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Q Smokehouse & Southern Barbecue
Categories: Restaurants Barbeque Restaurants Southern Barbeque, Southern [Edit]
1580 Argyle StHalifax, NS B3J
(902) 407-4006
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 12 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
36 reviews for Q Smokehouse & Southern Barbecue
Review Highlights
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"...a quick, well priced, pulled pork sandwich and baked beans..." In 4 reviews -
"Sweet potato fries, sweet beans, sweet coleslaw, sweet ribs..." In 3 reviews -
"Corn bread, pulled pork, brisquet, slaw, etc." In 4 reviews
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36 reviews in English
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Review from Chrissy M.
Halifax, NS
Updated - 5/21/2012
My previous review sums it up, but I need to continue to pay homage to this delightful joint.
I always get the pulled pork with some mac n cheese and wash it down with a perfectly tart lemonade. Best lemonade ever by the way, don't pass this by. The pulled pork itself is so saucy I feel like I should wash my mouth out with soap!
I cant talk about this place toooo much or I will have to jump in my car and go there right away.
Also, I always need a nap after I eat here - so beware!Listed in: Mayday..mayday!
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Review from Ellen B.
3/3/2012
Finally got to Q after months of trying to remember they exist when trolling downtown for food. They remind me a lot of Lone Star, which closed several years ago in Clayton Park. It was my favourite restaurant (their fajitas were amazing). But I digress.
The decor is rustic-western with wooden benches and chairs, and saddles on the walls. They play the bluesiest blues I've ever heard. The menu is short and sweet: meat. As I'm not a rib fan, however, my options were even more limited, so I tried the pulled pork sandwich.
The first pulled pork sandwich I had in my life was at Lakeside Grill. They were three little sliders, and they were so awful I asked to have them removed from my bill. Lakeside needs to send their cooks here so they can learn how it's properly done. The sauce was sweet but subtle, and the pork ... MMMMMM. I chose fries as my side and they were fresh and hot. Q offers their own root beer, which is made by Garrison. I love me some Garrison root beer.
Prices are reasonable, staff is friendly and helpful, and I like the cafeteria-style ordering counter. I will definitely be returning. -
Review from Murray W.
In regards to Q, I'm a long time customer, first time reviewer. As I'm not the type to review based on long passed memories, and it being a bit since I had actually gone to Q, one of my beloved restaurants fell through my review gap. Alas, that mistake is about to be corrected.
I've been to Q several times since it has opened and have had many different items on the menu ranging from the great combo deals to the group options of a suckling pig and smoked turkey (which is a great bang for your buck). Their manager even recognizes me, which is a nice and friendly touch. The restaurant itself is stylish in an unrefined sort of way, with chalkboard paint on the walls with lengthy diatribes on the finer points of BBQ, wooden tables and chairs, and a colour scheme that's rustic and friendly.
On this occasion I was meeting a couple friends for a late lunch to avoid the hustle and bustle of the crowds, and by the time we got there at 1pm on a Thursday, the place was pretty much ours. We lined up at the counter to make our orders and this time I chose the brisket plate which comes with two sides and cornbread. For my sides I chose my old faithful, mac and cheese, as well as something I hadn't tried yet, their dirty rice. Being that I wasn't working until that night, I chose to wash it all down with a pint of Rickard's Red. Ok, who am I kidding, if I was on break from work I still would have gotten the beer. It's worth noting that to show solidarity with inconvenienced transit users during the strike that Q will sell you a Maker's Mark cocktail for $2.50 if you show your otherwise useless bus pass. Unfortunately I do not have one, but I wish I did to take advantage of some fine, cheap bourbon.
Alcohol sidetracks aside, after a short wait we actually had the food bought out to our table, it was that slow for business. For the uninitiated, when your order is ready a staff person will yell out your name (which you give when your order) and you go to the counter to pick up your food and utensils. I chose to go with the brisket because I've found that their ribs can be hit or miss and sometimes suffer from being too dry. With their brisket though, it is likely impossible, especially if you go for the 'marbled' cut of brisket which comes even juicier (re. fattier). And indeed, is it ever juicy, with a pool of it's delicious juices bathing the tender, smokey meat. The mac and cheese is cheesy and firm and is in a whole other universe compared to the boxed, neon-orange stuff you will find in a box. The dirty rice doesn't disappoint either, it's just a little bit sticky and has a lots of flavour with a slightest bit of spiciness to it. The cornbread, as always, is moist , fluffy and sweet, and in my mind is everything that good cornbread should be.
