I'm sorry I'm not impressed with the food here . You can't just put Charlie Staples sauce on everything and think it will pass.

Not the original Charlie staples. Food fair. Great server. Reasonable prices. Drove from Detroit to have ribs and chicken but left very disappointed. read more

I'm so disappointed I was in town and this has been a STAPLE of the community for so many years to find out that it's been sold and that it closed early and they were limited the menu items recipes have changed. I'm so disappointed to see a legacy go down. read more

Nothing I ordered. How are you a chicken restaurant and run out of everything including CHICKEN! FUG THIS RESTAURANT!

The food was amazing! The service could use a little work... we stopped in for a quick service meal but ended up spending about an hour all together. The line moved slowly to order and then they were training new kitchen staff so the ordering processing was a little jumbled. We ended up being charged for an extra six pieces of chicken that I didn't order. It ended up working out okay because we brought leftovers home, but I tired to explain that I didn't order the meal and it didn't seem to be clear to staff so I ended up saying I'd take it anyway. The chicken was truly delicious though. I haven't had fried bbq chicken quite like it ever before! I wish I bought a bottle of sauce to go! I really thought the security in the restaurant was very kind and helpful in seating us too! read more

Charlie Staples Pitt Boss BBQ - ows ribs and fries in a styrofoam container - Barbeque Near Me - Youngstown, Ohio

Since the new owners the food is not the same and I thought when u get fish dinner is more then one piece of fish for 11.00 dollars read more

Charlie Staples Pitt Boss BBQ - Haddock fish and fries - Barbeque Near Me - Youngstown, Ohio

This was horrible the quantity they give you is good but the food is horrible the chicken is dry the fries don't have a spec of seasoning neither does anything else I have to rely on the barbecue sauce and that isn't even good the ribs a pretty good but it's so little the fries also are very thick and hard to swallow and even if I put barbecue sauce it's still dry waste of money ever since the change it is trash I hate it I wish that this was better like before I won't be coming back this is honestly sad read more

Charlie Staples Pitt Boss BBQ - A chicken sandwich rib bone and fries - Barbeque Near Me - Youngstown, Ohio

This was my first time but not my last time eating here. I stopped in and ordered the rib tips dinner with fried and baked beans. The bbq sause on the tips was like nothing I have ever eaten. I ordered the mild sause. It was so good. The fries were hot and fresh and the baked beans were some of the best I've ever tasted. read more

Went there once over 15 years ago, now that I found out they are under new ownership I decided to leave a review. Food was pricey, I disliked the sauce and I remember waiting for over an hour just for a Charlie burger and fries. I never went back. Might try them again now that someone else runs the place. read more

Its a slop shop . Food went from bad to worst . Take long as hell and don't answer phones for call in orders . And when they do take call in order you get there an hour later and you still have to wait 20 mins . I'M DONE read more

Before you get in your car and go rushing out to get you some 5-star Bar-B-Q, let me give some perspective. This is not BBQ in the league of say Salt Lick in Austin, Smokin D's in St Augustine or even that place in KC whose name I've forgotten since 2003 is way too long ago. This is very good, damn good BBQ in a town where no other competitors even exist. I tried Bone Bucket...http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-bone-bucket-youngstown#hrid:uDNOaVL4d2x5Np91cEwKSw. I guess I have to try Smoky Bones, but c'mon, it's a chain. I loved the atmosphere. The odd thing is that it is a New Orleans theme, with not one cajun item. No jambalaya, no etouffee, no crawdads, no oyster po-boys. But what they do is make really good sauce. So, the net of this is simple. The BBQ chicken is tremendous. The BBQ ribs are good. The portion sizes are good. The 1/4 slab combo is enough for an average meal. I was eating on my 1/2 slab today. I like this place. The fact that it's so close makes it a good choice. read more

Charlie Staples Pitt Boss BBQ - Combo - 1/2 Slab, with beans and slaw - Barbeque Near Me - Youngstown, Ohio

