bbqhop
Crawls of the Heartland
Plan
Listed · Fresno, CA

Horn Barbecue

BBQ
Vitals
Score
6.4 / 10
What to get
Reviews
6.4 / 10
Google 3.2★ (141 reviews)
  • GOOGLEVic S (Bud's Dad)★ 22 months ago

    We were met with an unfortunate disappointment and an attitude. As you know, we post honest reviews and photos so we don't mislead, but try to help others. Now, we're not sure if our experience is just a one time issue or if this new restaurant from an acclaimed restauranteur is on a course for failure. We arrived at opening with expectations of going, ordering n getting our food and getting back to errands. That didn't happen. The lady that greeted us and several others in line waiting was visibly stressed based on her tone and body language. We found a table as instructed and placed our order. After nearly an hour and seeing people get up and leave I decided to check on our order. After asking, we were told it was going to be another 15-30 minutes. We had already been waiting an hour and in that time 5 orders had gone out and several people walked out. Instead of asking for a refund, we requested our order to go. From the start and opening it was obvious that they were greatly understaffed n lacked experience and organization to complete orders timely and efficiently. Now for the food, which we were greatly looking forward to. Being fortunate to have experienced truly great food from Texas to Missouri, Tennessee and California. This was an experience we were hoping to truly enjoy and provide feedback to the 7+ million people who've viewed our posts and seen our pictures. Our order consisted of the tri tip plate and the brisket plate. Each order came with one side which we selected potato salad and baked beans. No sliced bread, relish or pickles was included. The flavor of both the tri tip and brisket was lacking flavor for being smoked meat. Both mains were dry and for a pound of brisket seemed greatly less than stated. The small portion of cornbread which was extra was undercooked also as well as the beans. This was our first time as mentioned and it is very debatable whether we will revisit Mr. Horn, not to speak poorly of what could and can be a star in this area, this restaurant needs your love and attention badly before it's too late.

  • GOOGLEVic S (Bud's Dad)★ 22 months ago

    We were met with an unfortunate disappointment and an attitude. As you know, we post honest reviews and photos so we don't mislead, but try to help others. Now, we're not sure if our experience is just a one time issue or if this new restaurant from an acclaimed restauranteur is on a course for failure. We arrived at opening with expectations of going, ordering n getting our food and getting back to errands. That didn't happen. The lady that greeted us and several others in line waiting was visibly stressed based on her tone and body language. We found a table as instructed and placed our order. After nearly an hour and seeing people get up and leave I decided to check on our order. After asking, we were told it was going to be another 15-30 minutes. We had already been waiting an hour and in that time 5 orders had gone out and several people walked out. Instead of asking for a refund, we requested our order to go. From the start and opening it was obvious that they were greatly understaffed n lacked experience and organization to complete orders timely and efficiently. Now for the food, which we were greatly looking forward to. Being fortunate to have experienced truly great food from Texas to Missouri, Tennessee and California. This was an experience we were hoping to truly enjoy and provide feedback to the 7+ million people who've viewed our posts and seen our pictures. Our order consisted of the tri tip plate and the brisket plate. Each order came with one side which we selected potato salad and baked beans. No sliced bread, relish or pickles was included. The flavor of both the tri tip and brisket was lacking flavor for being smoked meat. Both mains were dry and for a pound of brisket seemed greatly less than stated. The small portion of cornbread which was extra was undercooked also as well as the beans. This was our first time as mentioned and it is very debatable whether we will revisit Mr. Horn, not to speak poorly of what could and can be a star in this area, this restaurant needs your love and attention badly before it's too late.

