The BBQ here was okay, but nothing special. The BBQ sauces were all vinegar based which seems to be the norm in SC. It's not bad, but it overwhelms the smoked-BBQ flavor. I had the chopped BBQ with kielbasa. Due to an error on the server's part, I got to sample the ribs as well. The ribs were a little overcooked but for the most part tender and fairly juicy. The chopped BBQ (pork) was good but loaded in the sauce. The kielbasa was flavored well and definitely the best part of the trio. The baked beans side was great and pretty much worth the trip alone. I tried the BBQ slaw and wasn't impressed. I guess it is an acquired taste. They basically replace the mayo in coleslaw with tomato sauce and mince the cabbage. The waiter recommended avoiding the regular coleslaw which was appreciated advice but somewhat alarming. The inside was decorated like a chain restaurant but the service was good and the meals were affordable. Given the alternatives in the area this seems like one of the best options.
(2)
Steve S.
The combo platter was good. Hushpuppies are just weird. Must be a southern thing. I ate at the bar, didn't realized they still smoked in restaurants here. The bartender recommended against the vinegary sauce and suggested I go with the rib sauce. I agree. The drinks were poured well!
(3)
Matt T.
Got the rib plate and chicken wings. Ribs tasty, not exactly "fall off the bone" but I like them with a little firm texture and not dried out. Nice smoked flavor. Wings were good for a non "wing" place. BBQ slaw was weird, tastes like applesauce. Potato salad was bland, needed salt and pepper. Tried my girlfriend's chopped BBQ, was great with the table sauce. Servers were friendly. Would eat there again especially since Gaffney SC is terrible for restaurant options.
(3)
Christine F.
Second time we'd stopped at Daddy Joe's BBQ - and this time was every bit as good as the first time! Very good BBQ, good sweet tea - the fries are nothing special, but you have your choice of other sides instead. Sandwiches come with a small side of their BBQ Slaw, which I didn't care for - but I'm sure that some people would. Service is very fast, attentive & friendly. Can get very busy, though!! This time we stopped about 11:30 and by noon, there was a line waiting for tables.
(5)
Will B.
Had special. BBQ with slaw sandwich and potato soup. BBQ was very good but the potato soup was awesome! Service was top notch. Never wanted for anything. Thanks Miranda!
(4)
Laila N.
Service was great. Portions were decent. I wished they gave more ribs tho. Party of four and we got all different combo plates. I would say their ribs were the best followed by the wings. The pork was way too dried and chicken was plain. This place had the worst bbq sauces I've ever tasted. But whatever they do and put on the ribs is amazing. Would only go back for ribs...
(3)
Lauren P.
Oh...my...goodness! We found amazing fried seafood just off of I-85. Daddy Joe's spanks all the other restaurants in Gaffney with its awesome menu and fantastic service. My husband and I were traveling from Atlanta to Charlotte over the holidays. While driving, my mom called and suggested we stop for lunch this great seafood place in Southern Living. After using the Yelp app we were lead to Daddy Joe's. The sweet tea is a paradigm of delicious nectar, and our kind server was constantly refilling our drinks. While waiting on our food we were able to take in the ambiance of the place with its graffiti walls, mounted moose head and other paraphernalia. It's the kind of kitsch places like Zaxby's and T.G.I. Friday's mimic but only at places like Daddy Joe's can you find the authentic pizzazz. Our food came out in less than 10 minutes. My beach plate of fresh shrimp was fantastic. It was hard not to clean my plate, but damn did I try! Those little crispy fried pieces of goodness were excellent. With tax and tip we got out of there for about $25, which is a bit pricey for road trip food but totally worth it. We'll be back to see Daddy Joe the next time we're in the Carolinas.
(5)
Kathleen R.
I stopped here on a road trip from NYC to GA and coming in I was really thinking the food was going to be bland and nasty. The restaurant is filled, wall to wall, with collector items. The customers seemed to be regulars because the waiters and waitresses were extremely friendly. The food was great though and the proportions are huge. I had only gotten a appetizer and that had looked like a full meal. The only con is it is not a non-smoking environment. The bar was close to our table and I am assuming you could smoke at the bar. If I ever pass by again I would prob. stop for some take-out (just because of the smoking) but this place is great!
(4)
Amy R.
I am not quite sure what Southern Living saw in this place. It was an average experience- not terrible, not fantastic.
(3)
Linda D.
Traveling to Atlanta, GA and stopped here en-route. We ordered the ribs and shrimp and the food was amazing. Everything was excellent from the greeting at the door to on our way out the door. A lot of food for a small price. Each meal was only $11.95 and we had more than enough on our plates. The ribs were falling off the bone and the shrimp was simply delicious. The entire menu looked so good, I could have ordered a second meal if I only had room to digest it. Briana did a great job and explaining the menu and we never had to wait for anything. This is a place I will put on my "Places to eat here list" Best place hands down for BBQ if you are in the area.
(5)
Andrew D.
I was here on a Monday night and there was some kind of Monday night special menu, cheap food. There's this table of grannies, 16 of them (I counted), who come every Monday night - don't let them scare you away, they were cool, they seemed to party. **It's RIGHT off I-85 **The food is decent and not too expensive. **free Ms. Pac Man.
(4)
Alex H.
