The customer service and ambience is nice. The food is horrible, hence a practically empty restaurant on a Friday afternoon. I ordered the pulled chicken, brisket Mac & cheese and Cole slaw. Everything was dry and overcooked, there was no taste and adding the White sauce did nothing. I should've followed my instinct when I went to a bbq spot, but I didn't smell anything smoking or being grilled. I spent $55 plus tip on lunch for my daughter and I....so annoyed. As a foodie, I don't mind paying top dollar for food, but when it's not cooked well...ugh! read more

Mookie's BBQ/Big Mook's BBQ - Catering - Caterers Near Me - Great Falls, Virginia

Just ate here. The place looks decent, the customer service was great. The food is absolute trash. My pulled pork sandwich was bland. The watery sauce didn't help. Coleslaw--tasteless. I sent the cinnamon apples back because it was applesauce. It looked like it had been around awhile so I didn't taste it. The cucumber salad looked like a shaved lump of mush. I risked my life to taste it and gagged. A watery mess. My hubby hated the baby back ribs. Again, no flavor. He said he thinks the cornbread was made in the meat pan. He had a couple bites of salad and said the blue cheese tasted fake. The worst part was when I noticed the mug I was drinking from had a red lipstick stain. And I wasn't wearing any lipstick! Stay away from this awful place! read more

Ordered/catered for pick up some mac'n'cheese, corn on cob and beans for a party Saturday night. Dealt with Jason - the man~! Everything was ready on time, packaged brilliantly in boxes so stable and no spillage, loaded into my car (!!), and 1/3 less expensive than all competitors in the area. Don't let that fool you into thinking you're receiving less in terms of portions, size or service. You got more. Everything was hot and delicious. Best baked beans I've EVER had. Who'd a thought something as unsexy as baked beans was my favorite side? Deliciously sweet and full of savory bits of chewy pork. So good. I highly recommend them. In fact, I'll be taking my grown sons there, from WV, 1.5 hour drive, to have dinner. They're that good. Thanks, Jason!! read more

I was extremely impressed with all the food but my favorite has to be the nachos!!!! I highly recommend them and the cucumber salad! Oh and the pulled pork, sausage, burnt ends.... And pretty much everything my friends and i tried! *****be forewarned the salads could easily feed to people so i recommend sharing and trying everything***** read more

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This is probably my favorite barbecue place in the world but unfortunately I live in Florida. Haven't had a piece of brisket like this in such a long time it was a pleasure to enjoy a piece of burned brisket end, i'm at in such a long time. And the macaroni was to die for... read more

Mookie's BBQ/Big Mook's BBQ - Catering - Caterers Near Me - Great Falls, Virginia

The high points were good enough that I'll give Mookie's another chance when I have the time but overall our first visit was Meh. The building itself is newly renovated and quite nice inside, and parking is ample, even if the spaces themselves are pretty tiny. Service was friendly, but a bit slow and mediocre (I'll come back to that later). Not bad by itself, but really just indifferent. The food was a mixed bag; I really liked the ribs, which were well-cooked dry-rub ribs, which is my preferred style. They were tender enough to come off the bone, but not mushy, and they had enough smoke flavor for me. The pulled pork was also texturally good, but not as smoky as I'd like and needed some sauce rather than standing completely on its own. That said, the sauces that we tried were tasty enough. The sides were even more of a mixed bag for us; the onion rings were the best I've had in a long time, flaky batter just strong enough to hold together and with just a touch of crunch. I also liked that the mac and cheese came out of the oven bubbling hot, which gives it some of that browned and chewy goodness around the outside, but it could have used a bit more flavor (maybe some pepper, bacon, onions, or garlic?). The rest of the sides were more disappointing; the coleslaw didn't really taste like anything, and the cucumber salad just tasted like plain raw cucumbers with a watery splash of vinegar, and really needed less water and more vinegar and sugar, if not also some other sort of seasoning to give it some sort of flavor. The true disappointment though was the sweet tea, and while that may sound trivial, sweet tea is the spirit animal of the South, and a barbecue joint really can't afford to blow it this badly. The first round we received was unbelievably weakly brewed, almost like they made a good batch then cut it in half with additional water. I am talking visibly pale and watery. After a couple sips we waved for the waiter to ask for a second round, thinking that maybe there had been an issue with too much ice melting in it. He seemed a little confused by the comment that it seemed too weakly brewed and our request for new glasses that were stronger, but took the glasses back to the kitchen anyways. A few minutes later he came back out, and as soon as the sun hit the glasses and highlighted the same pale and watery color we knew we were out of luck. What really sealed the deal though wasn't the weak and flavorless sweet tea though, it was the comment he made as he put them on the table: "I've added some sugar, so it should be stronger, and if you want it even stronger I can bring you some more sugar". That's not how sweet tea works, and to any right-thinking Southerner, the suggestion to add table sugar to sweet tea is blasphemy. Luckily, the things that could use some improvement are all easily fixable. Hopefully as Mookie's continues to shake out the new staff and permanent location they'll work them out, and I look forward to giving them another visit and having some more of those ribs and onion rings. read more

