This is a very generous 3 stars. For those who say this is the best BBQ you've ever tasted, you need to get out more. First, the place is filthy. There's all of 3 indoor tables and not one was clean. Heaven forbid someone steps out from behind the counter and wipes a table or empties the over flowing trash can. But let's get to the BBQ. Barely smoked. Little seasoning. No bark. Honestly, we couldn't tell the difference between the pulled pork, brisket or chicken. Yes, BBQ should be moist. But ours was served dripping in liquid. The best part of our meal was the green beans. The pork rib was meaty, but again, without any true smoke flavor. The sampler I ordered, with 1/4 pound of brisket, pork and a single rib was way overpriced at $20 without so much as a roll or side. My wife's pulled chicken taco was ok, but she wasn't sure it was chicken in the tortilla. The taco was simply 2 small corn tortillas with a bit of chicken and a speck of Cole slaw as a topping. For $8 we expected something more substantial. Oh, but there's more. Beer &. BBQ go hand in hand. But River Road, which only serves bottled or canned beverages, had a broken cooler. Warm beer. Full price. As there was another huge cooler with plenty of room, we couldn't understand why they didn't move the beer to the working cooler. I pass River Road BBQ several times a week and was hoping it would become a regular stop on my way home. But barely average food with below average value just won't give me a reason to stop again. read more

See all

So the other day I was craving BBQ. I had to work late and the places I normally go were closing. I stopped by and couldn't decide what to wanted. So I got the meat platter and a chicken sandwich. My food was delicious. It has been a long time since I had been there. The staff were friendly and respectful. I did carryout so I didn't stay inside to eat since they were nearing closing time. Super friendly service. It's just one of those places you gotta stop by and eat. They are local. I love supporting local and as a lover of BBQ they are top of my list. Go check them out. It's small but mighty. read more

Good BBQ served the right way with sauce on the side. Probably set up more for take out, but they do have a few tables and a good variety of bottled sodas if you would like to eat there. read more

River Road BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

While this place has potential I find it very limiting. The sides I feel like could have some better options. The green beans were very good and had great flavor and seasoning. The meat is okay, it gets dry and the sauce option is not my tempo. I prefer a thicker bbq sauce and this one was thin and didn't do much for the meat. Not a bad place to eat, but there is better BBQ in Louisville. read more

River Road BBQ - 50/50 Pork and Brisket Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Wish I could add on more stars. We've been coming here for years, and recently just ate here 2x in 2 days. We love this place and will not tolerate any slander against them. Best BBQ in the city I try to keep this place my hidden secret but they deserve the hype!! Doesn't matter what you order on the menu it's gonna be fire. You can tell they love doing what they do so go and support this small business!! Grab a beef brisket sandwich and go chill on the outdoor picnic tables. Take a visit to the water tower or Cox park right after, or head down the road to the walking bridge. Thank me later read more

I'd give them a zero if I could. Employee was on the phone the whole time we were there with my children. The language was offensive. Employee was constantly grabbing his crotch. And sweating all over himself. Tables were disgusting and covered in food. Bathrooms were no better. Trash was full. Food was bland and fresh out of a can. read more

For what you charge for a pulled pork sandwich, to have twice the bun ratio to your meat is just sad especially on Memorial Day. I feel as though I could have gotten a better deal at White Castle. May not be coming back, which is sad because your BBQ is great when you get what you pay for. read more

We were fortunate enough to nab one of the limited carry out Chef in a Box fundraising dinners to benefit the APRON organization -- WOW! Restaurant location was very easy to find on River Road and plenty of easy free parking. Building is low key and the smells of smoked meats was divine. Staff were all awesome. We got to meet an owner and she was friendly and helpful. We are very grateful that the business was kind enough to participate in this fundraising effort and were so generous. We had a sampler of smoked meats -- ribs, brisket, tips -- and incredible sides of baked beans, slaw, potato salad, and green beans. A side of sauce and a couple of buns were also provided. Two bourbon balls were also included -- yummy! This was advertised as a dinner for 2, but we easily stretched it out for up to 4 with so much food. Bonus of a chip clip magnet and a gift card for a a return visit was also included in the bag. Highlights were, of course, The Meats. Tender, smoked goodness. Green beans had pork, slaw was more of a vinegar type, baked beans were good standard, and my fave was the potato salad. We plan to return in the near future to repeat our faves and also try more menu items. read more

