So bad. Ordered today to go. When I got home boxes were half full and old food! Will never go back!!

As soon as you walk into Armadillo Willy's, you are bombarded with the sweet smell of barbeque. The menu is expansive enough that you should take a gander before you enter the line. We ordered the 1/2 rack of pork ribs which was able to feed 2 (albeit, not incredibly hungry) individuals with tots and the corn salad. As soon as my pager was rumbled, I jumped up and grabbed my food. As soon as I cut into my ribs, I noticed that it was far from tender, although it wasn't necessarily chewy either. The flavor was good and was boosted up thanks to their chipotle honey bbq sauce. The tots were good (as it is pretty hard to mess that up) and the corn salad was nothing to write about (although here I am). Unfortunately, I left with the feeling that I would only come back if I were desparate for BBQ. read more

I ordered online. It was ready within 12 minutes of ordering. Perfectly cooked brisket and juicy just like I ordered it! Tri-Tip was excellent as well. No sauce necessary here folks..... side salad was surprisingly fresh and crisp. Nothing overpowering to ruin the savory goodness of the pinto beans. Nice, neutral flavor with plenty of meat chunks throughout. Potato salad was fine. I'm very particular about the type of wood used to smoke meat with. So the fact that I didn't really care for the taste of the smoke in the meat I ordered, it didn't at all take away from the perfection that went into cooking it. 5 S T A R S FOR THIS PLACE!! read more

We order take out and keep getting the wrong order. There is now a rule in our house to do an audit before leaving this place. We've gotten someone else's order at least three separate times and have had to return that order. Not a comforting feeling if someone returns someone else's food. read more

Excellent BBQ! Never disappoints! One of our favorites! Only gave a 4 because it has become more expensive.

A place that is easy to dine at, and has all my favorite meats. I am always worried to over spend at a ribs place and be disappointed. However, i am happy to report that this place will make you care less about the bill. The only downside I found was that their was not enough sauce on the meat. And for what's included, it is'nt enough. You can ask for some, but my lazy ass wishes it was on the tables. They had a small loveley decent wine and beer selection. Wish the cup they served it in was bigger. Meat: was not as juicy as they claimed but was still a 3.9 out of 5. Had amazing sausages but i wish they were hotter (temperture). Other than that, it was a nice time with great food. I'll come again and make adjustments read more

Armadillo Willy's BBQ - I wish i could live here, but they close at 10. It was gooooud. - Barbeque Near Me - San Mateo, California

Went in for a dose of Vitamin H (Hamburger). Got the basic hamburger (no cheese, no BBQ). They asked how I wanted it cooked and I said Medium. I loved, loved, loved it! Got the Caesar Side Salad and it was good. Will try the other sides next time. I went to the San Mateo location on a Wednesday at around 2 pm. This will become a regular thing for me. I'm hooked. read more

Haven't been back to this place for about 7 years. After a meeting we had, I took a friend here since it was on the way back to the bridge. Ordered my normal combo, chicken and ribs. Wow those ribs are still consistently falling off the bone. Their sauces are as good as I remember. Only thing I realized, the rub was a bit sweeter than normal. Perhaps it's been so long! The Texas toast, was just okay This time. About to make another trip here soon! read more

After spending 65 dollars for two, I would expect napkins and condiments inside my to go bag. Nope...nothing, nada. Staff was not helpful at all. So sad. Food decent...staff not. read more

I ordered for an office lunch and everyone loved it!!! Everything was flawless! Starting from the first time I called to place the last-minute order she was fabulous to the delivery it was setup and ready on time with great customer service from the delivery person. read more

Having lunch here today. My husband ordered the baby back ribs with corn bread and potato salad and absolutely loved them! I ordered the bacon cheeseburger with fries. The bacon look like it died 5 days ago and the cheeseburger had no flavor whatsoever. I'll have to get the ribs next time. I give their Burger a one star rating. read more