Was on Travel Channel today at noontime. Contest for best of three bbq teams in Virginia. They missed 1st place in competition by 1 point. January 10th 2017. read more

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I went to Mookie's with a group of eight and we all walked away talking about how great the food and service was. We decided to eat family style, so I was able to try a lot of different items (chicken wings, sausage and cheese plate, brisket, burnt ends, baby back ribs, pulled pork, and a variety of sides. Every single one of them was fantastic. Most everything was either made in-house or locally sourced--including some local draft beers. My favorites were the burnt ends and baby back ribs. I also really enjoyed the different sauces, with spicy being my favorite. We loved it so much, we ordered 3 more racks of ribs to take home! We had a large group and were constantly adding to our order throughout the meal, and the staff was just really attentive and friendly. Our group sat in the main dining area, but there is also a bar with some really nice TVs. It would be a great place to catch a game and enjoy some BBQ. I definitely recommend Mookie's and will be going back as soon as I have the chance. read more

Went early on a Tuesday evening, Place was virtually empty. Waiters were friendly and attentive. So I'd give it a 4 stars for service. Had a glass of white wine-$11 for a rather small glass of mediocre Sauvignon Blanc-this is outrageous. More like a Ruth Chris wine price. Beer prices seemed more in line with reality. Ordered 1/2 BBQ chicken dinner; wife had a burger. Chicken was unfortunately super dried out and tough-only ate half; the sides were better. The cinnamon apples were great and sweet-should have been for dessert; the salad was fresh although my wife thought the cucumbers were soggy. They forgot the cornbread which when I reminded them, they brought out. It was good-and I'm not a huge fan of cornbread. Wife said the burger was just ok. (My thought was - why order a burger at a BBQ place?) I mentioned to the waiter about the chicken and he said he would advise the kitchen. I got some stares through the kitchen glass wall, but no other gestures were made to make up for the meal. Food gets two stars. Not sure when they BBQ the chickens, but I'm guessing mine was left over from the weekend. read more

So excited Mookie's is open! Big Mook's catered a huge party for my family, and now we are excited we can get great BBQ at the restaurant too. Especially recommend the brisket, pulled pork, Mac and cheese, and the cucumber salad. Get the amazing cobbler for dessert if you have any room to spare. Great service, great food, great space! read more

First found out about these guys when a neighbor was having them do a bbq. Their BBQ rig was parked out in the street, and the whole neighborhood smelled great. Another neighbor who is a professional Chef, also commented on how good it smelled, and reported back they were doing it the right way. I have now had them provide our picnic food for two large events, and each time, everyone says how good what they cook is, and how well it is served. Not only the meat, but the salads, and they do provide vegetarian options as well for those guests who always show up and announce they don't eat meat. My group is a German Car Club, and I specifically asked for them to use a local butcher who makes German Bratwursts, Not a problem, they did, and never said, that would not work with a source they were not familiar with, like some caters will. We also asked them to serve some items that we provided (dessert, etc) and that was just fine, again, no problem. Brian and his crew do a great job. Looking forward to their new place now that it is open. read more

