Gluten free dining made easy at ZZQ Smokehouse. I have been looking for a restaurant with a dedicated fryer so my daughter could get some good fries without the worry of cross-contamination and ZZQ Smokehouse delivered delicious fries and amazing BBQ. The food was tasty but that isn't enough for me. I want my entire dining experience to be top tier and that is what I found today. Thank you Zack! read more

I can't say enough good things about this place! Being recently diagnosed with celiac disease, eating out is a terrifying experience but not at ZZQ! They have gluten free buns AND a dedicated frier for the fries - no chance of cross contamination anywhere. The owner was so kind, explaining how the kitchen works and even going out of his way to recommend other celiac-friendly restaurants! So not only is the entire menu celiac friendly, it's DELICIOUS to boot! Thank you to everyone at ZZQ - this gal has a new favorite restaurant! read more

Yuck. How do you screw up chicken and to the point of inedibility? I don't know but they have mastered that. Ribs were mushy. Chicken was rubbery. I am grossed out. Also all the tables were dirty. Just gross. Zap thanks for your reply. I am actually from GA and know my BBQ. I mostly do it myself. I am afraid You have a quality problem. Sorry. I hope it's because they were busy. It was dead in there when we were there. Only one other customer. read more

Awesome ribs, awesome sauce, and friendly service. You can't go wrong. The place is clean and inviting. Will be going back!

Wow, incredible BBQ. Ordered way too much for about 10 people but they ate ALL of it! Pork sandwiches were delicious. Brisket was cooked perfectly, moist, and packed with smokey flavor. Lots of distinctly different sauces were good, couldn't pick a favorite. Friendly service at the counter too, they seemed genuinely excited to be serving me food they were proud of making. read more

Great food! As someone with Celiac I was happy to find a place where most things were gluten free including the fries. The pulled pork was delicious! I also got brisket but was so full that I had to bring it home. Coleslaw is vinegar based which is not my fav. I'm a creamy fan. The potato salad was awesome! Great food and I didn't get sick:-) We will definitely be back!! read more

We needed to find a restaurant with gluten free options and called 2 other places prior to calling zzq. The other 2 had zilch gluten free options. We were getting desperate. Not only did ZZQ have gluten free options, their food was delicious. I absolutely think this is one of Eagan's vest restaurants. read more

Awesome local business. Great bbq. Flavors are amazing. Service is great. Love having an option like this in Eagan!!!

You get a lot for what you pay for and well worth the money spent. Not the greatest compared to other smokehouses I've visited but this one definitely ranks amongst the top of my list. I urge everyone looking for decent bbq smokehouse to come visit ZZQ Smokehouse! I'm not a huge fan of the dry rub they used on the ribs, but it was good nonetheless. Not a huge selection of sauces, but just enough. I also haven't had good Sweet Tea in a while and this place probably has the best up north! read more

Really good BBQ and a welcome surprise for a joint in Minneapolis. Wayyyyyyyy better than Dave's.

Outstanding. My office is 5 mins. away, and this is a regular lunch spot for us. Brisket and pulled pork are excellent and the fries are perfectly salted and complement the meat. A must for any BBQ fan...will not disappoint. read more

My first time trying it and loved it even though they didn't have ribs....my new favorite BBQ spot. I had pulled pork, pulled chicken, brisket ( that I have never had before in my life and loved it) I will be back and just hope they have ribs next time I'm in! . read more

Never expected BBQ brisket or sausage to be reheated on a flat top grill. Meat portions very generous. Brisket had a nice smoke ring, but was dried out. I bet this brisket was much better on slicing hot off initial rest. Sausage was spicy and tasty, but again reheated on flat top. Sauces on side a plus... spicy was good. Sides... smoked beans really good. Potato salad not so much... potatoes a bit under cooked. 2 meats, 2 sides and a drink will set you back a hefty $18 with tax. read more