I wish I read the reviews before I went yesterday. First, there was a private party in the restaurant so my friend and I had to eat in the bar (if you have a private party, have it upstairs on the terrace or in a party room but do NOT block off the entire restaurant -- that's just rude to your regular customers!). But okay, I'll try to adjust; so, I ordered my meal and figured I'd eat in the bar. I was handed my food in a styrofoam container and given plastic utensils. And for this I'm paying $32 for a slab of ribs? I'm eating in their restaurant. Put my food on a plate and give me silverware. My dinner came with two sides. I got macaroni and cheese and cole slaw. The cole slaw was all juice; it was horrible. And the macaroni was not even warm and well, it was GARBAGE! The whole meal was GARBAGE. The ribs were swimming in oil and even though I paid for bread I got no bread. I remembered the days of Staples in that old house on Fifth (or was it Belmont?) where the rib sauce actually soaked the bread and was the best part! And, I have gone there after this new place opened in this new building; I thought I had ribs with a baked potato swimming with butter and sour cream. I gave the girl $10 at the counter for taking my order but not once did she ever walk over and ask if everything was okay; I guess if you eat in this bar area you get no service. You couldn;t even get a drink from the bar cause no one was there. It was totally overpriced, the food was horrible, the styrofoam container and plastic utensils sucked and well, I WILL NEVER GO BACK AGAIN and I won't take my friends there anymore because it really was that HORRIBLE of an experience. I would warn everyone to learn from my mistake; Charlie Staples rib joint is not what it once was and it will probably never be again if it's under new ownership (which I heard it was)...BAD, BAD EXPERIENCE! read more

Came hungry, left happy. I came here with a friend for dinner and I ordered the 1/4 rib with sides of beans and fries and I also ordered chili, which came with corn bread. My friend ordered the chicken dinner, which came with sides of beans and macaroni salad. This was so much food, and I ate most of it. The ribs and sauce were delicious. My favorite was the chili. It was rich and flavorful and went well with the cornbread! Our waitress was super friendly and service was wonderful. She gave us recommendations, which were spot on. The decor inside this restaurant was super unexpected. It is decorated in a mardi gras style that is very festive and fun. You would never expect this looking at the outside of the restaurant. I was so surprised by how huge the inside of this building was. read more

The best bbq hands down!!!! Every time I come to town I have to stop! And get bottles of sauce bc they don't sell it anymore in Akron.

Youngstown Staple (no pun). You have to try it. The wings and fries are really good. You can get the sauce on the side, but the sauce is a must. read more

Every single time I come into town I eat here. Prices have gone up like everywhere else but the menu available online isn't accurate pricing. read more

I'm so disappointed. I've been a customer for years and loved it. Good food for a fair price. Now the new owners raised the prices and decreased the amount of food you get. The customer service is nonexistent now as well. I won't be returning. read more

I apologize but the advertising was inaccurate; the pre show buffet and parking for the kid Rick concert was off by a lot. Walking to the show was over 20 minutes and that's after paying $45 when you can park a block away for $20. The food sat out for who knows how long without the warmers on, in the sun..... I was afraid of getting food poisoning from it sitting I didn't try it so I can't say how it taste to be honest. The cash bar was limited but had good prices. Adding after the fact, learned once I was home that the money they charged for parking and the buffet was a political fundraiser. This was not made known prior to paying, but an email a couple hours prior to the event. I not from Youngstown Ohio, I have no knowledge of the politicians and WOULD NOT support someone without knowing them, their stance and whether or not they would benefit the area. I feel taken advantage of and disagree with this trickery on their part. read more

The classic, if you're visiting Youngstown you should visit this place, good food good service

