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Sauced BBQ & Spirits
Master Critic Reviews (11 Lists)
Sauced BBQ & Spirits
8.0
Lively barbecue hall—the original Sauced location—with big portions, plenty of TVs, and two patios where families spread out. Service is upbeat and the kid-friendly sides make sharing easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Two-Meat Platter (brisket & ribs), Burnt Ends, Mac & Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Original outpost with roomy patios and shareable barbecue.
Who should go: Families who want big portions
When to visit: Weeknights 5–6:30pm for easiest seating
What to order: Brisket & ribs combo, burnt ends, mac & cheese
Insider tip: Ask for extra bread and sauces for kid-friendly DIY sliders.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Downtown Livermore public lots nearby and street parking along First Street; fills quickly on weekends after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—T-shirts and jeans common, though some guests dress up for weekend evenings.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours; expect energetic bar chatter and background music—fine for groups, less ideal for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger parties.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—mac & cheese, salads, and sides like fries or cornbread available.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides can be made vegan; no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Yes—menu marks gluten-free items and staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into barbecue and a lively scene—expect big portions and sports on TV rather than candlelight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are accepted; bar seating and patio tables turn fastest, especially before 6pm or after 8pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, kids’ portions, and friendly staff. Patio seating works best for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, casual celebrations, and anyone craving authentic smoked meats in a fun setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet dinner or have strict vegan preferences—noise and meat-heavy menu dominate.
Sauced BBQ & Spirits
8.6
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Sports Bar Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Downtown original known for smoked jumbo wings and a lively bar program. Weekday and late-night happy hours pair well with dry-rub or sauced wings and a deep whiskey list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Wings (Georgia Gold or Buffalo), Tin Roof dry-rub wings, Pig Candy glazed wings
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Wing & Whiskey Wednesday and smoked-then-sauced jumbo wings.
Who should go: Wing lovers who want whiskey and TVs
When to visit: Weekdays 3–5:30pm or late-night Fri–Sat
What to order: Smoked wings (12); Georgia Gold; Gochujang
Insider tip: Ask for half-dry-rub, half-sauced to sample flavors.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free public parking lots behind First Street and limited parallel street spaces; fills quickly during dinner rush and events.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, team gear, or weekend wear all welcome; no formal dress expected.
Noise level: High—lively bar crowd and music; conversation possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 35–50 minutes typical for large groups after 6:30pm; bar seating faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick service at the bar or patio.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—salads, mac & cheese, and sides available.
Vegan options: Minimal—can request veggie sides but most mains are meat-based.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—smoked meats and wings are gluten-free by prep, but sauces may vary; staff can advise.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Best for casual or second dates—energetic atmosphere and bar seating make it fun but not quiet or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—first-come basis; off-peak hours (before 6pm or after 8:30pm) have the shortest waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for daytime and early evenings; high chairs and kids’ menu available, though bar area skews adult after 8pm.
Best For
Better for: Lively groups, sports watching, and whiskey or beer pairings with wings.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, vegan menu depth, or fine-dining pacing.
Sauced BBQ & Spirits
8.2
High-energy smokehouse that also turns out hefty double smash burgers alongside whiskey and sports. Friday–Saturday hours reach 11pm with a late-night happy hour, so it’s reliable when the craving hits after nine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Smash Cheeseburger, Baby Gronk Burger, Boujee Bovine Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Late-night happy hour and big-screen energy with serious burgers.
Who should go: Game-day groups craving burgers
When to visit: Fri–Sat 9–11pm for late menu
What to order: Double smash cheeseburger; Baby Gronk; fancy fries
Insider tip: Confirm late-night happy hour start—deals typically kick in around 9pm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free public lot and ample street parking behind the restaurant on Railroad Avenue; fills up quickly during weekend events downtown.
Dress code: Casual—team jerseys, jeans, and comfortable attire all fit the vibe; no need to dress up unless joining a larger group celebration.
Noise level: Loud—sports bar atmosphere with TVs and music; conversation possible but best for groups rather than intimate chats.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 7:30pm; bar seats often open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait except during special events or game days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mac & cheese, salads, and loaded fries can be customized meat-free.
Vegan options: Very limited—no dedicated vegan entrées, but sides like fries or slaw are available.
Gluten-free options: Some smoked meats and salads can be made gluten-free; ask for allergen guidance before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into barbecue, sports, and a lively scene—better suited for casual dates than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins welcome, but expect waits on weekends. Grab a drink at the bar while waiting; service is friendly about updates.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during earlier hours; families frequent dinner service before 8pm. Late-night crowd leans adult with louder music and bar traffic.
Best For
Better for: Late-night energy, big burgers, whiskey lists, and game-day gatherings compared to quieter downtown spots.
Skip if: You want a peaceful dinner or fine-dining atmosphere—this is more about volume, comfort food, and lively crowds.
Sauced BBQ & Spirits
7.8
Rowdy, screen-filled smokehouse with two patios, whiskey lists, and in-house banquet options. Casual private areas fit team parties and game-day gatherings with customizable platters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burnt ends, St. Louis ribs, Mac & cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Banquet packages and patios built for parties and sports.