River Road BBQ - Special fundraising dinner for carry out Chef in a Box to benefit the APRON organization -- WOW! - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I experienced River Road BBQ as a catering order and based on the food, I plan to stop by the location with my family. BBQ seems like a personal, debatable topic and I find it's hard to please everyone. I enjoyed it! The pulled pork and brisket - and I never order brisket because I find it fatty. This was not. My friends warned me the chicken was spicy and I avoided that meat. We enjoyed the potato salad (hard to compete with my fav of Mark's Feedstore but I'd put it second), green beans and mac & cheese. The catering order also came with sauce and buns. Our group devoured most everything. Our order was delivered on time and set up quickly. Excited to see this is family owned and will support local! read more

We have passed by this barbecue multiple times going to seafood restaurants along River Road. Today was the day that even though we were filled to the gills, I wanted to stop in and just get a sample of the pork barbecue. I bought one pork barbecue sandwich And added extra meat for $1.25 more. What a bargain that is! I'm not a big fan of brisket and since it's more of a carryout place, I can easily pass on the sides. Without hesitation, I can say, this is absolutely the best pork barbecue I have ever tasted. Melt in your mouth, huge chunks, enough to put on three buns, not just one. I always lean toward a sweet, spicy type sauce, and this was absolutely perfect. Here is my amazing fact...I usually flood the sandwich with sauce. This barbecue did not even need one drop of sauce so much flavor, so tender, like a filet mignon, you don't need any more flavor or sauces. I look forward to the excuse of driving down there for more. I will definitely share this with my family and friends. The only thing that could be improved on is a full service restaurant in the East End. read more

Always a staple for me when I come to the area! Great prices and good portions. Really enjoy the fact that they keep things simple.

Here's a preface: I grew up in Memphis, you know, the (a) Mecca of pork bbq. So, in other words, I was spoiled early on. Anyway, onto River Road. This place has a big ole smoker out front that lures you in. There's no frills in this place, and that just adds to the bbq experience in my opinion. They only offer bottled drinks, a few sides, and a handful of meals. I got the pulled pork--it was kinda dry, and the sauce didn't wow me. I didn't dig the barbecue baked beans, they just seemed overcooked. The banana pudding was okay, but not as good as grandmas. I would go back just to try something different. Brisket? Maybe the ribs? The meat sampler? People seemed to like the potato salad. Anyway, decent prices,decent food, nice staff. Worth a shot, for sure. read more

Food and service were absolutely wonderful! You must order the brisket and baked beans and potato salad. Lovely family run establishment that everyone should support. Definitely check it out when you're in the area. Don't miss out! read more

River Road BBQ - Brisket sandwich, baked beans, and potato salad - amazing value and so tasty! - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

We moved to the Louisville area almost exactly a year ago and after trying a few different places decided River Road BBQ definitely is the best around. We're so glad they've reopened after the floods. The food is really great and their prices very reasonable for the quality of food you're getting. Definitely recommend trying them! read more

Tried River Road BBQ for the first time the other day and was completely blown away. From the outside, it's pretty unassuming--but don't let that fool you. This place serves up some of the best BBQ I've ever had. Both the pulled pork and the chicken were absolutely delicious--tender, flavorful, and made with impressively lean cuts of meat. You can tell they care about quality. The staff was super friendly and welcoming, and we even had a great chat with the owner, who happened to be sitting nearby. It's rare to find a place that nails the food and makes you feel like part of the family. Highly recommend checking it out if you haven't already! read more

Never been so happy to eat from styrofoam containers with plastic cutlery in my life! Finally stopped by River Road BBQ on this gorgeous weather day with Dwayne. Wow! Absolutely everything we ordered was fabulous! Falling apart tender brisket, and equally moist and flavorful pulled pork, and tender meaty ribs. I'm so picky on potato salad that I haven't ordered it anywhere in decades but tried theirs today and it definitely hit the mark! We went in 'not very hungry, let's just try something & sit out enjoying the weather' to ordering a good variety and eating a much bigger lunch than anticipated! Definitely one to return to... soon! Sampled the sauce too and it was delicious. Perfectly seasoned meats. Yum! read more

See all

I bought the sampler and I was very disappointed. The food wasn't hot,good, and brisket tasted like roast beef. Will not be back.