Good local flavor. The sauce on the table is a spicy vinegar sauce. The meat was great but the sides ranged from adequate to disappointing. The ribs were rubbed and then finished with a light sauce. The chopped pork was everything I could want it to be. My wife's chicken was awesomely perfectly seasoned and fried. The hush puppies were good, even if shaped unusually. I wonder if the elongated shape allows better frying that the traditional sphere. The slaw was ok. Mayonnaise-y with unusual spicing. The BBQ slaw was just weird. It was like cabbagey cocktail sauce. The beans were good but unremarkable. Although they had no banana pudding, the blackberry cobbler was almost awesome enough to allow me to forgive that oversight.
(4)
Joe R.
Worst BBQ I have Ever had. Food was cold, soggy bun, the "BBQ sauce" tasted as if it was straight vinegar. Staff was friendly, but don't be fooled by the other reviews.
(1)
Jeff B.
This was great BBQ for a great price. $8-12 meals, and it's fantastic food. The kielbasa was by far the best kielbasa I've ever eaten. BBQ pork was pretty amazing too. And cheap beer to boot. Highly recommend this place!
(5)
Mark C.
I enjoyed Daddy Joe's for a quick lunch on my drive back from Charlotte to the Spartanburg Airport. Advertising on the highway was effective, as I stopped. I first tried to make a side trip to Shelby based on a Yelp tip, but the BBQ restaurant there was closed at noon on Tuesday (must have been having lunch with Sheryl Crow somewhere). Daddy Joe's had great ribs, although they came pre-sauced, which is not how I think of St. Louis style ribs. It did not take away from the flavor, I just would not have sauced it, as the meat stood alone. I also had the chopped pork, and it was some of the best I have had, although I am not a huge chopped pork fan as it always seems too dry without alot of sauce. The sauce itself was a sweet vinegar based sauce and was delicious. I opted for double cole slaw and although it was different, with maybe a hint of mint or something, it was good.
(5)
Joe C.
Excellent BBQ, but my favorite is the Chicken Sandwich. Thanks, I will be back.
(5)
Lisa K.
We were starving so we ordered the beer battered onion rings which were cooked right but nothing special about it. I actually got the prime rib sandwich and it was decent. But the people that got the bbq didn't like theirs as much. Probably just because it is a different style of bbq then the Lexington, NC bbq that they were use to or like. The staff is extremely nice and very tentative to the customers. The place has a bar that includes a smoking section which is not too far away from where my family (with kids) were sitting. So that was my negative of the restaurant.
(3)
Melissa H.
Service was friendly and fast. They have a decent beer selection for an average BBQ joint. I really enjoyed my seasoned chicken tenders, but the pulled pork was merely adequate, as were the sides (baked beans and cole slaw with an unusual mint flavor). Dessert was good.
(3)
Cindy G.
6pm on a friday this is a family place. Really tender bbq pork sandwich. Hush puppies too doughy/heavy. Bbq sauce a nice mix of vinegar and tomato. Really inexpensive-$12 for two sandwich plates with sides. Skip the odd slaw made with bbq sauce.
(4)
Scot E.
This was the first restaurant I ate at once I got into town. The people were amazing and talked to me for twenty minutes about the area. The pulled pork was very good and the spicy sauce they had on the table was amazing. The baked beans were the best I have ever had. Between the food, people and cold beer this place is a favorite!!!
(4)
Danielle B.
My husband and I ate here tonight (a Friday night) and it was plenty busy. Even though we had to park across the street (there were many people there at 7:45pm), we were still seated immediately. The bbq pork sandwiches and service were good. The staff was definitely working as a team, as we had multiple people offering to clear our dirty plates, refill our drinks, et cetera. We had the jalepeno cheddar hushpuppy appetizer, which was pretty addictive. The prices were very good. One thing I didn't like is that there is smoking at the bar, but I didn't notice it much where we were sitting. I think it's a step up from other bbq places that are local to where I live, about 20 minutes away in NC. I would eat here again.
(4)
J H.
If you enjoy bar b q, fresh squeezed lemonade, and home made sides served with southern hospitality, you will enjoy this place. My daughter had a burrito filled with beans and pork topped with traditional toppings. It was enough food for two people! Husband had a combo platter of ribs and pulled pork that he really enjoyed. I had a platter of tender fried shrimp. As a previous reviewer mentioned - there's not a lot of healthy options but who goes for bar b q with the intention of eating healthy? If, however, you want yummy BBQ - make a stop here.
(5)
Sherry U.
Delivers quality food with warm and friendly southern hospitality. Everything we had was great. Shack house chips - uniformly crispy. Prime Rib Sandwich - hidden gem - real prime rib smoked and sliced. Combo - BBQ pork and calabash chicken - right amount of sauce on pork, chicken breaded just right and served hot. Sides - BBQ slaw (real Lexington style) ; slaw (fresh with a hint of mint) ; beans (just right). Hush puppies - crunchy outside and soft inside. Great unsweetened tea. Peach cobbler - served hot with big scoop of ice cream - yummy !!!!!! Bonus: we were traveling back from a road trip with our little dog. Allowed us on the uncovered patio (has umbrellas), brought water for our pup and were sweet as can be to him.
(5)
Cheryl E.
What a great find! Traveling through to Atlanta and stopped for lunch, great food, great prices, great service, treat yourself and stop here.
(5)
Josh C.
Best. BBQ. Love Lexington style bbq and they do it perfectly. Got the combo platter and everything was great. Sausage was my favorite
(5)
Gary A.
