We were hungry for ribs and checked the reviews, so decided to visit Burbanks. We eat out almost every day and are usually happy . I really like ribs, but was very disappointed. The outside was... More

We were hungry for ribs and checked the reviews, so decided to visit Burbanks. We eat out almost every day and are usually happy . I really like ribs, but was very disappointed. The outside was tough, had to peel to get to the meat, and the meat was too tough. Couldn't finish my meal. The waitress was helpful and attentive and the cornbread was good, but not enough for us to come back. Pros: good sides, cornbread Cons: ribs below par
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I've sampled every bbq joint in Cincinnati, and I keep coming back to Burbank's. The pork is always tender and flavorful; delicious even without sauce. Speaking of sauces, there's something for... More

I've sampled every bbq joint in Cincinnati, and I keep coming back to Burbank's. The pork is always tender and flavorful; delicious even without sauce. Speaking of sauces, there's something for every taste, from the sweet-ish red to (my fave!) the mustard-based hot southern tang. The side dishes are authentic southern cookin'; the sweet potato casserole is sweet, sure, but still tastes like sweet potatoes. The collard greens have just the right tang of vinegar. The Burgoo is a great, thick soup to start off with... I rarely order it, though, 'cause I just can't wait to get to the smoked pig-meat! Service is generally prompt, friendly and courteous, and the bar is stocked with a good variety of beers. Live Blues 3 nights a week, too! The true aficionados would tell you that there are wig shops in Memphis that serve better BBQ....which may be so, but we're a long way from Memphis! About 500 miles, I believe, which is a heck of a drive for a pulled pork sandwich. Pros: Real Memphis BBQ, right here in Cincinnati! Cons: Broke my heart when the northern kentucky location closed!
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This is barbecue- smoky, fall apart tender ribs- cooked on-site, great tangy (not yicky sweet) mustardy sauce, delicious side dishes- the fried green tomatoes were delectable, greens and sweet... More

This is barbecue- smoky, fall apart tender ribs- cooked on-site, great tangy (not yicky sweet) mustardy sauce, delicious side dishes- the fried green tomatoes were delectable, greens and sweet potatoes great. The only thing I didn't care much for was the "famous" cornbread- sweet and cake-y, rather than my preferred eggy and no sweetener. Ambience is wholly missing- but, hey, this is a barbecue joint- who the heck needs ambience, especially once the blues start up. Why Cincinnati flocks to "that other place" is beyond me- but they can keep going there- then there's no three hour line at Burbanks! I'll be back- gotta try the brisket... Pros: oh, those ribs
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It is very easy to be on the outside, looking in and make comments about things you know so little about....but I would like to take a moment to defend myself....First off, I spend 75 hours a week... More

It is very easy to be on the outside, looking in and make comments about things you know so little about....but I would like to take a moment to defend myself....First off, I spend 75 hours a week at Burbank's trying to make sure that we serve quality, Memphis style barbecue at a reasonable price, in a clean, friendly environment. True, the place has gone through many owners and the direction has not always been right, but over the last three years we have tried very hard to return to what makes Burbank's the best place for barbecue. We smoke our products every day, we have won awards at the Taste of Cincinnati the last two years, including the best "damn" dish in 2006. I read a comment on here that the place is dirty. This is not true. I have a cleaning service that cleans every day, the carpets are steam cleaned every month, and I also go through Board of Health inspections regularly, and I can say that this place is not dirty. As far as the sign not working, I will tell you that the cost to fix the sign was $10,000. The cost to replace the sign was $15,000. I have less than a year left on my lease and may be moving this to another location. It did not make sense for me to spend that money to fix a sign for such a short period of time, because it might not be possible to move it at a later date. We still give cornbread out with every entree purchased, but could no longer afford to give out endless baskets at no charge. I am not in business to have people fill up on free cornbread and purchase very little. A basket of cornbread costs me $1.00 to make not including the labor, and I sell it for $1.75, not really a money maker, but no longer a money loser....Lastly I would like to say, that at any time, if we do not live up to your expectations, all you need to do is ask for myself or a manager and we will do everything in our power to rectify any problem, but you give me no chance to do this by coming on here and posting negative comments. Peter Zimmer
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First off, I'm rating pulled pork sandwiches only. I've tried almost all in Cincinnati several times over the years, and it's my favorite food. Keep in mind, this MY opininion, and everyones... More

First off, I'm rating pulled pork sandwiches only. I've tried almost all in Cincinnati several times over the years, and it's my favorite food. Keep in mind, this MY opininion, and everyones taste is different. I will rate all I have tried in Cincy on this citysearch site in the hopes of steering you in the direction that fits for you. Burbanks,.....where do I begin? I can say that 10 years ago it was the best. The prices went up and up, portions went down, and quality dropped way down from visit to visit. The place has gone through several ownerships over the past decade. The newest owners don't even get their sign working. About 2 letters light up from I-75 as it's been for about 5 years. My last sandwich was half fat, and half meat. I like to bite into my sandwich and not have to pull half of it back out of my mouth. The portions have shrunk, and you don't even get Johnny Cakes any more with their inflated prices. This place is nothing more than a tax write off for some investors. Pros: Great atmosphere. Cons: High prices, poor food quality
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This is a great place for BBQ. The pulled pork and coleslaw are amazing. This is a fun place for drinks or for the family. Every time I have been there they have had a great live blues band.

This is a great place for BBQ. The pulled pork and coleslaw are amazing. This is a fun place for drinks or for the family. Every time I have been there they have had a great live blues band.
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For years Burbank's has served Memphis-style barbecue that's as authentic as you can get. If you like your ribs smokey, this is the place. But the real star is the pulled pork sandwich which... More

For years Burbank's has served Memphis-style barbecue that's as authentic as you can get. If you like your ribs smokey, this is the place. But the real star is the pulled pork sandwich which Burbank's introduced locally. It's smoked for hours and is unbelievably tender. The proper way to eat it is with slaw and Southern Tang sauce on top. The live blues is great too. Pros: As Memphis as it gets Cons: Hard to find
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The food here is awesome. Nothing like it. And the sweetcorn bread, to die for. I love it. Pros: Inexpensive, Good Dinning, Good Parking

The food here is awesome. Nothing like it. And the sweetcorn bread, to die for. I love it. Pros: Inexpensive, Good Dinning, Good Parking
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This is the best bar-b-q joint I've been to outside of Memphis. Excellent ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, pulled WHATEVER!! The sides are good, too, especially the white beans and the... More

This is the best bar-b-q joint I've been to outside of Memphis. Excellent ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, pulled WHATEVER!! The sides are good, too, especially the white beans and the corncake. This place makes Montgomery Inn taste like something I could make at home. Where the Inn loads their bbq with sauce, Burbank's makes it the old fashioned way; smokin' it. Definitely worth the visit. If you have problems finding it, it's near the Bob Evans off of Sharon Rd. Good stuff. Pros: smoked meat, smoked meat, smoked meat
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