Who should go: BBQ squads and team outings
When to visit: Game days or weekday happy hour
What to order: Burnt ends, ribs, mac & cheese
Insider tip: Book the banquet space and pre-order platters for speed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free city lot and street parking nearby; fills quickly on weekends and event nights.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, team jerseys, and relaxed attire welcome.
Noise level: Loud during games; quieter on weekday afternoons or patio seating.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for large groups if not pre-booked.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options — sides and salads available but not a core focus.
Vegan options: Minimal — best to call ahead for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some meats and sauces can be made gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for quiet conversation — better for casual, lively meetups or watching a game together.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are welcome, but group events or private rooms require advance booking, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly with kids’ menu options and flexible seating; afternoons are calmer than evenings.
Best For
Better for: Large gatherings, sports watching, and BBQ platters for groups.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet dining, upscale ambiance, or refined service.
Sauced BBQ & Spirits
7.8
Loud-and-lively downtown smokehouse with big bourbon energy and game-day screens. Two patios and crowd-pleasing BBQ make it a buzzy meetup spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly Burnt Ends, St. Louis Ribs, Jalapeño Cornbread
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: BBQ, whiskey lists, and two patios in the downtown core.
Who should go: Game-watchers and BBQ groups
When to visit: Happy hour or weekend game days
What to order: Burnt ends, ribs, cornbread
Insider tip: Ask for outside seating at check-in—patios go first.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free public parking lots are available along First Street, with some street parking nearby. Spots fill quickly during weekend evenings and events.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, team jerseys, and comfortable wear are standard. No need to dress up.
Noise level: High—expect a lively crowd, background music, and game audio on TVs throughout.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–45 minutes during peak hours; bar seating is often faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—salads and a few sides can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Very limited—may need to customize salads or sides; best to call ahead.
Gluten-free options: Some meats and sides are naturally gluten-free, but the kitchen shares prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your idea of a first date includes sports screens and BBQ sauce—fun and casual but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most seating is first come, first served. Arrive early during big games or weekend dinners to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are welcome, especially during daytime hours. The menu has plenty of approachable options and high chairs are available.
Best For
Better for: Best for groups who want lively energy, hearty BBQ, and whiskey or beer with the game on.
Skip if: Skip if you’re after quiet conversation, upscale plating, or a romantic setting.
Sauced BBQ & Spirits
7.9
Downtown smokehouse with two dog-friendly patios, big bourbon energy, and game-day screens. Go for sauced-just-right ribs, pork belly burnt ends, and classic sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly Burnt Ends, St. Louis Ribs, Brisket Plate
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Two patios and a crowd-pleasing BBQ lineup downtown.
Who should go: BBQ fans and sports watchers
When to visit: Happy hour or game days for buzz
What to order: Burnt ends; ribs; brisket with pickles
Insider tip: Patio fills fast on weekends—ask for outside seating when checking in.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on First Street and nearby municipal lots; generally available within a block except during weekend events.
Dress code: Casual—T-shirts and jeans fit right in, though game-day gear is common.
Noise level: Lively—expect background music, chatter, and sports audio; conversation is doable but energetic.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours; patios fill first.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately except on Fridays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mac and cheese, fried pickles, and sides work for non-meat eaters.
Vegan options: Minimal—few sides like fries or salads; mains are all meat-based.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some smoked meats and salads qualify; ask staff for sauce ingredients.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups or sports-loving couples than intimate dinners—fun, messy, and social.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins welcome, but expect a wait on game nights or weekends; host stand can text you when your patio table opens.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent early dinner hours; high chairs available and kids' BBQ plates offered.
Best For
Better for: Group gatherings, bourbon selection, and watching the game on patio screens.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet dining or extensive vegetarian options.
Sauced BBQ & Spirits
8.3
Downtown smokehouse known for St. Louis–cut spare ribs, hearty sides, and a lively bar with TVs and patios. Locals come for meaty racks, whiskey lists, and easy group seating right on First Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
St. Louis Cut Spare Ribs (Full or Half Rack), Brisket Burnt Ends, Cornbread with Cinnamon Butter
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Big, smoky St. Louis ribs with full bar and patios.
Who should go: BBQ fans and game-day groups
When to visit: Evenings; happy hour for best drink value
What to order: St. Louis ribs; brisket burnt ends; cornbread
Insider tip: Use the downtown garage off Railroad Ave for easy parking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking garage on Railroad Avenue directly behind the restaurant; limited street spots on First Street fill quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, team gear, and polos fit right in; no need to dress up.
Noise level: High during peak games and weekends; lively but manageable for casual conversation at booths or patio tables.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially during live sports events.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mac & cheese, salads, and sides like fries or cornbread are the main options.
Vegan options: Minimal—order sides only and confirm preparation with the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes—ribs and smoked meats are naturally gluten-free, and staff can guide on sauces and sides that meet dietary needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both BBQ or sports fans—it's energetic and messy fun, but not ideal for a quiet or romantic night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common. Arrive early or join the list at the host stand during peak hours; bar and patio seating often turn faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—booths, high chairs, and a kids’ menu make it easy for families. Early evenings before 7pm are best for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Group dining, big portions, and a lively sports-bar atmosphere make it stronger than smaller BBQ spots in town.