Second time here when getting my RV chassis serviced up the road at Freightliner. Nice ambience, outside dining porch, friendly and very attentive service. I'd give the slaw and baked beans a solid B and the BBQ pork and hush puppies an A. I'll be back again next year -- and maybe tomorrow.
(4)
Tracey H.
This is one of the best places in the area! Great food, service and atmosphere. The BBQ is amazing and their hush puppies are the best. We try to go to Daddy Joes at a few times a month, we love it. They cater and have live music some nights. One of my fave things is they have a different homemade soup of the day...their tortilla soup is one of the best I've ever had!! Its just a great all round place.
(5)
Laura J.
Great local business, good food. I agree with some of the other reviewers that there seemed to be a ton of regulars and that everyone was extremely friendly. I had smoked chicken salad and it was delicious. Not fancy but very full of flavor. I wouldn't have thought that the smoky flavor would have added so much flavor. I'd love to be able to go back and try some of the other things on the menu.
(4)
Lisa A.
Sat outside and watched while two other parties were waited on & we were totally ignored. The two other parties were seated well after us. Can't comment on the food because we didn't stay!
(1)
Jay S.
Trying to figure out if there is a way to give 4 stars but I can't. Found this using the South Carolina BBQ Trail map while heading back to ATL. Pork and Kielbasa combo, slaw, fries, included hush puppies with half and half tea. Everything was great. Kielbasa was grilled with additional salt that really popped the flavor. Pork was cooked just right, not too much sauce. About to forget to mention that the service was great as well. All the folks were Southern friendly. This will probably be a regular stop since it's not too far off the interstate.
(5)
Peter M.
Daddy Joe's has a lot going for them: ideal location, ample seating, friendly staff, reasonable prices, and large portions. I dinged them two stars for food quality and taste. Where's the smoke? I've been eating BBQ all over the Southeast for years and those who get it right know low-n-slow. Ribs were just done but no smoke ring while the wings were tiny and dried out quickly on my plate. I liked their sauce which Is spicy and not very sweet. If they want to hang with the big boys they gotta up their game. They're not Sonny's, but dang they're close. (Sonny's is to BBQ like Arby's is to roast beef, IMO). FYI; It would be nice if they offered simply meat plates without all the sides at a reduced price. I hate having to order sides just to toss them in the trash since I rarely eat them.
(3)
Cyd P.
Awesome food and service. We were traveling and stumbled on this gem. The Bbq was delicious and the shack chips were fabulous!!! Didn't know cheesy chips like this existed... Grilled zucchini and tomatoes were a excellent healthy side. Wow And don't forget the hard cider.....
(5)
Dalin M.
Really, truly mediocre in every way. Pork is colorless, flavorless, and textureless. "pulled chicken" is actually just oven roasted, not bbq or even Rotisserie. Again, completely flavorless. Bbq sauce is watery and bland. Sides are boring and bland. Service is fine, but generic and bland. Seeing the pattern here? Nothing is downright bad, but it's all disappointing
(2)
Kevin F.
This meal kicked off the family trip down to Florida. The first thing that surprised me was the price. Compared to NC this place was cheap and they didn't skimp with portions. We ordered the rib and shrimp platter as well as the fried chicken and bbq. Everything was really good and the nachos were amazing. Home made chips with cheese and a lot of other globby goodness. The decor inside is really fun and actually reminded me of a Joe's Crab Shack. The service was terrific and this place will be a definite stop if we head back this away again.
(4)
Chris S.
How Southern Living magazine ever raved about this place blows my mind, unlike the food. This is your genuine tourist trap with a great marketing plan and below average food. This is the BBQ equivalent of Joe's Crab Shack or the McDonald's equivalent of a hamburger. Plain and simple, if you like the McRib you'll love Daddy Joe's. Meanwhile, if you value quality, top-notch BBQ, and you've been to any one of these locations: Pompous Pig in Anderson, Smokin Pig in Pendleton, Macs Speed Shop in Greenville or Luella's in Asheville, do yourself a favor and don't walk through these doors. Daddy Joe's is the Sonny's BBQ Pit of BBQ, possibly a bit better than that. On a positive note, the staff is very friendly, the sweet tea is sweet and hot sauce on the table: it's hot. The food, however, left a lot to be desired. We knew it would be below average, but it feel far beneath our minimum expectations. And, before you question us as food snobs, we eat at Zaxby's, Bojangles, Cook Out, etc. We aren't high end folks. Meanwhile, pork ribs shouldn't have more fat that mean, chicken shouldn't taste like it was boiled like whole potatoes and then covered in bland BBQ sauce and the pulled pork should have some flavor, at least some taste. Neither the chicken or the pork had any flavor, not a hint of smoke to prove that it was even cooked on a pit. Let's talk about the sides. The french fries, or whatever fancy name they give them, tasted like they Ore-Ida made them and they were heated up on site. I think they bought these from Costco. The hush puppies weren't bad, if you like store bought mix. I'm not sure anything is made from scratch. And, my salad that read fresh, crisp greens on the menu only contained iceberg lettuce. If you're a fan of true Carolina BBQ or any quality cooked meat, put Daddy Joe's on the bottom of your list. While they do provide large portions, few little of it is edible. We took a few bites, paid for our meal and went somewhere else to eat. It was that great.
(2)
Mike P.
