McClure's BBQ (3 Viewers)

[tipsy mcstagger]

generally yes....but don't underestimate how awesome a food city this is. 1200+ restaurants.....most of them awesome.

 

[tipsy mcstagger]

I am so sick of yelp already. This is the latest bad review....from a guy that has reviewed me and one bar in 3 years of being on yelp. And I can't respond or do anything about it.....I know most will read and chuckle but this stuff really hits me in nuts. Enjoy.

Pro: Easy to park, very friendly staff, Immaculate seating area and kitchen, Some of the Best BBQ Chicken
Con: Everything on the Menu except for the Chicken

Details: Mcclure's has had a cult following in NOLA since they were a pop up restaurant and I love supporting small hometown businesses. However, if your idea of BBQ is fall off the bone ribs, juicy pulled pork, sausage that you can bite into without the wrapping staying intact (forcing you to just eat the filling), Mac and Cheese that is rich, sauces that are thicker than water, then stay away.
In contrast, if you hate traditional BBQ then you might like this place. I ordered the sampler plate which included every meat and side on the menu for $18. It was a ton of food and a good price. I arrived right when they opened for the afternoon shift and my meat was ready 5 minutes after I ordered. The Brisket was so tough that it could have been made out of rubber and there was no taste! I think they cut off all the fat before they cook it. The puled pork was also terribly dry and bland. The sausage wrapper would not give to a bite so you were left with forcing the filling of the sausage out with your hands. The chicken was pretty good and I do recommend this one item. The ribs has so much potential, but for me ribs must be accompanied with good sauce and let me tell you something the sauces they have, all of them are gross. I mean someone is lying to the owner because those sauces are not good. The sides did not farewell either, but I do recommend the Jambalya and beans (however both of mine were served cold). The Mac and Cheese is not Cheesee and they sprinkle 4 different types of cheeses when just cheddar would work, if that is your thing you might like it, but for me when I think of BBQ Mac and cheese I want rich texture similar to backed Mac and Cheese and this restaurant's version is cheese less and should be presented to customers as pasta and not Mac and Cheese. I went to the restaurant at 6pm sharp on Aug 28, 2013. It is obvious that this restaurant is attempting to differentiate itself from traditional BBQ and I think they were too successful in doing so, because what I had was no BBQ.

 

[Abraham]

It's actually wise to bit reply. Nothing good can come of it at all. Just do your best to make sure the positive reviews outweigh the negative by a wide margin.

 

[AcerFC]

Devils Advoate: any chance the brisket has been dry on some orders. Is there any way to tell. I failed miserably the first time I tried and have still not tried again.

 

[Abraham]

Devils Advoate: any chance the brisket has been dry on some orders. Is there any way to tell. I failed miserably the first time I tried and have still not tried again.

He raises a good point. Not to say all criticism and the ebthusiasm with which it was delivered is accurate, but of someone pays money for something they likely do so Witg the hope that they will be pleased. Some people have ridiculous expectations, but sometimes it's worth considering their words anyway.

 

[cstu]

I am so sick of yelp already. This is the latest bad review....from a guy that has reviewed me and one bar in 3 years of being on yelp. And I can't respond or do anything about it.....I know most will read and chuckle but this stuff really hits me in nuts. Enjoy.

This guy gives 70% of the restaurants he goes to 3 stars or less. Makes me think he should stay home more often.

 

[Sebowski]

I am so sick of yelp already. This is the latest bad review....from a guy that has reviewed me and one bar in 3 years of being on yelp. And I can't respond or do anything about it.....I know most will read and chuckle but this stuff really hits me in nuts. Enjoy.

http://jayporter.com/dispatches/how-about-a-nice-game-of-chess/

As these review sites become popular in my market, I experienced what I think every small business owner does — concern about the online reviewers who didn’t get what we were trying to do, fear that they might scare away people who would otherwise appreciate our work. This, I think, is where a lot of business owners stress out. It’s from this emotional place that we often make the mistake of engaging with the haters, in order to try to control the public discourse about our efforts.

