I really enjoy David's BBQ! They are one of my favorite BBQ places in town, and even better, they have a drive-thru! My favorite things on the menu are the pulled chicken, mac n cheese, fried okra, and of course the corn nuggets! The corn bread and toast are both good, and I love the chicken sandwhich on the toast! The bread pudding isn't the best I have ever had, but it is still great! Their BBQ sauce that comes with the order is subpar. I always get the sweet sauce instead! The sweet tea is good, and comes in large sizes! read more

I used to frequent this place when I lived in Gainesville for college. Upon our return move to Gainesville I was excited to go back and try David's BBQ again. After my 3rd trip back in the 3 months we've been to Gainesville I won't return. The prices are sky high, and the quality is in the gutter. The first trip back I tried to order off the bbq by the pound section, only to have the owner or manager come up and tell me those prices were old and now it's more... I should've stayed away after that trip, but I decided to see if it was just a one off... it's not... I just paid $45 for a full rack of ribs, large (not really) green beans and small bbq beans. No drink or anything else. The green beans are straight out of the can, they don't even pretend to season them... no meat added or onions or anything.. the sad part is, the green beans were most edible part of the meal... the baked beans have tons of onions and it takes over any other taste in the beans. The ribs... zero smoke flavor, no dexterity to the meat at all, zero flavor, soaked in fat... seemed like the ribs had been wrapped in foil for way too long. I only received one sauce container for a full rack of ribs. When you don't have good flavored ribs you should at least cover it up with more sauce lol. Adam's ribs little to go shop down the road kicks the crap out of this place. Don't waste your time, stay away. read more

I am from Tampa and I have eaten ribs at Kojak's House of Ribs 100+ times. 100% of the 100+ times I ate their ribs, they were absolutely perfect. Fall off the bone tender, seasoned to perfection, eliminating the need for sauce. Sadly, I cannot say the same thing for David's. As you can see from my initial review, I was very happy with the food at David's. That is no longer the case, as their ribs have been awful the last 2 or 3 times I ate there. Tough, chewy, and in dire need of a lot of sauce. Even the burnt ends (which I used to love), were a disappointment. Some of the ones I was served were good, but too many were dry and tough. Needless to say, I have eaten my last meal at David's. I can understand having a bad day...but 2-3 in a row negates any positive thoughts I had after two good meals. read more

David's really needs to revamp their sauce recipes (I think). Every time I eat here the meat is always on the very dry side. Doing good BBQ means you always have something fresh cooking in the pit for the next order. I get the feeling they try to bulk cook their meats for the days order, and the last order gets the driest meat ! Not bad but not the best BBQ..if your in the area and need a BBQ fix OK go here, else get the car and drive to a better one. read more

Exceptional catering service with outstanding quality. I would highly recommend this restaurant for your catering needs.

My experience with David's has always been substandard. Their food reminds me of Sonny's, but not even as good, and while the sauces are alright they're not exceptional and the actual BBQ meets have little flavor of their own. Plus, their side dishes--like Sonny's own--are pretty basic and very bland. That said, they've been in this same location since at least the early 1990s so they must have attracted enough happy customers to sustain themselves. To my taste though, they're not real Southern BBQ but a watered-down version. I would recommend Akin's BBQ in Bell or Pearl Country Store in Micanopy if you want real BBQ. read more

Food is ok but overpriced with lots of hidden up-charges. Buyer beware.

My fiancé & I have been going to David's since we were in high school, & it's always been a pleasant experience. The staff is friendly & professional & always has a compliment for us. Only twice in all these years have I ever seen a dirty table in there, & that was during busy lunches. The tables are always well stocked with paper towels, floors swept, & bathrooms kept in good shape (ladies, you know the value of a decent bathroom!). I usually get a working persons plate--dark meat chicken with fried okra & corn nuggets. Their fried okra is better than average--never bad or even bland, but often times legitimately excellent. My last trip there left me wishing I'd had both sides of fried okra! The chicken is very flavorful: good barbecue flavor to it that just emboldens the actual chicken flavor. Correction: I USED to get a working persons plate with fried okra & corn nuggets, until I actually read the menu & discovered that you can choose one rib as a side?!? This is genius! Especially since their ribs are fall-off-the-bone-like-your-grandma-used-to-make good. Their onion rings are also above average, & sometimes I like to mix it up with some of those. All in all, we always know that David's makes for a good date night. If we ever can't decide where to go, David's is our default. PS: As a VIP member you earn points for all your visits that you can redeem for meals or sides & stuff, & you'll get an email on your birthday with a coupon for a free meal, drink, & dessert! Very handy! read more

