Famous Dave's operates over 150 locations across the United States
Famous Dave's of America is a casual dining chain that specializes in barbecue. The restaurant serves ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken alongside sides like cornbread, beans, and coleslaw. Most locations are independently owned and operated by franchisees, though the company maintains consistent menu and brand standards across all restaurants.
The chain was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can find Famous Dave's in most U.S. states, with the highest concentration in the Midwest and South. Each location operates as a standalone restaurant rather than as part of a larger food service group, so hours, pricing, and specific menu items may vary by location.
Key Takeaways
- Famous Dave's serves traditional barbecue with regional sauce varieties, and most locations offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.
- The menu centers on smoked meats sold by the pound or in combination platters, with sides and desserts available separately.
- Pricing varies by location and meat selection, but a typical entree with sides ranges from $12 to $25 depending on portion size.
- You can find your nearest Famous Dave's location and view the specific menu through the company website or by calling ahead, since franchises may offer regional variations.
Menu structure and what you order
Famous Dave's organizes its menu around smoked meats. You can order ribs by the slab or half-slab, brisket by the pound, pulled pork sandwiches, smoked chicken, and combination platters that pair two or three meat types. Most entrees come with your choice of two sides from a list that includes baked beans, mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, and coleslaw.
The restaurant offers multiple barbecue sauce varieties, each named after a regional style: Carolina Mustard, Memphis Sweet, Texas Red, and others. You choose your sauce when you order, and additional sauce comes on the side. Desserts include peach cobbler, brownies, and seasonal items. Beverages range from soft drinks to iced tea, and some locations serve beer and wine.
Pricing depends on what you order and which location you visit. A half-slab of ribs typically costs between $16 and $22, while a pulled pork sandwich runs $8 to $12. Combination platters that include two meats and two sides generally fall between $18 and $28. Sides and desserts are usually $3 to $6 each.
How to order and dining formats
Most Famous Dave's locations offer three ways to order: dine-in at tables, takeout at the counter, and delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub. When you dine in, you order at the counter and receive a number; staff bring your food to your table. Takeout orders are bagged and ready to go within 15 to 20 minutes of ordering. Delivery times vary by location and demand, typically 30 to 45 minutes.
For large orders or catering, most locations accept phone orders placed in advance. You can call the restaurant directly to discuss group sizes, delivery options, and pricing. Some franchises offer catering packages for events, though availability and pricing vary by location.
Finding your nearest location and checking hours
The Famous Dave's website includes a location finder where you enter your city or zip code to see nearby restaurants. Each location page displays the address, phone number, hours of operation, and a link to the specific menu. Hours vary by franchise; most locations open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, but some close on Mondays or have limited Sunday hours.
Calling ahead is useful if you want to confirm current hours, ask about daily specials, or place a large order. Many locations post their menus and hours on Google Maps and social media, which can be faster than visiting the main website if you already know which restaurant you plan to visit.
Dietary considerations and customization
Famous Dave's menu is meat-focused, so vegetarian options are limited. Most locations can prepare a plate of sides only, though this is not a standard menu item and availability depends on the individual restaurant. You can request modifications like sauce on the side, no sauce, or substitutions between side options.
The restaurant does not publish detailed nutritional information or allergen lists on its website. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, call your local Famous Dave's directly to speak with a manager who can review ingredients and preparation methods. Barbecue sauces and some sides may contain common allergens like soy, gluten, or tree nuts.
Franchise ownership and location differences
Because Famous Dave's operates through franchising, individual locations are owned and managed by different people. This means menu prices, sauce selections, side options, and even some specialty items may differ between restaurants. One location might offer a regional meat special that another does not.
The company provides franchisees with brand standards and core menu requirements, but franchisees have flexibility in how they run their business. If you have a specific request or want to know whether a particular location offers something you saw at another Famous Dave's, contact that specific restaurant rather than the corporate office.
Loyalty programs and promotions
Famous Dave's offers a rewards program through its website and mobile app. Members earn points on purchases and can redeem them for discounts or free items. The program is free to join and does not require a credit card to sign up. Specific rewards and point values vary, so check the app or website for current offers at your location.
Individual franchises may run their own local promotions, such as discounts on certain days or combo deals. These promotions are not always advertised nationally, so following your local Famous Dave's on social media or calling ahead can alert you to current specials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Famous Dave's offer catering for events?
Most locations offer catering, but availability and pricing depend on the individual franchise. Call your nearest Famous Dave's to discuss group size, delivery options, and menu selections. They typically require advance notice for large orders.
Can I order Famous Dave's through delivery apps?
Yes, most locations are available on DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and similar platforms. Delivery fees and times vary by app and location. You can also call the restaurant directly to place a takeout order and pick it up yourself.
What if I don't eat meat?
The menu is primarily meat-based, but most locations can prepare a plate of sides only. Call ahead to confirm what sides are available and whether the kitchen can accommodate your request. Vegetarian options are not a standard menu offering.
Are Famous Dave's locations open on holidays?
Hours vary by franchise. Some locations close on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, while others stay open with modified hours. Check your local restaurant's website or call to confirm holiday hours before you visit.
How much does it cost to order Famous Dave's for delivery?
Delivery fees depend on which app you use and how far you are from the restaurant. Food prices are the same whether you dine in or order delivery, but third-party apps typically add a service fee and delivery charge on top of your order total.