been seeing some strange and uneducated things mentioned about halal meat so I thought I'd throw this in. Bon appetit! read more

We decided to try Reds recently after reading the menu made us both very hungry! Firstly the menu has more than ample choices, neatly laid out with and each dish helpfully has a drinks suggestion next to it. The drinks selection itself was impressive offering plenty of alcoholic and nonalcoholic choices including a few American and craft beers. The Ribs were absolutely delicious, I went for the Mixed Rib Starter which let me try some of the various types, All perfectly cooked in an amazing sauce. Followed by the 'pit' burger which was extremely filling. Overall the place had a nice atmosphere, the service was great (the waitress advised us on the different drinks available and the manager even popped over to see how we were doing) and the food was great. Looking forward to my next visit! read more

Okay bored now. Since last time I've twice tried to eat at Red's only on both occasions to be told that it will be upward of a two hour wait despite it being early for lunch and half the restaurant being completely empty. Having an MsC in hydrology and a brain that can do the maths thing moderately well I find it hard to believe that 100% of the 50% of your tables are all going to be imminently filled by people who have not arrived yet, who were told two hours ago to come in two hours and who will then be there for exactly two hours. Nah. Was also a little saddened after an excellent meal at Cattle Grid, as our alternative choice, to hear the delightful staff tell us that they happily direct customers to Reds when they are full and that Reds do the same favour to them. Nope. They didn't even mention you Cattle Grid. Even when I said out loud in front of them "I think there's another meaty place around the corner?" Boooo. I give up. read more

The Ribs were just amazing. The bones were clean!! so soft the meat fell into my mouth. Once you get a hang of the system for getting a table (bob in to join the queue then go for a drink elsewhere, one person can go in for 6 of you as we did) it is worth the wait. The variety of options is quite astonishing so just take in the menu before trying to decide (secretly knowing all the while you want St Louis Ribs). Read the whole menu it is quite a fun bit of reading seeing what you could eat if you could fit an entire house of food in you! My friend had the doughnut burger and I have to say it does work! So if you are umming and ahhing about it just do it because you will not regret it. This is great experience restaurant and I would choose it again over others. For a quick bob in meal though it is not the place. read more

Is it a restaurant? I prefer to think of it more as an experience, as a "destination". Allow me if you will to wax lyrical about the daddy of BBQ joints which strolled into Leeds in 2012 and blew all competition at the time and since out of the water in terms of quality of food, so-so-ness of staff and desire to mark up menu items beyond what can possibly be considered sane. So the good... Without a shadow of a doubt, Reds is for REAL BBQ food the only place in Leeds worth your while. Yes, there is Cattle Grid and Rib Shakk, but they're pale imitations which serve up what we in the UK expect BBQ food to be; go to America and order ribs in Memphis, THAT is what BBQ food is supposed to be like. And that is what Reds is like. Big BBQ food Goodness. Then forget the ribs and hit the pit burger, which is without competition in Leeds (if not the world) for the best burger you can buy for under 20 quid. You top all this off with the home made milk shakes and what you have is an experience which can't be bettered, if you like that type of thing (awesome dirty BBQ food and burgers). The so-so... The staff have gotten slightly better recently, but until recently it was hard to get a smile out of most of them, and asking for mid meal drinks or bills often went hand in hand (and still does actually) with over a 10 minute wait. Pair the staff with that thing that most people hate most about Reds, the door/queue/waiting policy and it's easy to see why some people don't give the food a chance - an hour or two wait to be seated is generally considered unreasonable after all. I'm one of the people who has waited for 90 minutes and think it's well worth it, though obviously this doesn't mean that the place wouldn't benefit from a bar to drink at while you wait (but that would remove valuable eating space). The bad... £18 for 1 meter of onion rings. That's 28 onion rings or so. And they're really good. Not greasy. Good crunchy batter. Tasty and NOT worth £18 for 25. That's 72p per onion ring. I could buy 5 onions for that. Profiteering at this level is not good. At the end of it though, the so-so and the bad don't matter because the food is so amazing. That's right, amazing. read more