We were disappointed that the meat seems to be soaked in liquid smoke versus actually being smoked in a smoker. It was quite awful. We were not able to finish any of our food. The fries were great with the garlic sauce however. It was a let down to go to a place called a smokehouse but the meat actually doesnt taste smoked, it tastes as if it was drenched in bottled liquid smoke with a bit of lighter fluid. The beans taste as if they were just in vinegar with some seasoning. The customer service was great, but not enough to go back unfortunately. read more

Such a great place. I've been there twice and both times had great experiences. Delicious brisket, I recommend trying it with the sweet BBQ sauce. I've also tried the chicken and pulled pork combo! OMG! I think the chicken was the best I've had. It didn't need any sweetness and I like tangy vinegar BBQ sauce so it was perfect with the Carolina sauce. I should mention that sauces are really not needed--the meat is Smokey and flavorful on its own. The potato salad is a must have. Easily the best I've had. The fries are a bit on the salty side for my taste, but I'm sure they would be willing to accommodate less salt if I requested. This is my new go to for GLUTEN FREE dining that my gluten loving partner is thrilled with. Everything is naturally gluten free except the sandwich buns, and they do have a gluten free bun option...but why ruin perfection with a bun. FYI, the French fries are not fried with any gluten items so no cross contamination. Yay! Note: the beans are on the very sweet side for my preference, but they were good and smokey . read more

ZZQ Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Eagan, Minnesota

As someone from Kansas City, I don't typically expect much from BBQ joints outside KC, the Southeast, or even the Carolina's. I've got to say I was extremely impressed with my platter of food! I'd recommend the 2 meat 2 sides, and try all the sauces. read more

Very good BBQ! The brisket was the best, hands down. The environment is typical. Prices right on and serving size was huge. Good sauces. Cole slaw was NOT good. Potato salad was good. Highly recommend. read more

If you live in the twin cities area and don't eat here often, you're depriving yourself. You won't find better BBQ anywhere else. This was my second time at ZZQ Smokehouse. This visit further solidified this little restaurant that's just happened to stumble on last year as my #1 BBQ spot in the USA. I got to meet Zak who was a delight to speak with and discuss his travels, finding that Ive been to a lot of the same places marked on his map plus he gave some great recommendations for places I haven't tried yet. I'm no BBQ connoisseur but I travel all of North America for work and my small hobby is finding the best BBQ restaurants in the US, at least in my humble opinion. ZZQ is number one on my list above names like Blacks of Austin TX and SugarFire in STL and too many other names to list here. Their meats are all excellent! In this trip I had the ribs, brisket, and my first attempt in the wings (might be #2 on wings behind Moe's Original BBQ in Hoover, AL), but the main thing that puts Zak over the rest is fantastic sides!!! I had the beans and potato salad which were fantastic. I hope this place continues to flourish so I can continue to visit here for years to come. read more

New favorite restaurant! So many gluten free options, very knowledgeable staff about gluten allergy and gf ingredients. Easy to order takeout, nice eat-in area as well. Can't wait to come back here! read more

We visited ZZQ Smokehouse in Eagan, Minnesota, around 1:45 p.m. on a Wednesday. There was only one other customer there. The interior was clean and casual. The brisket, chicken, and the pulled pork were good. However, there were several aspects that I was disappointed in. When I was ordering, the clerk was not engaged and seemed annoyed that we were there. Since this restaurant had recently opened in this location, I had expected the clerk to be friendlier. When my order for a sandwich came without a bun, he seemed put out by my mentioning it. Rather than making a new sandwich, he simply gave me a bun. The restaurant was also uncomfortably warm. ZZQ Smokehouse closes at 2:00 p.m. At 2:03 p.m., while we were still seated in the dining room, a staff member came out from the backroom and began wet mopping the floor. I guess that the staff was anxious to get off work promptly at 2:00 p.m. and were unhappy that customers dared to come in shortly before closing. read more

What a great place! I had the brisket and pulled pork; amazing! I will definitely stop back in the next time I come to Minnesota!