1.) if you don't have the Beer, WHY IS IT ON THE BOARD! An electronic board you can update easily! 2.) The worst hangover. The next day. From the BBQ SAUCE. Wish I saved some. I would send it to a lab for testing. 2nd time this has happened within 6 months. It's like they put MSG in the sauce. 3.) The chicken I was served at 5:30PM on a DEAD Saturday night tasted like it sat around for DAYS. 4.) cashiers IQ I could count on 1 hand. 5.) place was dead yet both ketchup dispensers were empty. Long time customer. Portions & plates shrink every visit. NEVER AGAIN. Better BBQ options not far away. read more

Third times the charm! I've been craving BBQ for weeks now and after hitting two other places (Big Thurman is closed and out of business, Emergency in San Carlos out of ribs and food was not good) so now we are at Armadillo Willies! I know it's a franchise but it's consistent and pretty damn good. I especially love the cornbread and cornbread croutons - they are super delicious! I had the Texas style ribs which are dry with a spicy rub on them. Chipotle honey on the side did the trick! Add a side Caesar with mac and cheese then call it a day! Score for some good comfort food! read more

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As a transplanted "KenTexian", I can gladly report that the meat is pretty close to Texas and Midwestern BBQ! And the atmosphere makes me feel like I'm back home for a minute! I got the Brisket sandwich, "Half lean and half moist." My husband got the Texas Trinity Plate w Brisket, pork ribs and jalepeño sausage. All good!! The sides we tried today were ok. Onion rings were great, Max&cheese was a little bland, and my garlic fries were a little too crispy, but that's just my personal preference. We'll definitely be back though! read more

Armadillo Willy's BBQ - Brisket sandwich, half lean/half moist with original sauce and garlic fries! - Barbeque Near Me - San Mateo, California

Kind of impressive chain strip-mall BBQ place we tried for the first time. Super long line so (pro tip) we called in our order from the back of the line. Really great boneless chicken, pulled pork and ribs. Only bummer was one rack was pretty dry. Friendly service and a cool ambiance with TVs showing sports. BBQ sauce is sweet and tangy and the cornbread muffins and Texas tots (super crispy and delicious) were also hits. Will definitely give these guys another try. Impressive. read more

I don't like to say this but the ribs were terrible. I told the staff they said "you should have brought it up" I said, "well I'm not trying to get free food just wanted to let you know it tasted over cooked and like it's been sitting out" I guess that's their policy, very weird. They did have my favorite IPA so that's cool! And that give them a 2 star. read more

Had the taxes bbq ribs. The cashier told me they were the most popular from the baby back ribs. The cashier also said they were juicy with a dry rub. Ribs were not that good. I should have went with the baby back ribs and trusted my gut feeling. Texas ribs is not filling and were not juicy as advertised. Would I come back? Maybe to try the baby back ribs. I'm still hungry too...lol...yeah that's terrific... read more

Armadillo Willy's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Mateo, California

I guess I was too hungry to take a pic when I got my food lol I can still remember what I had though. They had menus right when you walk in so for those of you that have a hard time reading from a far (me included) they got you covered. They also have beer so that's a lmu I ordered the pulled pork plate with jalapeño sauce, side items were mac & cheese & the cornbread with cinnamon honey butter. The sauce was a very good choice, it was different from what I've had before so I enjoyed it. The mac & cheese was also good. The cornbread was very decent sized, they were a bit stingy on the cinnamon honey butter but for the places I was able to spread it made it all the much better. I would definitely go back here & hopefully before I leave & so I can attach a picture to this read more

Growing up in Texas, I longed for a place that served real Texas dry rubbed BBQ. I looked all over and came across Armadillo Willy's in Cambrian. I started taking every new employee there for a welcome lunch at our company. When I changed jobs and went north, I searched again and found this San Mateo location. Why do I go through all this trouble? This is the best Texas BBQ you will find in the Bay Area. I've eaten BBQ everywhere, including many parts of Texas, and no one makes better ribs and brisket. This is my goto place. The ribs +1 plate is my standard. With Texas ribs and brisket (lean) you get a lot of food for one person. There's also two sides of your choice. All this for $21. Not super cheap, but worth it. The meat is always well cooked and the atmosphere is nice and lively. I look forward to my trips here every week or so. read more

Armadillo Willy's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Mateo, California