I know this is a local favorite and the place is full for dinner or lunch. Maybe we got there in an off night but the BBQ pulled pork and chicken were only so-so. Port was dried out and chick was pulled with some BBQ sauce poured on. Just not great food. Service was good and place is nice.
(3)
Brian E.
Awesome Barbecue at a Fair Price! Looking for delicious lunch or dinner at a fair price in Gaffney? Look no further, you are there! With lots of different options at pretty decent portions, you will be more than satisfied! I have had the ribs, pulled pork, even the BBQ salad! All were good so you can't go wrong! We even have this place cater our lunches at work and it is always a hit with the out of towners. Do yourself a favor and hit this place up the next time you are in Gaffney!
(5)
Anonymous A.
The food is good and the service is ok. Don't go on Thursday's if you want a quiet meal. The horrendous live music selection is blaring loud no matter where you set in the restaurant..
(2)
Deneen S.
Really we went with an open mind and growling bellies .... But it just wasn't very appetizing. Yes we know not all BBQ the same and full disclosure we are from Texas. The meat was cold and too saucy. We don't mind the vinegar. Heck we make that ourselves. There was just no flavor to the meat. The sides were equally unimpressive. I left most of my platter on the platter. That NEVER happens. We got lured in by the billboards on our way down 85. Don't fall for it. Even though all the locals seem to love it. On positive note the waitstaff is sweet! If you're from Texas keep driving!
(1)
Debbie S.
Wtf wtf wtf was that can't believe that was bbq and I found a roach bug in my combo plate. I was sick to my stomach cause probably ate a roach or two.
(1)
Kyle D.
First time here, service was very friendly and the food was great and very filling. I would recommend the "Shag's Burrito" it was a large portion and I ordered it with a side of fries and finished the meal off with blackberry cobbler with a heap of ice cream on top... Would definitely come back for 2nds
(5)
Drew M.
Saw the billboard, checked yelp, had to make the stop on my way through town. This BBQ is top notch! The pulled pork has just the right amount of smokiness, a great vinegar BBQ sauce and is super tender. The ribs are meaty and easily pull off the bone. The wood (hickory?) smoke flavor is very prominent, but not over powering. The baked bean and hush puppy sides are just as pleasing, but don't eat too many, the WILL fill your belly. This will be a regular stop on my way through the area.
(5)
Meg S.
No vegetarian options to speak of. The food isn't healthy/ no healthy options. It's typically loud. A good place for the Gaffney clique, but not otherwise.
(2)
Jennifer T.
A word of warning to vegetarians and vegans: DO NOT GO TO DADDY JOE'S! Animals are martyred for the pleasure of meat-a-tarians everywhere! Also, there is smoking permitted in the bar, but don't let that deter you from eating there! i only smelled it when I went to the restroom. We ended up seated by the wood and plexiglass partition between the bar and dining area and I never noticed the odor while eating. We stopped in Gaffney and decided we wanted something outside our normal travel fare (sorry, Cracker Barrel). Daddy Joe's was the only local establishment our hotel clerk mentioned. We were told it would be about a 30-minute wait but were seated in about 15. Our server appeared promptly at our table and we got our waters first. The prices were good on draft beer and other goodies so hubby ordered a local dark ale and I had a hard cider. He had the pulled pork and calabash chicken with hush puppies, baked beens and potato salad (bland; salt and a few shakes of Tabasco perked it right up for him). I initially ordered rotisserie turkey but the server returned and was quite embarrassed to tell me that they had just run out. She recommended the grilled chicken breast, which did not disappoint. The grilled half of tomato was seasoned nicely but could have been warmer. The grilled zucchini was excellent, seasoned with dry ranch dressing mix (!). I had a taste of hubby's pulled pork and suffered a case of food envy! Moist, tender meat. A great experience--good food, friendly staff--and definite repeat next time we pass through Gaffney!
(4)
Candace C.
Stopped here on the road from Charlotte to Atlanta. Just a mile off the highway, definitely worth the stop. Amongst other chain options, Joe's was unique, incredibly quick, great service, and of course delicious. I had their chopped BBQ plate with brown sugar BBQ sauce and it did not disappoint. We didn't try their Lexington sauce, but they said that was their specialty. They have a couple arcade games and outdoor seating, so bring the whole fam - rain or shine.
(4)
Sheila C.
Love this place! Especially the pulled chicken.
(4)
J J.
Great atmosphere, great food and prices. Only downfall for me is they still allow smoking.
(4)
Haley B.
Everything was so good! I had the calabash chicken and flounder combo plate. The chicken is out of this world good! The flounder was really good with their tartar sauce. My husband and kiddos had the calabash shrimp. It was so good, my husband ordered more. The service was outstanding. Our server Brandy was on top of everything, and so sweet. If you are in the area, I HIGHLY recommend stopping in for some of the best chicken and shrimp you've ever eaten. If we are ever back through here, I will go out of my way to stop here. Maybe they will open one in Texas? :)
(5)
Ellen K.
This is very, very good barbecue. Chopped pork has just a drizzle of sauce, slaw and BBQ slaw are fresh-tasting and not too sweet, hush puppies are excellent. Service is friendly, restrooms are old but clean. 1 mile off I-85. I would definitely stop here again.
(4)
Kim S.
Awesome BBQ. Great chicken & pork. My husband loved the baked beans and the hush puppies were yummy! good sweet tea too. And service was fast & attentive. Great meal, would surely come back
(5)
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Address :1400 W Floyd Baker Blvd
Gaffney, SC, 29341
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Chris B.