River road bbq is very small take out/patio done bbq eatery located off river road in the Louisville area near the Ohio river. Me and the family stopped in Here for lunch the other day while checking out the river front area parks and monuments the other day. We walked inside and placed our order and found a picnic Table outside that was in a ice shaded area. I personally ordered a pulled pork sandwich. It was pretty tasty. The sauce while not bad by any means was a different type of flavor then I was expecting so that was a bit of a surprise. More sweet. My wife also got a pulled pork with two sides though. She got baked beans which we both agreed was great and Cole slaw which she said was pretty good. My younger daughters got Mac and cheese and had mix reactions. One loved them and thought were amazing the other was "meh" on them. My oldest daughter got a chicken sandwich but I think she got room in sun. She said her stomach was hurting and didn't want to eat it. I think she blamed the sandwich. Tj it was the heat. My wife ate it for lunch the next day and liked it. My biggest knock is they don't have fountain drinks. 20 ounce bottles only. On food like bbq it would be nice to have refills at a fountain even if you don't really have an indoor seating area. I get not having it. But it would be a nice addition. Overall cool place that I was shocked to hear has been here for ten years. I thought it was newer. Food is moderately priced and is pretty good. I enjoy the outdoor smokers setup and patio is a cool place as long as it's good weather or if you can grab a picnic table In the shade like we did. read more

See all

Wanted something quick for dinner, that was NOT fast food. This little hidden gem was amazing. Only got the pulled pork but OMG, delicious!! Will be back to try the brisket read more

Best in town...I've had everything but the chicken and it has been awesome!!! Don't pass by because of the construction, rather support them by making it a point to go!! Really good food! read more

Stopped in to RR BBQ for dinner last week. Long of the short, I would avoid at all cost. I ordered the brisket sandwich, my wife ordered the pulled pork tacos, which each got one side and a bottle of soda...came out to over $40!!!! We open the food and the brisket sandwich had one 6" x 3" piece of brisket and my wife had a SINGLE taco that was about 2" x 4". Incredibly small portions particularly for the cost. To make matters worse it was by far the worst BBQ either of us had ever eaten...zero flavor, absolutely nada, had my wife try mine to just make sure it wasn't my taste buds...her immediate response was...it's like I'm just eating roast beef. Louisville is full of quite a few great BBQ places...stop there and avoid River Rd at all cost. read more

After flooding from April, River Road BBQ has reopened their doors! The food is even more amazing! The staff are super friendly! Very relaxed atmosphere! read more

In town for a job from about an hour and a half away. Passed this place on the way to a job site and said we have to try it on our way out. I'm so glad we did. The food was probably some of the best bbq I've ever had. The brisket and chicken were . Every time I come into Louisville I will be back! Customer service was outstanding as well! read more

I had the brisket sandwich, baked beans, chips, and a drink very very juicy brisket. They could use a little bit better barbecue sauce baked beans with meat. I'll be back to this place. read more

River Road BBQ - Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

The food is hands down some of the best BBQ i've tasted! Their portion sizes are adequately priced also! But the most memorable was the staff! They make you feel right at home from the time you walk in till the time you walk out whether you choose to dine in or carry out. And that patio of theirs creates the perfect evening environment! read more

Great food and after being flooded they are coming back strong. Good service every time

Didn't order from them. They are a little high on the prices for their food. I can't afford it. I am sure the restaurant is very nice 0

This was our first and last visit. We ordered two brisket sandwiches, bag of chips and side of beans...it came to $55.85!!!!!! My husband was ticked off when he saw what the sandwiches amounted to, which wasn't much, and they didn't care. read more

Pretty standard bbq. Sides were underwhelming. One sauce was good. Was hoping for better