So disappointed. Because I work nearby I come here often out of convenience. I've been relatively happy with the food up until now. Today I came in at 1 and paid for an order I planned to pick up at 5. I asked for enough food to feed two people. When I got home with my order we had a few problems. Even though I paid for two people and even gave them a 40% tip (no idea why I did that) we very clearly only got enough food for one person. It was also very obvious that my order had been sitting under a lamp for 4 hours. The butter was rancid and melted and the one cornbread muffin was stale. The croutons on my salad were so soggy I didn't even bother. It's a bit mind boggling when I think about how much money I spend in this place and this is what I get. Never again, guys. I will never eat here again. read more

Came here the other night for dinner and enjoyed my food. I got the baby back ribs with fries, so very simple but it was delicious! I'm giving 3 stars because we had to wait 50 minutes for our food. I'd expect that (maybe) at a standard sit down restaurant, but not from a place you order at the counter and have a buzzer for when your food is ready. Slightly disappointing. UPDATE: I've been a couple of times since this review and haven't experienced the same waiting issue. Changed from 3 to 4 stars! read more

I been coming to this restaurant for the last 5 year and if I don't wanna eat bbq I'll get a turkey avocado stack sandwich and it's definitely always the best.... great taste on the turkey I love it read more

It's big. The place is enormous and a little bit intimidating. Thankfully the cashiers are very knowledgeable and patient. As you walk in you can grab a paper menu to get a head start. There are many meat options, sauces and combinations you can choose from. It's not a good place for vegetarians or vegans. The meat is always a little fatty and I don't like that but the sauces re a great experience and I always take a little bit of each to try them. The cornbread is delicious! So make sure you get a muffin and eat it warm with some butter. read more

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Always solid. Not the best bbq you'll ever have but not bad at all for CA and the sides are very good too.

Armadillo Willy's has been in this area for as long as I can remember but I haven't been back here in a very long time. It's not bad and it's a good place to go when you want good, fast bbq. A little disappointed with the size of the bbq sandwich. It was pretty small. The bbq itself was good, but the sauces were almost all empty besides the mild sauce. I wanted to try the honey and the jalapeño sauce but there wasn't any more. The Cajun fries were okay, nothing spectacular but good enough. Next time I go I would probably get the garlic fries or maybe the tater tots. read more

My pulled pork sandwich was very dry. I wouldn't recommend it. The garlic fries were really good tho. Wish I would've ordered ribs instead. Maybe next time if there's a next time. I give it 3 stars. It was mediocre read more

Food was good. Service was good. Ordered a couple dinners for mothers day. Everyone was pleased. Ribs were good, cornbread was good, fries and tater tots could of been cooked a bit more but still decent. Soup was okay. Chicken was ok from what i heard. I didn't eat it. Visually it looked dry. Barbecue sauce was nice. Garlic fries had plenty of garlic but like regular fries could of stayed in fryer a minute or two more. Not unhappy. Will go back again. read more

The 2+ hour wait on a BBQ plate should never happen with no update on the delay. Yelp will probably force me to leave this as a tip, cause it's short, but you failed as a BBQ joint and food service in general read more

Haven't been to Armadillo Willy's for awhile and decided I was craving one of their Charbroiled Burgers. Much to my surprise everything has changed including the charbroiling!! The hamburger was just a regular cooked hamburger just like you can get everywhere else. So disappointed!! No charbroiled flavor. Guess I will have to go back to Burger King if I want a Charbroiled flavor. So So disappointed!! read more

Gunna start by saying that I've come here for years. Any time that I'm thirsty for meat I can count on this place being consistent and tasty. I've used it as my "perfect example of America's Barbeque" when family comes from Japan and they're always blown away and happy. The food is always well prepared and well presented and the sauces are unique and plentiful plus you get to choose how little or how much you use. The tables are always clean and there's always someone busing tables. The staff of always friendly, courteous and presentable. Last night for example I wanted to try something extra piggy piggy and I was trying to customize my order. The man taking my order was clearly having difficulties getting the order computer to understand my exact and somewhat extreme demands for custom smoked meat monstrosity. Though he was frustrated with the computer; He was constantly courteous and polite with me and ultimately he outsmarted the computer and got it to understand that "yes he wants to add "everything" to his el jefe AND a side of ribs too." He seemed genuinely concerned that I got what I wanted. (And I did) the beer selection is great. I'll end by saying I'd eat Willy's meat anytime. Hell I crave it sometimes. read more

