Woodchuck BBQ

Tasty, finger lickin good, juicy and left me wanting more. Great food served by very nice people. We ordered for pick up to try some good BBQ and we were not disappointed at all. Although there was a little mishap, we weren’t informed that they were completely sold out with one of our orders, they apologized and replaced it with a different kind of ribs and gave us 10% discount for the error. That was pretty cool! We will definitely be back!

Really good BBQ brisket.
Not a fan of those buns though too dense. I would prefer
a hamburger bun compared to the one they serve with the
brisket sandwiches. Hate to complain so I’ll stop now. The brisket
on the sandwich was excellent. Sauces were tasty.
The place is squeaky clean and the service was excellent too.

I think this may be the first time I updated a 5 star review with another 5 star review… But we had dinner here again last night and I tried the beef ribs… This was hands down the best beef rib I have ever had. Most places the beef rib Is dry and or chewy. The beef rib here was perfection.
In addition I would like to compliment Woodchuck on the sides. I think many rib joints fall short on the sides. The put all the focuss on the meet and server sub par sides. The sides at Woodchuck are worth the visit!
The last compliment is the sauce selection. This is another area where many BBQ places fail in my opinion. Many places lack selection… To me I love a good mustard BBQ sauce… As well as a nice sweet Carolina, but I also love me some heat? At Woodchuck you have 4 great sauce options depending on your mood… Or if you are like me use all 4!

I first heard of Woodchuck in a review in the Metro recently. I read the reviews on Unilocal,positive and negative, and decided it was worth a try. The first thing I’ll comment on is the service. Some reviewers felt the service was bad. I came in on a Saturday evening. I was greeted almost immediately upon entering. I placed a take out order and the service was fast, friendly, and efficient.
Now for the food. I ordered a brisket and pulled pork combo. The brisket is sliced thicker than most other places. That would be a problem if it were tough, dry, or stringy. None of those applied. The brisket was tender and lean. Too many places serve brisket that is fatty to the point of being disgusting, so having it lean is a plus. The pulled pork was very good also.
I chose burnt end baked beans and creamed corn as sides. The corn was good but the beans were very good. Next time I’ll get a double order of the beans as sides. The sauce I chose was red pepper and vinegar, also very good.
The portions were large enough for two meals. The only negative I would mention is that a combo of that size should have more than one sauce container. Fortunately, I had some good sauce at home to make up the difference.
Overall, I enjoyed the experience and will return. While I was awaiting my order, a waitress walked past with a platter of ribs. They appeared to be the large beef ribs and immediately reminded me of the scene in the Flintstones cartoon closing credits where a huge rack of ribs overturns Fred’s car. I will have to try those ribs!

I really wanted to like Woodchuck, really. I had no problems with the service, but honestly, the food just didn’t rate. We had the 3-​meat platter with pulled pork, baby backs, and brisket. The brisket was very dry and I could barely cut the leathery ribs with a sharp knife. The pulled pork was acceptable.
Texture aside, the taste was good with the right amount of smoke and spice, and each sauce had its own unique flavor. Based on other reviews, they are still in learning mode and I let the waitress know what was wrong with our meal. I think that they deserve another chance in a couple of weeks. If they don’t get it right the second time, that will be it — so PLEASE make it good!
I am a celiac and our waitress took pains to ensure that I was taken care of and she did her job well.

