The good: The sides (Beans, Mac/Cheese and coleslaw) were very good. The brisket was good-- what there was of it. The menu photo for the "Signature Angus Brisket" plate shows 4 reasonable sized, thick, slices. What I got was 1 full slice, one half slice, and another half slice that was half fat.
Fast service and clean, but the food was just ok. The mac and cheese was bland and predictable. The brisket had very little flavor and was a tad bit fatty. The sauces on the table were tasty though you only have two (original and spicy) to pick from
Staff was very friendly, and I greatly appreciated that they could advise on vegan and healthy options. Food (particularly the vegan burnt ends, YUM) is always great. However, I'm so disappointed about all the cups/utensils/etc. being plastic or styrofoam and single-use, without there being even recycling bins present. I know cost is a factor in these things, but would love to see an improvement in that regard; otherwise I'd feel guilty about returning.
Forgot to take pictures but yummm!! I had the burnt ends melt, wow. Big and so moist! Between my husband and kids, they tried pulled pork, ribs and brisket. All fabulous!! The sides are great also. Will definitely be back!!
Sadly, and despite trying not to, I have to give a google review. This was my go to BBQ for when I wanted to treat myself to a little something more for lunch. A few weeks ago, we had talked about coming to 4Rivers as a group of us and we actually planned to be first in the door (1100). I ordered the 2 meats; 2 sides. Every single element of my meal was "cold"...not kind of warm "cold". I ordered Burnt Ends and Pulled Pork with Sweet Potato and Beans sides. Cold meat is pretty bad; but cold sweet potatoes are flat out gross. Having come to this location for nearly a year, I wrote it off as a "one time thing". However, I was so disappointed that instead of writing a poor review, I did go on the 4Rivers website and reached out directly. I didn't think it would be fair to give a bad review for one bad experience but I did want them to know I did in fact have a bad experience. I was surprised when there was no follow up, but again wasn't too focused on it. I have since gone back a second time, this time I was not there at opening and much later into lunch. 4Rivers sends out emails to showcase certain dishes, in this case it was the Burnt Ends melt. Back to back visits where the quality of the food and the food temperature were just awful (how do you have a "melt" and the meat is barely warm bordering on cold?) 4 Rivers is a little above my typical lunch budget. As stated, I often save it for a "treat", "special occasion", or event because they are a little more expensive than a typical lunch. It's wildly disappointing to have back to back experiences where the thing you want the most (BBQ) is so underwhelming in quality and temperature. I am not sure what happened to this location, but there is no way this is long term sustainable, people won't pay these prices for cold food. I am in the 4 Rivers club, so my two purchases could be easily verifiable. I hope that 4Rivers is able to address the quality and temperature issues as we head into the summer.
It was okay. Definitely on par with the price like other BBQ places.Pros-Mac and cheese was goodQuesadilla was goodSuper friendly staff and pretty quickSo-soThe cornbread was alright but Luke warmThe bread pudding wasn't bad but wouldn't get againBuffalo mac/tender fry thing was goodCon-Cold meatChocolate cake was more spongy than expectWould like to give them another try but won't be rushing to do it
This BBQ restaurant..unlike Sony's...remains 5 star! The size of sandwich and sides remain the same...enough for 2 meals.. beans are awesome..cornbread..amazing..collard greens..seasoned perfectly...fried okra..was actually enough for 3 meals ..crunchy and tasty..cheese grits my hubby's favorite...all delivered on time by door dash..hot and on time.
My delivery was accurate and yummy! Thank you! The burn ends, brisket, pulled pork and ribs (my order) was delicious! Definitely recommended!
Really good bbq place. Friendly staff and the food felt like real authentic American bbq. Will definitely come back next time in Gainesville.
The burnt ends melt was not that good. The meat has very little to no flavor on its own which is upsetting. I had to add a hefty amount of bbq sauce to have a decent flavor. Not a place I will visit again any time soon. But the place had decent sides and it was clean and looked like a real good bbq restaurant.