Hot Rod Bar-B-Que

I used to eat here often but since moving away I no longer have the ability to do so. While back in town I got 2 to go plates and 2 sweet teas totaling $ 27.80. I did not have an issue till I seen what this bought me: 1 (one) 4 inch long rib, 7 one inch squares of dried out brisket, about ¼ cup of smoked sausage, a sauce cup size of beans and potato salad, and a slice of bread. The food to price ratio is way off! I went to a steak house the next day getting 2 steaks, 2 baked potatoes, and 2 salads, with unlimited tea refills, for LESS than this unimpressive barbeque plate. Not planning on going back unless I decide to over pay for dinner again.

Very good sides. Reasonably priced. Sausage is good. Ribs are ok. Brisket is tender but bland. The outside «crust» that is usually
Packed full of flavor is not. Friendly people and fast service.

So so BBQ. The brisket sandwich was tender but just not a lot of flavor. Went through the drive and service was a little sloppy. Didn’t seem to know what was going on.

We stopped here after reading reviews from other Unilocal members and it turned to be a good place. It smelt delicious as we walked in the door and we were greeted friendly by workers. I had the turkey, chili/​beans and potato salad and my husband had the sausage and brisket with beans & potato salad all was very tasty. If you’re looking for a quick stop without the fast food run this is a good choice. It’s quick and it’s good food.

I don’t eat meat but the sides here are actually really good! I love their potato salad and baked beans (even though there’s ham in them). I just wish they offered grilled cheese or something else I could eat.

Can always expect same thing every time you order. Has drive-​thru and sit down. Lunch special is a sandwich with 2 sides and a drink. Can also order meats by the pound. They run out of potatoes a lot.

I am not a big barbecue person, but they converted me. Their meat is usually very moist and just good. Sometimes they can miss the mark and you might get a burnt or dry piece of meat and it won’t be that good. The only meat I haven’t had there is their chicken so I couldn’t comment on that.
I do think that the sides are a bit «wishy-​washy», but with good meat, I can excuse that short coming.

Once again, Unilocal has steered us to a great spot. Two of us got brisket and two got pulled pork. Both were delicious. The BBQ sauce was really tasty and was served warm.
The BBQ sauce and the sides were homemade. I had chili/​beans and potato salad. I’m not a big potato salad eater, but it was very good. My DH had the chili w/​beans and cole slaw. He said it was very good as well.
My daughter had the only complaint — no Mac and cheese. But then the pulled pork was so tasty, I don’t think she cared.
Bottom line– we’ll definitely be stopping here again whenever we drive through the area.

Good food for the price you pay. Pay attention to special — can get a good discount!

Good BBQ! Being from Texas and having too many BBQ choices, this was a refreshing atmosphere and good BBQ. Portions did seem a little small, but I was full when finished. Our group had brisket, sausage, ham, turkey and pulled pork of wish we all enjoyed every bite. I really like their beans and potato salad. I would definitely eat here again.

Small portions for the price. Ribs and pulled pork were excellent. Sauce was fair.

GOOD BBQ… really good peach cobbler, and a friendly staff! I’m not an 18 wheel driver, but if you are they have a truck/​trailer parking lot in back.

Not only was the chopped beef BBQ great, the sides were excellent. The slaw & potato salad were some of the best I’ve had at a BBQ place-​usually there are some really good things and some just ok, but not here. It’s all good, fresh and delicious! Staff is very friendly and accommodating. Definitely will return.

On road trips I like to find local places to eat, but after eating half my over-​cooked, dry brisket and lousy, over-​sweet sausage, I stopped at Sonics the rest of the way. If this is the best place to eat in Ruston, best not to eat in Ruston unless you are a massive hot rod nerd and love old racing memorabilia. Staff was friendly. Cooks need to be retrained in Texas, though.

First, an admission. As a Texan, I’m a barbecue snob. I love what I love. I hate what I hate.
That being said, trying a new place in north central Louisiana was a risky proposition for me, but I’m pleased to say it paid off.
We’ve got great food: good, solid barbecue. The brisket is moist and the sausage is very good; the sauce isn’t bad. The sides are even good. Outside of Texas, I consider that an accomplishment :-) (I told you I was a snob!)
Second, the prices are reasonable. I got a two-​meat plate with two sides, which was PLENTY (they give generous portions of meat and sides), and ended up not eating every bite… and got out of there for $ 9. Excellent deal, compared to some places I’ve been.
Finally, the service was excellent. When I walked in, I have to admit I saw high school kids working in there, and my heart sank. I can say with a sigh of relief that these aren’t your typical bored-​spaced-​out-​McDonalds-​worker high school students. They were sharp, unbelievably polite, friendly and efficient. I was in and out with my to-​go order in five minutes.
Let me put it this way: I’ll be back. They won this Texan over just by providing good food at a good price with great service.

Best BBQ around these parts. My Mom and I always look forward to getting dinner here when we’re in the Ruston area. Prices are very reasonable, too.