I had the pleasure of having David's bbq cater my wedding. Not only was the food spectacular but the team is absolutely amazing! Bobby did my decorations as well and he nailed it! The talent this team has is unbelievable. My day was perfect! Everyone is so kind and genuine. I cleared my plate because I couldn't get enough and I saw so many people going back for seconds. The brisket is out of this world!! I couldn't have pulled off my amazing wedding without David's bbq being apart of it. Everything was perfect!!! I highly recommend them for any event you may have! Absolutely spectacular! read more

I stopped here on my way to Tampa from Jacksonville solely for the fact that they offered burnt ends. Unfortunately there burnt ends were not at all what I was expecting. Cubed up and deep fried pieces of brisket that tastes like a fryer trap. No seasoning, bark, or smokeyness at all. Definitely not somewhere that I would recommend. Ordered 1lb of burnt ends and received a little more than what most BBQ restaurants serve for a half pound serving read more

David's BBQ served amazing food at the wedding we went to! Drea was such an amazing bartender to us! All of the employees were so much fun and we loved their company So much! read more

I love this place, been going here for years. I always tell everyone about their amazing breakfasts and that seems to be their biggest secret since most don't know they open at 7am most days. I have noticed that it takes a lot longer to get food when Brian (I think that's the owner's name) isn't there, but honestly that has been improving the last few times I've been in there. If you have kids, then go Mondays and they'll eat one free for each adult! Yes, the BBQ is excellent in my opinion. They don't have all-you-can-eat like Sonny's, but for the same price I'll bet you'll be stuffed anyway. read more

Moving to the city wanted to try some of the locals favorites. While apartment hunting 3 people from each apartment reccomend this place. I just had the chicken tenders but they were delicious, next I'll probably try some bbq chicken like what my boyfriend ordered. All the food and sides were delicious staff was super friendly. We actually got to see them interact with a few of their regulars that they knew by name. Super cool place cant wait to go back read more

Nothing really special at this BBQ joint. The brisket tasted like it had been sitting for a while and it was dry. The BBQ sauce was okay. The price is decent but I would prefer the quality of the food to be better. Probably wont return to this business. read more

When I'm on the east coast, I travel to Gainesville almost exclusively to eat here. Used to hit this place every day with the work lunch buddies and fell in love with the quality of ingredients they use here. Their house made BBQ sauce is just how I like it, and they do an amazing job trimming the meats they use so you don't end up with gristle and huge chunks of fat in your pulled pork. Favorite dishes: - Pulled pork sandwich - White meat chicken sandwich - Mac & cheese - French fries (seasoned to perfection) read more

Awesome place!! The food was wonderful, the service was amazing, and the atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable!!! I can't wait to eat there again!!! Visit this place,you won't be disappointed!!!! read more

I've always had a good experience at David's. I don't eat BBQ a lot, but when I'm craving it, I go to Davids. Portions are great, always left feeling STUFFED. Service was always great and fast. Loved that they offer a variety of BBQ sauces as well as hot sauces. Prefer this over Sonnys. I'm partial to the ribs, and the boy always gets the pulled pork. read more

Great BBQ--- tender meat, working man's (persons) special on garlic bread with slaw..off the hook try the corn bread and onion rings as sides. read more

Decided to try this place for the first time & it was literally a "MEH" experience the service was ok, the prices were higher than advertised & the food was so BLAND...the "bbq" had no seasoning or flavor. Honestly the only thing that did was the sauce. I won't be returning & I'd recommend trying somewhere else if you have a taste for bbq. read more