One of the best BBQ restaurants I have been to. Everything I have tried and every time I go the food is fantastic! Atmosphere is laid back. Clean and child friendly. The service is good. You will find yourself grabbing takeout on a regular basis it's so good. read more

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Just had lunch at this new bbq!!! Unreal and great prices!! Highly recommend the pulled pork and chicken, have great local beer on tap too!!! My server was extremely friendly and nice and gave great recommendations, Mike!! If you live in great falls or close by this is a must place to eat!!! read more

i originally gave them a higher rating because I had ordered the pulled pork sandwich and had the macaroni side. We've gone back a few times and honestly the ribs are just Ok. Sorry Mr Mookie I've eaten better ribs and yours are very very expensive for the small portion you serve as a full rack. You have hands down the best sides ever!!! The macaroni and cheese is fabulous. Your ribs are too expensive and they are just OK read more

Legit BBQ. I had the sampler and all the BBQ staples are done well and done right. Great smoke flavor. Brisket is their best. Only thing I'd ask for is bigger helpings for the price, but that's a first world problem. read more

Admittedly the place has only been open a short time. It was hyped to the hilt, and was full. The noise level on the enclosed front porch was such that we and our friends could not hear each other, and could not speak for significant periods during our meal. The pulled pork was extremely dry and not that tasty. You had to add loads of sauce, but still barely worth eating. Cole slaw was OK. Fries were good, tho no ketchup at the table. Apparently the pulled chicken was more moist, and told the collards were good. The clincher was the food handling on the way out..... Open kitchen. No one is wearing gloves. It looks like the eight musketeers back there. People are shoveling food with bare hands, touching their jeans and hair and then the food, and not sure what else.....I couldn't linger to watch. read more

**(Muh-keez) not (MOO-keez...like a cow...) I went last night around 5pm. It was their first Saturday since opening so I knew it was hectic both in the back of the house and in the front, a factor that made me think twice before submitting my stars. Anyway, everyone was very nice from the hostess to the manager who came around to check on everything. We were seated promptly. The area is currently very open which is both a good and bad thing. Good for when you're coming with a medium to large group who wants to order drinks and hang for a night, but potentially bad for those who want to sit but are waiting due to lack of tables. I assume they are testing their kitchen capacity and scoping out other sizing kinks. Anyways, this was not a problem for our party. In the main dining area there is a large window allowing customers to peak in to see how the chefs are doing. I like this in terms of an atmosphere/decor touch and as a means of transparency. Its funs seeing the crew hard at work creating meals. There is also much natural light (even with the overcast skies). Good job on this! We ordered drinks at our table and gazed at the menu. Seeing as they had a full bar with good whiskey options I ordered an Old Fashion with Maker's Mark. I was disappointed a bit. It was just a very average cocktail. No other way to put it. The cherry on top (not technically) was that they did not even use Maker's Mark. As for the food, I ordered the pulled pork sandwich, and the other two at the table ordered ribs and the burnt tips. It took 20 minutes which was fine with us, especially with how busy they were. I was very excited to dig in but again was put off. The food was luke-warm on all fronts along with the plates of my other guests. My side of fries were on the smaller side and the size of fry made it seem like they came from the bottom of the fryer. The meat, however, was cooked well and had great seasoning, but being nearly cold by my second bite, it greatly fell short of my expectations. The table seemed to possess a similar feeling about the meal. The cucumber salad was very good and I do recommend it. The onion rings were also good but they need to be HOT or at least warm by the time they get to the table. On the way out, I noticed in the kitchen that the cooked meat does not have a heat lamp or something to keep the meat warm, hence the meats loses much of its hot temperature by the time it's cut and brought to the table. It is very hard to keep a consistent hot temperature with out continuing the cooking process but some equation needs to be created to ensure a hot product. If this was not the first week of Mookies' opening I would be very tempted to rate them 2 stars but I will not. I plan on returning to my comment after visiting a second time in maybe a month to see if they tweak some of the operations. I look forward to visiting on the weekends with friends and family for beers though. This has a good potential for becoming a go-to local bar. read more