Been going here since '83. Surprised at the range of reviews here, so wanted to inform in case you are someone who actually bases their decision to try a place based on Yelp reviews. Here is what to expect: 1). Not as good as when Ms. Young ran the place in the old house across the street back in the day, but still awesome. 2). Not 'traditional' BBQ 3). Order the bird with sauce on fry. Chicken much better than the ribs. 4). Hear the Big Bertha is awesome, but not a baked potato guy. 5). Saw a 1 star review on Yelp from a guy who got a burger. They offer a burger for the kids. If you are older than 12 & order a burger (or anything not BBQ'd), they should immediately escort you outside, wrap you in plastic, & beat you with a stick! 6). At some point, take your sauce soaked fries & put them on the sauce soaked bread, fold it & enjoy a 'fry sandwich', you'll thank me later. Lived in Memphis and tried all the greats, Montgomery Inn & several of the other 'famous' places. I'll take the Bird (chicken), Heat (Hot), Wet (Sauce on Fry) over them all. read more

This is my first 5-star Youngstown restaurant review. I drove passed by this place yesterday; however, when I searched it I was only able to find this restaurant that has been here since 1974 on City Search: http://national.citysearch.com/review/44816129?reviewId=17933511 On the outside, it is just a brick building with a sign but upon entering you would be surprised of how it's a totally different world. There is a full service bar, a take out counter, and a few tables and booths. The ribs here come in 1/4 slab, 1/2 slab, or full slap. The sauce is really unique and come in mild or hot. My coworker and I were trying to figure out what made the sauce sweet (my guess is apple sauce) but it will be no fun if one can decode the secret sauce. The coleslaw was nice and fresh. I had the combo dinner that came with 1/4 slab and 2 pieces of chicken. The chicken was fried with the house BBQ sauce on top. The fried chicken breast was amazingly tender and juicy. Incidentally, what struck me the most was the friendly atmosphere. My coworker had placed his napkin on his collar to prevent getting sauce on his shirt. Our waitress came out with a bib right a way and put it on for him. After the meal, the waitress came out with a bowl of water for my coworker to watch his hands. The personable service and the interesting BBQ sauce make this a place too good of a restaurant to be kept from the Yelp population. Be sure to try this place out! read more

Charlie Staples Pitt Boss BBQ - Wall display - Barbeque Near Me - Youngstown, Ohio

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I was pleased to find Charlie Staples nearby after an unsuccessful stop at Rust Belt Brewery. As soon as I got out of the car, I wanted to eat the building it smelled so good! And the music just helped draw me in. The interior design transports you to New Orleans. It's very festive and maybe a bit over the top, but it works here. The staff was very friendly, everyone happy to introduce themselves and a few asking me about Pittsburgh (I was wearing my favorite t-shirt from The Pittsburgh Fan). I felt genuinely welcomed not just into the establishment but Youngstown as a whole. As far as food, I went a bit unorthodox for me and ordered something I don't see too often but have always wanted to try. I went with the Big Bertha. The Big Bertha is a large baked potato roughly the size of my head covered in butter, cheese, pulled pork, bacon and sour cream. It was as amazing as it sounds and very filling. I couldn't even finish those last couple bites. After such a pleasant experience, I think this Pittsburgh gal needs to head west more often. read more

Charlie Staples Pitt Boss BBQ - Big Bertha - Barbeque Near Me - Youngstown, Ohio

We can extremely hungry, but was extremely disappointed when all of our meals came out and it was not hot. French fries were hot but everything was not hot. Then to top it off the sprite was flat like this line ______. Our sides came out before the entree. Big Bertha & Baked beans were good, That's just about it. read more

Charlie Staples Pitt Boss BBQ - My cold shrimp - Barbeque Near Me - Youngstown, Ohio

I really struggled with this review. I wanted to give at least 4 stars. But I can't go more than 3... The food (I had the ribs) was great. It's not too often that I can say that I've never had ribs that tasted that way. For some people, that might be a negative. But for me, I really enjoyed it. Is that how I'd make it at home? Probably not. But would I come back? Definitely. The sauce looked like a traditional BBQ sauce, but had a very vinegar-like note to it. It was good and unique. Definitely 4-star worthy. The rest of the experience was lacking. The waitress - who had never tried the ribs - didn't seem to know much about anything on the menu other than the fried chicken. The decor is a little over the top. And it was one of those places that was probably pretty clean, but was so dated, it felt dirty. And for these things, I can only give 3 stars. read more