Meat, meat and more meat- with good beer to wash it down! After hearing about this place (specifically the ribs) from friends I was keen to try it for myself. I'd heard all the stories of people being turned away/waiting for an hour so we headed there straight from work. Even at 6pm it was busy but we got a table straight away. (This was a couple of weeks ago.)I was surprised that some items had already sold out (and the beef ribs had sold out by the time we left- maybe they have sorted this now?) I also couldn't decide what to have so went for a combo (pulled pork/beef) while the boy ordered a bucket of ribs. Side of fries and slaw were great (although wish if tries the pickles). Mine was good- the ribs were better (and luckily I got to help him eat them!) The benefit of the bucket was that you got to try all varieties- some were meatier (st Louis) whilst others were tastier (baby back) and the beef ones were just massive! Next time I want to try the 3 meat burger.... Good atmosphere and relaxed decor- range of prices and I imagine some of the sandwich type dishes would be good for lunch. They just need to sort out the supplies and the waiting time (you can book if a group of more than 8). read more

After my second visit I can happily award Reds 5 stars. Both times I've been the food has been absolutely spot on. Portions are excellent, the food arrived hot, the staff were relaxed and friendly, A word about the staff, the waiting style in Reds isn't super attentive, questions every 5 minutes. Its very laid back. A number of reviews on here mention staff talking to each other or friends, and whilst that is true to a degree i think it just represents the relaxed atmosphere inside. At no point did we feel ignored and there were more than enough staff buzzing about to catch someones attention when needed. Onto the food: I've had both the Beef Long ribs and the Pit burger now. Other members of my party have had the St Louis ribs and babyback ribs. All of these dishes are absolutely fantastic. The ribs are the best I've had in a restaurant and put the things you get served in TGIs and harvesters etc to shame. These things are meaty, really meaty and very tender. They don't fall apart like the aforementioned other restaurants offerings, but they cut like butter. My advice is got for the beef longs if your a real carnivore, the st louis if you love your chinese ribs and the babybacks if your unsure about the whole thing! On to the pit burger, I had heard mixed reviews about this burger. The style is a cross between steakhouse burger and upmarket fastfood (similar to the likes of shakeshack, almost famous and meatliquor). The toppings include brisket, pulled pork, bacon and cheese, and all the ingredients combined to make a big meaty mess (in a good way). The only point to make is that the brisket had been cooked to a crisp which meant that it was fairly chewy, im not sure if this was intentional as it did add some contrast to the textures in the burger. In terms of where this burger sits in relation to other offerings nearby, its better than Nation of Shopkeepers, not quite on the level of Almost Famous was in manchester. The sides at reds don't add much to the meal in my opinion, but thats not really the point, the mains are the stars here. read more

Found it as I had a hankering for something's flesh, although my fiance was a little against the idea as she apparently had something more dainty and ladylike in mind (probably something that involves pasta or some such non-food). Was directed to a tiny table in the corner next to the window, but despite the squash the food was good enough to make my fiance change her mind and start eating my order as well as her Jalapeno's poppers (no, I don't know why they are called that either). I'm not sure about this place at all. The food is good (but not amazing), the decor is good (but a bit fast-foodish) and fair enough the service was spot on. However, the price was high for what it was, and the Heineken beer I ordered was three pounds ninety five. THREE POUNDS NINETY FIVE. It wasn't a magic beer and it wasn't London. It wasn't served by an acrobat juggling or by a group of itinerant midgets. THREE POUNDS NINETY FIVE. OK, your meat might be slightly different from other places and it might experience a different kind of flame which makes the prices higher, but this was Heineken. Bastards. Much like an episode of South Park (but with a slight derivation) let me say again, THREE POUNDS NINETY FIVE. read more

Was quite disappointed that a voucher that said one per bill when we were all paying separately was not recognized per person. The small fine print did not say per table but per bill. I did not appreciate that sneaky advertising. The food is ok. read more