You don't expect to find great BBQ in the 'burbs, but ZZQ is one of the best smokehouses in the Twin Cities. I live in St. Louis, Missouri, but this is the first place I visit when ever I'm in town. Not only is the regular menu is fantastic, but every Tuesday they have a lunch special that consistently exceeds expectations. And they also have a great beer selection if you're eating dinner (or not going back to work after lunch). read more

Went with my family. We all had pulled pork sandwiches. Wonderfully tender and smokey. The sauces were unnecessary but a great compliment. I like the Carolina vinegar, the rest had the sweet sauce. The latter being very molassesy. I decided to mix the vinegar and sweet and it made for an even better sauce (I'm of the school that all BBQ sauce needs vinegar). Sides were limited to 4 options. I'm not going to ding a place for what is not on their menu, but my boys would sure have liked a Mac & Cheese or cornbread side. The coleslaw was a nice vinegar style, which I loved on my sandwich. My wife wasn't as much a fan of this style, but whatever, it was easily top 5 slaws I have had. Potato salad was on the mark with a great garlic sauce. Speaking of the garlic sauce, which you can get separately, it made for excellent dipping for fries. Great beer selection of local craft, friendly service from people that know their craft. I would love to go back and try their other meats. read more

I am usually not a fan of barbecues but the combination plate here was very good...and not overpriced as is often the case in barbecues.

I'm in this weird zone of Eagan twice a week, and there aren't a ton of places to grab food. I've noticed ZZQ from across the street several times, and somehow did not get that it was a restaurant. I was lured in by the smoky aroma in the air from the gas station next store, and immediately needed to feed my aching belly. My curiosity got the better of me and I finally ventured in. The space is huge. Almost too huge for the restaurant, but hey, more room for other curious carnivores. The style of ordering is similar to a deli - soup sammie chips style - except with meat, more meat, and sides. I was a little confused about what was included, but in small print it states that the price for the meal includes 2 sides (all for around $10). I tried the pulled pork with coleslaw and potato salad. I was quickly informed that the slaw was prepared 'Southern Style.' After I gave them my best blank stare and furrowed brow, they explained it was not mayonnaise or cream-based, but made with vinegar. Curious again, I said why not, slop some on there. The owner was so passionate about his food - and even went so far as to tell me all of his secret flavor combinations. Combo 1 - top the pulled pork with the slaw, and a healthy dose of the sweet BBQ sauce. I took his advice and was not disappointed. He told me a bit of his story...tired of the same old job situation, he pursued his love of smoked meats, and moved in to this unassuming spot in suburbia to make that dream a reality. Much respect. There is an array of homemade BBQ sauces to choose from, and strangely enough, my favorite was the ONE condiment not in the BBQ family - dill mustard. SO incredible, I took some in a to-go cup and brought it home. I also enjoyed the Southern Carolina sauce, smoky and robust. The fries were insanely good, seasoned with skin-on texture. The pulled pork was dense and smoky, but be sure to add your sauce, or a dry sandwich you will have. Unfortunately the space isn't....cute (yes I use that adjective everywhere). It could use some theme or way to tie it all together. I love the passion behind the place, and it was represented well in the food, which will keep me coming back for more. read more

My favorite area of Eagan never took me as far as Coachman Rd. I needed to be in Burnsville for a potluck and reading group. So I got an online coupon for lunch for an $8.99 pulled pork sandwich, fries, and drink. While you're waiting is the time to check out the sauces and prepare for a big surprise. I chose the basic sauce and ketchup for the fries. However owner Zac, gave me some samples of the garlic sauce and I was curious as to why anyone would want the mustard dill. The garlic, for me I told him would be best on a flat cracker. The mustard is my new condiment for the fries. You'll thank me later. When I was done with lunch, I told him that I'd be attending a potluck and he suggested a couple of racks of ribs. It comes with a pint of slaw and bbq sauce. They were a hit. I had a rack leftover plus 3 so Basil and I had a late night dinner as well. The flavor of the slaw was a strikeout, no sweetness at all, but the crunch is there. Not only were these the best ribs I've had in MN, but one of the best things I've tasted. These are a mood enhancer and aromatherapy to boot. read more