Armadillo Willy's BBQ - El Jefe Especial with everything and a side of Baby Back Ribs (4 Bones). Nomnomnom! - Barbeque Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Thank you YELP! My cousin and I were on the hunt for a good restaurant in Foster City. A quick search and: Amarillo BBQ, Texas style. Not only was the food off the hook but the portions were so huge we had to split our meal. We ordered half a chicken, with 2 sides (Caesar salad, which was served in a little bowl and freshly cut french fries, my weakness). We also ordered 1 extra muffins (amazing) which came with cinnamon whipped butter (not impressed at all). Since i like my food hot, I got myself four BBQ sauce meaning hot not cold. I kept 2 and give one each to my relatives. They got additional Chipotle salsa (which I don't like). I ate half a chicken leg and a thigh, all the fries and some of the salad. I also had their peach lemonade (again, not my personal favorite). On the other hand, their watermelon drink was refreshing. tried their peach lemonade wasn't too fond of it,the watermelon drink was refreshing. Next time I go I might try their burger and the garlic fries cuz I love garlic fries. I took pictures of both the restaurant and the menu. One of my relatives really liked the brisket but said the ribs were to fatty and had very few meat on them. The spicy sausage was pretty good. I remember one of my yelp friends recommending this restaurant before but it was so long ago I had forgotten about it. After I went to the restaurant I looked through the reviews and remembered they had recommended it. It is always a good thing to do to go through your fellow yelpers reviews. You get to find those hidden pearls. read more

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Over the years, Armadillo Willy's has changed for the worse. When I first came to N. Cal for graduate school, I used to come in and get a two-meat combo dinner. Gradually, probably due to increased need for financial gain, they started limiting their menu by making items smaller and increasing the price (a classic pivot for restaurants to remain profitable). Now, I'll usually come here because someone else suggests it. Compared to other BBQ (based on my experience from having lived in TX and AR), this place is about 2.5 stars. Most recently, because of my lackluster experiences with their classic BBQ items like brisket, I opted to try the patty melt. Overall, it was decent but nothing incredible. Luckily, it wasn't greasy. Tatar tots are always awesome so I got those to accompany the sammich. Owing to the fact that it's located near Playstation HQ and other technology companies, this l Armadillo Willy's is pretty damn busy and filled with techies looking like they really could use some protein. read more

Armadillo Willy's BBQ - Patty Melt with Tots - Barbeque Near Me - San Mateo, California

3.5 stars... I expect that not too many people come to Armadillo Willy's and order a thai chicken salad but I did... and it was pretty good! :) There were lots of other options on the menu that tempted me too. We came for a work birthday lunch and everyone seemed pretty happy with their food. It was easy to order and not have to split the bill too because everyone just orders and pays on their way in... I tried a bite of my friend's yummy sandwich which had a lot of avocado and it was yummy too! I thought it was pretty funny that multiple co-workers said they'd been afraid of Armadillo Willy's when they were younger because they thought the meat was really armadillo! ;) read more

In my original review, I accidently called Armadillo Willy's a chain place. And in my defense, this particular location is smack dab in the middle of an outdoor mall surrounded by Target and Toys R Us and flanked by a Mimi's, a BJ's, and Red Robbin. So you could call it an innocent mistake. It turns out that these folks are local and have been doing BBQ for close to 30 years. And since it's always bad form to call a local place a chain . . . I just have to say sorry about that. On to the update: My recent return had me once again ordering the Belly Buster. The difference this time around was the addition of three rowdy and ravenous nephews in tow. That BBQ plate was a hit. The boys stopped running around long enough to devour their food - a feat in and of itself. My brother in law and I had our fill of ribs, links, and chicken, and there was still some left overs. My little girl enjoyed the corn bread and the chicken while my wife and sister in-law decided to have salad - tri tip salad that is. I got to say this place is really growing on me. I am really liking the consistency of the food, the amicable staff, and the super kid friendly atmosphere. read more

