John Hardy's BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Rochester

John Hardy's BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Rochester

1

929 W Frontage Rd, Rochester, MN 55901

Photos

John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null
John Hardy's BBQ by null

Highlights

Southern-style wood-smoked BBQ meats and multiple sauce options  

Featured in Eater
Placeholder

929 W Frontage Rd, Rochester, MN 55901 Get directions

johnhardysbbq.com

$10–20 · Menu

Information

Static Map

929 W Frontage Rd, Rochester, MN 55901 Get directions

+1 507 288 3936
johnhardysbbq.com
johnhardysbbq
𝕏
@johnhardysbbq

$10–20 · Menu

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations
wifi

Last updated

Aug 31, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

Where to Eat and Drink in Rochester, Minnesota | Eater Twin Cities

"John Hardy’s has been serving Rochester with delectable Southern-styled BBQ since 1972, and while John Hardy may have past on, his legacy of barbecue still lives strong." - Ali Elabbady

https://twincities.eater.com/maps/essential-rochester-restaurants
View Postcard for John Hardy's BBQ

kendra grimaldi

Google
Malissa did such a great job! It’s been 5 years since we have had our “BBQ fix” we LOVE this place! Got the sampler!!! Clean, well run, just fabulous! Go to this place when your in Rochester, MN

Zack Sutton

Google
I just moved here from Austin, TX and I gotta say.. John Hardy's BBQ reminded me of home. The hospitality that Melissa showed me was outstanding! She was very kind and helpful and even brought me every sauce so I could try them all! The food was terrific as well. I wasn't a pulled pork kind of guy until I visited John Hardy's. I can't wait to come back! Superb experience!!

Mizo

Google
The worker was nice but could do a better job honestly. I was placing an order over the phone and she kept putting me on hold while placing the order to pick up the other phone, I could hear here say “hold on, This is John Hardy’s!” Additionally, the food was not the best. It was simply plain, no seasoning. But good portions. Maybe because I didn’t like their barbecue sauce, it felt lil it was made from Franks.

Gonzalo Palacios

Google
The food was bland, the meat had the taste of liquid smoke which should never be the case for a BBQ place. I wouldn't be surprised if the food was microwaved. I'm not shocked the restaurant was nearly empty during Saturday dinner time. Even the dog didn't want to lick my hands when I got home. Honestly, more sad than anything, I want to believe it used to be good at some point since a coworker recommended this spot. Also, 3.19 for a pitiful portion of what were definitely canned baked beans is highway robbery. I would not recommend spending your hard earned cash here. Stay away!

Deb Chandler

Google
Food was flavorless and dry! Chicken tasted like dish soap. Manager told us to get the “full experience” we should put the sauce on. I had a pork sandwich was like pork crumbles. Manager also only gave 50% off because if he gave more of a discount he would be fired. Terrible!!

Edward Phillips

Google
First and foremost this review took me two days to decide on. This establishment claims that it’s true southern BBQ. They met their match with me as I am from Georgia and live very close to the #1 BBQ in the south since 1929 (Fresh Air BBQ). The meat most definitely is however the sauces (all of them) are not. Pulled pork has an incredible smoked flavor and is pulled to perfection. Brisket was tender and filled with good flavor. Ribs were firm with some type of dry rub on them. The rib meat with the dry rub was almost a sweet taste. Thick sliced garlic bread was great and a nice touch. Hand cut and thinly sliced potatoes are always great! Let’s get into the BBQ sauces. The south is best known for mostly vinegar based sauces the John Hardy sauces taste more like a watery ketchup from sweet to heat. I was highly disappointed in all of there sauces. The sauces killed them from getting four stars. Service was good and I can only Imagine the fun they have when the weather is good and the patio is in use.

Glen Morris

Google
Amazing food! One of the only places in 100 miles that has sweet potato totes! Service was speedy and food was delicious too. Located on the frontage road off of 52, so quick to get to from the highway. I think they might be doing some renovations inside as well.