This place is really good!! I was completely apprehensive when I came here. It's in Eagan, and a lot of places here don't use seasons on their food. I also couldn't smell the smoky BBQ smell outside of the restaurant, so that was pretty concerning. I got 2 meats and 2 sides for $13 and some change. I expected a small serving of everything. I was pleasantly surprised! The I got 3 ribs and a cup full of pulled chicken. The sides are small, but not disappointing. Everything is seasoned to perfection! Even the super hot sauce is actually hot. I mean it'll have your nose running. Also, the sauces are made from scratch (WIN!!) My only complaint (and it's not a huge one and won't deter me from coming back) everything has a vinegar taste to it. I was expecting a bit more 'sweet'. Overall this is a decent spot and you definitely get your money's worth. If they add more sides (like Mac n cheese!!!) I'd totally give this place 5 stars. Keep up the good work guys!. read more

ZZQ Smokehouse - 3 ribs, pulled chicken, coleslaw, baked beans and sauce. - Barbeque Near Me - Eagan, Minnesota

First off, let me start by saying I was raised in the South and I know a thing or two about BBQ, Y'all. This place is legit! This is a no frills, just great food, kind of a place. We ordered 2 two meat meal both with ribs, and one with the brisket, and the other with pulled pork, to go. For sides, we got the potato salad and fries. The ribs have a nice flavored dry rub, not too spicy, not too sweet. I thought they had adequate meat on each rib, but my husband thought they were a little skinny (he likes a little extra meat on his bones). I think the star meat here is the brisket! It's tender and flavorful without being fatty. I'm extremely picky about brisket and ZZQ does it right! I only had a bite of the pulled pork, but it was good too. The sauces are made in house, I'm told, and I found them all to delicious. My favorite is the sweet BBQ sauce and my husband liked the extra spicy one. There are plenty of sauces to select from. The fries are crispy and seasoned well, and seemed to be homemade with the skins on. The only thing I didn't care for was the potato salad, but after putting a squeeze of mustard in it, it was pretty tasty. The service was good too. I was a little confused by the menu, but the staff was friendly and helped me pick out my meals. He suggested how to get the most food for my money. Nice! We will definitely be back here. I love that it's not a chain restaurant and the food is delish! read more

Today is Sunday and the only day they offer Burnt Ends. What are burnt ends? According to Wikipedia: Burnt Ends are favorable pieces of meat cut from the point half of a smoked brisket. A popular barbecue meat found in Kansas City. Burnt Ends are awesome in Kansas City. Today $10.99 gets you burnt ends and fries. Last time I was here I had soggy fries and informed them that and asked them to fry longer. They were better today. The barbecue sauces I am on the fence on. The sweet one and smoky ones I liked the best, but they are thin and watery. I had ribs and brisket before and was ok. I let my husband try and I just got an ok from him. Last time I also had underwhelming baked beans. Granted Minnesota is no Kansas City, St Louis or Texas (special barbecue destinations) for that matter so you need to excel and this place sadly is disappointing. The burnt ends were tender and good without sauce and only 1 fatty piece which Hunter my dog received as a treat. The service is good and owner Zach is nice but maybe he should have started as a food truck and knocked it out of the park before venturing as a restaurant. The mustard dill sauce is good as a fry dipping sauce. They have a check-in rewards program by text message also. read more

A bit of a hole in the wall which fits me just fine, as a BBQ person myself it was better than your average joint, especially in he Midwest. I'd give the food a solid 8, owner was more worried about chatting with his buddies coming in and out the kitchen door, who obviously didn't work there, then he was being worried about the few people there to eat. I'll give it another shot cause it's well priced and better than your chain restaurants for sure. read more