This may have not been the smartest meal to have as my first of the day as I felt like falling asleep just before my night shift, but it was well worth it.Listed in: I'm talkin' downnnntown!
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Review from Jade B.
Halifax County, NS
5/22/2012
I have been here three times now, my first experience was not good at all, but my boyfriend convinced me to go back again because he loved it, so i decided to give it a second try, and i had a great experience and have been back again since!
Food was delicious, mac and cheese great, corn on the cob delish!
The two good times I was there I ordered the beef ribs with the sweet bbq sauce and it was finger lickin good.
Before I describe my first experience I would like to point out I absolutely hate this new stand up and place your own order get it yourself kinda deal. There is no reason to tip anyone with this kind of service as well. Kinda foolish.
I was wearing all black the first time we went there and I was up at the counter ordering a pitcher, and walking back to my table some people came into the restaurant and asked me where they should sit. I was pretty embarrassed and walked away! THEY THOUGHT I WAS A WAITRESS because I was carrying a pitcher and 2 glasses. This added to my hate of this cafeteria style ordering.
The pulled pork burger was soggy and the sauce was gross.
But like I said I haven't ordered it again since, I stick with the beef ribs and they are great. Haven't had a bad visit since..
My only tip, don't wear all black. -
Review from Erin V.
Halifax, NS
5/11/2012
I have mixed feelings about Q. Their fries and coleslaw are great, but their sauces taste pretty processed and I always end up feeling somewhat sick after eating there. Would I recommend it? No.
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Review from Ben R.
Halifax, NS
3/9/2012
This place was our go-to lunch spot for quite a while. I've had something different almost every time I've gone, and I've yet to find something that I don't like. As long as you pick the right sauce, their meat is cooked to perfection, the corn bread is excellent, and you get your choice of a half dozen sides. I've gotten their Q branded root beer every time I've gone, and it is outstanding.
I highly recommend checking this place out. -
Review from Matt J.
Halifax, NS
4/16/2012
Q is one of those restaurants I was really looking forward to trying but just didn't end up enjoying it as much as I had hoped. The atmosphere is neat, very appropriate for a southern style BBQ joint. It's cafeteria style, so you go up and order your food at the counter and wait until it's ready to go take a seat, which actually works out pretty well.
When I was there I had a half rack of ribs and quarter chicken. Apparently I thought I was much hungrier than I actually was, as I barely made it through half of the meal. This is a huge portion of food! The meat itself was ok but it was kind of dry. One would think that a place that prides themselves on BBQ would have top notch meat! Also, the sauce was too sweet (and too much of it) for my liking, although that's a personal preference. I like to taste my meat! The sides were ok, nothing to write home about but not bad either.
Their home made whiskey sours are a must-try though, definitely the highlight of my visit to Q. -
Review from Hilary G.
3/26/2012
My Tennessee husband was visiting so we had to stop by a bbq place. I like the decor of Q's - lots of wood and sunlight - good place for families for sure. The menu is up on the wall and there are plenty of options. I just wanted to try their basic pork bbq sandwich and I had a side of cornbread. I thought a bbq sandwich for over $10 was a bit steep in price. The bbq was good, but not saucy enough for my liking, and there were some hard bits which were unappetizing. The cornbread was overly sweet and cold. This place will definitely satisfy your bbq craving, but I would head to Boneheads instead. The lynchburg lemonade at Q's did sound tempting though.
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Review from Ben B.
12/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Full disclosure: this is a vegetarian reviewing a meat house.
Popped in today for lunch with my mother-in-law and had a great visit! Sure, there's not much meat-free on the menus but I got by with some creative ordering and some selective ignorance when it comes to the exact ingredients in some mostly meat-free dishes.
She raved about the deliciousness of the uber messy Po Boy Sandwich and fries. RAVED. And she's not a raver. Probably don't order this on a first date though. It may be super tasty, but it's not a meal that can be consumed by the vain.