Lynne Simmons

Google
$20 each for 2 old dry brisket meals, cold, old fries and hardly cooked old cold garlic bread, extremely dry beef side..just horrible for over $50, and this was a splurge for me as I am disabled and here for the Mayo. So sad I listened to 4.5 star review and I don’t know how review is there. The delicious reviews must have been for somewhere else. To go order.
google avatar

Catherine Y.

Yelp
1st visit this past weekend for family lunch - we had a total of 11 people in our group (7 adults, 4 kids). It was a super hot day and it was a little warm In the restaurant. The servers were very nice and friendly. The food was decent - ribs, wings & turkey were good, the other meats we tried were ok. The garlic bread was soggy (would have been much better if it was toasted slightly). My two little guys got kid's meals and liked them.
google avatar

Ralphie S.

Yelp
Living in Kansas City I am a certified BBQ lover. Am I an expert? That's a laughable title for someone that doesn't own a smoker or a restaurant, but I do enjoy comparing. With 120+ BBQ restaurant reviews under my belt, I feel that I've got a good handle on what differentiates a BBQ joint from good, to excellent to world class. If John Hardy's was located in KC, it would be in the middle of the pack, but for being in a small market town like Rochester, I'm gonna give them a solid 4 stars with a few stand-out items on the menu. My wife had the small brisket plate with fries and black eyed peas - $14. I had the 2 meat combo with beef, ribs, sweet potato tots and slaw- $15. Garlic bread was also provided. Meats: Ribs were smokey and tender. Beef was thin sliced eye of round, tender and worked well to sample the sauces. Brisket was an extremely thick cut although the menu says thin - it was more of a prime rib slice than what I consider brisket. I thought it was wonderful, although my wife thought it was to fatty. I would have no issue re-ordering any of the three, although I would like to try the sausage. Sides: Black eyed peas are not found on many BBQ menus but were straight from a can or at least had no added ingredients to make them unique - blah. Coleslaw - creamy and nice, but nothing that a 100 other places haven't done before. Fries - crispy, plentiful and perfect. Sweet Potato tots - where have you been all my life? The best damn deep fried potato side option I've ever had. Garlic toast - again a side that I don't often see in a BBQ joint but the warm bread liberally coated with hot garlic butter was the best bread option i've ever had - I ate all 4 slices, making small sandwiches or for sauce dipping. Sauces: Mild and medium were almost interchangeable in taste. The Sissy Boy sauce was a robust sweet sauce that reminded me of some of my favorite sweet sauces back home. Sissy Boy? Really? Overall it was a very filling lunch that was priced right with a solid meat selection and some stand out sides. This Kansas City boy was reminded of one my long standing sentimental favorites back home - Rosedale BBQ. John Hardy's is similar in that it's been around for decades and provides what I call "blue collar BBQ" Nothing is best in class, but a quality product at a good value that stands the test of time. Hell; I even bought a T-shirt for $12! That should get the local joints asking questions when I sport a Minnesota BBQ logo here in the world capital of Burnt Ends and Cheesy Corn.
google avatar

Brandon J.

Yelp
Pros: Good portions, very tasty food, decent sized restaurant Cons: Service is usually good but can be slightly inconsistent. Details: As a kid, we came here a few times, and I had the opportunity to visit with a family group as an adult. Admittedly, it was a large group, and our waitress seemed new (she may have said as much), so service was a little iffy. But the food was as excellent as I remember. I liked the options of meat, and the sides were all hood too. We saw several people take food to go, so I imagine that's a common thing in Rochester.
google avatar

Sandra C.

Yelp
We have been long time fans of John Hardy's. We were here for a visit back to our hometown. Ate here twice and had to pick up a half dozen jars of sauce for gifts and home use. I love the pulled pork and jo jo potatoes. Nice sized portions, plenty of seating, easy parking. order comes with garlic bread. Don't miss out on this treasure if you love bbq.
google avatar

Ann F.

Yelp
Excellent BBQ. It is rare that you find a good Hot Link/Sausage in Midwest BBQ, let alone a great one! This place has a great one, I should have gotten some of the frozen ones to-go. The JoJo's are awesome and even better when you pay more to load 'em up. You can pass on the green beans, they are just out of a can (nothing special). But do not pass on the bread, shit it's good! The pulled pork could have used a little seasoning after it was pulled (IMO) but still tasty and smoky, without any fatty bits. I'll be returning for sure.