The name and the logo of the newest BBQ place in the Peninsula jolt me. I grew up with woodchucks (aka known as Groundhogs) when I lived briefly in the south. With their unusual aggressive behavior, they are not nice to me and started chasing me around. Those «son of a guns» are contagious and not too cute to look at.
«Heck, I’m cuter and friendlier than those whistling critters!»
Even to this date and with my fear of woodchucks, I don’t celebrate Groundhog’s Day (February 2). Except one year, when I received a ROTD in 2009 for my review of Phat Philly. How ironic!
With the fear still drawn out even to this date, I brought my daughter with me to check out the newest BBQ restaurant in downtown Redwood City and shield any woodchucks coming towards my way. «I know I’m a little squeamish sissy!»
According to her, she also likes the restaurant’s cute logo.
With my recent volume food-​intake, we decided to go all out and order the two-​meat combo meal. For $ 16.95, I get a choice of two slow-​cooked meats and two sides. We chose the beef brisket and St Louis Ribs as our choice of meats and potato salad and vinegar slaw as our sides. The beef brisket is very tender and had a nice smoky taste. My daughter likes the ribs and it shows with BBQ sauce on her face. I like the vinegar slaw salad. I would love to eat that side as a meal itself. Our meal:
You get a choice of sauces with your meal. We got the spicy mustard and that sauce was good with the meat.
We also ordered warm cornbread with our meal. That was pretty good and very moist.
Normally I would never drink alcohol with my daughter around. But I decided to try a $ 10.00 bottle of Sunshine IPA beer from the Devil’s Canyon brewery. The summer beer was clean, smooth and goes down well. My beer:
Tony, the owner, and his wife were very nice to us and made our dining experience very pleasant.
Now woodchucks are not that scary after all. I like the food here and people were very nice too; expect a future visit.

After seeing this place would be opening in the former Saggio space, we scoped it out a bit and waited for them to be open for a few weeks, (hoping food and service would have a chance to run smoothly.)
We had dinner here with with family a few weeks ago.
On the peninsula there are very few barbecue places, so there isn’t much for comparison.
Although, since my husband has started working in the East Bay, he’s had the chance to try quite a few barbecue joints, so I’ve had some little tastes from a bunch of places too.
Since I’m not a huge barbecue fan, (i hate fatty meat, and i never know if the meats will be fatty or not. The texture just grosses me out.)
I opted for the turkey burger. I asked the server if it was white or dark meat, or a mixture, she had no clue, but did find out for me. It’s white meat, which is what i prefer.
We had already waited a very long time to get any service at all, and we waited an even longer time for our food. Our server never came back to refill drinks, or ask how the meal was. I had to flag down someone more than once just to get more water.
I had a bite of my husband’s brisket, and pulled pork. Neither of us particularly liked either. I also tried all the sauces they make, and they all were pretty one note. I wish at least one of them had been good, since my turkey burger was dry, dry, dry.
I realize white meat dries out more easily than dark, but if i can make moist ground turkey breast, a restaurant should be able to, (and i have had very moist white meat turkey burgers, Hello Patty Shack.)
I also tried their corn muffin, and once again, super dry, and pretty flavorless.
I was hoping this would be a go-​to spot in downtown RWC, but it is definitely not.
There are plenty of places i would much rather go to in the neighborhood.
Total waste of a meal out:(

1^st impression. This place looks like it might be good.
2^nd impression. Nope. Bad service. It wont be around very long.
I walked in and not a soul acknowledged me, waiting to be seated and have my order taken. I’m 6’3″ and I look like I could play Defensive End for the 49ers. C’mon. I hate it when this happens but from the outside, driving by, I really wanted this place to be good. I waited 20 minutes while the waiter aimlessly wandered about, helping the 3 – 4 other customers. I’d raise my hand to get his attention and he would turn away and dart toward the back. Finally the chef, peering out from the kitchen, called out to the waiter. Pointed him in my direction and got him to take my order. One star for the chef. Thanks breh.
3^rd impression. Ugh. I ordered a brisket meal togo. My sides were mac and slaw. I feel bad saying this. But it is what it is. The mac was uncomfortable comfort food. A bland collage of macaroni noodles barely held together by remnants of cheese. Dry and tasteless. Bummer. As was the slaw. Shredded cabbage lightly tossed in vinegar. Ehh. No. Not good.
The brisket was decent. A little dry, but I could dig it, had the conditions been better. This could have been a small positive had Woodchuck not managed to blow this one too. They did not put any bbq sauce on the brisket nor place any in my bag. WTF? That kind of shit angers me. A bbq joint without any bbq sauce? All the possible scenarios went through my mind. The bearded goofball waiter may have forgot to ask me if I wanted sauce. The chef may have forgot to add the sauce to my togo plate. Maybe they do not include sauce on the brisket plate. Whatever it may be I’ve come to the conclusion that they blew it. I will not return. A good bbq joint is hard to find in general, I’d rather bbq my own brisket when I get the craving.
I’m sure the service will improve. If not the pace will close in time. The food however could remain a bore. Unless they decide to put the comfort back in comfort food. If you have had, and like good, flavorful, bbq, you will certainly be disappointed.
PS. I just looked over at the other reviews and I cannot believe some of these reviews.
«Best BBQ we’ve ever had!»
«It was so good!»
«I can’t wait to go back!»
Wow. I can only assume that they have never bbq’d for themselves, or been to a GOOD bbq place.