I put together a random little tasters platter of sides. The Mac 'n Cheese was pretty meh, actually, and contained chicken broth so vegetarians probably won't want to go that route. It just wasn't very cheesy and didn't have much flavour. Other than that though, everything was pretty freaking awesome.
Their onion rings are worth a trip in on their own - and I'm picky about my high-calorie snacks. These rings are perfectly battered, crispy not soggy, and served with a deliciously flavourful chipotle mayo that I almost ate with my fingers. So good.
The showstopper, though, was the baked beans which lord knows must have some sort of meaty byproduct in there to give them so much flavour but I'll be damned if that'll stop me from loading them on top of cornbread (thanks to our server for recommending the combination) and shoveling them into my face. Don't judge me if you ever catch me eating that for breakfast someday.
Nice, interesting venue with plenty of space and lots to look at plus a staff who very clearly cares about making each experience memorable. Happy to have found an excuse to pop in!Listed in: Group-friendly!, My Second-Favourite Argyle, Mac'n on Cheese
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Review from Jeremy B.
Halifax, NS
1/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been to Q twice; both times for the pork ribs. It was astounding both times. For the price ($12 for a half rack!), I have never been more satisfied at a restaurant.
I love the format they have taken on: order and pay upfront and wait for your name to be called to go and get it. To me, this format is much better for a casual dinning experience. When I want a refill, I just get up and get it myself right away; no waiting for a server.
I can appreciate that some people might be turned off by this format of eating at a restaurant. But believe me, it is a very unique and fantastic experience.
This will definitely become a regular spot for eating out in the future for me and my friends. -
Review from Stephen M.
Halifax, NS
One of my favourite places to eat downtown. I've probably had half a dozen of the pulled pork po-boy's by now. Their chicken breasts are also very good (very moist) and the half rack of ribs is huge and tasty. Don't forget the lemonade, they hand press each glass when ordered, and it's always delicious.
I've never been somewhere with such friendly people at the counter, and counter service makes it a great place to grab a fast, casual bite to eat. They've always been very fast, and bring the food out to you.
They also have some interesting group items (require 48 hour notice) such as whole pig, whole turkey, saddle of beef, and a few others (goat and lamb options). While expensive, they also include a number of sides, 16 for the whole pig, 12 for the turkey, so if you split it up and get a good group of people it's not too bad. Some friends and I are definitely considering trying this out.
Edit: So I finally tried the pig with a group of friends. There was 17 of us, they brought out the pig, sat it on the table, and let us take pictures for a bit, then they took the pig back and started bringing out sides while they cut up the pig. Shortly after that plate after plate of pork kept coming out of the kitchen. The pork was very tender, very tasty. They also gave us three different bowls of BBQ sauces. And when I say sides, I mean they actually brought out two big plates of every side they offer (and they offer a lot), there was mac n cheese, baked beans, fries, corn on the cob, corn bread, and some more I can't remember. It was a feast. After we were all stuffed, they brought out a bunch of doggy bags and stuff them full of whatever we couldn't finish. -
Review from Kent P.
8/6/2011
Came by on a sunny weekend afternoon, lots of space available to sit inside and out - lots of wood and the menus plastered all over the walls - not dissimilar from most BBQ restaurants.
You'll see the standard fare, beef ribs, pulled pork po' boys, pork ribs, roast chicken, corn bread, etc. One interesting note was they listed the catering items they do - full pigs and turkeys for feeding up to 16 people. I think the pig was ~265$.
I went for the BBQ Sampler (which doesn't list what it contains) and a Q Root Beer (made by Garrisons).
The sampler came out on a large metal tray, with servings of 2 beef ribs, some pork ribs, brisket, pulled chicken, pulled pork, corn bread + 2 sides (I picked onions and peppers and the dirty rice).
The meat was mostly tepid - nothing quite hot enough. The pulled pork was almost room temperature. Since this is a spot where you pay first then sit and have the food delivered to you - you don't have the dedicated server you'd normally be able to address these things to immediately.
The pulled pork/chicken/brisket was often too fatty and felt like it had been sitting pulled for way too long. The beef rib was nearly perfect - although they douse it in a little too much sauce which takes away from the succulence of the meat.