Randie K.

Yelp
The worst BBQ I have ever had. No smoke ring, flavorless ribs, obviously reheated. Meat was no where close to a serving temperature.
google avatar

Maxx M.

Yelp
Excellent BBQ at a fair price - 4 stars. We stopped by John Hardy's for dinner on the recommendation of my traveling partner. It didn't disappoint, the food was great. I was also impressed by the reasonable prices. John Hardy's is a small place and very casual, nothing fancy. There are 2 of them in Rochester. I started things off with onion rings and the house honey mustard dipping sauce - yum! We both got combo plates, and our beef brisket, turkey, and hot links were great. I also enjoyed the sides. Everyone who orders a "John Hardy Meal" or a "Combo Meal" picks 2 sides plus an automatic order of warm garlic bread. I got fried okra and crinkle cut fries. My friend got flat sliced jojos and okra stew. All of it was very good. They have a few beers on tap and a lot more in bottles. I also got a kick out of the various sauces (see photo). There are 6 of them, ranging from "Sissy Boy Sweet" to "Bad Boy Hot". Excellent! Finally, they have a display case where you can grab sauces to-go and t-shirts. They also have a cooler with "Grab N Go" smoked meats. Cool! (My friend grabbed 2 sauces to take home.) The service was excellent. Finally, I found a recent article on-line celebrating Black History Month in the City of Rochester. It featured a biography of John Hardy. Unfortunately, he's no longer with us. He passed away back in 1986. I found it interesting that he was mostly a vegetarian. But he sure knew how to cook the hell out of Southern Style BBQ! He sounds like a really cool and exceptional dude. I would have enjoyed meeting him. I'm glad they're keeping his creation alive. Thumbs up! -Maxx P.S. I read a lot of the previous reviews, some are pretty bad. It seems like things may be somewhat inconsistent here. But on the day we visited, everything was great.

Bryan M.

Yelp
I have been eating at John Hardy's since 1973. Always the same order. Pulled pork dinner with Jojo potatoes and hot sauce. The flavor of the sauce changed a little after John died. Still good but slightly different. Then the new owners added three new sauces (spicy hot, big boy hot, bad boy hot). When they did that the hot sauce lost some of its heat. Some people said I should try the spicy hot. I did. Still not as hot as John's sauce and taste nothing like John's sauce. It has been a year since the last time we ate there. I had to pay $2.oo more for extra Jojo potatoes. My wife had twice as many French fries than I had Jojos. The hot sauce tasted nothing like John's hot sauce and had slightly more heat than John's mild sauce​​. So disappointed. I would recomend eating anywhere else if you want BBQ.
google avatar

Adrienne D.

Yelp
I ordered the nachos and the 6-piece chicken wings. The nachos were delicious. Unfortunately, the chicken wings left much to be desired. The chicken barely had any seasoning. You definitely need to get sauce to accompany the wings. However, the wings were well cooked.

Joshua B.

Yelp
Service and food was good. Their medium BBQ sauce was delicious. The chicken was a little dry but still had good flavor.
google avatar

Erick P.

Yelp
Wow! I just got my salad and bread and I am automatically a fan. My local customers recommended this place and I had to come back to town three times before the schedule opened up to enjoy a lunch break. Parking lot is always full so don't let that scare you away they are well staffed! I sat where the plates kept passing by, I was checking out all the yummy looking stuff. Lol But finally - the ribs and brisket were so good. Great sauces-I got the big boy hot and it is really good.
google avatar

John P.

Yelp
I'm a 'regular' at this place, so I have about 4 decades of experiences. I just had terrible cheese curds (small curds, small serving, overcooked). The meal itself was okay. The pork was great, as usual. The jojo potatoes were crispier than normal. The fried okra was fried together in clumps of 4 or 5 pieces. The beans were not up to par. Lastly, the waitress got my beer order wrong. We will hold off going back for now and hope it returns to better food and service.
google avatar

Brett S.