The service here is great! We had a party of 10 and they let us all get individual checks since we were all paying with credit cards. They were so nice!
I had the 2 meat combo (brisket and baby back ribs) with 2 sides (mac and cheese and the coleslaw). It was so good! They have their own sauce station. Yup, sauce station!
I can’t wait to go back!

mmmm… single-​handedly the best BBQ we’ve ever had!
Granted we are not ‘from’ BBQ Country, but we have lived in the MidWest and have come to appreciate a good BBQ :)
This was our first visit and we will be back!
I got the Baby Back Ribs w. Green Salad and Mac & Cheese,
he got the Woodchuck Bone w. Baked Beans and Coleslaw.
As soon as the plates were set down in front of us our noses went crazy… it smelled SOOOOO good!
And the BBQ Tasted so good too!
Really just good enough, that the awesome sauces they had, to the side, were almost not needed, but were just as tasty!
I didn’t quite like the Mac & Cheese, but the Green Salad and Baked Beans were nummy.
We felt like we were having the best camping experience ever with all that great wood-​smoked meat!

I was down this way to hang out with President Obama during his visit and I saw this little bbq spot. It was closed so I went along with my sign telling the TEA Party to suck it.
Anyhow, I decided to make a stop by here after my loan signing at Chase.
First off impression, nice long bar to hang out and watch the ol’ boob tube. I bet coming here for an afternoon football game would be tight?! Clean bathroom (only experienced the Men’s side). The day we went there quite a few people, but seem they can handle a big party without any problems. We sat me at table and gave me a menu that fits the name of well (good marketing technique).
Automatic 2 stars for their beers on tap. I’m not too big of a beer drinker, but their selection in on POINT to go along with their food! The freaking burger is off the wall good. It’s a hefty size burger so the wifey and I were able to share it along with the ribs and brisket. It’s so memorable that we’re going to back this weekend.
Service was great. They were very attentive to our table and got the wife the refills without asking and they server told me about their special VIP beers. 10% alcohol and hand happy
Man… I wonder if they cater?!?

5 stars for friendliness!!! The owner and the staff were super attentive and very accommodating!
3.5 stars for taste and quality.
This place just opened up so we decided to swing in to give it a try. The BBQ is tasty, but I wish they had the sauce on the meat already and not have you use the sauce squeeze bottle.
Overall, they have a good selection of beer on tap, which is always a plus. Dead Man!
Hmm, probably would come back and try something else. I order the rib, and it was just okay. I want to try the pulled pork next time!

Sad they are gone. They had great food but lacked the experience to make a go of it in the tough to survive restaurant environment. Will be missed, our downtown is less vibrant with them gone.
Great smoked bbq, killer sauces on the side, great beer on tap and a friendly, courteous staff. They are new to the downtown but when I went in the first time it had the feel of an old haunt I was very welcome in. Sadly no one shouted «Norm» but in time maybe… Huge fan of the brisket sandwich but haven’t have a bad lunch or dinner here yet.
Redwood City has a lot of quality restaurants but you won’t go wrong grabbing a bite to eat here. I found it right in line or better price-​wise when compared to other places nearby.
ps: my dog is a huge fan of the Woodchuck Bone. Me too!