David's BBQ & Catering - Barbeque Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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This is a lunch place, great for quick and friendly service and good solid BBQ. The portions are large for what you pay, and the food is very tasty. I'd also like to give a shout-out to the dude who goes around filling up your iced tea and bussing tables. He is seriously one of the nicest dudes around, he pretty much earns a star all by himself. read more

Hopped off the interstate looking for some southern style BBQ and David's did not disappoint! I got the workers man place with shaved brisket, coleslaw and garlic bread, it was delicious and so were their BBQ sauces. Service was quick and easy, workers were friendly and helpful. Wish there was one back home! read more

I have enjoyed Davids BBQ for the last 2 years. We always get the Rib plate with toast or cornbread, collards & green beans. I order a couple of extra sides and there's enough food for me and my husband to share. The ribs are delicious and the sweet tea is legit. I even take out of town friends here because its that damn good. I went here about a month ago and got my regular order. (rib plate) and found it tasted really really salty! It was not enjoyable and was just off. We had had so many delicious meals here and it was so weird to get a bad one! So I called and spoke to the manager to tell them about my experience. They have great customer service and sent me a complimentary gift card so I could come back and try it again!! How nice! :) So I went back today and got my usual rib plate with coleslaw and BBQ beans. WOW! THIS MEAL WAS FANTASTIC! It really hit the spot!! Tasted just like I had hoped for :) My husband said these were the best sides we have ever gotten. The coleslaw was crunchy, not soggy like I often get other places and my husband loved the beans. The ribs had a great pepper seasoning on them. Yes, there are bits on the ribs that can be a bit dry, like the ends, but I just avoid those bits because the rest of the rib is delicious and juicy. I'm definitely not a BBQ connoisseur but I dont go to any other BBQ place except for Davids. I live in Tampa, and we have a BBQ place less than a mile from where I live, and I will still go to Gainesville to get Davids BBQ over any other place here. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do! read more

Great local BBQ and sweet tea! The place is a real dive but the food is the focus and it's good stuff. They have a breakfast buffet at this location on on the weekend with an omelet bar and all you can eat bacon! read more

Dang good BBQ and sides of all sorts. People who leave crappy reviews need to give their sissy cell phones a break and speak to the management if your plate wasn't just like Mommy used to make it. Keep in mind there are a lot of hard working people who have put a lot of time , money and effort into this BBQ restaurant. So when you slam them it hits them all hard. Keep this in mind. Davids BBQ used to serve me great BBQ as far back as 25 years ago and still serving great BBQ. Not an easy task for a restaurant in Gainesville. SO they must be doing something right! I love both locations and have always got great food! read more

I stopped there last night and had a hankering for some fried chicken tenders. As usual the service is very prompt and very courteous. When I got my chicken tenders I noticed they had two sizes on the menU. They charge $899 for three chicken tenders and $9.99 for 5 chicken tenders with two sides and cornbread. I got the five chicken tenders for $9.99. I got the five chicken tenders for 999 since it makes sense because it's only a dollar more. I took the order to go. When I got home I noticed that they cooked the chicken tenders in half to cook them faster. Not only did that look like crap but it also made them dried out and tasteless. Plus I could see they came from a box so I was eating basically garbage. I've been here a couple of times and their pork sandwiches and barbecue is good just stick with what it is it's a BBQ joint and not a burger place or a chicken place. I don't think I'll ever order the chicken tenders again it was very disappointing and almost made me want to give it a one star. read more

Ordered take out for entire family of 5, all rib dinner entrees. We spent about 80.00 for the meal and it was disgusting. I ended up throwing all of the meals in the trash after each of us could barely stomach our food. Bread and fries were ok. Cole slaw was warm. Should have stuck with Sonny's. read more

Unfortunately, just not good. We used to eat there regularly, and just not eating here is saving my life. I've never looked better! Not that the food is bad - it is sometimes good. The corn nuggets and fries are all good. The hot sauces are wonderful. The meat can be hit-or miss at best. A solid, local "towny" place that might be better left unexplored. read more