Over time, ignoring Yelp in particular became quite easy for me, as I saw that the vast majority of Yelpers in San Diego (where our businesses were located) weren’t interested in the kind of food we were interested in serving. Yelp San Diego came to establish itself as a platform for 1) sharing opinions about dirt cheap, late-night-style eats, 2) practicing clever/snarky writing, and 3) venting emotional/family/personal/whatever issues that have nothing to do with the business or its aims. For the last few years, Yelp has been a thing that I know exists, but doesn’t have any effect on my life.

...whatever Yelp is offering, it isn’t a consumer guide. I think to some extent Yelp is offering its users the sense of being in a community. Even more importantly, Yelp and other review sites offer their users the feeling of power over the businesses they patronize. The users think they are influencing the businesses, punishing them for their mistakes, and rewarding their quality — even though the businesses know that the reviews they get don’t correlate to service quality. In fact, the business owners see that reviews are more dependent on the reviewer than on any objective factor.

So here’s the paradox: while good online reviews probably do help drive traffic to independent businesses, for these businesses to mature, over the years, into truly compelling entities, they have do more than just not read their reviews. They have to ignore the very framework of the review system itself.

 

[culdeus]

I'd had noticed the brisket comments on even the good reviews starting to wane a little bit.

Brisket to order commercially has got to be the most absurd thing to do on a daily basis. It's why I never, ever, ever eat at BBQ places because I think it is simply not possible to serve brisket in a restaurant setting that isn't a complete disappointment.

The bar in the last few years has been raised up tremendously too. People now have gone to Franklins, they've done the south texas thing. Expectations are sky high.

 

[stbugs]

By the way, how has business been since you are starting to get away from the grand opening? You mentioned this is the slow season, I think.

Indeed it is the slow season. Things have leveled off as expected, yet remain busier than originally projected. I can tell labor is going to be a tough pill to swallow for the next month or so, but I could be wrong about that too. I could make things run a bit leaner, but I have learned that in order to keep staff long term you have to take it on the chin occasionally rather than start tweaking their hours and income. I hate restaurants that do that. Very short sighted but very common as well.

I've been averaging 50-60 on weekday lunches & dinners this past two weeks. I will say looking at my old data from Dante's lunches (before we quit doing it back in 06) lunch was seldom 50 people or more any time of the year on a weekday. Fridays will be more, and the weekends are way busier at lunch. I am noticing something I didn't expect but should have....Friday & Saturday nights are pretty lame compared to what I am used to on weekend nights....but bbq shouldn't be 1st thing on your friday night date list so I get it.

What is concerning me is the food currently....specifically the brisket. It has not been as consistent as I had it back in my pop up days. I am not the only cook, the two shifts is straining the focus of watching the pit carefully, and we have been cooking at a much lower temp than I used too...i think. I have appointed one of my cooks to be the man in charge back there....he assumed the position last week and we are discussing and tasting the food constantly right now in an order to make things even better. Our sides have instantly gotten better & more consistent. The meats are almost there...but brisket is the hardest. Getting 3 other cooks to make it right, even with all of our combined cooking knowledge, is proving more difficult than I anticipated.

And then there is the wood. I experimented with red oak this week. Don't do it...it burns stupid and doesn't leave coals. I blame it for most of the problems we have had with the food this past week. Hickory & Pecan it will stay...

Thanks for the info. Continued good luck. The food is the always the biggest concern, so hopefully you get it all worked out.

 

[tipsy mcstagger]

I am so sick of yelp already. This is the latest bad review....from a guy that has reviewed me and one bar in 3 years of being on yelp. And I can't respond or do anything about it.....I know most will read and chuckle but this stuff really hits me in nuts. Enjoy.

http://jayporter.com/dispatches/how-about-a-nice-game-of-chess/

As these review sites become popular in my market, I experienced what I think every small business owner does — concern about the online reviewers who didn’t get what we were trying to do, fear that they might scare away people who would otherwise appreciate our work. This, I think, is where a lot of business owners stress out. It’s from this emotional place that we often make the mistake of engaging with the haters, in order to try to control the public discourse about our efforts.