I'm happy to say that this place has sorted out its teething troubles with speed of service, and the last few times I've been it's actually looked a very slick operation compared to most of the other less formal Leeds eateries. You still should expect it to be full right up until 9.30 on a week night, but if you go early to put your name down in the expectation to go somewhere else for a drink first then you'll be fine. If you're in to ribs but not sure which ones then try a bucket of bones, which is great value considering that two of you could share it quite happily. Personally, my favourite is a rack of St Louis but the links and wings are great too. There've been all sorts of comments on how this place compares to "other" bbq joints, but it smashes equivalents available in Leeds out of the water, and at not-extortionate prices either. I'm not a fan of the beers (and I'm a very open minded drinker), but with sauces that good who needs one? Don't be afraid to ask for a doggy bag if you over order as it's just as good out the fridge the next day. read more

Any American BBQ meal that comes served in a dustbin lid is a winner in my book! Went the Saturday night before Christmas with 7 mates after Leeds were playing at home, so was not shocked to be told there was a wait for the table (no bookings taken I think?). We put our names down, and went to a pub for a couple of hours where they gave us a ring when the table was ready - fantastic! As you'd rightly expect, portions were hearty, meaty, and lathered in any sauce you may desire! 6 of us went for the feast (7th chap is Muslim, so went for the Halal chicken), which contained a superb variety of meat in various forms! Ribs, wings, brisket, chorizo sausages, pulled pork...all sorts! Shot of JD each in a pipette too certainly added to the occasion. This, a starter and a couple of beers each - walked away paying about £30pp - good value and not one of us did anything but roll out of the place having consumed far too much, without even the slightest desire to view the dessert menu. Atmosphere and staff were great, with our waitress joining in with the renditions of whatever music was playing! Great night, will be back. Would get a 5 if we could have booked in being a large group. read more

Almost every individual I have spoken to has raved in one way or another about this place so the decision to go was a no brainer. I was advised I couldn't book so I called in one Saturday afternoon only to be told a table wouldn't be free for quiet a few hours which left me feeling a little disappointed! I went back during a day of hitting the shops a few weeks later and decided to call in around 14:00 with a hope to get a table around 17:00 which I did. I let my self starve the whole day in anticipation of glorious American fodder and I'm glad I did. We were promptly seated and drinks came quickly which was a great start. I wasn't overly impressed with the seating; we were placed in between two other tables so I felt slightly invaded with regards to personal space. However, once seated the spot didn't seem so bad, it was clear from the hustle and bustle that people were clearly more engaged in the atmosphere than my unimpressed gaze. The menu was pretty overwhelming, it took me at least 3 glasses of wine to make a decision almost everything sounded amazing (apart from the donut burger?). I was tempted by the ribs based on what I'd heard from friends but the Nachos won me round with an assortment of pulled meats, salsa, guacamole and cheese. You could also choose a side dish so I opted for sweet potato fries thinking that the nachos would be how I'd had them before - more of a snack. Oh how very very wrong I was! I'm pretty sure my meal could have fed two people alone I mean I can really eat when I've got my game head on, but this dish ultimately destroyed me. The nachos were at least twice the size of standard nachos I've eaten before, they were pilled high and mounds of meat pilled high again... determined to defeat the mount Everest on my plate I dug in. The nachos were crisp and not soggy, the meat was succulent which really pleased me. On the down side the cheese was processed beyond processed and there seemed to lack salsa to even out the intensity of the meat and cheese. So it was one of those dishes where you start of at a steady pace, enjoying stuffing my face. Then I hit a wall.. a very large brick wall and started to feel quite ill. The tastes, textures and ingredients were so sweet and heavy that I started to feel like Stallone at the end of round 11. It might have been an idea to put the nachos in the larger sized food dishes on offer because it killed me in the end. I absolutely hate waste so took the meat home for my neighbour's dog which filled a takeaway box to the rim. I'd hate to think how much meat is wasted in this place which really disheartened me. I thought it was a grand experience and I'm pleased I went. But the food is heavyweight and sickly so I may not be rushing back in a hurry! (although I may be temped by the ribs at some point, given time). Reds is definitely 'real BBQ food' and as American venue's go it wipes the floor with its competitors. If you have ever watched man Vs food then Reds is of a similar standard. Calling all those meat worshipers who have endless appetites this is the place for you. read more