Honestly, not the best I've had. The measure of a BBQ place is brisket for me and this brisket I got was nearly dry. I slathered the sauce on to make it a redeemable sandwich. I got a side of potato salad, which was excellent, and a bottled drink. This was $21. Are you out of your minds? Not much food. The high cost was a turn off and the brisket quality isn't good enough to make up the difference for me. read more

Two days in a row they didn't have bbq. This place is trash. I went out of my way to come here. Don't bother. They don't have good management or employees. read more

River Road BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Solid stop along a stretch of River Road. Tried the brisket tacos, which were 60:40 slaw to brisket ratio. Good crunch and brisket was OK. Probably would have been better if BBQ had been fresh. In the past have enjoyed the pulled pork sandos and beans sides. A really good option on a nice day if you want to picnic at one of the parks on Rover Road. read more

Perfect bbq So even though they have a coupon here on yelp they will not accept it But seriously not a single complaint Staff is friendly food is amazing I had to meet sampler platter my favorite would be the ribs and the brisket off from the chart read more

See all

Huge portions of pulled BBQ served with no sides, sides are 3.00 each and not really big sides and just okay. Not sure how to explain the sauce it was soaked in, just a hint of spice and the meat was warm. You must take it to go and if you eat at a picnic table, the bees will swarm the food. The bees loved it more than me. They do serve beer and have other options for BBQ eating. read more

River Road BBQ - Exterior...outside tables only - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Just visited and was hopeful to use them for a party. Took home a pound of brisket to try. Absolutely the worst bbq brisket. It was very over cooked and tasteless. Can't believe anyone would come Back for more. You are getting day old brisket held in warming trays for 15-20 hours. read more

Delicious bbq. We stopped on our way through & had brisket taco, pork taco, brisket sandwich, beans, ribs, potato salad, derby balls, derby pie bar & pudding. The potato salad was red potatoes, mayo, onion & I think I tasted the egg but didn't see it. So good. The baked beans had smoked pork and again was superb. The staff were nice and efficient, the bathroom clean. There was table space inside and out. If we were closer to being home I would have bought pints of meat to take home. read more

Three and a half stars rounded up to four. We stopped at River Road BBQ on a spur of the moment totally unplanned lunch. We had errands in the east end and on the way home I remembered River Road BBQ is right off the Zorn Ave exit. We've talked about stopping there for lunch for quite a while. My wife ordered the pulled pork sandwich with a Cole Slaw side. She loved the pork sandwich. I took a sample of her pork and it was very tasty. The Cole Slaw was not what she expected. It's not what most people would consider a traditional Cole Slaw. She actually liked it. I tried it and thought it was pretty good too. The Cole Slaw is more of a rough cut salad with a sweet and sour vinegar dressing. We liked it. I had the brisket sandwich with a side of baked beans. The brisket was moist and tender. Unfortunately I didn't taste hardly any smoke flavor at all. The meat's flavor was unimpressive, but it was fork tender. Pretty much the same with the baked beans. The beans had strands of pork throughout and when I looked at it I thought it was going to be good. However, it was still was pretty bland. Also I wish they had choices of BBQ sauce. Neither of us were too crazy about their "stock" BBQ sauce. read more

we are from out of town and saw this on the way to our airbnb. was greeted by smiling faces, very friendly atmosphere. the food was AMAZING!! we had ribs, pulled pork, chopped chicken, coleslaw, green beans, and potato salad. no complaints on any of it. and the sauce is delicious. highly recommend!! read more

I happened to pass this place on a job. I am glad I stopped in. The bbq has a great smoke flavor. The bbq sauce is a nice touch. Not your average thicker sauce. It's light, thin & really made the sandwich I had. Their baked beans are unlike any I've ever had. The beans are very unique & I suggest you try them to see for yourself. It almost has a northern chili vibe to it. I will definitely go back and try their pork tacos when I'm in the area. The slaw was light & crisp with a vinegar base. They also have plenty of drinks to choose from. The guys there were friendly and happy to help. Good job River Road Bbq read more

River Road BBQ - Beautiful day. They have the smokers going :) - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

This is MY FAVORITE place to eat barbecued meats! Their brisket and pork are to die for! This is a constant request by my children so it is a family favorite read more

River Road BBQ - Always delicious - Barbeque Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky