- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Big Chris BBQ Smokehouse
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
10 reviews for Big Chris BBQ Smokehouse
10 reviews in English
-
Review from Ruth M.
Toronto, ON
1/30/2011
After a day of X-country skiing at Horseshoe Valley, we needed some dinner and we wanted wings.
WOW. They were soo delicious - smokey, saucey goodness - we tried jalapeno-lime, medium and hot. They also had ribs - which I didn't eat but my friends loved them. The service was lovely as well. If you find yourself in the Barrie area - I would definitely go and check them out. -
Review from David M.
1/11/2012
I wouldn't call myself a barbecue connoisseur for the simple reason that I love it so much that I'm easy to please. To put it simply, I've had it, and I've had it a lot, and a lot of places.
That said, I'm well aware that Barrie is pretty damn far away from a lot of my favorite barbecue joints, but the reviews were raving, so I gave it a try.
Firstly, there is no way this place should be two dollars signs--it is one. You get a LOT of food and for a very fair price--I got the half pulled pork sandwich with a drink and it was about $10. This is a deal for barbecue standards even by American prices; in Canada, it's a steal. (And yes, the half was more than I could eat. I bet some people could even share it.)
As for the pulled pork, it was pretty good. It's not going to stick in the memory, but I've also had the luxury of having a lot of *really* good pulled pork. "Pretty good" sums it up--and the fact that you get a *lot* of it.
Here is where I mention the menu: it's pretty sparse. It lists pulled pork, ribs, and then some other stuff (like a burger) and whatever the special is. The default is fries, baked beans, and slaw.
In theory, this is perfect. In practice, it's unfortunate. I took two bites of my baked beans. The first told me that they were the worst I ever had. The second, later in the meal, was to confirm this, as I was filled with disbelief that *a barbecue join* would have *the worst baked beans I've ever had*. Case closed.
The slaw wasn't as bad, but if they had other sides to offer, I'd definitely substitute in the future.
The fries were basic and plentiful. That is, like the pulled pork, they were "pretty good." But they weren't anything special--I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't house-made.
But, speaking of house-made, the lone hot sauce that was, labeled "Just Stupid," was pretty good. (And no, it's not hot enough to earn that label, so go ahead and try it.)
Food is two stars. I left full and for a fair price, and the staff were friendly, so that gets it up to three. -
Review from Colin C.
4/4/2012
Overpriced. Had the shaved beef sandwich as recommended by another reviewer. It was boiled and grey, bland and a ridiculous quantity. I would prefer quality over quantity. The service was very good though.
-
Review from Nina S.
Richmond Hill, ON
9/12/2010 3 photos
Having a nice family weekend adventure at Barrie over at Horseshoe Resort, lunch at Big Chris Smokehouse made it more wonderful. You wouldn't miss it as you drive along Anne St. with its really big sign. True to its namesake with the dude's spunky face on it. Its like a go-to place for the soccer or hockey team with its sporty & contemporary and friendly family vibe. The food is good and very close to a hearty home made. Generous serving, oh yeah. You will definitely experience it.
It may not have the distinctive taste and texture of something like Montana's or Chili's but its enjoyable enough for a good day. I prefer or am used to a fall-off-the-bone slab of ribs even if I make it at home, but I couldn't criticize them for a bite-off-the-bone for its really delectable and tender. Although the former would have made a big kick. I liked the sauce with its delicately smokey and spiced flavor. But I must say, I wasn't too satisfied with it. Its just that as if it came out of the bottle with its starchy consistency. $12.95 for a half rack, $19.95 for a full rack, includes sides.
My kids were reluctant with pulled-pork sandwich, but my husband very much enjoyed it. I, on the other hand, had an unusual sensitivity that day that I thought that sandwich smelled a bit porky and not meaty. $9.95 full bun about a foot-long, $6.50 half bun. I would have to try to Shaved Roast Beef and the Pulled Chicken next time.
The sides are good! French fries were great - nice chunky strips with skin on. Vinegar made it more sumptuous. The coleslaw did not hit me. It slid down my mouth and told my brain cells "hey, did you feel that?" "no, what?" The beans were a sure hit for the kids. Although it tasted like the ribs sauce as well. Geez. Other sides on the menu include Smoked Baked Potato, Corn Bread Muffin, Sweet Potato Fries, etc. They also serve red and white wines by glass of 4oz at $5.25.
The service was great. Fast and friendly. Oh yeah, no beef ribs available since the owner is still looking for another supplier who can provide him with the perfect slab cuts. And "we don't allow our accountants in the kitchen" wall post convinced us they're pretty serious about their business and customers. We sure had a nice chat, was it that obvious?
12:30-ish wasn't too busy with a handful of take-out orders and a couple of diners, plus us. This nice, spacious and cozy nook is open from 11am to 11pm all 7 days of the week. So if you're at Barrie for golf, downhill mountain biking, horseback riding, skiing or visiting a lover, Big Chris will make your day a bit more special. -
Review from Paul L.
Whitby, ON
7/26/2011
Great value for tasty smokehouse BBQ! Yesterday, we went to Chris' for dinner. We lucked out with their Barrielicious menu and for $15 each had a huge amount of food to eat ... 3 ribs, 3 wings, 2 pulled pork sliders, fries, coleslaw and beans. Also you got the choice of either a salad with cornbread muffin or pulled pork nachos ... Definitely get the nachos, they are an amazing value. Also, you get a decorated sugar cookie. Very nice! My wife got a large salad and added pulled pork for only $3. She got at least a half pound of pulled pork. We'll definitely be coming back!
