I went here one day on my lunch break and didn’t know what to expect. I got the Polish Boy, 2 wings with sauce and a side of fries. The food was slamming!!! I was all done and realized I wanted more. I’m big on the BBQ spots in the area and this one is definitely up there. On top of that the prices are pretty low compared to a couple other BBQ spots in the area. Will definitely be returning soon
Michele R.
Place rating: 5 Brook Park, OH
I finally stopped in after months of passing this locale and people telling me to check it out. The shop is really bare bones– no tables. I was in a hurry and ribs wouldn’t be ready for 30 minutes, so I settle for a Polish Boy and a side of mac and cheese. The guy was really nice and thanked me for coming in. As I was leaving,(with only $ 7 less in my pocket, btw) he slipped a menu in my bag and said ‘Just in case you like what you ordered’. Just in case? I laughed later. Because he knew. SODELICIOUS. The frank was cooked perfect– nice and meaty, just enough salty smoky flavor. Topped with some fresh fries and a delicious coleslaw. What really changed everything was the sauce. It was tangy and vinegary, but not watery. Somehow, even after driving my food home, the bun wasn’t soggy. This was such a glorious mess and it was worth it. I will probably never eat this in front of anyone– I must have looked like a starved coyote scarfing this thing down. Mac and Cheese was good– a little drier than I would like my mac and cheese, but the flavor was good. I will definitely be back. often.
Tony N.
Place rating: 4 Riverside, Cleveland, OH
Great barbecue! Anyone who has tried recently and it has looked abandoned. Fear no more, looks like there was an incident that occurred where the front of house was damaged. They closed for a bit to get repairs done. Happy to say they are back in business and still serving great food. I am used to some good down south Texas barbecue so when I initially read the reviews I was excited. Something even close to that here in Cleveland would be great. I was definitely not let down. Their tempura fried wings are great. Have ordered dozens at a time. Paired with the sauce, hands down great stuff. Ribs are pretty good too. Cooked well and great smokey flavor. Not as tender as Texas but darn close. I worked in a barbecue spot while living in Texas and this place does pretty well to bring me back. Don’t let the décor sway. It’s a simple place that provides what you want. No extra frills. Go in, order and take out. Can’t complain at all about that. Good portions with soft bread provided. Fries are great when fresh. They offer the option to smoother them in sauce as well which I enjoy. Very tangy spicy zing to it that makes it stand out from the other places in the area or city that offer the similar fare. Definitely would recommend giving this place a try if you are craving some barbecue. I’ve visited and heard folks traveling from far just to eat here. It’s one of the few places that I enjoy visiting every once in awhile. Not one of those places you try, enjoy and then really never feel like going back to. That says a lot!
David B.
Place rating: 1 Elkhorn, WI
Totally disappointed. I love barbecue and went there because it was recommended. Got there and the place is abandoned. If I they’re still in business you wouldn’t know it.
Tom V.
Place rating: 1 Tecumseh, MI
This was not that good. Dive place and no selection sometimes means great food. Not here. I walked over from the Marroitt to try the ribs since I love good ribs. They were too fatty and unevenly cooked and not that good at all though the sauce was good. Fries were horrible. Will not eat these again. Do take out if you try these
Michael C.
Place rating: 5 North Waltham, MA
On a business trip, had ribs here one night and amy first Polish Boy for lunch the next day with a side of Greens. Everything was outstanding. A little challenging eating the Polish Boy in a jacket and tie but worth the effort. Take out is the way to go. There are a couple of tables and chairs, but this is your classic hole in the wall with amazing good BBQ.
Brian S.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
This place is nothing to look at, but it is a place to run to. Holy S! The ribs were awesome. Tremendous! Take some advice. TAKE-OUT!!!
Will B.
Place rating: 4 Kent, OH
Just good old fashioned food… I had the full slab of ribs(more than I could eat, and I LOVE ribs) with fries so-so and slaw… pretty good. And a side of collard greens — fantastic! cost about $ 22 bucks. Not bad. The ribs were a bit chewy, tho not enough to gripe about. The thick, sweet sauce had a hint of spice — at times, more than a hint. But overall, very good. and as other reviewers have pointed out, the place ain’t great looking from the outside. But so what? Go in… order…wait a few minutes and then take home some of the best barbecue ever. You’ll be glad you did.
Michael W.
