We brought some friends from Los Angeles here sans happened to be Happy Hour. What a great deal that is! The drinks were the best and the food was top tier. BBQ ribs 1lb Wings and Shrimp Tacos! Or servers were prompt with the orders and it gets busy there. It has been remodeled several years and what an improvement over the original place. It's rustic and very area appropriate. Very nice! Go... you won't be disappointed except for the wait but it's totally worth it. read more

I want to start by saying I am, and have been a long time customer of Reds. For probably almost 30 years. We love coming for the friends, atmosphere and the music. And used to also be because of the food. Sadly, the food is no longer an option. We have watched it decline heavily over the last couple of years. Especially in the last year. Breakfast as been a disappointment. The menu has shrunk significantly to the point we were even told that asking for our eggs scrambled was not possible. Strange. We ended our journey with their food options last night with a $45 NY Steak. It was tough to say the least. The baked potato was hard as a rock and the vegetable medly that was beneath it all was well, weird. Those that were with us also had a bad experience with the bistro steak and shrimp tacos. Steak was severely under cooked for the medium rare option that was asked for. The tacos were bizarre. Tortillas were ice cold and the shrimp tasted spoiled and off. Reds used to be our go to place for good food with what we though used to be fresh options. Now it would seem this is just another Sysco delivered pre made chain food option with cooks that just dont seem to cut it anymore. We will still continue to patronize Reds, but will no longer spend money on the food and after the experience last night, it would appear the other 5 people at our table feel the same. We hope they get it back together. It used to be great. read more

We love Poor Red's. We've been coming here since the 70's. Back then they were noted for ribs and chicken. The menu has expanded a great deal and they have enlarged the dining area. However the food is still very good. We actually go for their Golden Cadillac drink it fabulous! The bar area has not changed, still the same from the 70's. The service is excellent and friendly! We go back as often as possible!! read more

Poor Red's Bar-B-Q - Grasshopper also very good! - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, California

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Not our fist time here. But props are due. There is an old wood bar. Grabs golden Cadillac for nostalgia and a brain freeze. It's like a Frappuccino of Gallican and creme. The indoor dining room isn't huge, probably ten table tops? But thee is double that outside when the weather is nice. We did the frito pie. Nothing crazy. Too many Fritos per topping. Like frito chili nachos. The we split a pulled pork. The pork was a tad dry but the flavor was fantastic. We plopped in a little extra bbq sauce (also delish). Fries are also salty yummy. Server was busy. She was friendly. read more

Poor Red's Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, California

My husband and I recently moved to Placerville and we're looking for a fun date night to celebrate our anniversary. Poor Red's didn't disappoint! Great space with indoor and outdoor patio and a super fun bar where everyone was very friendly. We shared an appetizer of hot wings and a half rack of ribs. The dry rub on the wings with the sauce on the three sauces on the side is the way to go and the ribs were falloff the bone delicious with a perfect bbq glaze. We are looking forward to returning here often. P.s. our waitress was amazing, friendly and very helpful with our menu choices. read more

Poor Red's Bar-B-Q - Half rack ribs - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, California

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Came on a weekday with 27 other people for a midway lunch along the El Dorado trail. Our group called ahead even though they don't take reservations and we arrived with 2 large, long tables set up and waiting for us on the patio. It was a perfect day with umbrellas to shade us and a nice space off the street. Service was impeccable-food came out smoothly and timely for such a large group, and they kept our waters and drinks refilled without asking. Some partook in the classic Cadillac cocktail or beer. My pulled pork sandwich was tasty and I enjoyed the crisp onion string topping, but the toasted bun was a tad too brown; the fries were crispy excellent. Table mate enjoyed the bahn mi salad. Happy hour menu looks good so will come back to try that! read more

Poor Red's Bar-B-Q - Drink and happy hour menu looks - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, California

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i don't know how i haven't written a yelp review for poor red's before because it's been around for so many years and always consistently great! FOOD shrimp tacos were LOADED, so much to the point that shrimp was falling out of my taco they were so full. i feel like usually you're lucky if you get 2-3! they were also so flavorful -- the blackening spices were perfection. the chipotle aioli it comes with wasn't overwhelming. the cabbage slaw was the perfect crunch that just rounded it all out. the chicken and waffles were a touch then, it would've been nice to have them a little thicker. the waffles were fantastic with the old fashioned maple syrup! potatoes were hearty and flavorful.. YUM. SERVICE Alex was our server and took great care of us throughout our dining experience. he was attentive and answered our questions with professionalism! the staff are always friendly and you can tell they're all like a big family. PARKING plenty of parking across the street from the restaurant as well as some limited street parking. AMBIANCE just a true small town restaurant with decor to match. it's so cute inside and such a great vibe. lots of outside seating for the cooler days and summer nights! always such a great experience at poor reds! my only complaint is they're a pepsi restaurant and i'm a coke girly otherwise you won't regret enjoying your next meal here! read more

