Hickory Smoke House - DeRidder

I like the brisket sandwich Service: Take out Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $1–10

We are eagerly awaiting the reopening of the DeRidder restaurant following its renovations. It was our favorite spot, so much so that we've never tried dining at the other location because we heard it was too pricey. After being here for so long, we’d much rather wait for our beloved original BBQ place, Ivory Smoke House, to reopen.

Inconsistent experience. I've visited this restaurant twice in the past month and ordered the same dish, but the portions were different each time. The cabbage was much spicier during my second visit, making it inedible for someone in my group. The ribs were moist and tender on my first visit, but the second time they were dried out. There's a board advertising specials when you enter, but when I tried to order a special, I wasn't given the special price. On my first visit, I believe I was charged for two drinks even though we only had one. Considering what we received, the prices were steep: two specials for $14.99 each and one drink amounted to $43. I don't plan on returning.

The food at this restaurant is quite disappointing. The BBQ is mediocre at best, and the side dishes often look like they've been left out all day—bland and lacking in flavor. The only redeeming quality is the smoked chicken, and the portion sizes are generous. Honestly, if there were any competition, this place wouldn’t last. I'm used to the quality of central Texas BBQ and this just doesn’t compare. Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $10–20.

The prices are way too high for what you get. **Service:** Dine-in **Meal Type:** Lunch **Price Range Per Person:** $20–30 **Food Rating:** 3/5 **Service Rating:** 5/5 **Atmosphere Rating:** 3/5 **Recommended Dish:** Large Brisket Plate