Place rating: 3 Cleveland, OH
Pretty good smoke and sauce. It was a little over done in spots, based on meat tenderness expectations of smoked spare ribs. I was there kind of late on Friday for carry-out. Slaw was a little sweet, but based on differing tastes this place was pretty satisfying. Also generous portions of fries with the full slab and added greens. Sauce was mustard style and generously applied to both ribs and fries. Interesting flavors and I liked it very much(twice). Promise to try again and let Al & B earn that coveted 4th star, but this place is a safe bet for satisfying your craving for smoked meats and the stuff that comes with it. Full slab comes with 3 slices of very soft white bread. I would suggest a cornbread option, but I am guessing Al & B is trying to keep things simple here. It is a good start and encouraging for growth. If Al & B do try cornbread, I would suggest keeping it moist.
Kashe P.
Place rating: 5 Garrettsville, OH
If you’re anywhere near the puritas area make sure you stop by. This place has great food and good service. The portions are just right and taste is on point! Don’t be afraid of the décor it make look like a bad place to stop but DON’T BEFOOLED!
Corey S.
Place rating: 5 Rocky River, OH
This is and old school, down south BBQ shack in Cleveland. The food and the customer service is outstanding. These are barbeque professionals. I recommend the ribs, although the chicken and Polish Boys are very good too.
Amy G.
Place rating: 5 Elgin, IL
Definitely get the wings!!! So so good! Like everyone said, décor is scary, but don’t let it stop you! We swung past and saw the Unilocal reviews and had to stop. Glad we did! My three kids(9, 7 and 5) all loved it! My 7-yr old had the rib sandwich and ate it faster than I could eat one! My other two devoured the wings! Stop by and say hi to Al!
Heather G.
Place rating: 4 Golden, CO
YUMMY! Got ribs and Mac and cheese! Great price for what you get– is it a little«shady» looking… yes…but the guy is really nice– and good food– look past the front entrance and front room–
Paty C.
Place rating: 4 Cleveland, OH
We had the polish boy sandwiches and they’re really good but very messy. Their sauce is really very tasty! It. Should be sold as a beverage!!! I wish they had ribtips, tho.
Patrick H.
Place rating: 5 Mason, OH
Just go! Review on food only, I don’t care about the duct tape on the door. I like duct tape. My first bite was the fries. They had sauce on them. Delicious. Then ribs. Awesome. Then wings. Tempura fried with BBQ sauce. You can buy them by the wing for .90 cents each. I was sad I did not order more. Just Go for take out.
Sean G.
Place rating: 5 Cleveland, OH
I stopped in today and ordered a full slab of ribs. I’ll definitely be back. Excellent sauce and the meat falls off the bone. It’s not fancy, but that what’s great about it. As I entered, they had a smoker running out front. The smell was awesome. This place is located near the SW corner of Puritas and W. 150th in a small old strip mall. It’s nothing special to look at, but don’t judge it by the cover. I talked to the owner(at least I think it was gthe owner) and he told me he’s there 7 days a week till 10pm during the week and ’till midnight on weekends. Yes, you can go to Famous Daves or whatever«chain» you’re comfortable with, but this is the real deal. Ill be back!
Lauren O.
Place rating: 5 Cleveland, OH
My boyfriend and I have been big fans of this place before he was located on Puritas. Al’s food is delicious and he has the best sauce I’ve ever tasted. His prices are reasonable and he has a lot of good options on his menu. Don’t be scared away from this place thinking it has a «hood» appearance. It’s a wonderful business and Al is a great guy. It’s awesome — try it!
Julia E.
Place rating: 4 Cleveland, OH
Much like the other reviews indicate, Al & B’s is a no-frills operation. Please don’t confuse«hood» with dangerous or dirty. The establishment was clean and the gentlemen working there were kind and friendly. They are located in an older strip mall that I would normally drive right past but I’m glad we stopped in to pick up dinner. The prices were reasonable. We spent about $ 25 for 2 rib dinners and 2 slices of cake for dessert. The food was very tasty. You will use the white bread included with your order to sop up the sauce because it’s delicious. The meat was falling off the bone, very tender and had a great smoky flavor. In a city where good barbeque is hard to find Al & B’s does it the right way. This local business was worth the try and we’ll be back for more.
Harrison H.
Place rating: 4 Cleveland, OH
Easy spot to find and the owner is a real good dude. I ordered am full slab and fries. Wanted a side of Mac and cheese but he had just run out. Maybe a testament to how good it is? But the ribs were great! The sauce was subtle, the near was nice and tender, and whatever they were marinated in was unreal. I will definitely be back for more and to try that mac
Marvin H.
Place rating: 4 Sandusky, OH
Al & B’s is located in the old location of Sirus Pizza. Dont expect to find all kinds of neat décor because this is a HOODBBQ joint but its very good. I had a rib dinner with peach cobbler and it ran me a total of 12 bucks. The food comes out hot and the meat isn’t drenched in sauce. The service is good so yall go out and give Al & B’s a try.