My wife found out Big Mook's BBQ through words of mouths and ordered catering from them for my birthday a couple of days ago. We had St. Louis style ribs and chicken along with baked beans, potato salad and cole slaw. Seriously, it was the best ribs ever!! They used a special marinade to rejuvenate - even without any of their signature sauces, the ribs tasted honey sweet and juicy! The home-made baked beans were phenomenal too! At the end of the party, every single one took a box and packed (and fought for) the leftover home. We wished we had ordered more!!!! I later found out on Big Mook's website that they participated in a number of BBQ competitions and did really well (unsurprisingly though)! Try it out if you are a meatetarian!!! You will be amazed!!!! **Note: This is a catering company!! read more

From start to finish, Big Mook's catered a fantastic meal. As the previous reviewer noted, Big Mook's is a full service catering company located in northern Virginia. We hired Brian, the owner, to cater my father's 70th birthday party (for about 50 guests). One of the difficulties was that the food needed to be cooked off site, as it was a surprise party so the smoker in the back yard might have been a giveaway. Despite the hour drive between Big Mook's and the party location the meat was PERFECTLY cooked (hot, moist and VERY flavorful) and I'm no stranger to good BBQ. We enjoyed pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked chicken (breasts, thighs and legs), and smoked sausage. Brian made five... that's right FIVE homemade BBQ sauces to complement the meats (KC, Memphis, Eastern Carolina, mustard and a white sauce). All were phenomenal.... My favorite was KC on the pulled pork, mustard sauce on the sausage and the white sauce on the chicken. Not that any of the meat needed any sauce.... brisket was especially great without sauce... just melt in your mouth good. Not to forget the sides (which were equally delicious) we had macaroni and cheese, baked beans, potato salad and coleslaw. All of Brian's sides are homemade and show it in their perfectly developed flavor profiles. From the time he arrived, until the time he left, Brian was self sufficient and only required a small amount of prep space. Setup and clean-up was a breeze. The cost was very reasonable, especially when you factor in that 50 people filled their bellies with first rate BBQ!!! Brian even brought take home containers so guests could leave with leftovers (not that there was much left). Thank you Big Mook's for a great party!!! read more

We went for their brunch opening. I'm going back for the brisket hash!!! We tried the DELISH pulled pork eggs Benedict- amazing! Sausage Gravy biscuit were homemade and outstanding. The homemade homefries were perfect with a little Big Mook sauce. read more

Mookie's BBQ/Big Mook's BBQ - Catering - Pulled pork eggs Benedict!!!! - Caterers Near Me - Great Falls, Virginia

Pretty Disappointing There was a lot of local hype, but a very disappointing experience. *No silverware when food finally came out. *Wait staff seems disorganized. *Pulled chicken was dry which I could deal with if they remembers to bring BBQ sauce, as I noticed they did at other tabled. *Kids drinks were in glass pint glasses, when other tabled had kids cups and kids meal portions are small, like more of a side dish. *Dessert (a cookie and ice cream) took too way long. We had to pay the bill before it finally came. *Rectangular plates - really? This is supposed to be a BBQ joint. Overall food is average and service is poor. read more

Upon reading the menu I felt refreshed, "finally a good BBQ joint" I thought to my self. When my food came (after a prompt drink service) I saw it was on controversial rectangular plates. I for one enjoy the rectangular plates, but then I remembered that the plate shape doesn't have much to do with my food review, (although they do remind me of simpler times, while adding a modern flare to a classic food, AMERICAN BBQ) so I focused on my ribs. If you go, which you should, be sure that you try the ribs. I find the savory and slightly sweet rub both quite challenging and enjoyable. Got to "meat" (get it) the chef too! Nice guy, really knows his meat. read more

