I gotta stop believing yelp reviews. People want quantity over quality on this app and this place is a great example of that. There's nothing redeeming about this place. Yelp reviewers have no taste. They just want a slab of meat and they're all happy. I should've tried their sauces before I bought anything. The barbecue sauces were all ketchup based. They added in too much apple cider vinegar and the sauces were too viscous and runny. A good barbecue sauce has molasses, brown sugar, and tomato sauce not ketchup and white sugar which is what these were made from. I'd have been better off bringing in my own bottle of barbecue sauce from the grocery store. We ordered a half rack 6 ribs and two sides of coleslaw and potato salad. The coleslaw was runny and too liquidy. It had zero buttermilk in it. It was also made with apple cider vinegar which is a HUGE NO, NO. The potato salad was meh. No mustard. Just white potato salad. THEY HAD NO CORNBREAD! How much does a box of jiffy cornbread cost?!? Seriously, this business should NOT be in the rib business. The half rack of ribs: DRY, DRY, DRY. They were baked way too long. The ribs were flavor-less. I would not go back again. It's a huge shame for a rib joint to be this bad. The ribs were such a huge disappointment. Not even a smoked flavor was ever detected. I hope they don't go down the liquid smoke route either because that's just driving off a cliff at that point. I'm DONE listening to yelp reviews. Yall have no clue what you're talking about. read more

The prime brisket was delicious as was the pulled chicken and Mac and cheese. The potato salad lacked flavor. The bbq sauce was a great complement to the smoked meats. This was a catered order so I can't speak on decor and ambience. read more

ZZQ Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Eagan, Minnesota

A return trip that was great. We had a half rack of ribs again and they were great. Largest and meatiest ribs. Enough for two and some to take home. Only regret is that the rib tips were out again. Still a great lunch. read more

ZZQ Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Eagan, Minnesota

They get you before you even walk in door. That smell wafting from the smoker is intoxicating!! The ambiance is total smokehouse with lots of wood and metal. It just fits. But the food... It is amazing! Hand crafted with tons of passion. You can taste the dedication in every bite. We shared a lot of items and were delighted with every one. The sauce bar is just fantastic. Something for every palate and we tried them all. Here's my tip- try the fry sauce on the pulled pork. This place is truly a gem with some talented people who care manning the helm. Be sure to give it a try! read more

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Saw this place had some decent reviews and decided to give them a try. Unfortunately my experience was less than average..... There is a fair amount of parking in this area and inside seating. The first thing you notice is this place does smell AMAZING but the food just did not taste anywhere good as it smelled! The service was fine. Nothing to write home about. It was very fast though!! Ok the most important part! THE FOOD: I am someone who grabs chips over a cookies and loves salt, so when I tell you these fries were so salty they are almost inedible, I mean it! Just covered! The brisket tasted old, rubbery and dry. I had to throw the whole thing out, such a waste. They Mac and cheese was very watery in consistency but the flavor was ok. The pulled pork was the only thing that was half way decent. I tried the Smokey, sweet, and tangy Carolina BBQ sauces and didn't like a single one. The flavors were just to artificial. This was just a huge miss for me. Will not be back. read more

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Excellent BBQ spot that is worth a stop! Meaty ribs seasoned and smoked to perfection! Make-your-own sauce, if you can't find one you like! Order at the counter, the make your bbq and you can pick it up at the end of the counter. My friend loved their coleslaw (that's why there's 2 on her lunch chicken platter). read more

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Food & service were excellent! We had brisket & pulled pork. I have some picky barbecue eaters, and they inhaled it all! Their new favorite. Wide variety of sauces - everyone had their favorite, including some mixes. Highly recommend and we will be making return trips. read more

Does NOT disappoint! BBQ here spanks the competition-pork butts down! Moist beef brisket that you can serve to a toothless grannie (it's so tender it melts in your mouth). The ribs are plentiful meaty and delicious (even if you don't stop at the sauce station to concoct your own). Counter service, excellent vibe and best smelling place in Eagan! read more

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The smell of bbq always makes my heart happy. I tasted the brisket, ribs and the wings. They were all delicious and very flavorful. The sides were delicious as well. The service was friendly and our food came out fast. read more

We tried ZZQ's for lunch on a Friday. It wasn't too busy at 11:30, but around 12:30/1, the line was about 8 people long. We tried the brisket, pulled pork, ribs, fries, and chicken (part of the kids meal). I am a huge pulled pork fan, and their's was so good! Everything else was okay, but not great. Maybe the amazingness of the pulled pork made everything else dull? The service was really good, and the staff was friendly and helpful. read more