Yelp
Wait staff very friendly cozy little place with a bbq/blues type atmosphere. Unfortunately that's all I can say was good about it. Ribs were very greasy, fatty and dry and tough. I only got through 2 and called it quits. The Quarter chicken was more baked if anything very dried out and burnt skin. The sides very small for the expensive price. $2 up charge if you get chicken and ribs together for a total of $18.99. The free garlic bread wasn't even cooked just plain white bread with a spread on it. The sauce in the bottles on table were just vinegary bbq sauce with no flavor and they seriously need to be wiped off!! Better off going across street and getting a large pie at Mr Pizza. For cheaper It'll feed 2 and you'll be happy. Famous Dave's is a little pricy but it puts this local joint to shame!! Sorry guys but you seriously need to improve your food before I eat there again.

Valerie P.

Yelp
I've been going to John Hardy's for years and it never disappoints! The food is always just what you expect...hot, fresh and they have a very friendly staff! Great BBQ place to hit up!

Ed ..

Yelp
Not sure what happened to the portions, I had the combo meal with upgrade to brisket for $2.00 and ended up with a couple small thinly slice pieces with one being very fatty. Where's the beef? I felt like they didn't have enough meat left to serve but decided to just put it on my plate anyway. I will say the sever was very good. I've been to the other location on Broadway many times, and always had good portions. Next time I'm in town I'll go to the other location and see if the portions are just as small.
google avatar

Rich L.

Yelp
As a Texas man, the bar is pretty high and I wasn't impressed with the smoked chicken or the brisket. They both lacked smoke. I must admit, the done-ness of the chicken was good, tender and juicy, must have finished it off with steam. Just needs a bit more seasoning and smoke. My coworker had the pulled pork and was wasn't moved either. That said, I do appreciate a clean restaurant and good service. I could possibly come back here..... someday.
google avatar

Kripa M.

Yelp
My husband and I stopped here for dinner on our drive to Iowa. With the divey atmosphere we thought food was going to be amazing. We both love places like this. Place was busy since it was Friday evening but we got seated right away. Our server was amazing, very friendly. I have to say 5 stars for service. Food was a whole different experience for us. We both love bbq when done right. We decided to get half rack of ribs and Cuban sandwich. Food came out real fast. The ribs lacked seasoning/flavor and needed more time in the smoker. There was still so much fat on them it was just off putting to me. Cuban was decent nothing to rave about. We couldn't wait to get out of there. Other than great service it was just a bad experience for us.
google avatar

Michelle A.

Yelp
First time here and probably the last. Positives: friendly waitress. I ordered Barbecue Cuban Sandwich with fried okra and jo jo potatoes. Portion size was huge. The sandwich however lacked flavor and was very bland. The potatoes were thinly sliced like chips but greasy. The grease the okra was fried in tasted old. I brought most food home to my 17 year old son. I tried 3 different barbecue sauces: sweet, mild and medium. I was very underwhelmed. Maybe I'm becoming a barbecue snob, but when my own food off my Traeger tastes better, I won't return.
google avatar

Jason H.

Yelp
I go here about 6-8 times a year . The chicken dinner was filling but lacked salt like a lot of items . The jojos we're crispy as asked if you ask for them that way. I recommend it.. The garlic toast or drowning in butter always prepare yourself. The green beans are canned and the corn is almost un seasoned but all the sides need salt. The bbq sauces are very vinegar forward they have about 7 different levels of heat . Hot being my favorite . Just enough heat . All in all Rochester doesn't have much for BBQ . Don't go in expecting the best bbq you've had and you won't be too disappointed .

Oliver H.

Yelp
The service at the north side sucks. I was not greeted. I stood there for 15 minutes. If I hadn't already ordered, I would have left. Maybe they don't like catering to blacks. I will not be back. The south location got more decency to speak to their customers.

Gregg W.

Yelp
The service was outstanding! Unfortunately I suspect that the ribs were warmed up from what was actually ready to be served yesterday. Very dry and not tasty at all. Two weeks ago I got an unbelievable good plate of ribs but the plate today was very disappointing.
google avatar

Christy G.