The server brought out an order of corn bread as a consolation for the warm meat ... but the bill was still 25$+ per person. Not acceptable at that price point. I'd go back and probably just have some beef ribs, corn bread, and a side of fries. Those were all safe choices. -
Review from Ashley M.
Halifax, NS
8/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is new favorite restaurant in the city. The food is smashing and the service is even better. The decor is really cool; it's like an authentic BBQ place.
You order your meal at the counter and they bring it to you when it's ready. The servers are unbelievably friendly. Alcohol is realtively cheap and the music rocks!
I couldn't recommend a particular dish because I know they are all great. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Dartmouth, NS
5/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Let me start off by saying this: I want to make babies with their pulled pork sandwhich. (Oh, if only I were joking...)
When this place first opened up, I was foaming at the mouth to try it out. This city lacked bbq comfort food. While I had tried Boneheads, and it is a good place, I'm more of a sweet BBQ kind of girl, so it wasn't quite for me. Q delivers the sweet bbq sauce I was craving. I went there once and have been hooked ever since. The place is chock full of southern style decor; animal skulls on the wall, bbq facts chalked onto the walls, wood plank tables, and lots of plaid-clad staff. And plenty of paper towel at your table.
If you're a first time patron, the place can seem a little intimidating because you don't wait at a table for a waiter to take your order. Instead, you sidle on up to the counter and order off the chalk board and they'll holler out your name when the food is ready. But it doesn't take long and the staff is always very friendly.
I've dragged just about everyone I know there and it became our weekly lunch stop staple. It's been a while since we've been there because other things have gotten in the way, but with the warm weather approaching, I'm anticipating many a tasty lunch on their patio this summer.
My only complaints about the place is that the sauce used for the pulled sandwiches is not available to use on any of their other barbecued meats. I'd bathe in that sauce if I could.Listed in: The Lunch Bunch - Downtown…, Here piggy piggy!
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Review from Sarah H.
6/30/2011
I like this place. It's got a definite BBQ theme, which is very apparent when you walk in and see the trough that's been turned into a hand-washing station.
The food was good. I had the pulled pork sandwich on the recommendation of a friend (see Jenn B's review). I liked it, but as I told her: I probably wouldn't write home about it. *Now would be a good time to admit that I'm not a carnivore, and generally don't go Gaga over meat. So, to me - it was good.
I can say that the service was great. I showed up early and was waiting for friends. The staff greeted me warmly and asked if I'd ever been and whether I needed help deciding.
The only thing I did not like was the menu. I would have preferred a print version, rather than reading off the wall. I was a little overwhelmed with all the choices, and not being a huge carnivore I did not know what a lot meant. This was coupled with the fact that soon after my friends arrived, a huge group of tourists came in. Made me feel rushed, and I ended up ordering my side quickly, as I didn't have the time to sit down and figure out what I wanted. -
Review from Paul B.
Second smokehouse that I have tried in Halifax - and definitely the best. Doesn't feel at all like a chain - and I don't think it is.
Large open room, lots of wood and brick showing. Great feel! And it plays blues music all the time - bonus!
Loved that each and every table has a roll of paper towel hanging on one side and there is a glass full of toothpicks mixed in with the condiments - both essential for a rib place.
It was a slow night and the guy at the counter welcomed me, got my name, walked me through the process and made a point of calling me by name several times through my stay - very nice touch to make one feel welcomed on a damp winter evening in Halifax.
The food was good - loved the beans. Ribs a bit dry for my taste, but the hot sauce was perfect! Loved the two special brews on tap from Garrison!
This is not a place to spend a couple of hours, but it is a great place to pop in for some quick hardy food and some chat. There are no TVs noising up the place! -
Review from Philip H.
Halifax, NS
Heart attack on a plate = beef brisket poutine. Picture fries, smothered in fatty beef brisket, cheese curds and gravy. -drool- My arteries need a test tube cleaner after this meal, but oh so delicious and comforting.
I've always had a great time at Q. The staff always great me with a smile (and by name... guess I frequent more than I though or perhaps I'm just memorable).