Poor Red's Bar-B-Q - chicken and waffles - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, California

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It has been a while since we visited this place - well before they remodeled, so it was great to come back and see how nice it looks now. We arrived just about 5 p.m. and snagged a nice table outside on the patio. Pretty soon it filled up so our timing was perfect. Paulina was our server and she did a great job. We were probably not really ready for dinner so I had an appetizer, our friends split a half-rack and my husband had dessert. They split the baked potato and the ribs for our friends and even brought them two separate salads in small bowls. I loved the ambiance and the vibe inside and out. I would have probably given it fives stars but my potato skins were pretty hard on the outside. The pulled pork and sauce was yummy though! I'd definitely come back and try more of the menu in the future. read more

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My husband had talked about this place for many years. This was my first time here. We sat outside in the heat but shaded, there were some spinning things to shoot away the flys. They have happy hour specials M-F 3-6pm. We made it just in time. Loaded Pork Fries - pulled pork in bbq sauce and cheese on top of fried potato, very hardy. Shrimp Lettuce Wraps - marinated big shrimps self assembled with lettuce, tasted healthy and yummy Wings in dry rub seasoning - I felt it was bland, wished it was more seasoned. Mule Punch - fruity but light on the ginger kick. The Gold Cadillac - signature drink served in 2 different glasses to commemorate the honeymoon couple, everyone must get this. read more

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Finally got to try this place after living here forever! Lol. My dad ordered 1/2 rack of the ribs and absolutely loved every bite of it. Lots of meat and very tender! Fall off the bone. 5++ stars for the ribs! Beer chili. - mom loved it! Lots of meat and bold! Wasn't boring! Spicy good chili flavors. 5+ on that! Pulled pork sandwich- tender pork and flavors awesome however not very much meat. Maybe 3-4 ounces? 1/4 cup. I saw others eating the same sandwich split and the meat was double what I got. Sad. Option for more meat please. I don't mind paying more for that. It's good! Service was nice but busy place so be patient and hang out. Lots of flies which was troubling but not sure how to get rid of that. Outdoor seating on a nice cool day is perfect!! read more

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We visited Pour Red for dinner and unfortunately had a very disappointing experience. Our food took nearly an hour to come out, even though several tables that were seated after us received their meals first. When our food finally arrived, the server/manager brought out my burger and my boyfriend's chicken plate, then said, "Want to hear a funny story?" They explained that they had dropped half of the chicken and were making more. After waiting even longer, the replacement chicken that came out was just a few small strips, which felt like a very poor attempt to make up for the mistake. Accidents happen, and we understand that. However, after such a long wait, we expected better communication and a more appropriate resolution. Instead, the meal felt incomplete, and there was little effort to compensate for the inconvenience. Overall, it was a disappointing and mediocre dining experience, and unfortunately not one we would choose to repeat. read more

Forgot to review this iconic apot for burgers! There is a patio for outdoor dining (with music on weekends, too). They feature a full service bar and have brunch items for weekend vibes. My dog Koko loved getting bits of burger when we'd visit, too. #kokoapproved read more

Poor Red's Bar-B-Q - Koko recommends the burger! - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, California

Came here for lunch on a Saturday to escape the valley fog. We sat on the elevated side of the bar. I had to order a Golden Cadillac, then I preceded to beers. My wife ordered the pulled pork sandwich, it is her go-to, and she enjoyed it. I ordered the flank steak, substituting fingerling potatoes (small upcharge) for fries. It was excellent. and the potatoes were vastly superior to the fries. The bartender and the patrons were very friendly. I believe that sitting at the bar, gives one the old school Poor Red's feel. read more

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Topic: Poor Reds BBQ Date: 5/25/25 Quality: 8/10 Value: 8/10 Service: 8/10 Timeliness: 7/10 Atmosphere: 8/10 Total: 39/50 Came in at 6pm, was $220 for 9 people (2 people shared an item) before tip: we were with family and I only got a few reviews noted. We were attending with an ex-employee who said their pulled pork and waffle dishes are his two favorites on the menu. They were out of potato skins FYI. Will be back without a doubt - with excitement regarding the remainder of their menu Brown Cow 3.5/5 Crisscrossed Fries 5/5 (Incredible! Crispy, salty, hot, couldn't be better) Cajun Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich 4.25/5 (pickles and jalapeño jelly are sweet - not so good, otherwise nice sandwich) Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwich 4.25/5 (barely spicy, bread is a low quality white loaf, flavor is pretty good) read more