We recently hosted a retirement party for one of our employees who requested BBQ for the luncheon. I saw the positive reviews for Big Mook's on YELP and decided to give them a try. We ordered the baby back ribs, smoked brisket, pulled pork and pulled chicken. All were prepared to perfection; so juicy, tender and the flavor of the meats really came through. For sides we had coleslaw, macaroni salad with shrimp, baked beans, cornbread and spinach salad and they were wonderful! This food tasted homemade (which it is, according to Brian). Even the cookies were homemade! As for the price, very reasonable considering we were feeding about 23 people and have spent more in the past on sandwich trays. Big Mook's BBQ is far greater than the BBQ I've had from the area chain BBQ places. I highly recommend Big Mook's to anyone who wants to serve fresh, homemade food that everyone will love. Nan M. read more

This is outstanding bbq and catering. I ordered food for 22 people for a party at my home last night and took a chance on Mookie's (since I've never dined in before). I am glad I took the plunge! We got the pork and chicken - all of our guests raved about it. The sauces are delicious, especially the sweet sauce. We also ordered: mac and cheese, collard greens, beans, corn bread, cole slaw and the cucumber salad. All of them were delicious and the mac and cheese and collards were stand-outs. I received compliments from every single guest, and several want to go to the restaurant now and try it out again. The catering order was super easy, and they carried my food out to my car. This will definitely be a go-to when I throw a party or just have friends come over! read more

An awesome BBQ joint with several options to make everyone happy. We ordered a few different items; brisket, chicken, and pork. All were delightful. Plus, the staff was great, especially Vinnie. He provided great suggestions and answered all our questions. We'll be back again soon. read more

Food was great. Brisket and Chicken was my favorite. Pork was a bit dry without sauce. I did like that they had white BBQ sauce

Wow, this place is great...had the St Louis style ribs, practically fell of the bone, stick to your ribs-ribs!!!

What a nice place! I have been going to Mookies since they opened. I have NEVER had a meal or received service less than outstanding. Servers know your name and treat you so nicely. It's the best BBQ ever. This place is very clean situated near a small stream. Huge windows in the bar it's not dark and dank like the Brogue. Service is always first class, portions fair, just a lovely place! read more

This is great BBQ at a reasonable price. We really liked the pulled pork, baked beans and the macaroni and cheese. Andrew was our awesome waiter. He is the best. I'm only in town for 6 weeks but I intend to visit here often. read more

We love this place! The service is friendly and the BBQ is amazing! I always get the burnt ends platter or sandwich. The mac and cheese is made with real cheese and soft macaroni. If you are hungry, add a side of chili. This is one of the better BBQ joints in the area. If you go, get the burnt ends. read more

Mixed review after two visits, but promising. Pulled pork and pulled chicken were very good, but the brisket was dry and the burnt ends weren't. On future visits we'll also skip the ordinary sausage and French fries. We like the other sides that we've tried. Mac & cheese was very good with a nice crusty top and the cucumber salad and coleslaw were fine. Best of the sides were the onion rings! On take-outs orders, remember to ask for sauces. They are happy to provide, but don't ask if you want them. The bar has several interesting beers on tap, but so far ignores the growing roster of local distilleries -Copper Fox, Green Hat, Catoctin, etc. Stock them and we'll have a cocktail before dinner and a beer with. read more

Finally, a family restaurant worth going to in Great Falls! The wait staff is informative and friendly and their food is fabulous. Best BBQ I have ever had- definitely using them for catering on my next event. I have eaten there weekly since they have opened and have not had a bad experience. They get better and better with each visit! read more