Over time, ignoring Yelp in particular became quite easy for me, as I saw that the vast majority of Yelpers in San Diego (where our businesses were located) weren’t interested in the kind of food we were interested in serving. Yelp San Diego came to establish itself as a platform for 1) sharing opinions about dirt cheap, late-night-style eats, 2) practicing clever/snarky writing, and 3) venting emotional/family/personal/whatever issues that have nothing to do with the business or its aims. For the last few years, Yelp has been a thing that I know exists, but doesn’t have any effect on my life.

...whatever Yelp is offering, it isn’t a consumer guide. I think to some extent Yelp is offering its users the sense of being in a community. Even more importantly, Yelp and other review sites offer their users the feeling of power over the businesses they patronize. The users think they are influencing the businesses, punishing them for their mistakes, and rewarding their quality — even though the businesses know that the reviews they get don’t correlate to service quality. In fact, the business owners see that reviews are more dependent on the reviewer than on any objective factor.

So here’s the paradox: while good online reviews probably do help drive traffic to independent businesses, for these businesses to mature, over the years, into truly compelling entities, they have do more than just not read their reviews. They have to ignore the very framework of the review system itself.

wow....thanks. that is awesome and how I was able to deal with before it became MY restaurant.

 

[tipsy mcstagger]

Devils Advoate: any chance the brisket has been dry on some orders. Is there any way to tell. I failed miserably the first time I tried and have still not tried again.

He raises a good point. Not to say all criticism and the ebthusiasm with which it was delivered is accurate, but of someone pays money for something they likely do so Witg the hope that they will be pleased. Some people have ridiculous expectations, but sometimes it's worth considering their words anyway.

I am not happy with the brisket lately (although today was fantastic) but the way in which the really negative folks say things sting harder than they should.

 

[tipsy mcstagger]

On a happier note....

the new Sloppy Brisket Sandwich we debuted tonight was a huge hit. It made me feel funny in a good way. Great use of leftovers and other ingredients we already have on hand. The ladies especially liked it....which for some reason seemed odd.

 

[Joe T]

I'd had noticed the brisket comments on even the good reviews starting to wane a little bit.

Brisket to order commercially has got to be the most absurd thing to do on a daily basis. It's why I never, ever, ever eat at BBQ places because I think it is simply not possible to serve brisket in a restaurant setting that isn't a complete disappointment.

The bar in the last few years has been raised up tremendously too. People now have gone to Franklins, they've done the south texas thing. Expectations are sky high.

I've never been to franklins. I have been to Rudy's and I actually like their brisket.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Ever consider replying to negative Yelp reviews with something like this?

Response from Neil M, owner: "Hey schleprock, you wouldn't know authentic BBQ if it jumped up and sucked your ####. I hope your mother dies in a car crash 45 seconds after you get a positive result on your herpes test. You should be carrying my balls around for me in a chilled ladle instead of reviewing restaurants. Now stop reading this and get back to jacking off your iguana, he looks bored. I mean, I guess he does, who could tell really?"

You could become a Yelp sensation.

 

[Tiger Fan]

you'll drive yourself insane trying to analyze every single yelp review.

If you're overall ranking is trending downward...then you address it. In the meantime, just monitor and focus on cooking. Let the FFA handle the rest.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

AIDS test imo

 

[Wingnut]

You can't (and wont) please everyone, and unfortunately the internet has given every critic an audience.

Keep doin what you do, you're on the fast track to being a successful New Orleans restaurant owner, and that's pretty ####### amazing.

 

[[icon]]

This guy gives 70% of the restaurants he goes to 3 stars or less. Makes me think he should stay home more often.

LEgend in his own mind critic. Type of guy that boosts his self image by deeming popular restaurants "not up to snuff" with his refined palate. Definitely a lot of these dickbags out there.

use yelp to isolate legitimate complaints (like those the one guy had) and then go ahead and assume 10% of your reviews are going to be blowhards looking for a reason to give 2s and 3s. It's like clockwork and nothing you do can change that.

Sounds like you're focused on fine tuning the food and THAT's what matters.

 

[[icon]]

Ever consider replying to negative Yelp reviews with something like this?