Yelp
As near as perfect as you can get. This place has amazing BBQ! There bread pudding is amazing too. Variety of sauces was great - there sweet sauce was awesome and you can call me a sissy all day long for loving it. Atmosphere was perfect with the blues playing in the background. Highly recommend stopping at John Hardy's any chance you can.

Joe T.

Yelp
I've been her 3 times. I won't be back! Their BBQ is mediocre! BBQ ribs are burnt to a crisp and bone dry! Let's not talk about their shitty attitudes!
google avatar

Christine R.

Yelp
This is a busy place and you'll find out why during your first bite of food. When walking in this place isn't pretentious at all. It is casual and very busy with comfortable level of chatter. I saw two police officers eating there when we arrived and I knew I had to be on the right path to good eats. I got the half rack of ribs and it was amazing! The ribs are hearty and smoky! They offer a variety of sauces that don't disappoint. The magic happened when I found the sauce that I liked and paired it with the ribs. Amazing taste profile with the right amount of tug of pulling the tender meat from the bone. Heaven for true lovers of BBQ! This is a wonderful place with great service that doesn't disappoint and I will be returning!
google avatar

Amanda N.

Yelp
Wow! This place has awesome BBQ. My husband and I are from the south, and the food lived up to its roots. We ordered the onion rings, pulled pork sandwich, and dinner plate. The only thing I will say is my sandwich stated it came "topped with baked beans" and served on garlic bread. I got just regular bread and no baked beans. I was a little disappointed by that. But the food was so good that I'm still giving 5 stars. Will definitely be back!

Max C.

Yelp
Always great! Been going there since John Hardy himself was behind the counter. Best bbq in Rochester.
google avatar

Melissa T.

Yelp
Glad to see Covid process is happening here but the food was horrible. The turkey and brisket were so dry and the bbq sauce was so vinegar tasting it was awful. The sweet potato tots would have been good if they weren't soggy cause they piled meat on top of it. Mac salad was not good either. So a waste of money. Definitely would not recommend!!!

L. S.

Yelp
The only good thing was the bbq sauce. Unfortunately, the meals were very small, I also felt the food was subpar. A lot of locals/frequent fliers seem to return often, I am just not one of them.
google avatar

Ryan K.

Yelp
Great BBQ in Rochester. Being from Memphis I was skeptical about the BBQ but I'm glad I did. Very impressed with the meat and sauce. If I'm ever back in Rochester I'll be making a stop

Luis B.

Yelp
They normally have good smoked meat. The last few times the pulled pork had been too dry. The ribs that we got had more fat than I'm used too. The rib tip was beyond cooked, more like burnt and uneatable. Had to throw it away. My kids said the chicken was good. They didn't save any for me. They were better in the past. I'll give them one more try to see if they can improve.
google avatar

Christopher F.

Yelp
The north location falls victim to the same negatives as the south side. The jojo's are usually soggy unless you ask them to be extra crispy. The garlic bread is completely soaked in butter. It's a real shame because my family used to ask for seconds, it used to be so good! On the plus side, the meat choices are decent. I usually get the pork or beef plates. The beans are really good (although they are assuredly just canned beans) but they throw in some shredded pork/onions as well to jazz them up. I like the sauce variety, and I usually opt for mild sauce on the side so I can apply liberally to my hearts content. All in all, it's just an average bbq in Rochester. Good bbq in Rochester is pretty elusive, so this place gets my business from time to time if u want fast bbq and with friendly service.
google avatar

Sam M.

Yelp
Been going to John Hardy's for years. I basically order the sliced pork plate wet with medium sauce on the meat and jo jo potatoes(soft). Always enjoy this specific plate choice. The sides I enjoy are the baked beans or Cole slaw. French fries are great. Cheese curds not so much. I have enjoyed dining here since the late 70's.

Becky D.

Yelp
We just ate at John Hartys north we had 4oz shredded pork 4oz brisket with jo Jo's and coleslaw the brisket was $2 extra it cost $20.00 + the brisket was cold and tough I felt cheated I have an old menu and no where do I read brisket was extra. Ribs and chicken are. We will never eat there again. When I asked nothing was offered to make up for the cold meat. Also jo Jo's were clumped together so half were not don't waitress was good but still disappointed

Jean G.