What a great find right in Youngstown. This is a real deal Bar-B-Q restaurant. The decor was a classy interpretation of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, with balconies and all! The food was great, it's unbelievable to find a great BBQ place in NE Ohio. My eyes go the best of me and I ordered a rack of ribs, not the 1/4, or 1/2 rack, the full rack. Be warned this is not a "Damon's" sized rack...this order was darn near 2 feet long. Thankfully I was able to eat some, and box the rest. The saucy bread was tasty, coleslaw was good, and the service was friendly. The only thing I would change would be to not get the BBQ sauce dripped over the fires, a moderate break from sauce on everything would have been welcomed. I ordered the "hot" sauce, aad it was what I like with hot sauces, hot, but tasty hot, not killer heat that makes you want to stop eating and drink milk. In all, if you are in or around Youngstown, OH, stop by Charlie Staples for a great BBQ meal! read more

Charlie Staples Pitt Boss BBQ - Full rack! - Barbeque Near Me - Youngstown, Ohio

We finally did it. Stopped in here on a Friday night expecting a crowd but they weren't very busy at all. There was a festival or something going on downtown. We were greeted right away when we walked in the door. The decor inside was pretty neat very clean and the staff was great. We had a few questions about the sauce and they were nice enough to bring us samples with a plate of french fries. The cornbread muffin was really good. BBQ chicken tenders were tender and the portion was a decent size. I ended up taking half home. The party I was with got Ribs and raved about how good they were and how the fell off he bone. I am glad we finally decided to stop in here and we will be returning in the future to try some other items on the menu.. read more

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Absolutely hands down some of the BEST bbq I have ever eaten. I am from Charlotte NC and without a doubt this was what I needed. My best friend wanted me to try this place but was a little worried best I run a restaurant myself. I will say I am happy I came. read more

Charlie Staples Pitt Boss BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Youngstown, Ohio

Finally got to sample the goodies. I'm a rib fanatic and was quite pleased. Happened to be hungry for ribs but "riblets" from a chain delivered wasn't gonna cut it. Did another search, and KA-CHING! Charlie's came up! Ordered full rack, with one of many choices of your poison, awesome sauce. Whatever they rub with, then sauce - dammit! I'm gonna have to up my game when it comes to backyard grilling! (I hate competition. Yah, right. ) Only thing: Slap some garlic on, toast that bread. I do want to know where they get it (bread) from, tho. Nice, fat slices. I'm half Italian and know how to sop up the juice. With a little toasting/garlic - would be The Bomb. (Just me). I also took a chance and ordered a slice of the Red Velvet Cake. Perfectly moist, wonderful cream cheese w/mini chocolate chips...had for breakfast next morning. Again, I hate competition! I need inside Intel for recipe. How you did it without that lil' nasty food coloring bitterness. Can I come Sous Chef/help do dishes, just for a day? Overall, I'm TOTALLY in! read more

Twice I've ordered from here, and they've got it wrong both times. I wanted a pound of brisket. Twice they gave me a baked potato instead. It's correct on the receipt, but they can't get it right. I tried to give them a second chance, but def not worth a third. The ribs and fries that I did get were mediocre at best. Wouldn't recommend. read more

I got here tonight and placed my order at 9:15pm. I had time to talk with other customers, go outside and smoke a cigarette, and watch 3 innings of baseball. I just now got my food and all I asked for was half a slab ribs leg thigh combo with fries and o rings sides and a fish sandwich. I got my order at 10:20pm. I also asked for the ribs with mild sauce and family style. No cut and got spicy instead. As a former employee i always talked the place up but no more. Dont know whats up with Charlies standards but they have dropped severely. Update: Got home to see that my fries, o rings, and fish weren't prepped crispy how I asked, and the chicken was lukewarm at best. I no longer recommend Charlie Staples unless he gets his crew some more training. I can now understand why so many employees don't last long here. Food standards have gone down as well as employee moral. read more