Response from Neil M, owner: "Hey schleprock, you wouldn't know authentic BBQ if it jumped up and sucked your ####. I hope your mother dies in a car crash 45 seconds after you get a positive result on your herpes test. You should be carrying my balls around for me in a chilled ladle instead of reviewing restaurants. Now stop reading this and get back to jacking off your iguana, he looks bored. I mean, I guess he does, who could tell really?"

You could become a Yelp sensation.

I'm throwing down the gauntlet. You're legally obligated to make an appearance at BBQfest May 15-17. Period. No excuses.

 

[Brony]

you'll drive yourself insane trying to analyze every single yelp review.

If you're overall ranking is trending downward...then you address it. In the meantime, just monitor and focus on cooking. Let the FFA handle the rest.

 

[MikeIke]

Ever consider replying to negative Yelp reviews with something like this?

Response from Neil M, owner: "Hey schleprock, you wouldn't know authentic BBQ if it jumped up and sucked your ####. I hope your mother dies in a car crash 45 seconds after you get a positive result on your herpes test. You should be carrying my balls around for me in a chilled ladle instead of reviewing restaurants. Now stop reading this and get back to jacking off your iguana, he looks bored. I mean, I guess he does, who could tell really?"

You could become a Yelp sensation.

I'm throwing down the gauntlet. You're legally obligated to make an appearance at BBQfest May 15-17. Period. No excuses.

If EG shows up then that's the kicker, I'm in. I've already told the wife I'm probably taking that weekend off to go play with my iFriends.

 

[tipsy mcstagger]

im over it today....i get all that. but for a guy wearing his heart on his sleeve, negativity towards my brand new baby is tough to bear.

but it is made better by this fab new tshirt I'm wearing!!!

 

[[icon]]

im over it today....i get all that. but for a guy wearing his heart on his sleeve, negativity towards my brand new baby is tough to bear.

but it is made better by this fab new tshirt I'm wearing!!!

You happy with em, GB?

 

[Premier]

For every crappy 1-2 star review, a FBG should log on and give a 5 star review. There's more of us than there are of them, and it's probably as fair and accurate as what these 1-star cheesedicks are doing.

 

[Joe T]

I'm not comfortable reviewing a place that I've never been. My word actually means something.

 

[msommer]

I'd be happy to review McCure's after I visit. Not before.

 

[Foosball God]

I'd be happy to review McCure's after I visit. Not before.

It isn't fair to Tipsy to do it otherwise.

 

[[icon]]

I reviewed him but I've eaten his BBQ before and sampled all his sauces before here in Memphis.

 

[Joe T]

I wonder what % of Yelp reviews are actual honest reviews with no bias for or against a place.

O/U set at 28%.

 

[tipsy mcstagger]

For every crappy 1-2 star review, a FBG should log on and give a 5 star review. There's more of us than there are of them, and it's probably as fair and accurate as what these 1-star cheesedicks are doing.

PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS.

 

[ffldrew]

im over it today....i get all that. but for a guy wearing his heart on his sleeve, negativity towards my brand new baby is tough to bear.

but it is made better by this fab new tshirt I'm wearing!!!

Are you washing them - or just pulliing a new one off the shelf each time?

 

[tipsy mcstagger]

im over it today....i get all that. but for a guy wearing his heart on his sleeve, negativity towards my brand new baby is tough to bear.

but it is made better by this fab new tshirt I'm wearing!!!

Are you washing them - or just pulliing a new one off the shelf each time?

i wear one new one every shift....and then sell the ones covered in my blood, sweat, tears, and smoke for $35. Joe T...you interested?

 

[Premier]

For every crappy 1-2 star review, a FBG should log on and give a 5 star review. There's more of us than there are of them, and it's probably as fair and accurate as what these 1-star cheesedicks are doing.

PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS.

Lol. I don't even have a yelp account man. It's just stupid what people write on there.

 

[Premier]

I wonder what % of Yelp reviews are actual honest reviews with no bias for or against a place.

O/U set at 28%.

Based off where I live, significantly lower.