The decor is unique, set up like a southern BBQ house with large wooden tables, barn decor on the walls, and the BBQ story written in chalk in the walls is quite the amusing read.
Only complaint it their beer selection. For regular prices draft your limited to Coors Light. Meh. You can upgrade to a Ricard's Red for a couple bucks more, but it's a bit pricey for a pint.
I also wish they would bring back sweet potato fries. Nothing says southern BBQ like sweet potato.Listed in: Carnivorous eats, Burger, BURger, BURGER!!!
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Review from Jesse G.
Timberlea, NS
1/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
What an excellent restaurant!
Me and my boyfriend stopped in here after running downtown to do errands. It was cold outside, and we wanted somewhere warm, with good comfort food. And boy, did we get what we wanted.
The atmosphere here is the first thing you notice. The second we walked in the door, the server working the counter greeted us. The walls are brick and the floors are reclaimed wood (the tables as well). It has a homey feel, with a touch of modernity from the steel accents and modular menus. It's a very friendly place, and the staff is friendly too.
You order at the counter, and the staff are more than willing to help you pick something out. Basically, it goes like this: you choose your meat, you choose your sauce, and you choose your side. The sauces are diverse, and the two we tried were delicious. Much better than anything you'll ever get in a jar. We both had the chicken and it was perfectly cooked, wonderfully moist, and the breast was full of meat. The fries are crispy and tasty. There's really nothing to complain about.
The service is what makes this place. It is absolutely excellent; the staff is friendly, and asks for your name and then proceeds to call you by name throughout the entire experience. They're not afraid to chat if you start up a conversation, and they have a good amount of knowledge about the restaurant and the food it serves.
This is definitely a place we'll be coming again. It's a blessing in the cold Nova Scotian winter; we'll be spending a lot of time here this one.Listed in: Favourite Restaurants
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Review from Mike B.
3/29/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I have a few friends that rave about this place. So the mere mention of Q often brings some variation of "I love that place!" You can imagine how difficult it is saying the alphabet with these people around. Nonetheless, I have eaten here.
The menu contains a lot of meat. And why wouldn't it? It's a meat-centric environment. Brisket, ribs, pulled pork or chicken. No steak though, oddly enough. My choice has been the pulled chicken as I'm not a red-meat type of person other than the simple burger. There are also a variety of sides to go with the main so if you decide to indulge, you best be hungry.
The pulled chicken sandwich comes soaked in a mild sauce on a burger bun. No room for veggies. And keep that paper towel roll nearby because you will need it. If you choose to get a side of fries, consider sharing because it's a pretty big plate. I also typically get a side of mac and cheese. It's not as big as the fries but I guess it IS just a side. You don't want to fill up on mac and cheese when so much meat is at steak (pun intended?).
Be sure to try the freshly squeezed lemonade. One of their specialties!
The first time I visited Q, I was a bit confused with how it worked as it looks like it'd be a waited restaurant but instead you place your order at the counter first and pay, and then wait at a table for your food to come to you. I do like this setup and for this particular place, it's a good idea to not have it as formal as waited service.
They also take reservations...but only if you're placing a larger order such as for a pig, half a lamb or goat or a few other options. So my birthday plan required a backup. Otherwise, Q is the perfect place for a larger group if you are willing to place that massive order or lucky enough to catch the place during down time. There is lots of space with giant tables but it's a pretty popular spot.
The interior is suitably designed with a very southern look that's appropriate for what it is although I will admit that it isn't really my thing. However, they do have a patio open in the summer on the lovely Argyle strip which I very much enjoy dining on.
I think Q fills a void in the Halifax scene from what I've become familiar with (so far), and has become a destination for the people that have ventured into its doors. Rightfully so! -
Review from Jamie S.
4/8/2011
I went to Q with a few friends while I was in Halifax on Spring break. There was a lot of build up to it, a lot of discussion, and one premise that was sort of unappealing to me: meat.
I'm not really a big meat person. I tend to go for meals that use veggies and fruits and spices and grains, rather than enormous amounts of meat, to get the flavor right.
This isn't one of those places. I got the brisket poutine (because they'd ran out of ingredients for the cobb salad). There wasn't much else on the menu for someone like me (and nothing if you're a vegetarian). It's not that this place was bad...just, not what I look for in a restaurant. More selection, please. -
Review from Anna A.