David's has been one of the most popular BBQ places in town for years. I recommend the working person's plate with their pulled pork, onion rings and half sweet/ half unsweet tea. It is a great deal and you will definitely be full. David's has the best onion rings. They are not your typical kind that are mostly all breading. These are super crispy with just a bit of breading and before you know it you've eaten all of them off your plate. Their sweet tea is also great but a bit too sweet for me. I usually do a half and half mix. Only thing I've been disappointed in is their cornbread as its just really dry and not very tasty. I've also heard their chicke. Can be dry but have not personally tried it yet. If you like BBQ and hot sauces then you have to go here just to try the huge variety they offer. They have some extremely hot sauces so just be careful. read more

I like David's more than Sonny's, but not by that much. I don't really like their sliced or pulled pork and honestly, those are menu items that should at least meet expectations. However, I really like their ribs, turkey, and beef if it's not overcooked. I have had the beef a couple times where it almost has a jerky consistency and has to be covered in sauce to be palatable. Their GOLD(mustard) sauce is bomb. Get one of the working person's specials(sandwich or plate) and it's worth a visit. Otherwise, it's only worth it if you live nearby or are in the area. 3.25 stars. read more

Their brisket can be a little fatty, which is really not my favorite. Meat flavor is okay but nothing special. Overall mediocre but adequate. I wouldn't make a special trip to come here, but might consider it if I really just wanted some barbecue and was close by. read more

Reasonably priced daily special with 4oz protein, sides and bread. Maybe the drink is included. Dining room and washroom could use a good cleaning. read more

David's BBQ & Catering - Pork platter special - Barbeque Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Awesome BBQ! Killer onion rings great fries good service !Cole slaw on the sandwich , try the hot sauces, can't be beat! C read more

When I was interning in Gaineville, some of the locals locals referred me to Davids. When I first arrived, I was greeted by the awesome smell of BBQ. The cashier was friendly and I ordered the pulled pork. The Pork was meaty, sweet, tangy, and juicy (Everything you want in a Sandwich). Since my first time there I have gone back many times (enough to fill up two cards to get a free plate). Also, the Sweet tea is FANTASTIC. None of that, watery taste that has a hint of tea and sweetness. No, this sweet tea is, fill your cup with ice and you still get smacked with the sweet sweet taste of tea. read more

The first time I had David's ribs they were fantastic but that was back in 2016. I've ordered from them 4 times this year (2020) and every time has been disappointing. Dry meat. Overcooked bland ribs. Don't waste your money here. Just go to Adam's. read more

Average BBQ Ordered the chicken dinner with Baked beans, Mac & Cheese. Temperatures was great as were the portions. read more

David's BBQ & Catering - Order Counter - Barbeque Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Really good bbg brisket was good. Ribs are excellent and the baked beans are great. Friendly staff great prices overall good place to eat read more

David's BBQ & Catering - Barbeque Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

We hadn't been to Gainesville in over 4 years and 1 of the places my fiancé HAD TO go to was David's BBQ. With something for everyone to enjoy we had a great time. He got a little bit of everything with the combo plate and I had their all white-meat chopped chicken with green beans and fries. Not too many options for vegetarians, but their famous sweet tea would do! They also have house made banana pudding and freshly baked cookies. They close at 9pm so don't get there too late :) Check out our post with more info and awesome photos! Enjoy :) http://mrandmrsadventure.com/2015/03/05/things-to-do-in-gainesville-as-alumni/ read more

The customer service is the reason this establishment didn't get one star. I was in town on family business and wanted BBQ. I searched the area and David's came up so I said why not. I ordered the rib dinner for 14.99, it came with two sides(baked beans and green beans were my choices) the ribs were EXTREMELY tender, even the gristle would melt in your mouth but there was absolutely no flavor. I tried every sauce there was but no to avail. It's like they just take the meat and cook it for hours with no seasonings. read more

Love David's. Nothing exciting or fancy, just good, consistent BBQ. It's a must visit on every return to Gainesville. The pork sandwich with cole slaw, mac and cheese, collards, and sweet tea are my best bets. read more

Really good BBQ. What you get is fire roasted meat, then lots of bbq sauces on tap you can put on it. The good sides tend to be carby and fried. Not a health food spot. There is always a decent collard green, and a canned green bean. Daily meal specials Monday through Friday are a good value. Always a line at lunch time, but it moves fast, food is up fast, and it's easy to get in and out. read more