Funny how there are people out there that make generalized comments that Minnesotans don't know BBQ. Take your pretencious ass some where! Lol. I've traveled all over this country sampling BBQ in Memphis, Houston, St Louis, Kansas city, Dallas, Atlanta and more...and ZZQ is just great, right up there with some of the best! Nothing fancy, but good and tasty. The smokey ring, tender and moist texture is here! We tried ribs, pulled pork and brisket. My favorites being the brisket and ribs. The brisket was tender and juicy...the ribs smoky fall off the bone goodness. The variety of sauces hit all the marks, spicy, sweet, tangy and smoky. The beans were really good, meaty and tasty....a surprising treat. The fries were also very good, just crispy enough and golden brown. And for those reviewers that (in my opinion) post irresponsibly Give ZZQ a try and if you just so happen to catch something just not quite perfect...say something read more

We found this local bbq restaurant while staying near the airport. The whole menu is gluten free (except beer and buns) and their fries are fresh cut and made to order in a dedicated fryer! I ordered the chicken and brisket and both were flavorful and super moist and tender. We are from the south where great bbq reins, and this place was amazing. If we lived in the area, we'd visit frequently! read more

Wow! That was the worst barbecue I have ever had. I don't think I've ever walked away from a pulled pork sandwich before. It was generously portioned, but inedible. I kept trying different sauces but each one was worse than the one before. And the fries could have been great if they weren't over-salted and seasoned. Ugh. The guy behind the counter was very nice, though, and quick. read more

The Groskreutz Family LOVES ZZQ! There is no other BBQ place in the surrounding area that can compare to the quality and care of these slow roasted meaty delights! Upon our first visit (a while back now) we spoke directly with Zak, the owner, about our son's Gluten and Casein Free dietary needs. Not only did he assure us that all the meats comply, he provided Alec with a mini-tour of how they are prepared. From that moment on, Alec has become Zak's biggest FAN! He is fascinated and satisfied by the amazing food, but he looks forward to seeing Zak every week! Thank you so much for bringing a locally owned, family friendly and community driven dinning option to Eagan. We wish ZZQ continued success and will be loyal patrons for years to come! read more

I went out to eat here a few times and the food is amazing everyone, I suggest to all my friends! A must try!

Great smoky flavored bbq. I went yesterday for lunch while looking for gluten free options on yelp. I ordered the brisket & chicken combo double french fries. Very friendly customer service. Very informative on gluten sensitivities. I wish I would have remembered their names so I could speak specifically on their service. The food was really good. The brisket was my favorite. They have a variety of bbq sauces to choose from I tried them all & the spicy one was delicious. I brought leftovers home for my husband & liked it, so we'll be back to dine soon. Give them a try especially people who have celiac disease like myself, I didn't have any problems with the food or the sauces. Yay! Dedicated fryer for french fries is a plus. read more

My bf and I just stopped in for our 1st experience here. Past it many times and after such a wonderful experience from the staff, some of the best bbq we've had (& we've tried ALOT) are kicking ourselves for missing out on this top of the line food for so long! If you crave great bbq then don't make the mistake that we did! After ordering our rib/chix combo, we had a wonderful conversation with the staff & owner who then offered ys samples of the brisket & pulled pork. All i can say is: heavenly, juicy, tender, melts like butter in your mouth & thats BEFORE adding any sauce! We will definately return & have already passed the tip on to our bbq lovin friends!! read more

Fantastic Ribs and Brisket. Plus the service is personable and helpful. Would recommend this to anyone who like smoked meats.

This is seriously the best BBQ I've had in Minnesota. Generous portions and great flavors. Everything was good, but the brisket with beans was my favorite! Another plus, the staff was very friendly and helpful. Anytime I'm in the area I will be stopping in for a bite!! read more

Moved back to MN from CA and wanted to find a great non-chain BBQ place. Stumbled upon ZZQ Smokehouse in Eagan, just beyond the Carbones on Yankee Doodle. It's a very casual but clean place. You order your food and then you sit at either a booth or table and they bring you your food. It came piping hot and the sides were generous portions. Their potato salad is awesome! Reminds me of my mother's with a nice hint of mustard. The beans are a bit sweet but I loved them too! I ordered the ribs which are St.Louis style and they came with a dry rub. You can pick your sauce and add it as you eat. Very meaty and tender! I will definitely be coming back! They do catering too so I'll keep this in mind when having family over. Overall, it was great BBQ at an affordable price. read more