We were in town visiting my mom & she had the great idea of going to Charlie Staples. Nobody in the tri-state area does BBQ like Charlie. The ribs & fries with sauce were unbelievable. We all had it & loved it. We had the brisket the last time & it was good, but not as good. Their baked beans are also very good. If you are wondering where to go for dinner, definitely give Charlie Staples a try. My mouth is still watering & I can't wait to come back. read more

Charlie Staples Pitt Boss BBQ - 1/4 rack of ribs & French fries with sauce = the meal of a lifetime, best BBQ ever - Barbeque Near Me - Youngstown, Ohio

They food is nasty, it used to be real good and I'm so disappointed. Their sides are so little and I don't know what's up with this chicken looking abused and old. I took a bite and it was soooooooo dry. The Mac and cheese is flavorless like they making that nasty white people kind which they use a bunch of flour and hardly no cheese. I don't know if they got crack heads or what working there but they need to get some cooks in quick. I'm gonna miss summer cause the grills on the side of the roAd are the best. I'm so done with Staples they get worse each time I go read more

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Terrible customer service and the online service is a JOKE!!!!!!! I'm never going back I recommend you don't either.

Me my boyfriend and my cousin went here with high Hope's. Not the decor was cute (new Orleans) but seemed out dated. When the waitress brought our waters my cousins glass had butter smeared on the inside of the cup. But when we brought it to the waitresses attention it was fixed immediately.. now to the food, it wants as good as i thought expected,we all got ribs and chicken.. now the chicken was AMAZING, THE SAUCE WAS PERFECT. the ribs weren't as good as I thought. They were fatty and hard to pull off the bone. The french fries were good but drenched in bbq sauce ( but that's how I ordered it so what can you really do) over all the food was decent. I would probably go back but wouldn't be my first choice read more

Charlie Staples has been a fixture of excellence in the community for over 40 years!....His Bar B Que...should be listed as a main food group! It's is simply delicious, and the sauce is to die for! The restaurant is fabulously decorated and the staff is great...I've been there at least twice a month since it's opening in 1974....the food is beyond compare!...A fantastic dining experience..ENJOY! read more

Charlie Staples Pitt Boss BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Youngstown, Ohio

The bbq is honestly the best in the area. And although the waitress/cashier could've been friendlier, the food is too good to leave any star review lower than 5/5 read more

The sauce is average. My ribs were fatty. Overall average experience. I wouldn't pay the price for it.

I was extremely disappointed in the quality and quantity of the food. The barbecue flavor was mediocre at best. The food which I expected to be homemade was definitely not! The potato salad was probably bought from giant eagle and served right of the tub. They MAY have doctored it up but you can definitely tell it's store bought. The macaroni and cheese was Mrs. Stouffers or something there like. The canned baked beans they serve are nothing more than the beans you open up with some BBQ sauce added to them. You get a cup the size a side of ranch dressing comes in for $1.75. The macaroni and cheese was not considered a side and you are charged almost $3 dollars extra for a tiny serving and it's not worth that kind of money. When you say Charlie Staples I say run the opposite way. Barry Dingle barbecue beats this barbecue place hands down! Not even worth the drive or consideration. I don't like leaving this terrible review but we were truly this disappointed in this food. read more

We ordered take-out and when I arrived there was a line, which was the first good sign. The brisket is some of the best I've had in the area and the potato salad was fantastic. We will definitely be back, and I hope to eat in the restaurant once it's open for dine-in again. read more

I ordered the mixed sauce for my rib tips and ribs it was so hot I couldn't even finish it