Halifax, NS
4/16/2011
The food at Q is just alright bordering on not-that-great, which is disappointing considering how good and enthusiastic the service is and how much I like the interior.
Exposed brick walls, cow skulls, reclaimed wooden tables and the big airy space make a good first impression when you walk in. You order at the (very friendly) counter and pick up when your name is called (for extra funtimes give a fake name).
I'm not going to compare to an other barbecue joint in town... but I will say that everything here is somehow sweeter tasting than you'd expect and there is just something....lacking in the meat and sauce... and the cornbread...And if you're a boy, you may find the portions small (I found the amount to be too much myself but that's individual).
Will I come here again? Probably- because the location and interior are so good (and friendly!). But if I'm in a serious mood for southern barbecue I'll probably go elsewhere. -
Review from Rhonda D.
Halifax, NS
11/30/2010
All I can say is *YUM* !! (and also "Don't eat here if you don't like meat") ...
We were walking along on a chilly Saturday, looking for a place to eat, and walked right by this place. Then turned back (thank god) - we looked in, and weren't going to go in because it was pretty much empty and the atmosphere looked really cold, but thank god (again) we decided to try it.
The concept is really different - You go up to the counter to order, then you go sit at a table and wait for them to bring you your food. There aren't any servers persay, and you get a real 'communal' feel from this place - tables are huge and rustic and it's pretty loud in there, but whatever, as soon as the first bite of melt-in-your-mouth goodness hits your tastebuds you really wouldn't care if you were sitting on a curb eating your meal, it's that good.
My husband got the pulled-pork sandwich (not the "po boy") - his was just meat and bun. That's it. A males' greatest fantasy I'm sure. I ordered the brisket which was so yummy, but fatty... they did warn me about this, but life is short and it's one of their most popular sellers, so I dove-in. YUM
I gave it 4 stars only, because the 'sides' could use a lot of improvement (other than the cornbread, which is one of the best-tasting cornbread recipes I have ever had). The potato-salad is pretty inedible (from a tub I'm assuming by the gross flavour), and the coleslaw isn't that great (who cares, I know). If they made their sides from scratch, this place wouldn't have a complaint in site.
Let's just say, you hope no one's watching while you eat, because this place exudes the feeling to CHOW DOWN! (I'm assuming they are going after this feel, hence the *roll* of paper towel accompanying each table! LoL ...
If you want a tasty, meaty, filling, and messy meal ...this is just the place :)
And again - YUM !! -
Review from Alex P.
Saanichton, BC
11/29/2011
Just say yes to Qs! Corn bread, pulled pork, brisquet, slaw, etc. Nicely done in a fun space with saddles and a Makers Mark sign on the wall, along with a chalkboard talking about what "southern barbeque" really is. I said Yes. It was great. Friendly. Fast. Funky! Not expensive! $10 got me a kick ass pulled pork sandwhich, side of corn bread, AND slaw. I'll be back.
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Review from Derek S.
Dartmouth, NS
9/4/2011
One of those places I've been meaning to try since it opened a couple of years ago. After visiting for lunch last week, I definitely feel like I haven't missed much. The decor and menu are pretty standard for a BBQ joint, but the food is a pale imitation of other Southern BBQ places. Despite the fact that we were pretty much the only people in the place, and our orders weren't particularly complex, service was painfully slow and indifferent. My brisket wasn't particularly tasty, and sat like a rock in my belly for the whole afternoon. And quite frankly, its pricy for what you get. If you want Southern BBQ, there are other and better options in town.
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Review from Christopher N.
Halifax, NS
11/5/2010
Really enjoyed a quick, well priced, pulled pork sandwich and baked beans on the side. The staff were friendly, informative, helpful to folks who hadn't ordered yet, quick with their prep and visited to see how our food was after we commenced eating. And did I mention they serve beer? Oh yes.
Great lunch. Really recommend checking it out. -
Review from Sue A.
11/13/2010
Q is the indie, hipster version of the good old Ponderosa steak house minus the salad bar. That I was reminded of Ponderosa is a definite indication of my level of barbecue knowledge--pretty much nada.