The BBQ here was okay, but nothing special. The BBQ sauces were all vinegar based which seems to be the norm in SC. It's not bad, but it overwhelms the smoked-BBQ flavor. I had the chopped BBQ with kielbasa. Due to an error on the server's part, I got to sample the ribs as well. The ribs were a little overcooked but for the most part tender and fairly juicy. The chopped BBQ (pork) was good but loaded in the sauce. The kielbasa was flavored well and definitely the best part of the trio. The baked beans side was great and pretty much worth the trip alone. I tried the BBQ slaw and wasn't impressed. I guess it is an acquired taste. They basically replace the mayo in coleslaw with tomato sauce and mince the cabbage. The waiter recommended avoiding the regular coleslaw which was appreciated advice but somewhat alarming. The inside was decorated like a chain restaurant but the service was good and the meals were affordable. Given the alternatives in the area this seems like one of the best options.
(2)Steve S.
The combo platter was good. Hushpuppies are just weird. Must be a southern thing. I ate at the bar, didn't realized they still smoked in restaurants here. The bartender recommended against the vinegary sauce and suggested I go with the rib sauce. I agree. The drinks were poured well!
(3)Matt T.
Got the rib plate and chicken wings. Ribs tasty, not exactly "fall off the bone" but I like them with a little firm texture and not dried out. Nice smoked flavor. Wings were good for a non "wing" place. BBQ slaw was weird, tastes like applesauce. Potato salad was bland, needed salt and pepper. Tried my girlfriend's chopped BBQ, was great with the table sauce. Servers were friendly. Would eat there again especially since Gaffney SC is terrible for restaurant options.
(3)Christine F.
Second time we'd stopped at Daddy Joe's BBQ - and this time was every bit as good as the first time! Very good BBQ, good sweet tea - the fries are nothing special, but you have your choice of other sides instead. Sandwiches come with a small side of their BBQ Slaw, which I didn't care for - but I'm sure that some people would. Service is very fast, attentive & friendly. Can get very busy, though!! This time we stopped about 11:30 and by noon, there was a line waiting for tables.
(5)Will B.
Had special. BBQ with slaw sandwich and potato soup. BBQ was very good but the potato soup was awesome! Service was top notch. Never wanted for anything. Thanks Miranda!
(4)Laila N.
Service was great. Portions were decent. I wished they gave more ribs tho. Party of four and we got all different combo plates. I would say their ribs were the best followed by the wings. The pork was way too dried and chicken was plain. This place had the worst bbq sauces I've ever tasted. But whatever they do and put on the ribs is amazing. Would only go back for ribs...
(3)Lauren P.
Oh...my...goodness! We found amazing fried seafood just off of I-85. Daddy Joe's spanks all the other restaurants in Gaffney with its awesome menu and fantastic service. My husband and I were traveling from Atlanta to Charlotte over the holidays. While driving, my mom called and suggested we stop for lunch this great seafood place in Southern Living. After using the Yelp app we were lead to Daddy Joe's. The sweet tea is a paradigm of delicious nectar, and our kind server was constantly refilling our drinks. While waiting on our food we were able to take in the ambiance of the place with its graffiti walls, mounted moose head and other paraphernalia. It's the kind of kitsch places like Zaxby's and T.G.I. Friday's mimic but only at places like Daddy Joe's can you find the authentic pizzazz. Our food came out in less than 10 minutes. My beach plate of fresh shrimp was fantastic. It was hard not to clean my plate, but damn did I try! Those little crispy fried pieces of goodness were excellent. With tax and tip we got out of there for about $25, which is a bit pricey for road trip food but totally worth it. We'll be back to see Daddy Joe the next time we're in the Carolinas.
(5)Kathleen R.
I stopped here on a road trip from NYC to GA and coming in I was really thinking the food was going to be bland and nasty. The restaurant is filled, wall to wall, with collector items. The customers seemed to be regulars because the waiters and waitresses were extremely friendly. The food was great though and the proportions are huge. I had only gotten a appetizer and that had looked like a full meal. The only con is it is not a non-smoking environment. The bar was close to our table and I am assuming you could smoke at the bar. If I ever pass by again I would prob. stop for some take-out (just because of the smoking) but this place is great!
(4)Amy R.
I am not quite sure what Southern Living saw in this place. It was an average experience- not terrible, not fantastic.
(3)Linda D.
Traveling to Atlanta, GA and stopped here en-route. We ordered the ribs and shrimp and the food was amazing. Everything was excellent from the greeting at the door to on our way out the door. A lot of food for a small price. Each meal was only $11.95 and we had more than enough on our plates. The ribs were falling off the bone and the shrimp was simply delicious. The entire menu looked so good, I could have ordered a second meal if I only had room to digest it. Briana did a great job and explaining the menu and we never had to wait for anything. This is a place I will put on my "Places to eat here list" Best place hands down for BBQ if you are in the area.
(5)Andrew D.
I was here on a Monday night and there was some kind of Monday night special menu, cheap food. There's this table of grannies, 16 of them (I counted), who come every Monday night - don't let them scare you away, they were cool, they seemed to party. **It's RIGHT off I-85 **The food is decent and not too expensive. **free Ms. Pac Man.
(4)Alex H.