ZZQ Smokehouse - Kids meal - chicken and fries - Barbeque Near Me - Eagan, Minnesota

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I was really craving some good bbq food since one of our fav spots has been closed. We decided to go out to zzq after a couple of others recommended it. It definitely didn't disappoint! My hubby got the ribs combo and I got a pulled pork sandwich. My hubby said the ribs were up there with some of the best he has had in Memphis and in St. Louis. All of the different sauces were amazing! The pork was so tender and had great flavor. The fries were crispy and the fry sauce was bomb. Also, they offer Coke Zero which makes me happy! read more

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Unfortunately, my ribs were incredibly overcooked and came out pretty mushy. Even after a 15 minute delivery ride, the ribs were still SCREAMING hot when I got them. I couldn't even pick them up without burning my hands and had to let them cool down for a while. Normally I wouldn't complain about hot delivery food, but ribs being this hot is a bad sign. However these were cooked or reheated totally destroyed them. Spare ribs shouldn't fall apart like pulled pork. Maybe they were wrapped in foil at too high of a temp for too long or they were microwaved right before packing them up, but either way, a disappointing cook on what could have otherwise been a pretty delicious rubbed rib. Also, I was given way too little sauce. Asked for two sauces and was only given a 1oz container of each, and they were each barely filled half way. So 1 oz of total sauce for a half rack of dry rubbed ribs was certainly not enough. I will say the sides were delicious. Great tang on the coleslaw and beans were yummy. The fries were fries, but very good and crispy. No complains there. Hopefully the experience in the store is better, but how things were cooked/reheated and packed for delivery was disappointing. read more

ZZQ is on point!!!! We shared a two-meat plate with brisket and chicken, mac and coleslaw, and an extra side of beans. Everything was FANTASTIC! The woman up front was absolutely the sweetest, super friendly and helpful. Their brisket is one of the better briskets I've had, the chicken was great. Their coleslaw is a vinegar-based coleslaw not a creamy one and it was delicious. I am not celiac, but asked if the reviews were correct that their mac is gluten free and was SO impressed by their concern for celiac. And everything is gluten free (even the mac and cheese!) except for the buns (but they even have a gluten free bun option!). So for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac, this place is a blessing! Their sauces are all homemade and they're all great! My faves were the Smoky and the Sweet. Buffalo was good too. We'll be back! Looking forward to trying more off the menu. Thanks ZZQ! read more

It's okay depending on the day. But overall if you can afford it the brisket and chicken are pretty good. If the chicken wings were fresher they would be much better then refrigerated and then fried to reheat. read more

Reasonable prices, service is quick and food is good but the atmosphere is less than average. Great place to get smokehouse food just don't expect much atmosphere. read more

The worst meal I've ever eaten!!! Everything tasted the same, I don't know where the Smokehouse flavour comes from, but it wasn't in the dish I paid for. Very unappeitizing, unappeling, too much vinegar in cabbage and cold slaw. Meat over cooked. BBQ Sauce was unlike any I've ever had and never want again. (Three meat combo) read more

Medicare BBQ with an owner that can't take any criticism and takes to social media sites to defend himself when a customer isn't satisfied about their products. The seasoning isn't great, my experience is that most foods are over salted (who cares if it's manual or automated if it's over salted). I love ribs and have been all over the country for BBQ but would NOT recommend this place. read more

We went pretty late, during a Friday dinner rush. Not a ton of seating here but enough for what it is. The lady at the counter seemed pretty flustered but was friendly and got it all down eventually, especially considering the semi-confusing nature of our coupon. I can't say enough nice things about the food, sauces, and people here though. Just phenomenal work guys! I got the two meat plate, pulled pork with ribs, beans and coleslaw. Everything was so good! The rub on the ribs, the sweet, hot and tangy Carolina sauce and the pulled pork was all perfect! Writing this brings back mouth-watering callbacks definitely asking for a return visit and then some! read more

ZZQ Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Eagan, Minnesota

Sauces were watery and lacked any flavor The food prep area and appliances were dirty read more

Great 'q. Lots of food for the price. The ribs are tender and tasty. Solid selection of sauces. The 'tater salad's a little salty for my taste but still good. read more

I lived in southern Missouri and became a BBQ snob. Since moving back up here, the only good BBQ is what I make myself. ZZQ...you nailed it! It was like I was back in the south. I had the pulled pork and brisket, wife had the pulled pork, daughter had the brisket sandwich, son had the ribs and pulled pork. We all loved it, and made us think we were back in BBQ country. IF I had to leave one complaint, it closed at 7 so we had to hurry to get there. Next time we are near by we will stop by for sure. read more