With a wide range of choices, there's something for everyone. The meat choices include chicken, pork and beef ribs, brisket and pulled pork. Most meals come with one side but you can add extras for a reasonable $2.50 each. You can choose from corn on the cob, fries, coleslaw, baked beans, and mac'n'cheese plus lots of other goodies. In the oh-so-essential ingredient department, there are five varieties of sauce ranging from mild to super hot with traditional and white sauces thrown in.
The wide-open dining room with its wooden floors and tables is perfect for large groups and families. A highlight is the industrial sink where you can watch your hands before and, especially, after eating.
Food is served in round metal trays lined with red and white checked waxed paper, reflecting the casual atmosphere. You order your food at the counter and the staff will holler out your name when it's ready. The cashier tonight was friendly and helpful, giving good advice about the best combinations in terms of flavour and value for price.
I had the pulled pork sandwich with sides of beans and grits. With a Diet Coke that came to $15--pretty reasonable for a mid-evening snack after a few post work drinks. The sandwich was large and served on a soft bun. The beans were tasty enough. The grits were the one puzzling thing. I'm no expert on grits, but I've had them a few times in the Southern States and these did not resemble, in any way, any grits I had seen or eaten before. But, because the food is reasonably inexpensive, I filed the grits under "do not order again" without a lot of regret.
The standard drinks, lemonade, root beer, and fountain pop, are available as are a variety of draught and premium beers. If you prefer wine, you're in luck. There are a couple of inexpensive wines on offer or you can bring your own for a minimal $10 corkage fee.
I was there with a friend who having grown up in Kansas City, the world's barbecue capital, claimed that Q's so-called southern barbecue wasn't quite up to snuff, but for me, a barbecue innocent, I thought it was delicious, well priced and lots of fun. -
Review from Kris R.
Halifax, NS
7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great Food and quick quick service. I had the Beefs ribs in Texas sauce awesome!! I was there with a group of 4 people everyone was happy with food and drinks.
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Review from Sarah A.
Halifax, NS
11/10/2010
Good price, good food... I just found everything to be sweet!
Sweet potato fries, sweet beans, sweet coleslaw, sweet ribs sauce, sweet corn bread.
Anyway, it's good. I just have a hard time with restaurants that open downtown... I get it, it's a popular place. But it's a bitch to park near by if you live outside the city. -
Review from Dr. H.
Halifax, NS
7/20/2011
I liked Q when I ate there. I had the beef ribs, with grits as my side. Definetly good stuff, atmosphere is excellent too. Good to see BBQ joints popping up in Halifax
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Review from Lacey H.
4/23/2010
This place is just so lovely inside, I had to swing in yesterday to get a closer look at the space, if nothing else. I don't eat meat, but that didn't stop me from finding the wall of aromas intoxicating when I stepped from Argyle Street and into this barbeque dream
The floor is either authentic, extremely old planks, or else a convincing facsimile. The floor boards are wide and distressed, and there is so much wood creating a natural, rustic vibe. I've said it before and I'll say it again - exposed brick, make me swoon! There is an entire wall of glorious brick work on display, looking ultra-fine and classy.
I checked out the menu, and was astonished that so much meat offerings could reside under one roof. Ribs were the most notable feature, with a large variety of quantity options - this place can harness any appetite and take it for a ride.
They had lots of sides, perhaps fit for veggies and vegans. Salads of the potato and pasta variety, as well as some hot accomplices to pair with your seriously meaty lunch. Their were quite a few people dining, and the grand long wooden tables foster a community vibe with different groups coming together and sharing the space.
Not fit for the herbivores, that's for certain. But Q Smokehouse and Barbeque, what about a serious tempeh or smoked tofu sandwich, just so I can have barbecue sauce slathered all over a crusty hunk of bread? No, I didn't think so... but a girl can dream. -
Review from Angela P.
Halifax, NS
1/19/2011
Folks were nice in here, but they sure don't know their BBQ. The sides left much to be desired as well. I suppose it might have been good if I weren't from the South and if I weren't put off by the guy behind the counter not knowing that Memphis is in Tennessee.
I get my fix at the "other" BBQ place in town and I will stick with it. -
Review from Laura P.