Outstanding food. Great service. Try the pulled pork or the beef brisket. Even the beans are special. Don't go here if you're dieting or a veggie. read more

Red's True Barbecue - Condiments! - American Near Me - Leeds, XWY

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This review has been left for far too long but I've finally gotten around to it. I went here for my birthday as the prices definitely put this place into the "Special Occasions" category for me. Anyway, after about a 45 minute wait we were seated. Sadly, it was on a shared (but lengthy) table which housed a quartet of drunken uni students who never stopped yelling obscenities and cackling wildly at themselves the entire time we were there. Still, I was very excited about the food! We went for the meat nachos to start, which went over swimmingly! It was also a great chance to try out the various sauces on offer--definitely the most "authentic" sauces I've had in the UK. Then I moved onto the Texas Beef Brisket + Pulled Pork while my misses opted for the mac & cheese. She loved the mac & cheese (though I didn't) so we were split there. However, my combo plate was absoutely brilliant! The pulled pork tasted just as it should, with a perfect texture to match, and the brisket was just as perfect. In terms of flavour and texture, Red's was spot on for a great BBQ place. However, the high prices, long lines, and douchey clientelle may mean I only visit this place once or twice a year. (Also, I'd love to buy some of their sauces bottled if only that were possible!) read more

It's alright. It's a chain, that is a bit american in milking our love of actually being able to cook outside and get buckets of smokey awesome meat in the varied british summers, without the cooking outside of course. Knowing my love of meat, my friend suggested here, I won't lie, I really wasn't having the best day when I came here, so that may have tainted my experience somewhat having a bit of a lack of appetite, as this place, you won't get anywhere across your plate with a lack of appetite. It's the sort of great place, where if you ate here every night, you'd most certainly get gout. A lot of meat, slathered in sticky glazes, which is quite possibly how your fingers will end up too, and maybe your face, so not really the place for polite dining, just people you've known a while and don't judge you! It was a pleasant day, and packed and dark inside, so we took a table outside, which was actually quite nice to be out, even if pretty much on the street. I have a macaroni cheese problem, so no matter how much I love barbecue beans, the ones I make are better, so mac it is, and ribs, because a place like this has to be good at ribs. They were lovely, messy, and filling, especially for a belly wracked with nerves and such, I didn't finish them, which I of course wished I had, but I think I'm right in remembering that my mate did the honours for me, but he is a bottomless belly pit. read more

After travelling 130 miles for our friends anniversary we chose Reds as it was highly recommended by other friends attending. We went on the waiting list & was told our table should be ready for about 9:30 latest. 2 visits later (we had to wait at a nearby bar) we were assured at 9pm we would have a call within 30 minutes - nothing. At 10pm we went back again & after queuing with several groups of other angry customers who had been waiting over 3 hours we were told a table had just become available for us - ummmm strange that! Upon speaking to the incredibly arrogant Manager after the waitress couldn't help we were told they are the most popular restaurant in Leeds & serve 750 covers so wait or go elsewhere.... The Manager who had still not apologised then stated we had been called twice as the log stated so ...... We had been sat in a bar 5 mins away since 8:30 with the phone in front of us - it had not rang - apparently we are liars!!! The fact we get a text message from our network for EVERY missed call was irrelevant too! After begging for a snack pending food, two sparrow portions of nachos were begrudgingly delivered with a further comment on the popularity & number of covers they do ........ Customer service skills clearly a side dish! The Manager then stated when called the number went to voicemail - there is no voicemail on our phone but we are lying not his staff. An hour later our food arrives but not before a party of 8-10 behind us walked out in disgust, a huge argument kicked off at the door and another couple sat in despair opposite us! We noticed waitresses crying, lots food going back and burgers being transferred between plates on the hot plate along with a room full of sad deflated faces! What a shame! The food was barely tepid but very tasty but the service was unacceptable! The attitude of the Manager was shocking verging on offensive and £125 later we finished eating at 11:45pm and left swiftly feeling thoroughly let down. Our poor friends whose anniversary it was went straight home! The no booking is not working, people cannot plan a night waiting for a call 2-3 hours later which is then lied about (not just us - speaking to other tables). The staff cannot cope with the volume of clients & the Manager believes his restaurant is so successful & busy we are irrelevant & a minor annoyance! How long will the curiosity causing popularity last for Reds - who knows but my friends & I will never return & will be ensuring everyone knows!! read more