ZZQ Smokehouse - Pulled pork and ribs, fries and Mac and Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Eagan, Minnesota

Owner is a good guy and the bbq is top notch. Tender meats and sauces are outstanding

Food was abundant but possibly on the bland side. I had the brisket and pulled pork on a 2 meat platter. Service was fast and accurate. Ambiance was nice with a rustic flair. read more

I love the atmosphere, the guy that owns the place did all of the woodwork and finishing himself. The staff was really nice, my kid is kind of antisocial but he took right to the people behind the counter. I really enjoyed the brisket, very juicy, it's not too often that you find a place that's consistent when it comes to barbecue. If you go later on in the evening, chances are they might be out of a few meat items based on demand, that's just the way barbecue goes. Pulled pork was juicy. Great smoke kissed flavor. They really take their time on making the little things, I just tried their new side of macaroni and cheese today and I would say that it's a great twist, great flavor. My kid didn't like it, but he's pretty much a craft mac n cheese kid, he's 6 so yeah. . But nothing went to waste, I waddled right to the car afterwards. About the only thing this place is missing is Dr Pepper. (Hint hint). read more

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My son and I stopped here after shopping the outlets. No one was dining when we entered, but got busy soon after. The service was great, food was excellent. The only reason I gave 4 stars is because I didn't enjoy any of the sauces, including the sauce on the baked beans. The meat has a great flavor, tender and juicy. Definitely dine here again. read more

ZZQ Smokehouse - Pulled chicken, Mac and cheese and baked beans - Barbeque Near Me - Eagan, Minnesota

Love this place! Zach and his crew absolutely crush the BBQ scene! Eagan's hidden gem. Swing in if you're in the area! They cater too! I recently was at a company function and much to my surprise.....we had ZZQ brought in. Best choice ever. read more

This must be a case of it's me (and not them) as the reviews are amazing and everyone there appears to be enjoying their lunch. I, on the other hand didn't. I ordered a brisket sandwich and some ribs. They looked great and the taste of the meat (for the Brisket) was good, but for some reasons none of the sauces resonated with me. I tried all four, and found them too runny for my personal preference. And I also prefer baby back instead of St Louis style ribs with a dry rub. I really wanted to like this place but only ended up earning 1 rib and 1/3 of my sandwhich. read more

ZZQ Smokehouse - Brisket sandwich with ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Eagan, Minnesota

My work took me to many different states, and I've always equated the south with good barbecue. However, this gem in a northern state has proven me wrong! Zak does a fantastic job curating the meats, as the brisket is tender and the chicken is juicy and flavorful. Also, if you are a regular, he even remembers you and chats for a while too. The only wish I have is for the state COVID restrictions to be lifted, since they had no choice but to cut hours; I usually prefer barbecue as dinner, and even my friend that referred me here that works 2nd shift admits that he's not here as much as he wants to be since it's closed by the time he wakes up. read more

ZZQ Smokehouse - Ribs & Chicken - Barbeque Near Me - Eagan, Minnesota

Food wasn't great. People were friendly and resteraunt was clean. Potato salad tastes like chemicals, the brisket was overly salted beef crumbles that the sauces made worse somehow and the mac n cheese tasted sour read more

We ordered the three-meat tray. Two pulled pork and one.brisket with a side of fries and baked beans. The pulled pork is fantastic and the reason we go there. The fries are really good too. We also enjoy sampling the sauces. We split this meal and still brought home about a half pound of pulled pork and about half the brisket. read more

ZZQ Smokehouse - The three meat tray, two pulled pork 1/2 lbs. and one serving brisket. - Barbeque Near Me - Eagan, Minnesota

This spot is located in a strip mall by a gas station. I walked it and it was bumping and so I was excited to try the food. The guy at the register was super nice and welcoming and I was pleased with the service. I ordered the pulled pork and fries to go. The pulled pork was okay. Tender but didn't have a bunch of flavor. The bun was really good. Well toasted. The part of the meal that made this 3 stars instead of a 4 was the BBQ sauce. It was watery and tasted weird. Really ruined each bite for me. Overall decent spot read more

We had ZZQ cater another party and they delivered the food. It came at exactly the time requested, piping hot and perfectly prepared. Our guests loved the food and kept declaring it as the best barbecue they had had in the Twin Cities. Great service and great food every time, it's our new "go to" for when we have company. read more

The people working were very friendly and the atmosphere was pleasant. There are many different sauces for you to try, they seemed to be vinegar based. The food wasn't the best barbecue I had, but it also was not the worst. It may have been what we ordered, so maybe we will have to try something else on another occasion. read more