  • GOOGLEMike Altice★ 32 months ago

    The tale of two visits! We went here on the second day they opened and it was awesome. Food was five stars. We ordered as we walked in the door and before we were finished paying our food was handed to us. Our second time was 2/28/26, Saturday at 4:30. We didn't see anyone cutting their glorious meat and none of the various sides were even there any more. It almost looked like they were closed. We were told to sit down and order using the QR Code menu. That was the second sign that things weren't going to go well. I have been to multiple high end BBQ joints in Austin, Dallas and Nashville. None of them use QR code menus. It might be great for your employees but it stinks for your paying customers. I also noticed they automatically Include an 18% tip. Well, I changed that if I am doing all the work and can't ask a waitress questions. Please give me an option to have a menu and talk to a waitress. Also, at 4:30 pm they were out of every meat except brisket and ribs. No tri tip, no chicken, no turkey, no sausage?? How does that happen. I know when I have gone to Texas BBQs when you get there at 7:30 PM they are usually out of one or two meats, but everything at 4:30? A table of seven next to us got up and left when they found out the meat was almost all gone. After ordering I expected this to be pretty quick if this is all automated and everything is now in the backroom kitchen. No such luck. We ordered the rib plate and brisket plate. After about 20 minutes both meals came on the same platic tray. I guess they thought I was eating this alone. Also, where are the pickles, onions and white bread. Something is a miss. Don't get me wrong the quality of the meat and sides was excellent, just as before. The process is what was lacking. When we were almost done eating I ordered a brisket sandwich to go for my wife at home. They told me they only had one serving a brisket left so I took it. I didn't realize the last serving would be soooo dry. Oh well, still had great flavor. They made my sandwich in just a few minutes and then I waited and waited...15 minutes went by and I asked what we were were waiting for and they said it was the mac and cheese. Really, what are they doing back there. 15 minutes later we were on our way. Very disappointed but full of tasty meat. Something needs to change on the customer service side of things here!

  • GOOGLEMike Altice★ 32 months ago

    The tale of two visits! We went here on the second day they opened and it was awesome. Food was five stars. We ordered as we walked in the door and before we were finished paying our food was handed to us. Our second time was 2/28/26, Saturday at 4:30. We didn't see anyone cutting their glorious meat and none of the various sides were even there any more. It almost looked like they were closed. We were told to sit down and order using the QR Code menu. That was the second sign that things weren't going to go well. I have been to multiple high end BBQ joints in Austin, Dallas and Nashville. None of them use QR code menus. It might be great for your employees but it stinks for your paying customers. I also noticed they automatically Include an 18% tip. Well, I changed that if I am doing all the work and can't ask a waitress questions. Please give me an option to have a menu and talk to a waitress. Also, at 4:30 pm they were out of every meat except brisket and ribs. No tri tip, no chicken, no turkey, no sausage?? How does that happen. I know when I have gone to Texas BBQs when you get there at 7:30 PM they are usually out of one or two meats, but everything at 4:30? A table of seven next to us got up and left when they found out the meat was almost all gone. After ordering I expected this to be pretty quick if this is all automated and everything is now in the backroom kitchen. No such luck. We ordered the rib plate and brisket plate. After about 20 minutes both meals came on the same platic tray. I guess they thought I was eating this alone. Also, where are the pickles, onions and white bread. Something is a miss. Don't get me wrong the quality of the meat and sides was excellent, just as before. The process is what was lacking. When we were almost done eating I ordered a brisket sandwich to go for my wife at home. They told me they only had one serving a brisket left so I took it. I didn't realize the last serving would be soooo dry. Oh well, still had great flavor. They made my sandwich in just a few minutes and then I waited and waited...15 minutes went by and I asked what we were were waiting for and they said it was the mac and cheese. Really, what are they doing back there. 15 minutes later we were on our way. Very disappointed but full of tasty meat. Something needs to change on the customer service side of things here!

  • GOOGLEValentine Villaluz★ 53 months ago

    This place lives up to the hype. The moment you walk in, the vibe is on point, clean, modern, and built for a proper BBQ experience. The food was insane. The ribs and brisket were tender, smoky, and packed with flavor. Easily some of the best BBQ I’ve had in town. Customer service was top tier. Even with a long line, the staff stayed friendly, helpful, and welcoming the whole time. Only small downside is the cashier line moves a bit slow, but that’s expected when a spot is this popular. Still absolutely worth the wait. I’ll definitely be back. 🔥🥩

Address

4020 N Cedar Ave
Fresno, CA 93726