Good local flavor. The sauce on the table is a spicy vinegar sauce. The meat was great but the sides ranged from adequate to disappointing. The ribs were rubbed and then finished with a light sauce. The chopped pork was everything I could want it to be. My wife's chicken was awesomely perfectly seasoned and fried. The hush puppies were good, even if shaped unusually. I wonder if the elongated shape allows better frying that the traditional sphere. The slaw was ok. Mayonnaise-y with unusual spicing. The BBQ slaw was just weird. It was like cabbagey cocktail sauce. The beans were good but unremarkable. Although they had no banana pudding, the blackberry cobbler was almost awesome enough to allow me to forgive that oversight.
(4)Joe R.
Worst BBQ I have Ever had. Food was cold, soggy bun, the "BBQ sauce" tasted as if it was straight vinegar. Staff was friendly, but don't be fooled by the other reviews.
(1)Jeff B.
This was great BBQ for a great price. $8-12 meals, and it's fantastic food. The kielbasa was by far the best kielbasa I've ever eaten. BBQ pork was pretty amazing too. And cheap beer to boot. Highly recommend this place!
(5)Mark C.
I enjoyed Daddy Joe's for a quick lunch on my drive back from Charlotte to the Spartanburg Airport. Advertising on the highway was effective, as I stopped. I first tried to make a side trip to Shelby based on a Yelp tip, but the BBQ restaurant there was closed at noon on Tuesday (must have been having lunch with Sheryl Crow somewhere). Daddy Joe's had great ribs, although they came pre-sauced, which is not how I think of St. Louis style ribs. It did not take away from the flavor, I just would not have sauced it, as the meat stood alone. I also had the chopped pork, and it was some of the best I have had, although I am not a huge chopped pork fan as it always seems too dry without alot of sauce. The sauce itself was a sweet vinegar based sauce and was delicious. I opted for double cole slaw and although it was different, with maybe a hint of mint or something, it was good.
(5)Joe C.
Excellent BBQ, but my favorite is the Chicken Sandwich. Thanks, I will be back.
(5)Lisa K.
We were starving so we ordered the beer battered onion rings which were cooked right but nothing special about it. I actually got the prime rib sandwich and it was decent. But the people that got the bbq didn't like theirs as much. Probably just because it is a different style of bbq then the Lexington, NC bbq that they were use to or like. The staff is extremely nice and very tentative to the customers. The place has a bar that includes a smoking section which is not too far away from where my family (with kids) were sitting. So that was my negative of the restaurant.
(3)Melissa H.
Service was friendly and fast. They have a decent beer selection for an average BBQ joint. I really enjoyed my seasoned chicken tenders, but the pulled pork was merely adequate, as were the sides (baked beans and cole slaw with an unusual mint flavor). Dessert was good.
(3)Cindy G.
6pm on a friday this is a family place. Really tender bbq pork sandwich. Hush puppies too doughy/heavy. Bbq sauce a nice mix of vinegar and tomato. Really inexpensive-$12 for two sandwich plates with sides. Skip the odd slaw made with bbq sauce.
(4)Scot E.
This was the first restaurant I ate at once I got into town. The people were amazing and talked to me for twenty minutes about the area. The pulled pork was very good and the spicy sauce they had on the table was amazing. The baked beans were the best I have ever had. Between the food, people and cold beer this place is a favorite!!!
(4)Danielle B.
My husband and I ate here tonight (a Friday night) and it was plenty busy. Even though we had to park across the street (there were many people there at 7:45pm), we were still seated immediately. The bbq pork sandwiches and service were good. The staff was definitely working as a team, as we had multiple people offering to clear our dirty plates, refill our drinks, et cetera. We had the jalepeno cheddar hushpuppy appetizer, which was pretty addictive. The prices were very good. One thing I didn't like is that there is smoking at the bar, but I didn't notice it much where we were sitting. I think it's a step up from other bbq places that are local to where I live, about 20 minutes away in NC. I would eat here again.
(4)J H.
If you enjoy bar b q, fresh squeezed lemonade, and home made sides served with southern hospitality, you will enjoy this place. My daughter had a burrito filled with beans and pork topped with traditional toppings. It was enough food for two people! Husband had a combo platter of ribs and pulled pork that he really enjoyed. I had a platter of tender fried shrimp. As a previous reviewer mentioned - there's not a lot of healthy options but who goes for bar b q with the intention of eating healthy? If, however, you want yummy BBQ - make a stop here.
(5)Sherry U.
Delivers quality food with warm and friendly southern hospitality. Everything we had was great. Shack house chips - uniformly crispy. Prime Rib Sandwich - hidden gem - real prime rib smoked and sliced. Combo - BBQ pork and calabash chicken - right amount of sauce on pork, chicken breaded just right and served hot. Sides - BBQ slaw (real Lexington style) ; slaw (fresh with a hint of mint) ; beans (just right). Hush puppies - crunchy outside and soft inside. Great unsweetened tea. Peach cobbler - served hot with big scoop of ice cream - yummy !!!!!! Bonus: we were traveling back from a road trip with our little dog. Allowed us on the uncovered patio (has umbrellas), brought water for our pup and were sweet as can be to him.
(5)Cheryl E.
What a great find! Traveling through to Atlanta and stopped for lunch, great food, great prices, great service, treat yourself and stop here.
(5)Josh C.
Best. BBQ. Love Lexington style bbq and they do it perfectly. Got the combo platter and everything was great. Sausage was my favorite
(5)Gary A.