Some say it's the best BBQ ever. I disagree. It's decent but no tears rolled down my eye. It's a great place for large groups to have a somewhat inexpensive meal. US BBQ feel and taste for sure. 4/5 keep going back read more

Visited here with my partner whilst on a trip to Leeds. We went on a Wednesday evening and had no issue getting a table. We found the food to be really tasty and meat tender and juicy. Unlike some places, the meat didn't all tasty like it had been covered in barbecue sauce (I'm looking at you 'rub' on Birmingham broad Street). I was impressed by the prices and the fact you could pick from either 2 'humble' sides or one fancier one. The onion rings were massive and delicious. Service was brilliant (shout out to Florence). I'm just hoping they open one in Birmingham next. read more

Red's True Barbecue - Displaying the huge onion rings - American Near Me - Leeds, XWY

Having eaten here before with an average experience I thought I would give it another go as my lovely wife fancied a burger. As far as the service went it was fantastic, we were greeted very well and the staff were attentive, knowledgeable of the menu and friendly exactly what you want. Reds do offer a very wide selection of the BBQ based food and the smell that hits you as you walk in is a BBQ'ers dream. The beer selection is also very good however it is very expensive over £4.50 for a pint of Brooklyn Lager. We I decided what we wanted, she got a Burger and Fries I built my selection of Baby Back Ribs, Beef Brisket and Sweet Potato Fries and when we ordered it was no more than 5 minutes and it was laid in front of us on trays. I like this little feature even if it is turning up everywhere. The burger my wife got looked awesome stacked high with salad, melting cheese and a juicy meat slab in the middle Awesomeness!! My tray looked good but I was very disappointed with the meager portion beef brisket 2.5 pieces I received for £8.50 and the sweet potato fries had obviously been sat on the side a little while waiting for people to order them. The ribs were nice needed a bit more sauce over them and they were cooked a little to much (probably cooked and reheated judging by the 5 minute timescale of ordering to eating) The food was average would recommend the burger over the rest it is the prices which really lets it down. I was well aware of what I was ordering and the cost of it all and would be happy to pay it with a better quality product. They should maybe not cook so much in advance, I am sure people would be happy to wait a little longer and get a better meal I know I would. And they need to up the portions a little bit paying £8.50 i expect a mini mound of Beef brisket not a mole hill. Still better than meat liquor but falls behind Cattle grid for me. read more

We arrived to Leeds for first time with my dad and brother. We found this place and decide to try it. We order a tray of ribs and share one with ribs, steak and pork. What a delicious Smokey flavor, we had a really good meal read more

They messed up our order so we had to take a burger we didn't ask for. The normal burger was below average and not worth £9. I asked for it well done and it wasn't. The ribs were absolutely awful and not worth the money. No meat on them. Fries came in a pie dish, and there weren't as many as other photos show. £5.50 for a pint of lager is scandalous. The only positive was that service was spot on. Would I return? No. read more

Great place. Love the food. Staff friendly. Hard to get a table sometimes as popular so may have to wait. Love the corn bread !!! read more