We contracted with Big Mooks to cater our sons wedding reception this past weekend for nearly 200 guests. What a fantastic decision!!! I don't say this lightly. They called the day before just to check in and ease our minds. When we arrived at the reception it was clear they had been there working. We had not mentioned where to set up the appetizers but they had them ready and in a perfect location. They checked right away with us but really they would not have needed to as they really know what they are doing!! The appetizers were plenty for our crowd: fresh, tasty and appealing. We served a two sided buffet line. The caterers did an excellent job!!! There was never a single moment when there was not fresh, hot food on the table. They were incredibly efficient and polite. Mostly, however they were ALL so nice!!! They really wanted to make this the most special day for all of us. Every one of the crew smiled, hustled-they were just great!!!! The crew not only served but saw what needed to be done and went ahead and did it!!! Steve checked with us if there was ever a question but really, he was always on top of everything that they could provide a wonderful day for us. We served pulled pork nachos for a later snack. Despite an oven issue (which I didn't even know about!) (how's that for taking care of glitches?) they were ready when we asked. They stayed extra, did more than we asked, and made it a super special day!!! Now to the food: OMG what great food!!! We had pulled pork, pulled chicken, BBQ beans,Mac n cheese, coleslaw, rolls and bread. All the sauces. Delicious food!!!! Every item was so good!!! There were only compliments from our guests!!! They loved it!!! More than enough food, always the right temperature, we really could not find a criticism if we wanted. At the end any food was packaged for us to take home. This may sound stupid but I'm sure we don't even know all that they did because they just got the job done. You cannot go wrong with service, value, and great food with Mookies!!!! Thank you gang!!!! A very happy mother of he groom read more

This was my first time eating at Mookies BBQ! The service was great and the food was amazing! I highly recommend the nachos and Pitmaster salad! So good! I'll definitely be back! read more

Mookie's BBQ/Big Mook's BBQ - Catering - Pitmaster Salad -iceberg and romaine lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, pulled pork, burnt ends, and French fries - Caterers Near Me - Great Falls, Virginia

We rented space for a party of 60 and Mookie's did an amazing job!!! The service was great, the presentation was perfect and the food was incredible! I would highly recommend Mookie's for any catering services! read more

Good atmosphere, good food, great addition to the area. The place is casual and fun w good comfort food. My husband loved the ribs, I loved the smoked turkey and Mac n cheese and onion rings. Their selection of bbq sauces were awesome too. We'll be back! read more

I only found out about this place a couple of weeks ago and had been looking forward to some great BBQ since then. I went for the first time tonight and got a pulled pork platter to go. The beans were good, the coleslaw was ok, but the pulled pork was dry and disappointing. Since there are not a lot of good BBQ options right here, I will probably give this place another try. But if the pork isn't significantly better next time, it will be my last. read more

Definitely some of the best BBQ in the northern VA area! Came here on a Sunday afternoon with my boyfriend and enjoyed the outdoor patio in the sunshine. We started with pulled pork nachos which were piled with pork, cheese and delicious scallions. It's a great appetizer to share, as even the small portion is large for two people. I had the pulled pork platter with cornbread, potato salad, and chili and would recommend them all. My boyfriend had the baby back ribs with collared greens, cornbread, and baked beans and loved it. Our favorite was the macaroni and cheese that we ordered as an extra side. It's made fresh with four types of cheeses and was topped with crunchy breadcrumbs to give some great texture. The atmosphere of the restaurant is friendly and inviting - a great place for both big and small groups! read more

Fabulous flavor and outstanding service. We had the brisket platter with added sausage...excellent! But as good as the meat was, the star of the show was the mac and cheese. YUMMY! read more

On Tuesday night Mookie's catered my corporate team's dinner for the third year in a row, and, for the third year in a row, did a really fantastic job. We had around 70 people and hosted it at the Great Falls Grange. Mookie's catering team are just wonderful to deal with, were familiar with the premises, and were a tremendous support to my assistant in organizing everything, and the food and set up was really wonderful. They are so efficient and kind and thoughtful, which really matters when you are dealing with a large group and organizing very large parties isn't your day job. We were so happy with the food and service, and everyone kept coming up to me the next day to tell me how terrific everything was. We had ordered pulled pork and pulled chicken, brisket and ribs along with potato salad, coleslaw, orzo salad, and green salad. There was also cornbread and dessert. Everything was terrific. Thanks very much Mookie's! We'll be back. read more