Second time here when getting my RV chassis serviced up the road at Freightliner. Nice ambience, outside dining porch, friendly and very attentive service. I'd give the slaw and baked beans a solid B and the BBQ pork and hush puppies an A. I'll be back again next year -- and maybe tomorrow.
(4)Tracey H.
This is one of the best places in the area! Great food, service and atmosphere. The BBQ is amazing and their hush puppies are the best. We try to go to Daddy Joes at a few times a month, we love it. They cater and have live music some nights. One of my fave things is they have a different homemade soup of the day...their tortilla soup is one of the best I've ever had!! Its just a great all round place.
(5)Laura J.
Great local business, good food. I agree with some of the other reviewers that there seemed to be a ton of regulars and that everyone was extremely friendly. I had smoked chicken salad and it was delicious. Not fancy but very full of flavor. I wouldn't have thought that the smoky flavor would have added so much flavor. I'd love to be able to go back and try some of the other things on the menu.
(4)Lisa A.
Sat outside and watched while two other parties were waited on & we were totally ignored. The two other parties were seated well after us. Can't comment on the food because we didn't stay!
(1)Jay S.
Trying to figure out if there is a way to give 4 stars but I can't. Found this using the South Carolina BBQ Trail map while heading back to ATL. Pork and Kielbasa combo, slaw, fries, included hush puppies with half and half tea. Everything was great. Kielbasa was grilled with additional salt that really popped the flavor. Pork was cooked just right, not too much sauce. About to forget to mention that the service was great as well. All the folks were Southern friendly. This will probably be a regular stop since it's not too far off the interstate.
(5)Peter M.
Daddy Joe's has a lot going for them: ideal location, ample seating, friendly staff, reasonable prices, and large portions. I dinged them two stars for food quality and taste. Where's the smoke? I've been eating BBQ all over the Southeast for years and those who get it right know low-n-slow. Ribs were just done but no smoke ring while the wings were tiny and dried out quickly on my plate. I liked their sauce which Is spicy and not very sweet. If they want to hang with the big boys they gotta up their game. They're not Sonny's, but dang they're close. (Sonny's is to BBQ like Arby's is to roast beef, IMO). FYI; It would be nice if they offered simply meat plates without all the sides at a reduced price. I hate having to order sides just to toss them in the trash since I rarely eat them.
(3)Cyd P.
Awesome food and service. We were traveling and stumbled on this gem. The Bbq was delicious and the shack chips were fabulous!!! Didn't know cheesy chips like this existed... Grilled zucchini and tomatoes were a excellent healthy side. Wow And don't forget the hard cider.....
(5)Dalin M.
Really, truly mediocre in every way. Pork is colorless, flavorless, and textureless. "pulled chicken" is actually just oven roasted, not bbq or even Rotisserie. Again, completely flavorless. Bbq sauce is watery and bland. Sides are boring and bland. Service is fine, but generic and bland. Seeing the pattern here? Nothing is downright bad, but it's all disappointing
(2)Kevin F.
This meal kicked off the family trip down to Florida. The first thing that surprised me was the price. Compared to NC this place was cheap and they didn't skimp with portions. We ordered the rib and shrimp platter as well as the fried chicken and bbq. Everything was really good and the nachos were amazing. Home made chips with cheese and a lot of other globby goodness. The decor inside is really fun and actually reminded me of a Joe's Crab Shack. The service was terrific and this place will be a definite stop if we head back this away again.
(4)Chris S.
How Southern Living magazine ever raved about this place blows my mind, unlike the food. This is your genuine tourist trap with a great marketing plan and below average food. This is the BBQ equivalent of Joe's Crab Shack or the McDonald's equivalent of a hamburger. Plain and simple, if you like the McRib you'll love Daddy Joe's. Meanwhile, if you value quality, top-notch BBQ, and you've been to any one of these locations: Pompous Pig in Anderson, Smokin Pig in Pendleton, Macs Speed Shop in Greenville or Luella's in Asheville, do yourself a favor and don't walk through these doors. Daddy Joe's is the Sonny's BBQ Pit of BBQ, possibly a bit better than that. On a positive note, the staff is very friendly, the sweet tea is sweet and hot sauce on the table: it's hot. The food, however, left a lot to be desired. We knew it would be below average, but it feel far beneath our minimum expectations. And, before you question us as food snobs, we eat at Zaxby's, Bojangles, Cook Out, etc. We aren't high end folks. Meanwhile, pork ribs shouldn't have more fat that mean, chicken shouldn't taste like it was boiled like whole potatoes and then covered in bland BBQ sauce and the pulled pork should have some flavor, at least some taste. Neither the chicken or the pork had any flavor, not a hint of smoke to prove that it was even cooked on a pit. Let's talk about the sides. The french fries, or whatever fancy name they give them, tasted like they Ore-Ida made them and they were heated up on site. I think they bought these from Costco. The hush puppies weren't bad, if you like store bought mix. I'm not sure anything is made from scratch. And, my salad that read fresh, crisp greens on the menu only contained iceberg lettuce. If you're a fan of true Carolina BBQ or any quality cooked meat, put Daddy Joe's on the bottom of your list. While they do provide large portions, few little of it is edible. We took a few bites, paid for our meal and went somewhere else to eat. It was that great.
(2)Mike P.
