John Hardy's BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Rochester

John Hardy's BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Rochester

1

929 W Frontage Rd, Rochester, MN 55901, USA

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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

Long-running place providing Southern-style wood-smoked BBQ meats & several sauce options.  

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929 W Frontage Rd, Rochester, MN 55901, USA Get directions

johnhardysbbq.com

$10–20 · Menu

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929 W Frontage Rd, Rochester, MN 55901, USA Get directions

+1 507 288 3936
johnhardysbbq.com

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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"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

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

Amy E

Google
First time eating here. The meat was good but sides were a not so great. We ordered to-go, was missing bread pudding and the add-on sausage link. They did provide a refund for the missing item. We didn’t realize the sausage was missing until later; didn’t bother to call on that. The jojo potatoes were good but quite a huge portion. Probably best to dine in than take out. Hot and medium BBQ sauces were very vinegary.

L EW

Google
Melissa was our server who was AMAZING! Made great suggestions and even brought her fave sauce out for us to try on the nachos. The pulled pork is sooo good! Thank you Melissa for your hospitality, sweet welcome and kindness🫶💛

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.

Hailey Jensen

Google
Our family tried this place for the first time and were thrilled! The pulled pork is juicy and flavorful. The brisket has a well seasoned crust. The jojos are homeade and delicious! Our waitress for the evening was friendly and gave a great recommendation of the pulled pork. We'll be back for sure!