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Bought ribs for take out and it was the worst $50 I've ever spent on food. Ribs were dried out and tasteless. Seemed like they were made a week ago. Will never waste my money on that horrible food again. Coleslaw was covered in paprika and was also inedible. Very very very disappointing! read more

Fast bites needed after a day of hard work! Poor Red's hit the spot perfectly. Pulled pork on waffle fries. We're leery of pulled pork overall but this was really tasty and prepared perfectly! The fries were fried crispy so after it was topped with pulled pork, the fries remained crispy!! What a wonderful dish! Thoughtfully prepared so we don't end up with soggy potatoes and meat. Definite flex PR The other entree we ordered were the wings. Our waitress recommended them and they were not only the meatiest wings we've had, but they were seasoned perfectly with dry rib that hit the spot. Not salty but full flavored. Nice to find a spot that isn't just seasoning heavy to sell drinks and ruin the evening. The chef and staff are making good food. Loved the ranch and the blue cheese was popular also. Will definitely return for tasty food. Wait staff was kind and not over bearing or hovering. Next time I'll remember to take pics, too hungry tonight. Still missing my local Purple Place... but my new favorite place is Red read more

Poor Red's Bar-B-Q - Basket fry, chicken wings - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, California

The place was packed and lively and clean. Everyone was friendly. My pulled pork sandwich was amazing and their signature bbq rocks. Chicken tenders wearisome For my kid. It was loud but i loved it!! read more

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We came on Sunday evening around 4:30pm. The restaurant was very crowded with loud music at the outdoor seating area. So, we went inside to be seated. We ordered right after seated but the service was disappointing. It took so long to get our food. We ordered an appetizer & an entree to share but both dishes came out at the same time after asking 2 different servers since we've been waiting so long. When our food came, the appetizer was cold. However, the food tasted delicious: well seasoned & perfectly cooked. - Chicken barbacoa fry basket: delicious (despite was delivered cold when we got it). The waffle fries were crunchy and well seasoned, The combination of spices and sour cream on the shredded chicken were amazing! They put generous amount of chicken. - Poor red's St. Louis ribs: the sauce was AMAZING! Tangy and sweet. The ribs were smokey, perfectly cooked and tender. The fries were still hot and crispy & well seasoned. read more

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We had a large group of 20 so my friend had pre arranged seating beforehand. I ordered the fried chicken sandwich. The chicken was moist and tasty and the fries were good (crispy on the outside, soft on the inside). My partner got ribs and they were tender and flavorful. Service was friendly and efficient. read more

Poor Red's Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, California

Hadn't been there since the change of ownership and remodel. We just went to the bar and enjoyed our Golden Cadillacs. Ambiance was great and Service even better! read more

Great food options and friendly service! I had the chicken Caesar and it was a fresh and plentiful salad!

Visited Poor Red's to try their happy hour special from 3 pm to 6 pm Wednesday' through Friday. Naturally, I had to try to Golden Cadillac and I'm glad I did. It was creamy, vibrant and chilly. Red's appears to specialize in blended ice cocktails. I also tried the Grasshopper which walks perfectly minty, creamy and sweet. For food I tried the flank steak sliders and the coleslaw. The coleslaw was notable with a touch of paprika on top that was different and a good contrast to the sweet drinks. The sliders could be better. They came out piping hot on a series of Hawaiian rolls. The steam from the meat dissolves the buns a bit so it was more of a knife and fork situation. The dried crispy onions were a nice touch. Excellent service from both bartenders and friendly conversation with the locals who frequent the bar. Overall, I'd highly recommend, especially fo the historical aspect. The building was constructed in the 1800s and originally served as a Wells Fargo weighing station before being converted to a bar. read more

Poor Red's Bar-B-Q - Reds sign - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, California

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Poor Reds has always been our "go to" place when with friends and family. We would readily comment that everything on the menu was good! Unfortunately, something has changed in the kitchen and noticebly different after our last 3 visits. Burgers appear to be frozen and possibly grilled over wood as advertised and DEFINATELY over- seasoned and salted. Still lack natural flavor, smoke and overcooked regardless of preferance . Also ribs are dry and reheated. I would not reccomend either entry! Something positive, service and golden cadilacs are good. Please get your kitchen in order and be great again read more

Great food nice people. I will definitely be going back. That was the first time there but the people we were with have been going for years read more

We went here on our second date and it was a great experience. The shrimp tacos are really good. And the bbq pork slider appetizer is big enough for a meal. I am sure we will be back! read more

It's my favorite restaurant /bar. Jesse is what makes this place so special. I go here at least once a week always meet lovely friendly people read more

This place was awesome, very cool atmosphere! My family and I were waited on by Lena T and she was just amazing. We went here last week and my family and I just couldn't stop talking about how amazing she was. This place was a 12/10 from the food and especially to the service. read more