Great BBQ, Service and Beer!
I recently went to Woodchucks for dinner and it was delicious. I had the pulled pork sandwich with the homemade sauces. These are 4 in house made sauces all which are the perfect compliments to the food (my favorite being the bourbon BBQ sauce)! I got a side salad with homemade ranch dressing and a side of the burnt ends baked beans, both were very fresh and very very tasty.
My friend ordered the portobello mushroom burger which is a great vegetarian option, smoked and full of flavor. She had the mac and cheese on the side and said it was some of the best shes had.
We both had some of the beer they had on tap and it went great with the BBQ and flavor. In the future I would love to try the brisket and the burnt ends, you will defiantly find me here again and again!

I’m a huge fan of BBQ, so I was stoked that a BBQ joint was opening up in downtown Redwood City. This is exactly what the area’s been needing!
A week before they opened I had a chance to talk to Tony and Cathy, and boy was I impressed. Truly great people who are following their passion and giving it their all! I couldn’t wait to try their wares, and a couple weeks later I stopped by.
First off, it’s a great location… smack in the heart of the downtown area. And on a Thursday evening there were quite a few patrons, which was good to see. Great service from both Cathy and Tony, adding that personal touch that makes a big difference.
Now, let’s talk about the food. The menu is ambitious, offering different types of ribs and meats that cover a variety of styles and flavors. For a sampling we went with a combo platter of Brisket, Pulled Pork, and Smoked Sausages. We also decided on a full rack of their Baby Back Ribs.
The great thing about their meats is the smoky flavor. It permeates the meat and gives it an awesome aroma. And their BBQ sauces rock. I’m a huge fan of their Bourbon Sauce!
Now sadly, onto the bad. My biggest complaint is that all the meats were served cold or luke-​warm. I know that BBQ isn’t made to order, but food should be served hot. The rack of Baby Back Ribs was massive, but it was barely warm. They gladly took it back and heated it up. And honestly, it made a huge difference! The ribs were however not «fall of the bone»…more like «pull hard with your teeth off the bone.»
Out of all the food served, only the Burnt End Baked Beans were hot. And even then, I found only one burnt end in them. The Mac and Cheese was decent, but again it had no heat to it.
I liked the food okay, but obviously my complaint is that it wasn’t served hot, otherwise I would have enjoyed it much more. But the friendly service and great location will for sure bring me back, and I’m willing to give them another try. I look forward to seeing them grow and hopefully be around for a long while.

I’m giving this place 2 stars because we all got sick the next morning (diarrhea). We didn’t eat anything else that night so the culprit was definitely from this place. No, we’re not coming back nor are we recommending it either.
But to be fair, our experience at the restaurant wasn’t bad. Servers were prompt and attentive. The burnt ends appetizer, baby back ribs and the sauces were good but they need to work on their sides. Creamed corn was obviously homemade that it needs to stay at home. It was so runny it might as well be corn soup. The potatoes on the potato salad was a bit tough, definitely undercooked. I like the baked beans though and cole slaw was decent.

I have no idea why some of the reviews are what they are, but they do not reflect our experience.
We went to this restaurant on the basis of the reviews here. I ordered a BBQ platter — brisket and sausage with macCheese and beans my partner ordered the baby back ribs.
First, two small slice of briskest. Soft, but dry and tasteless. MacCheese, Luke warm, dry, cannot taste any cheese… Looks like they just put some macaroni in the oven and brought it out.
Worse was the ribs. I tried a piece. Dry and tasteless, add some of the well mentioned source, no better. The only way I can describe it is that it’s like chewing card board. I could not even bear to swallow it. My partner and I looked at each other and cannot believe something this bad can be in business.
Looked at the table behind us, where they have just left. The ribs were left on the plate.
Something is not right with the reviews in Unilocal.I don’t think we are picky eaters, but we haven’t had food this bad in a long time.