We went to Reds True BBQ on Tuesday evening, after hearing about it through Twitter and Facebook. We were greeted at the door by a waitress, who seemed to be unsure as to whether they had any tables available that evening, due to a table of 12 having just come in. She finally managed to take our name and details, and got us a table 45 minutes later after we'd left and gone for a drink. We decided to order some starters to share amongst the group, which consisted of stuffed peppers, nachos and "hot" buffalo wings. I was very much looking forward to trying some traditional American buffalo wings, which I've enjoyed many times before whilst holidaying in the USA. However, these "hot" wings were rather a let down. They were neither hot, nor the traditional sour hot wings you'd expect. They were 3 large chicken wings with a bland sticky sauce rubbed over them (if you want traditional buffalo wings try Cattle Grid across the road). The nachos were also rather unappealing, consisting of a couple of soggy nachos drowning in a plethora of barbecue sauce and some other non-descript toppings. The stuffed peppers, however, were very tasty, and still had a good crunch to them, and oozing with tasty sticky cheese. We were also not given plates with our starters, which made eating them quite a logistical conundrum. For the main course, we all chose ribs, with a couple of sides. I had a full baby back ribs, and I must say they were delicious. The meat was tender, fell away from the bone, and had a charred / smokey flavour to them. However the 2 sides I chose were poor. The fries were soggy and greasy, and the macaroni and cheese was inedible. The cheese was dry, hard and cold, with no flavour. I've had better macaroni and cheese from a tin. The service was better than I was expecting, having read some of the reviews. However one of the managers seems to spend a lot of time shouting at staff and looking peed off, which brings down the enjoyability factor of the experience. All in all the main event was very enjoyable, but the overall experience was tarnished by the supporting cast. read more

The one thing that sucks about being a Yankee in UK is when a taste of home opens I get really really excited about curbing my homesickness and tasting a little piece of what I have been missing. When Red's opened I had my doubts proper southern style BBQ is something that I hold dear to my heart and something no one should try to cook unless they have proper experience in doing-so. Now to get to the positives they do have smokers and big ones at that, ones that you would see in anything standards BBQ pit place and they are doing them low and slow like you should. 14 hours is just about right to do a authentic pulled pork sandwich and smoking a brisket is a damn hard thing to do but again top marks for getting it right. Everything looks good on paper and the menu is set up in the best way possible but when my food was delivered it was luke-warm at best, now did I expect it to be extremely hot, No Sir, but I did expect it to be warmed through. The different types of sauces were a nice touch as you can go to the 3 corners of the south and see different BBQ sauces with different bases in each corner so again top marks for that. I went with one of the Combo Sandwich plates to get the full down south homely taste Brisket and Pork and had the Hot option. Now I like my spicy food but the spice was lacking and I did see the hot sauce on the sauce sharing platter and dabbed a little on my finger and like the taste so i splurted some on my plate and I was in high heaven taking my first bite. Smokey brisket and pulled pork in a sandwich is almost like a meat lovers feast but it went wrong with the luke warmness and the lack of flavour. They claim to dry rub their meats and I don't doubt that they do but when you have eaten True southern BBQ you come to expect a bit of sweetness and fair amount of heat and some smokiness when eating the slow cooked meat and all I got was meat not a plethora of greatness. I truly feel bad about this review and I don't want to turn anyone off from going to it cause Hell its a wonderful thing bringing different foods from my neck of the woods over but its hard to do and they didn't completely miss the mark in my books but undershot it a bit, but when it comes to BBQ and burgers I have very high standards. They have an excellent kids menu with picking 3 courses for 6 pounds but the root beer beans had entirely to much root beer in them and my daughter who loves her beans was more interested in my salad then what has become one of her favourite foods. The chicken was cooked right and the Texas toast was wonderful but those beans just smelled of root beer and it was a bit off putting and I love root beer. Speaking of beer the choice is nice but yet underwhelming with what American beer is doing to the craft beer market in Leeds I guess I expected more, most of you guys know I work in the industry of great beer and the selection in this place could be so much better. I know they have to cater to the market and this is why they have a standard American Lager on draft and 2 other very nice products serving on draft as well, but if you are going to open an American BBQ place and do American Beer get some bigger bolder beers but again this is me just being nit-picky. As my review comes to an end I give this place 3.5 stars for effort and originality but cant bring myself to give it 4 stars just yet, maybe for my next visit after they have had a few more month under their belt. read more

Taste of home says a guy from North Carolina. There is not a thing I don't like about this gem of a restaurant. Scott the owner really did his homework. Please go have a taste! read more