This was our first time here yesterday for dinner: Came in yesterday with friends for dinner the food and the drinks were amazing. The service was awesome also and our waitress kept checking up on us also she was so nice and friendly and made sure we had a great time and everything. The restaurant and the bathrooms were very clean also. This won't be our last time here, we will be recommending this place to everyone we know. I got the shrimp lettuce wraps they were so fresh and tasted amazing. And my husband got the steak meal and said it was so good. read more

This would be one of my absolute favorite rural restaurants in California. The restaurant was clean and very inviting. The menu options are an excellent value for California standards from what I could see. The BBQ was fantastic; I was delighted with my meal no matter what I ordered! The servers were courteous and always efficient, happy, and polite. The BBQ ribs that I ordered were hot and delicious. Came within 7 to 10 minutes, which was okay with arrival timing. I can't wait to return and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for somewhere to eat in rural California. read more

Poor Red's Bar-B-Q - The local bbq spot!! - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, California

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I haven't been to Poor Reds in probably 15 years. They have improved a lot, but kept the original setting. Ordered BBQ pulled pork, shrimp lettuce wraps and BBQ chicken sandwich. Plus drinks. Server was great. Prices decent. Food good. Drinks very good. Worth a stop!! read more

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I had the Chili Frito Pie and Cinnamon Roll. Both were delicious. Sat outside. There was music but it wasn't so loud that you couldn't talk at a comfortable volume. Service was great. Dog friendly. read more

Poor Red's Bar-B-Q - Cinnamon Roll - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, California

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Came here for a drink after having pizza at Pizza Norcia. We were in town visiting friends and wanted a night cap before heading back home. It was Friday and it was crowded with locals, mostly bikers. We were really there bec we wanted to try their famous Cadillac cocktail. We ordered that and it was interesting. They poured it in two cups which was nice, kinda bogo on drink. It's chocolate liqueur that almost taste minty. Didn't finish it but at least I can say I got to try it. Also got to read the history of this drink and it was really cool Will comeback next time to try their food read more

Poor Red's Bar-B-Q - Cadillac cocktail - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, California

Had a great time at the bar on the way to Tahoe with the best Golden Cadillacs and wings! Can't wait to go back!

Went last Saturday night. When you put in an order and only serve food to two out of three patrons, the patron shouldn't have to go ask the runner for their food. We had to share our water between us as there was no check back. There was only one other table!! Shitty shitty service by Lena T! Total wing nut that should not be serving your patrons. read more

Atmosphere was fun and lively. Sat outside with fog and heat lamps and espresso martini which was made well, so nice in the holiday season. Bree was our server. She was very attentive, personable, and very nice. Our food was super good. We had blackened flank steak cooked perfectly, pulled pork sandwich, lettuce wraps, Mac and cheese. Everything was delicious. First time eating here and I'll be going back for sure. read more

Great food was very good, had the chicken wings with the dry rub. The beer was cold and smooth. I had the porter and my friend had the dirty blonde. The atmosphere is fantastic and historic. This is a must go to destination. Lots of good vibes. Will be returning soon with my wife. read more

Stopped in on the way home from Sonora for lunch. Small crowd & I sat at the bar. Bartender was friendly & reccomend the Roadhouse Steak sandwich. Ribeye end cuts,seasoned, flame roasted with arugula on a garlic toasted hoagie roll. Effing delicious. Upgraded to Mac and cheese side and it was good ,not the best I've had. Live music in the patio on summer afternoons. I will return to sample the rest of the menu. Cool place. read more

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Food is ok... solid 5/10. Ordered the ribs, Mac, and burger. What stood out the most was the side of fries....the best thing that they have here. Service is good. A lot of older folks here. Bathroom is big and nice as well. I wouldn't come eat here because the flavors are pretty mid and the meats are tough... who ever said this was fall off the bone was lying. read more

Wait staff are delightful and helpful. Food was delicious. This was our third visit and it never disappoints. The chilli is a must try! read more

This place was recommended to us to stop at on our way to Tahoe. The outdoor patio is very inviting and cute. We didn't see the inside since we sat outside. The service was pleasant and friendly. The food was good. We had the cajun chicken sandwich with fries and the full rack of ribs with Mac n cheese. The rack of ribs is a large portion for the $$. They were fall off the bone and good. Just a little too much bbq sauce for my liking. Mac was delicious and the sandwiched was just ok. The sandwich was room temperature and the fries were cold. We tried the gold Cadillac drink was awful. We took one drink and left it behind. When the server asked if we like it we said no. She said "it's a drink you either love or hate." Nothing over the top and probably won't go back. It was fun to stop in and give it a try. read more

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