 

[rodg12]

im over it today....i get all that. but for a guy wearing his heart on his sleeve, negativity towards my brand new baby is tough to bear.

but it is made better by this fab new tshirt I'm wearing!!!

Are you washing them - or just pulliing a new one off the shelf each time?

i wear one new one every shift....and then sell the ones covered in my blood, sweat, tears, and smoke for $35. Joe T...you interested?

 

[culdeus]

Curious what grade of brisket you are buying. To cook low temp it is commonly thought Choice+ is the minimum grade to do that with.

 

[Tony Jabroni]

you'll drive yourself insane trying to analyze every single yelp review.

If you're overall ranking is trending downward...then you address it. In the meantime, just monitor and focus on cooking. Let the FFA handle the rest.

Good advice.

 

[Sabertooth]

I can't get past the name. McClure sounds like you've got gunk in your throat when you say it.

 

[Tony Jabroni]

Some schoolmates are flying in to NOLA later today. Sending them your way.

 

[[icon]]

im over it today....i get all that. but for a guy wearing his heart on his sleeve, negativity towards my brand new baby is tough to bear.

but it is made better by this fab new tshirt I'm wearing!!!

Are you washing them - or just pulliing a new one off the shelf each time?

i wear one new one every shift....and then sell the ones covered in my blood, sweat, tears, and smoke for $35. Joe T...you interested?

 

[Joe T]

Lolz

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

This guy gives 70% of the restaurants he goes to 3 stars or less. Makes me think he should stay home more often.

Not commenting on the quality of this guy's opinions, but that percentage actually sounds about right to me if 3's are supposed to represent average.

 

[culdeus]

This guy gives 70% of the restaurants he goes to 3 stars or less. Makes me think he should stay home more often.

Not commenting on the quality of this guy's opinions, but that percentage actually sounds about right to me if 3's are supposed to represent average.

Yelp average rating is 3.8

 

[[icon]]

Currently wearing a McClure's shirt... Quite comfortable. . Was at the shop to drop off the rub and they are posting them online soon.

25+5 ship domestic. 2 ship for 2nd item. INTL ship is 10-15 I think?

Uncomfirmed reports joe mammy was first FBG to buy one (at the restaurant today).

 

[Tony Jabroni]

Currently wearing a McClure's shirt... Quite comfortable. . Was at the shop to drop off the rub and they are posting them online soon.

25+5 ship domestic. 2 ship for 2nd item. INTL ship is 10-15 I think?

Uncomfirmed reports joe mammy was first FBG to buy one (at the restaurant today).

Did you/Tipsy post a link yet, by chance?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

JoeT is not going to like that $5 shipping fee.

 

[Joe Mammy]

Roger that! Ribs, mac/cheese and meaty beans made for a great lunch. Not too mention I did become the first FBG to take advantage of the FBG discount on the tshirt and a bonus rib delivered to the table by the Tipster himself.

"You Don't Win Friends With Salad"

 

[ffldrew]

Currently wearing a McClure's shirt... Quite comfortable. . Was at the shop to drop off the rub and they are posting them online soon.

25+5 ship domestic. 2 ship for 2nd item. INTL ship is 10-15 I think?

Uncomfirmed reports joe mammy was first FBG to buy one (at the restaurant today).

Do we get a special mix of Woolite to wash it in?

 

[msommer]

Currently wearing a McClure's shirt... Quite comfortable. . Was at the shop to drop off the rub and they are posting them online soon.

25+5 ship domestic. 2 ship for 2nd item. INTL ship is 10-15 I think?

Uncomfirmed reports joe mammy was first FBG to buy one (at the restaurant today).

Do we get a special mix of Woolite to wash it in?

You can try the rub...

 

[[icon]]

Currently wearing a McClure's shirt... Quite comfortable. . Was at the shop to drop off the rub and they are posting them online soon.

25+5 ship domestic. 2 ship for 2nd item. INTL ship is 10-15 I think?

Uncomfirmed reports joe mammy was first FBG to buy one (at the restaurant today).

Do we get a special mix of Woolite to wash it in?

I'll personally send ya a bottle. Please PM address