beef briskets aren't bad at all...not bad~....texas 14 hour briskets!...moist..tender slices...smother on...tangy bbq sauce...mm...good brisket....cornbread muffins..bit grainy..yet..good while hot 'n' fresh..dry chicken...lackin' "kick" or flavors...saucin' 'em be necessary...bland 'slaw with a hint taste of horseradish and oddly peanuts.....thick tasteless "beany" chilli....urgh...no good in the belly...ribs are hit or miss...sometimes dry, sometimes moist and tender...baby back ribs tend to be on the dry side while the standard ribs tend to come out moist and tender... large southern mega joint..."disneyland" of bbq joints....lines, flashing coasters 'n' seat yourself dining....lunches in $ten plus range....brisket sandwich 'n' salad for side satisfying... read more

My first time at an Armadillo Willy's (a different location than here) was splendid. I ordered a plate of the Juicy Brisket and that deliciousness stuck with me. Not sure if things have changed but back then you had the option of "Juicy" or "Lean" and juicy was the way to go. Fat = Flavor people! So when my coworker asked if I wanted to stop by here for a lunch break was on board. I ordered a small plate of the beef brisket, asking for the cuts to be juicy, and got the side of texas tots. I added on an additional side of their BBQ beans. I noticed the cash register person did not ask which type of bbq sauce I wanted with my brisket which I've had asked at other locations. He would've gotten the jalapeno bbq answer if he bothered. When we finally got our order (which was quite a long wait) I went to pick it up and it didn't look right. I asked them," This is the beef brisket?" and with exasperated expressions, they confirmed it was. I sat back down on the table and looked over the my plate and it just didn't look right. I looked at my coworkers meat then back at mine and they looked the same. "This is f*cking pulled pork, those a**holes..." I went back to the counter and told them I ordered the beef brisket and this was pulled pork. They finally bothered looking at the plate and was like "Yea, it's pulled pork" took my dish, removed the meat and placed on a few measly pieces of beef brisket. All of which were not juicy and some had a tad bit of burnt taste. Let's just say customer service here is crap. They get at least 2-star because their bbq beans were delicious. And I love tator tots. Those were the best part of my meal, not what cost the most which was the bbq meat. read more

Not the first time I have gone to this Armadillo Willy's but probably one of the last times I will ever go. Me and my sister went here on her 1 hour lunch break. The ordering system was quick and it was not completely packed (maybe 75% full). We were seated and got our food in just a few short minutes. Now here is where things get irritating. We paid 9 dollars and got the smallest serving of food I have ever received from a restaurant for 9 dollars. I get more food for $5 at McDonald's. The only thing that stopped me from confronting the manager right that moment was our lunch time limit. I'm adding a picture of the saddest little meal I have ever seen. One thing is for sure - I am not going back to waste anymore money at Armadillo Willy's. read more

Armadillo Willy's BBQ - $9 FOR THIS? Never going back. - Barbeque Near Me - San Mateo, California

Good barbecue. The service was good and my take out order was ready within 10 minutes. I ordered the brisket(kinda too fatty) but tasted delicious and juicy, the tri-tip (good quality cut of meat) and for sides we had the Texas toast, Texas tots, Cajun fried, and spicy peanut slaw. I'd probably pass on the Texas tots next time. read more

The plate portions are huge, you have been warned! Get the small plate. They have special weekly menu changes and pricing. It is not quite "Texas BBQ" but I am okay with that. Big fan of the small plate of chicken breast with the classic BBQ sauce and the peanut slaw ($9.50). My vegetarian, Texan husband loves the vegan bocca burger patties with swiss cheese, mushrooms ($10) and texas tater tots ($1 extra). Gluten Free Notes: Armadillo Willy's BBQ has gluten free buns ($1 extra) for hamburgers or sandwiches. Most of the sides and plates are also gluten free. Have not had any cross contamination issues here. read more

I haven't been here in ages. Partly, because it's just too much food for me. So glad to see they now have the smaller portion BBQ meals. I had the pulled pork with the slaw (which I remembered as being tastier). It was a perfect lunch sized portion. The pork was tender and not too fatty. Their sauce is good, not great, but good. read more