I know this is a local favorite and the place is full for dinner or lunch. Maybe we got there in an off night but the BBQ pulled pork and chicken were only so-so. Port was dried out and chick was pulled with some BBQ sauce poured on. Just not great food. Service was good and place is nice.
(3)Brian E.
Awesome Barbecue at a Fair Price! Looking for delicious lunch or dinner at a fair price in Gaffney? Look no further, you are there! With lots of different options at pretty decent portions, you will be more than satisfied! I have had the ribs, pulled pork, even the BBQ salad! All were good so you can't go wrong! We even have this place cater our lunches at work and it is always a hit with the out of towners. Do yourself a favor and hit this place up the next time you are in Gaffney!
(5)Anonymous A.
The food is good and the service is ok. Don't go on Thursday's if you want a quiet meal. The horrendous live music selection is blaring loud no matter where you set in the restaurant..
(2)Deneen S.
Really we went with an open mind and growling bellies .... But it just wasn't very appetizing. Yes we know not all BBQ the same and full disclosure we are from Texas. The meat was cold and too saucy. We don't mind the vinegar. Heck we make that ourselves. There was just no flavor to the meat. The sides were equally unimpressive. I left most of my platter on the platter. That NEVER happens. We got lured in by the billboards on our way down 85. Don't fall for it. Even though all the locals seem to love it. On positive note the waitstaff is sweet! If you're from Texas keep driving!
(1)Debbie S.
Wtf wtf wtf was that can't believe that was bbq and I found a roach bug in my combo plate. I was sick to my stomach cause probably ate a roach or two.
(1)Kyle D.
First time here, service was very friendly and the food was great and very filling. I would recommend the "Shag's Burrito" it was a large portion and I ordered it with a side of fries and finished the meal off with blackberry cobbler with a heap of ice cream on top... Would definitely come back for 2nds
(5)Drew M.
Saw the billboard, checked yelp, had to make the stop on my way through town. This BBQ is top notch! The pulled pork has just the right amount of smokiness, a great vinegar BBQ sauce and is super tender. The ribs are meaty and easily pull off the bone. The wood (hickory?) smoke flavor is very prominent, but not over powering. The baked bean and hush puppy sides are just as pleasing, but don't eat too many, the WILL fill your belly. This will be a regular stop on my way through the area.
(5)Meg S.
No vegetarian options to speak of. The food isn't healthy/ no healthy options. It's typically loud. A good place for the Gaffney clique, but not otherwise.
(2)Jennifer T.
A word of warning to vegetarians and vegans: DO NOT GO TO DADDY JOE'S! Animals are martyred for the pleasure of meat-a-tarians everywhere! Also, there is smoking permitted in the bar, but don't let that deter you from eating there! i only smelled it when I went to the restroom. We ended up seated by the wood and plexiglass partition between the bar and dining area and I never noticed the odor while eating. We stopped in Gaffney and decided we wanted something outside our normal travel fare (sorry, Cracker Barrel). Daddy Joe's was the only local establishment our hotel clerk mentioned. We were told it would be about a 30-minute wait but were seated in about 15. Our server appeared promptly at our table and we got our waters first. The prices were good on draft beer and other goodies so hubby ordered a local dark ale and I had a hard cider. He had the pulled pork and calabash chicken with hush puppies, baked beens and potato salad (bland; salt and a few shakes of Tabasco perked it right up for him). I initially ordered rotisserie turkey but the server returned and was quite embarrassed to tell me that they had just run out. She recommended the grilled chicken breast, which did not disappoint. The grilled half of tomato was seasoned nicely but could have been warmer. The grilled zucchini was excellent, seasoned with dry ranch dressing mix (!). I had a taste of hubby's pulled pork and suffered a case of food envy! Moist, tender meat. A great experience--good food, friendly staff--and definite repeat next time we pass through Gaffney!
(4)Candace C.
Stopped here on the road from Charlotte to Atlanta. Just a mile off the highway, definitely worth the stop. Amongst other chain options, Joe's was unique, incredibly quick, great service, and of course delicious. I had their chopped BBQ plate with brown sugar BBQ sauce and it did not disappoint. We didn't try their Lexington sauce, but they said that was their specialty. They have a couple arcade games and outdoor seating, so bring the whole fam - rain or shine.
(4)Sheila C.
Love this place! Especially the pulled chicken.
(4)J J.
Great atmosphere, great food and prices. Only downfall for me is they still allow smoking.
(4)Haley B.
Everything was so good! I had the calabash chicken and flounder combo plate. The chicken is out of this world good! The flounder was really good with their tartar sauce. My husband and kiddos had the calabash shrimp. It was so good, my husband ordered more. The service was outstanding. Our server Brandy was on top of everything, and so sweet. If you are in the area, I HIGHLY recommend stopping in for some of the best chicken and shrimp you've ever eaten. If we are ever back through here, I will go out of my way to stop here. Maybe they will open one in Texas? :)
(5)Ellen K.
This is very, very good barbecue. Chopped pork has just a drizzle of sauce, slaw and BBQ slaw are fresh-tasting and not too sweet, hush puppies are excellent. Service is friendly, restrooms are old but clean. 1 mile off I-85. I would definitely stop here again.
(4)Kim S.
Awesome BBQ. Great chicken & pork. My husband loved the baked beans and the hush puppies were yummy! good sweet tea too. And service was fast & attentive. Great meal, would surely come back
(5)