8/20/2010
From a veggie perspective, the Q Smokehouse is still pretty neat. Obviously focusing on the BBQ meat style cuisine, its a playfully chic atmosphere that keeps it both classy and laid back. Get into the summer cooking vibe without having to cook, and relax inside this cool environment-- it seems like an ideal option.
Great prices and the Argyle Street allure, this semi-newcomer has established quite the momentum. Meat in all shapes, sizes, forms--- people take your pick. I looked to the sides menu which consisted of many salads, and unfortunately, it was less veggie, more pasta and potato style.
I'll side with Lacey, and advocate even a lonely alt-option of smoked tofu or maybe a veggie burger intermixed in almond butter toppings? That stuff can still be rich and overly indulgent to fit in with the rest. If not, thats fine too... I'll head elsewhere. But with the great location and nice insides, I wouldn't mind enjoying a time at Q Smokehouse again sometime. -
Review from Rob O.
Bedford, NS
8/13/2010
I've had three meals two excellent and one good.
The beef ribs and the brisket were excellent, my friend felt the po boy was the best sandwich in the city. So you can't go wrong with those. The brisket poutine was good but not worth the price, and not large enough. Overall one of my new favorite places to eat! -
Review from Nik C.
Halifax, NS
7/21/2010
Excellent BBQ at great prices, probably the best in Halifax. I ordered the half rack with 2 sides, which was only $11; I expected the rack to be puny for that price, but on the contrary it was huge, tasty and delicious. Their sauces are more interesting than the usual corn syrup concoctions found on grocery store shelves, with lots of flavours coming through to complement the meat; the Texas sauce is chock full of cumin flavour that's a welcome change from the usual sauces.
The lemonade is also fantastic, with a strong tartness that quenches your thirst and leaves you wanting more.
This place also offers huge party options like whole suckling pig (for ~$350), which would no doubt make a pretty fantastic group meal.
My one complaint with this place that prevented me from giving it 5 stars is the service. Order taking is really slow, and you can expect to wait in line 15-20 minutes at lunch just to get to the cash and order.. why not make 2 ordering lines, or a small form to fill out and just hand in if you know exactly what you want? There also seems to be some confusion with the staff as to customer etiquette when picking up food. I waited by the counter for my food to arrive, but was told by one of the staff I could sit down, which I did, however another server came and gave me my food, muttering a complaint about having to deliver it to me when I could have grabbed it myself. Perhaps they should clarify for customers - and staff - what the procedure is. -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
5/17/2010
I recently took my mother to the Q Smokehouse & Southern BBQ for Mothers Day. She had heard good things and was eager to check it out. I was not even aware of its existence (maybe my mom should be on yelp?), but I was very interested.
All I can say is I'm glad my Mother has a keen interest in BBQ because this place was fantastic! The food was delicious, filling and pretty cheap! I had the Po Boy Sandwich and Mom had the chicken wings.
I really dug the atmosphere of this place. The tables are really nice and there is a lot of writing on the wall to distract you while your food is cooking. All the tables come equipped with a roll of paper towel, which really came in handy and was greatly appreciated by the end of the meal.
Overall I have to say this might be my favorite new restaurant in Halifax. Definitely make a point of stopping by this place! -
Review from Nick B.
Halifax, NS
5/24/2010
My visit to Q this weekend was one I was worried about. I had read mixed reviews, and my wife, being a true southerner, was skeptical of the ability to get any realy good barbecue in Nova Scotia.
Q handily proved her wrong.
Not only was the meal great, the staff very friendly and apparently enjoying themselves, we just really had a great time. Amongst our party of five we savoured ribs, brisket, and chicken, along with an array of sides. No one was left disappointed. The Memphis sauce combined brilliantly with a good smoky flavour that wasn't too dried out, and sides of baked beans, mac & cheese, potato salad, and sweet potato fries all complemented the meals well.
Q offers a couple of beers brewed by Garrison as house drafts - the dark (I think nut brown) ale was a great complement to my meal, not overpowering it, not leaving me unsatisfied.
And the price. The price. $45 or so all in for my wife and I including a beer and a glass of a nice Malbec. We went back up for desert, a few more bucks, but overall, great value and a great meal.