Yelp
First time here and DEFINITELY the last!! We had the full rack rib dinner and they were the worst ribs we ever ate in our lives! They were ALL fat and had a terrible smoke smell. The people that gave this restaurant a good review obviously never had good baby back ribs. These looked like the ribs of an oversized hog in fact my husband asked if they were beef ribs. I would NEVER recommend this restaurant to anybody! The only decent thing about this place was the lady that waited on us, she was very nice! Horrible!!!

Joshua B.

Yelp
Other than the size of the rack of ribs and the sauce much was left to be desired. Ribs were some of the toughest I've had with the meat never pulling off the bone. The brisket was tender had good flavor but seemed dried out. For a small bbq I hoped for more.

Nahbahe V.

Yelp
Im gonna first off say i am a big fan of BBQ, every new town i go to i try and find the best brisket the town has to offer. John Hardy in Rochester failed to deliver. The "brisket" was the worse I've had since i started BBQ. Didnt look as if it was smoked properly. The meat was dry and it had a funky smell to it. The meat was firm and hard like jerky and ive always had brisket that can be easily pulled apart. I had 2 bites and couldnt eat anymore. I tried smothering bbq sauce on but it made no difference. Now i could have came on an off day but what i was served was bad. The green beans that was my side looked and tasted as if it came out of a can. The thin cut potatoes was just slobbed on the plate and i am pretty sure the grease used on the potatoes was poured over the meat. What good i can say was the service to which I was served. Our server was outstanding, she apologized and addressed the issue then adjusted it on my check. In all honesty i wont be back, theirs better BBQ out there.
google avatar

Yusef T.

Yelp
I've been coming here for YEARS and I've enjoyed myself every time I come! This time was no different.... Service is top notch....you seat yourself and someone pops over to start serving you right away... Food choices are awesome! It's a BBQ joint so I shouldn't have to explain the menu to much...the sizes of the meals are huge and will guarantee to fill you up....don't be surprised if your taking leftovers home This has been a staple for years in Rochester..My grandpa went here all the time while I was growing up......Honestly I have nothing really bad to say....Every time it's always great service and food! Recommend for sure!

Elizabeth G.

Yelp
Ordered another side with my small pork plate, and received the tiniest amount of HARD black eye peas, and the plate amount was smaller than usual! Note to self, just cook at home!

Dennis J.

Yelp
Visiting Rochester and always looking for new bbq places. Taxi driver recommendation. I ordered ribs and brisket combo. Rib meat was dry like it was cooked a while ago and warmed too many times. Brisket was just ok. Not anything to get excited about. Beans tasted like can beans with a smidgen of meat added. Service was very lacking but in this day and age what can you expect. Ate at famous Dave's yesterday and it was much better. I would not recommend and won't go back.
google avatar

Phoo D.

Yelp
I've been going to John Hardy's for over 30 years. The quality has really declined recently. It appears the worker crisis has hit them. Both food quality and service have declined dramatically. I feel bad for the staff, who are being overworked. But I am also disappointed in the decline of one of my previously favorite places to go. It looks like I'll need to find a new place for bbq...
google avatar

Joel H.

Yelp
John Hardy's has set the BBQ standard for me since the early 1980's. I've had great 'que in cities like St Louis, Nashville, St Paul and elsewhere but John Hardy's is always the one I dream of. Generous portions, beautifully smoked meats, side dishes like Grandma made, sauces hot enough to heat you up on a below zero winter night in Minnesota. Come hungry. Leave ready to take a nap. And bring some home for later. It's all gooood!
google avatar

Tony B.

Yelp
Having eaten Q all over the States from Kansas City to Memphis etc. I have to admit that John Hardy's is still one of my all time faves. I've been getting the pulled pork and sliced beef platter going on 25 years. Long enough to remember when we used to stop at Best Buy and purchase the newest cd's :) A lot has changed in 25 years, John Hardy's thankfully has not.
google avatar

Curt W.

