Baldy's Barbeque

I had visited Baldy's BBQ once last fall and was rather disappointed. I understand the place is small and I don't mind a wait but they failed to provide any comphortable waiting area. Once we were sat, I found the pulled pork to be rather bland. I like a lot of flavor and naturally, I never planned on returning.\r Recently, I was with a couple of friends who frequent Baldy's and i obliged. It was a friday night so of course there was a wait (20 mins or so). Only this time there were chairs up front and I was offered a drink. A glass of wine can make 20 mins feel like 5. We were sat and I casually mentioned something to the server about my last experience with the pork, expecting her not to care and offer another dish. On the contrary, she informed me that they had changed their previous ways of smoking and gave me a taste of their revised product (the pork and beef). I was impressed. I did go with the brisket that time -yum, but have returned several times since (didn't ake long for them to remember my name -i like that) and the pulled pork sandwich ""memphis style"" really hits the spot. So cheers to giving a semi-new spot another chance. Pros: the service, the ribs, the location, the ribs ...and the ribs Cons: a lot of people in a small space -can't wait for the patio to open more

This is the only bbq place Ive ever left hungry. Im not sure why they are clinging so tightly to their average food, but they give you tiny portions. They nickel and dime you for everything and the staff is nothing but kids. This is the place parents take a bunch of kids because it is cheap and they can be obnoxious.\r \r Try Bernie's on Division instead Pros: takeout available Cons: loud, pedestrian, overpriced, small portions more

First off let me just say that I am a regular customer at Baldy's. I like the place a lot and I like the owner. The ribs are excellent, some of the best I've had. The hot wings are unique, meaty, and spicy...not to mention delicious. If you stick with these menu items for your appetizer and main dish, you will almost certainly be a satisfied customer. Baldy's doesn't offer any type of bbq'd sausage, a shortcoming in my book. But what really vexes me about Baldy's menu is the beef brisket and pulled pork. The reason is that, for meat that supposedly has been smoked up to 12 hours, there is virtually *no* discernable smokey bbq flavor. My friends and I all agree...the meats taste boiled or broiled or baked, but not smoked. It's tender and moist, but where's the smoke? BBQ needs that delicious smokey flavor, after all, that's what real bbq is. But the brisket and pulled pork at Baldy's really require sauce for flavor. I regularly get faaar more smokey flavor at home in 45 minutes of smoking on my little stove-top unit. Alas, as one of only two decent BBQ places in town (Bernie's being the other), I will continue to frequent Baldy's if for no other reason than for the ribs and wings. Both are excellent. In summation, as far as a restaurant, I would recommend Baldy's as a unique Bend offering. As far as a ""BBQ joint"", I'd probably give it six or seven stars out of ten. more