I am a huge BBQ fan.  In another post, you will note that I reviewed Q39 in KC, KS.  It’s probably one of the best BBQ spots in the US.  But Mission BBQ Grand Rapids (and 140+ plus locations in the US) has quickly become our go-to BBQ spots for its tasty, reliable, and affordable BBQ Menu.  Here is why we love Mission BBQ so much.

Service: 5-Star Rating

Though this is a counter-service BBQ joint, the service is notably good.  Not just average, or meh, or something you wouldn’t even notice.  They actually seem to care.  Each team member is kind, attentive, and willing to help you.  Even after you have ordered your food and brought it out to your table, without being annoying, they casually interact with you to ensure you have everything you need, that your order is right, and offer to help in any way.  A few staff members spend time getting to know you and have a great sense of humor.  You have been there several times with a group of 10 or more, and the order is always right. Another reason for such a strong service score is that Mission BBQ offers free sandwiches to all active-duty service members and veterans. You can order by carry-out, call ahead, or use curbside pick-up.  Which we think is most admirable.  We love supporting locations that give back to the community.

It is also worth noting that Forbes listed Mission BBQ as #7 in their 2025 list of best customer service:

https://www.forbes.com/companies/mission-bbq

Food: 5-Star Rating

Again, this is counter service, so we rate each category within its genre, and for a quick counter service style restaurant, the food is memorable.  It is the food you remember and it is so good that as you are finishing your meal, you are already planning your next visit.  We ordered the Brisket Sandwich, which was outstanding and had a generous portion of lean, tender, juicing meat full of that quintessential BBQ flavor.  One showstopper were the crispy smoked chicken wings which were juicing and bursting with that deep slow smoked flavor.  Served plain with some light seasoning, you could indulge in a variety of sauces that Mission BBQ has available for each table.  I think I counted nearly nine sauces if you include the vinegar and specialty mustard sauce.   With styles from Kansas City to North Carolina to Texas and beyond, you are in the right place if you like variety.  The sauces were all made with craftmanship and a depth of understanding of each region.  We love ordering the 2 or 3 meet combos with a side or two as all the BBQ is served without sauce, leaving you to create your own style at your table or simply eat it naked, so to speak.  Because let’s be honest, when the BBQ is so good, it doesn’t even need sauce.  The meat combo offers a variety of selections to choose from, including brisket, sausage, turkey, pulled pork, or pulled chicken.   One cool thing about their ribs is you can order a rack or by the bone (which come in pairs), making it a perfect add-on if you want a little of everything.   Beyond their BBQ offerings, their sides are all solid choices and add nicely to your meal.  They Make it easy to add a side or two or order a large or extra-large combo, so you can always order just the right-sized meal for your appetite.  Our favorites are the fries, the cheesy potatoes, and the baked beans with brisket.  All of their food is homemade and handcrafted, and their high quality and high standards is showcased in every item on the menu.

Atmosphere: 4-Star Rating

It’s hard for Destinations we know to give out a 5 star rating for atmosphere to a counter service restaurant, but this is a strong 4.  It has a great America First theme with a strong patriotic flare, which we love.  There is a special emphasis or tribute to those who serve; it’s well decorated, with plenty of seating and plenty of sauces to go around.  Did I mention I love the sauces?   It’s open, spacious, and just an enjoyable place to eat.

Presentation: 3.5-Star Rating 

In truth, There is absolutely nothing wrong with the presentation and a 3 score is not bad, it is just average or rather, not the highlight of the experience.  But what I am most impressed with is that their order fulfillment is extremely accurate, so even if the food is just plopped on a tray with paper, at least they get the order right.   Portions are not over the top.  Everything is measured for consistency and you get what you order.  As you can tell from the photography, it’s nothing fancy, but with BBQ this enjoyable, we are more than happy to eat off a paper line tray with no frills.

Price: 5-Star Rating

 We are giving the price score 5 stars because the menu is so customizable. You can get 2 ribs and a side with a pop for under $7, or you can get a 3 meat combo and XXL combo and add on 2 ribs for around $20. The prices are extremely reasonable, and one of the reasons we have taken our crew of 10 or so to Mission BBQ multiple times.

About Mission BBQ:

According to their website: https://mission-bbq.com/our-story

Bill Kraus and Steve “Newt” Newton opened their first location on Sept 11 2011 and now have nearly 150 locations across the states.  They are obviously doing something great.  If you are near one of their 100+ locations in the US, check them out.  I know you will have a an enjoyable meal.