First time here! The staff was amazing and very positive. I came from Chicago and this is one of the best rib tips I've ever had. I've traveled to many barbecue places! The barbecue sauces were awesome. Good flavor, especially the spicy one with cayenne inside. I will definitely be coming back here! read more

I was recently diagnosed with celiac & eating out has nearly been impossible due to cross contamination issues. A BBQ-loving friend mentioned that most items on the ZZQ menu were gluten-free so I decided to give it a shot. The owner & employees were wonderful, the food was incredible (pulled pork, brisket, fries, beans, mac & cheese plus they make their own sauces). I grateful to have this gem on my very short celiac-friendly restaurant list. read more

ZZQ Smokehouse - Everything pictured here was gluten-free! - Barbeque Near Me - Eagan, Minnesota

The rib tips are deep fried and really hard and the 3 cheese Mac didn't taste right Burnt Ends read more

ZZQ Smokehouse - 3 Cheese Mac - Barbeque Near Me - Eagan, Minnesota

I'll start with saying the cooking BBQ is very forgiving. It's hard to screw it up. Anyone can do BBQ pretty well. I had the brisket sandwich with cole slaw. The slaw was a more vinegary type, which I like. It was good. The brisket itself was salty. I could taste and smell the salt, more than any other BBQ I have ever had. Considering I'm on a low-salt diet, this is a problem. The sauces (like others have commented) were really thin. I got the spicy sauce and then added some of the Hot. The hot had more thickeners, but still a bit thin. And I thought the price was a tad high. In my hometown in Iowa, our good local BBQ place charges $10 for a brisket sandwich + $2.75 or so for a side, making this about $2 more, but not as good. I also had cider, and I think there are far better choices than Wild State. At least it wasn't Angry Orchard, I guess, but almost $8 for a can was high in price. I think this one is worth passing on. read more

UPDATED REVIEW: Raising review to 5 stars, given reliably good barbecue quality, improved beer list, and special mention for good takeout packaging (very important during COVID-19 pandemic). When I first happened upon ZZQ in a non-descript strip mall in the unfashionable part of Eagan, I was extremely pleased with this surprise find. I've since been here many times -- for dine in before the pandemic and for takeout during the current quarantine -- and have consistently been pleased. Just about everything is good here -- from service, to food, to atmosphere. GOOD: The service is friendly and the system of counter ordering is efficient and speedy. The prices are absolutely incredible for what you get. Fast food pricing for Kansas City quality barbecue. The brisket and the pulled pork were especially good. The house sauces were all on point, and unique. The slaw was nice (with just a bit of peppery kick). The fries are the oily but crisp Chicago-style that you rarely find in Minnesota (more on that in a moment). The sauce bar is nice, with only Revival Smoked Meats offering as many good options. I had previously been concerned about the limited beer selection, but in 2020 this has improved. The atmosphere here is efficient and quite pleasant. Good layout and table space for groups of 2-6 people easily. CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC BONUS: ZZQ has some of the best takeout packaging I've seen, and this really comes in handy. I was delighted to see that my takeout brisket sandwich was packaged deconstructed, with the brisket separate from the bread in its own airtight container. I wish other places did this. MEH: As mentioned earlier, my only complaint previously was the beer selection, but I'm happy to say this is much better now. However, the fries have gotten consistently saltier and are now a bit difficult to get down. And that's a very minor complaint for otherwise good french fries, and a fantastic dining experience. ZZQ is easily the best fast food in the south metro, and certainly in my top 3 for barbecue in the twin cities. (Revival Smoked Meats is still a little better, but you pay twice as much and it's a pain in the butt to eat there sometimes.) read more

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Need to give a shout out to ZZQ Smokehouse in Eagan for an amazing lunch. I was oh so hesitate to try a smokehouse in a strip mall but they excited my expectations for sure! -Pull Pork Sandwich was huge, nice smoke lines and bark. - Potato Samar's was great had an amazing tingle on the back of the throat! - Back Beans were smoky and tangy! Sauces: - Spicy was a bit of a letdown but still good. It was MN spicy not like devils spit. - Carolina was a great tangy sauce. - Garlic was my favorite, not sure really what to use it in but it was sooo good! Can't wait to have a beer and dine in! Hands down best BBQ in Eagan! read more

ZZQ Smokehouse - Pulled pork - Barbeque Near Me - Eagan, Minnesota

Amazing BBQ! Zak knows what he is doing, and a great guy who took his time to talk with us. We were thoroughly impressed with the flavors, tenderness and sauce options. Love that the "traditional" sides were not so "traditional" tasting. The ribs did not need sauce just like he suggested, the brisket was tender and with the Smokey sauce melted in your mouth. Highly recommend checking this place out! read more