New BBQ in Redwood City, yay!
I was originally going to give this place 3 stars but I am moving it up to 4. I’ll explain later. Came here for lunch with my buddy, we’re always down for BBQ and as some of you know, BBQ in this neck of the woods is pretty lacking. While Woodchuck appears small from the outside, inside is pretty spacious in including a nice L-​shaped bar with lots of seating. Good beer selection both on bottle and tap, leans more towards craft beer (including Devil’s Canyon).
Let’s start with this wonderful little delicacy called Burnt Ends. Wow, those things rocked. My friend commented they were a bit fattier than what he has had before in the Midwest, but still quite tasty. This was my first time every having Burnt Ends, I have never seen these before in my BBQ adventures in California. Or maybe I just never noticed. In any case, major win — get them, eat them, like them. (For those unfamiliar what Burnt Ends are, its the point ends cut off a brisket.)
Lunch course, I decided to go with a full rack of baby back ribs (the idea was to take ½ home to have as leftovers the next day). Woodchuck does more of a Carolina-​style BBQ and as some of you may know, Carolina leans heavily towards the use of vinegar both in preparation and sauces. I could definitely taste the vinegar in those ribs. Personal preference, really… probably not the biggest fan of Carolina style.
You won’t find any traditional BBQ sauce here, the flavors they have are listed on their site (
). The Bourbon, brown sugar and the hot hot stuff (you have to ask for it) were my favs.
For sides, I went with coleslaw (very-​very-​very good!) and a corn muffin. Here’s my gripe — a corn muffin should not be a side. Especially the size of this muffin, which is a tad smaller than a cupcake. Also the paper is not a good idea as it destroys the muffin when you try to remove it. Coleslaw however was about as good as it gets.
The other disappointment was the mac and cheese. Simply put, there is practically no cheese it. They need to improve on that…
I am giving them 4 starts because the leftovers I ate for lunch the next day tasted 10X better. Seriously, better. Both the ½ rack of ribs and some of the burnt ends I took. The flavor in those ribs was really something and that vinegar taste was very toned down this time, and both were extremely juicy. Something to keep in mind the next time, for sure!
I will also like to thank the city of Redwood City for the $ 40 parking ticket because your stupid machines weren’t working. You suck.

Im always in the lookout for a new BBQ place. There seems to be a renaissance in SF but in the south bay we’re not doing so well. After the death of Saggio the italian place that used to be here comes Woodchuck. When I went they’d only been open for a few days. Got a three meat combo with two sides. Got brisket, pulled pork and sausage with a side of mac&cheese and by asking nicely, rib tips. Everything was solid and I think the rib tips may have been my favorite. The sauces all tend to sit on the sweeter side and I think for the brisket they need something with more tomato/​tang. The hot sauce is awesome with habanero and thai chilis but it will wreck you if you try and swig it. Service is really friendly and they’ve definitely a lacking niche in the area.

Lots of yummy food, large roomy clean space, friendly and attentive service. Woodchuck deserves to stick around for a long time.
The woodchuck bone is enormous. Like Flintstone-​enormous. And delicious. Pulled pork combined with lots of the sweet sauce was very good. The burnt ends were tasty and also make an appearance in the excellent beans. The sauces cover a good range of flavors and heat. The cornbread has great flavor. And it’s one of the better pours of Guinness in the area.
They haven’t been open that long, and there’s room for improvement. The bun on the pulled pork sandwich didn’t work that well – maybe the burger buns are better. While very tasty, the meat on the woodchuck bone could have been made more tender. The mac and cheese had good texture, but wasn’t very cheese-​y. And the cornbread would have been much improved if served warm and with butter.
But these are tweaks at the margins to go from four stars to five. It’s a business certainly worth supporting. They’re very welcoming to young kids. The two TV’s covered the local sports action and an out-​of-​town hockey playoff game. The people eating at the bar certainly seemed to be having a good time.
It’s a tough location. They probably can’t get a lot of night walking traffic on that side of the movie theater if there isn’t something at the Fox. There were plenty of open tables at the dinner hour and that shouldn’t be the case. It certainly worth driving to. The hope is that enough Kapadokia and Woodchuck fans drive more good businesses like their’s into the area, because this is a generally quiet area at night that could use more bustle.