Rudolph's Bar-B-Que

1933 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
612-871-8969
http://www.rudolphsribs.com/

Category: BBQ

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 5
Service: 6
Ambience: 7

Recommendation: Average. Rudolph’s BBQ entrees didn’t impress us. For great BBQ, especially ribs, head to Famous Dave’s and you won’t be disappointed.

Rudolph’s, located at the corner or Lyndale and Franklin Avenues in Uptown is not only a legendary BBQ restaurant, it is also a great bar. The Happy hour, with its 2 for 1 drinks and discounts on various appetizers is worth checking out. In addition to the traditional Happy hour, they also have a reverse Happy hour that starts at 10pm. The bar area is separated from the dining room itself. You could go to the bar for a few drinks and never know the supper club style dining area existed in the back. There is also a private room for parties that can hold up to 80 people. Rudolph’s has a large and diverse menu featuring BBQ entrees, Hamburgers, Sandwiches, Steak, Pork Chops, etc. Having been used to the succulent and flavorful spareribs at Famous Dave’s, we were looking forward to Rudolph’s and with the hope of finding another great BBQ restaurant to add to our list. However, we were disappointed.

The highlight of the meal was the appetizer, Academy – one pound of smoked Rib Tips ($8.50). The ribs were meaty, juicy and flavorful. This brings us to the sauces. Unlike Famous Dave’s selection of sauces, Rudolph’s offers one (close in taste to the Texas Pit at FDs) and will bring a Spicy one to the table if you ask for it. Our table was split..half of us liked the Original sauce and the other half liked the Spicy one. The Theatre - six Baby back ribs ($17) was a letdown..lean and dry. The Bogie - full slab of Spare ribs ($23) was much better…the ribs were meaty and tender, and there was a nice char on them. The Smoked Brisket - slow smoked beef brisket ($16) and the BBQ Brisket Sandwich were both sub par, although the sandwich did look pretty with the pickle garnish and all. The brisket lacked flavor and was dry and no matter how much sauce you lather on, it won’t taste better. A friend had the BBQ Chicken Sandwich and thought the chicken was very dry. The entrees come with a choice of Coleslaw or Salad. The Coleslaw was creamy and delicious and the portion size was very generous. The Sandwiches come with Coleslaw and Fries. The Corn-on-the-cob was soggy and downright nasty.

$$$. Parking lot across the street on Lyndale, about half a block down from the restaurant.