-
Review from Alvin V.
Toronto, ON
10/23/2010
I've always been a fan of smokehouse food. The notion that it takes time to prepare these foods through time consuming techniques makes me feel like the food prepared is: a) worth the wait and b) special and unique.
I probably never would have discovered this place if I had not been in the neighbourhood but I am thankful that I did get to experience it!
Decor:
Let's get serious here...I'm no snob. Decor only really matters when the restaurant labels itself as a fine dining/modern/stylish establishment. So with a smokehouse/BBQ joint, the most I expect is cleanliness, no insects, and adequate lighting so i can photograph my food:P This category in no way affects my rating and is more of an FYI.
It's not a huge restaurant but can comfortably seat 30-40 people in my opinion. Has sort of a cafeteria feel but again, I don't care too much for it.
Washrooms were clean and good enough for me.
Service:
As this place does not cater strictly to dine in patrons, you order from the counter and tell them whether you want to take out or dine in (like McDonalds). If you dine in, once you place the order and pay, you can find a seat and someone will bring the food for you. The food came quickly which did make me question the quality of food initially but I stand corrected after tasting.
Food:
I ordered a Pulled Pork Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries and my friend ordered a Half Rack of Ribs with regular fries.
The sandwich was so big! I haven't seen a pulled pork sandwich that stuffed in my life! I'm not a fan of messy sandwiches/burgers so I was afraid it would fall apart once I started eating it but surprisingly the bread absorbed the juices and weight well. The bread used was soft and complimented the meat well. The meat had a mild smokey smell and taste to it which was complimented with a not too overwhelming sauce. All in all, it was quite an experience eating that sandwich and I'm not even a fan of pulled pork. The sweet potato fries were no different than most fries I've had except the cut was a bit thicker. The fries didn't get soggy throughout my meal which I appreciated.
My friend's ribs weren't as tender as I had hoped. They were definitely smokey but I was not able to appreciate the "toughness" of the meat. For that reason alone, I took off a star. A smokehouse should pride itself behind it's ribs and pulled pork. For me, one important aspect is the tenderness of the ribs. The sauce was great and not too saucy for my liking but that does not shield meat tenderness for me.
There is one item that I did want to order but didn't realize what it was until I saw someone eat and that was the burger they had. It's a beef burger topped with pulled pork! YUM! I couldn't stop staring at a kid next to me eating it.
That's it for this review. I would definitely come to this restaurant again if I'm in the area. Perhaps I came at a wrong time and the next time the ribs will be more tender. -
Review from SNACKe R.
Toronto, ON
8/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
I stumbled across this restaurant completely by accident, and got a great surprise. After just having toured the American South, I was ready to be disappointed, but this is the best BBQ I have had in Ontario.
The ribs had a fantastic prominent smoky flavour, and were tender and meaty, but firm. They were not fall-off-the-bone, which I am not a big fan of, there was some bite to them. The sauce was sweet, but not too sweet, and had a nice tang to it. I think I detected a dry-rub as well, but not 100% sure on that.
I ordered fries with the ribs, and they were great, very similar to New York Fries - no coating, just delicious, large potatoes, lightly salted.
The sides were cole slaw and beans. Cole slaw was decent - better than most, but not my fave. Beans were very nicely flavoured, edging a bit towards the chili con carne zone.
I also had a chance to taste the pulled pork. It was surprisingly good - also had a great smoky flavour, and was not oversauced like most pulled pork I get is.
Lastly, I tried a corn muffin, which had some jalapenos and other things in it - a really nice dense, rich result. Not traditional, but delicious.
For a random event, this was a real stroke of luck. Will definitely go out of my way to come back. For anyone heading up north on the 400, this is an easy spot to jump off the highway for. -
Review from Suzanne M.
Barrie, ON
11/5/2011
Stopped in for dinner last Thursday. Place is clean and I like that you order at the front of the store and they deliver your food to your table. Food arrived quickly. I ordered the full pulled pork sandwich. Honestly, it was kinda sickeningly huge. There was no way in hell I was going to able to pick that sandwich up without wearing it.Borrowed my boyfriends knife(he ordered the ribs) to cut a piece off and it was pretty tasty. Nothing super special, but certainly good. Fries were mehh. Coleslaw ok, beans ok- nothing great about either of them. "The " Big Chris was sitting 2 tables up from us, seemed he was having a business sort of meeting with another fellow, and he sure likes to use the f- word.Did not really bother us a whole lot, but I was glad no kids were sitting close enough to hear it.
-
Review from K. Chris M.
12/4/2010
I traveled to Barrie, Ontario for work and my office was located right next to Big Chris' BBQ. First off, I have to say that the logo of Big Chris resembles the ESPN stats guru The Schwab, from Stump the Schwab fame. See here http://sjuonlinenews.f... vs http://divaq.ca/wp-con.... Onto the food. First off never order a full bun here unless you are a glutton of extreme portion. The food is huge, and a half bun will more than suffice. The chicken was well cooked, but i could have used more sauce. I got fries and potato salad (south beach diet?). Fries were too greasy, but the potato salad had a nice vinegar bite to it. The bottle of Vinegar did however have a live fly swimming in it...I pretended that didn't happen. IF you find yourself in Barrie, Big Chris' is more than a fine option for dining, but be sure to bring your appetite.
-
Review from Chox C.
Barrie, ON
4/3/2011
best bbq in town try the dirty burger and replace the pulled pork with roast beef