Yelp
Hoping for an opportunity to change my experience with Northern BBQ, we tried John Hardy's. Woefully, this visit only solidified my preference for Southern BBQ. Service here was the highlight. Our waitress was friendly and efficient, exceeding our expectations. The other staff we encountered treated us like friends, made us feel at home. I love the divey atmosphere, where the experience is folks and food rather than décor. Parking was gravel, unmarked, felt like pulling up to the barn. My kind of place. The best food item by far was the crinkle cut frozen French fries. (That's unfortunate.) The ribs were tender and completely edible, but little to no smoke, and almost no seasoning. Sauces were "ok" (which is really only okay for a fast food joint!) Buttered bread was a nice touch - I'm more into toasting my slices, but I can't complain. The low point, which is the item I seek out when trying BBQ, was the Brisket. Only hints of smoke, served almost room temperature, a little on the tough side, bland in flavor. Add in some wilty salad and black eyed peas that were slightly weird (and also nearly room temp.) Maybe my perspective is skewed by my infatuation with Southern BBQ. Maybe this was just a bad night for John Hardys. If this is real, MN BBQ, then my apologies, and consider this review a simple warning for visitors looking for something else.
google avatar

Teri D.

Yelp
Just fucking TERRIBLE. The ribs were microwaved just before serving and they weren't cooked today either. The pulled pork tasted like gasoline. The "jo jo" potatoes were Essentially under cooked potato chips; greasy and awful. Black Eyed Peas are canned, so they are of mediocre quality with not very much flavor, little salt helps. The sweet potato tater tots were the best thing on the plate along with the hotlinks smoked sausage. Even the ice tea sucked. Without a doubt the worst Barbecue I've ever eaten in my life. I could get WAY better Barbecue than this at about any gas station in Mississippi Alabama or Louisiana. The sauces that are apparently housemade are absolutely horrible. Add weird flavor to way too much Tabasco sauce and you have their sauces with the only difference between any of them being the amount of hot sauce they put in it, all of them were equally terrible. Such a disappointment. I ordered the half rack dinner I ate one rib it was so terrible I had her box up the rest because I didn't want to insult them by throwing them in the trash right there. Eat somewhere else. ANYWHERE else!! Yuk!!
google avatar

Dee W.

Yelp
We were a bit disappointed given the great reviews, which helped us choose the restaurant. The brisket, chicken and ribs were okay, not great. We enjoyed the house-special potatoes.
google avatar

Denise B.

Yelp
After last year's lapses, we decided to give JH another try-the MR wanted some BBQ nachos. Things are much better at this restaurant. I had smoked wings, ham and turkey with a salad. All very tasty. Husband had his nachos and pulled pork with a couple ribs. Much much goodness! Service was very good-never let our watr glasses run dry. Also, the place was very clean and organized. Great to see this place back on track. I posted a second pic of our meal. Nice! LAST YEAR Our dinner here today was very disappointing. There was a dead fly on my husband's salad plate to start. My wings were unappetizing. They chopped them through the bones leaving sharp broken bones exposed. On top of that, the restaurant was extremely busy with only one server to serve, run the cash register, get the to-go orders, clear the tables, and everything else that happened in the dining room. The manager was sitting in the office blissfully unaware of the back up in service. Normally, we make a point to have a meal at JH's, however, it has been so unpredictable we feel that the value and quality of the product and service has gone down significantly. One visit it's good, the next visit not good. My standards are not that high for this restaurant--I ask that my order of wings has no feathers and no exposed or broken bones; no bugs, dead or alive; good smoked bbq flavor and textured meats. One last thing-it would not hurt to replace those old, stained, ugly serving dishes. No pride apparently in this joint.
google avatar

Joel P.

Yelp
Walked in. Waited to be waited on. Didn't happen. Walked out. Waitresses looked at us then went about their business, which was mainly pickup. 25 years as a loyal customer. Sucks being ignored
google avatar

John H.

Yelp
This location has been very good in my experience. I would recommend you steer clear of the south location though, I have mad many instances of the south location severely undercooking both beef and even chicken
google avatar

Steven R.

Yelp
Rochester is blessed with great barbecue, especially Roscoe's and John Hardy's. Love 'em both but I like the ribs here better as they're not fall off the bone. Some prefer that but to me that means they're over cooked. Not to miss at Hardy's is the fried okra. Just like my momma never made. :-)