Skip if: You’re after a quiet dinner, fine dining, or extensive vegetarian options.
Sauced BBQ & Spirits
8.4
Smoked, jumbo wings come dry-rubbed or sauced after the pit, with crisp skin and a meaty bite. Lively TVs-and-bourbon scene makes it a go-to for game nights and groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
12 Smoked Wings (dry rub or sauced), Buffalo Cauliflower (wing-night alternate), Korean-Style Wings (rotating special)
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Pit-smoked jumbo wings with crisp skin and bold sauces.
Who should go: Wing lovers watching the game
When to visit: Weeknights or late happy hour
What to order: 12-Smoked Wings; dry rub + sauce on side; tots
Insider tip: Wing & Whiskey Wednesday brings discounted wings and pours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free public lot behind the restaurant and ample street parking along First Street; fills quickly on weekends and during events.
Dress code: Casual; jeans, team jerseys, and comfortable wear fit right in for game nights.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours and games; moderate otherwise—expect a buzzy bar vibe.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during major sporting events.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; quick turnover from the bar crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options—sides like mac & cheese, fried pickles, and salads available.
Vegan options: Minimal; best for groups where non-vegans are the focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes—smoked meats and several sauces are gluten-free; staff will advise on cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date’s into bourbon and sports—energy’s high and tables are close, so it’s more fun than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common; arrive early on weekends or sit at the bar to skip the wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families welcome until later hours; high chairs and kids’ menu available though noise can get intense after 8pm.
Best For
Better for: Game-day gatherings, bourbon selection, and smoky jumbo wings that outclass typical pub fare.
Skip if: You’re after a quiet dinner or upscale date spot—opt for a calmer setting like Uncle Yu’s nearby.
Sauced BBQ & Spirits
8.3
High-energy smokehouse known for double smash burgers on soft buns alongside brisket-forward sides and late happy hour. Game-day atmosphere and big portions make it a crowd favorite for indulgent burger runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Wagyu Smash Cheeseburger, Baby Gronk Burger, Boujee Bovine Burger
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Big, saucy double smash burgers in a lively, TV-filled smokehouse.
Who should go: Burger lovers who want a game-day scene
When to visit: Weeknights or late happy hour to dodge peak waits
What to order: Double Wagyu Smash; Baby Gronk; Chili cheese fries
Insider tip: Two patios—ask for outdoor seating during big games.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free public lot behind the building and limited street parking on First Street; fills quickly on weekends and game nights.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, team gear, and relaxed attire are all fine.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours and games; quieter on weeknights before 6pm.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes during prime time; bar seating moves faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or minimal delay for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, mac & cheese, and some appetizers can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—few plant-based sides, but no dedicated vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: Some BBQ plates and salads can be prepared gluten-free upon request; buns are not GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into lively, high-energy bar vibes—it’s more fun and casual than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s first-come, first-served; arrive before 6pm or after 8:30pm to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids’ menu, booster seats, and friendly staff make it easy for families until late evening.
Best For
Better for: Casual group hangouts, sports viewing, and indulgent burger-and-beer nights.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner or lighter, health-conscious meal—noise and portion sizes lean heavy.
Sauced BBQ & Spirits
8.2
High-energy smokehouse known for St. Louis ribs, brisket, and crowd-pleasing platters with a full bar and TVs. Locals lean on it for game days, large groups, and late happy hour deals.
Must-Try Dishes:
St. Louis spare ribs, Texas-style brisket, Burnt ends platter
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Southern-style smokehouse with full bar and late happy hour.
Who should go: Groups, sports fans, and rib lovers
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm or after 9pm happy hour
What to order: St. Louis ribs; sliced brisket; burnt ends
Insider tip: Ask for rib ends if available—kitchen sometimes sets a few aside.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking and nearby public lots along First Street; weekends can fill quickly during events.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and team gear fit right in; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours and game nights; moderate-to-high energy most evenings.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for groups; faster at the bar or patio.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during downtown lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—sides like mac & cheese, cornbread, and salads available.
Vegan options: Minimal—only select sides can be modified; no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several meats and sides are gluten-free; staff can advise.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date’s into barbecue and high-energy settings—it’s better for casual fun than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common, but expect a wait on weekends; bar seating often opens faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids’ menu, high chairs, and upbeat vibe make it family-appropriate, though noise can be high during games.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, sports viewing, and big barbecue platters with drinks.
Skip if: You’re after quiet dining, fine service pacing, or refined plating—this spot leans lively and hearty.
Sauced BBQ & Spirits
7.8
Lively barbecue hangout that also runs a legit steak board—12oz ribeye, 8oz sirloin, and even an 18oz smoked ribeye. Big portions, TVs, and late happy hour make it a casual choice for steak with a bar-scene vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
12oz Ribeye with Garlic Butter, 18oz Smoked Ribeye, Surf & Turf (Tri-Tip + Shrimp)
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: BBQ joint with multiple steak cuts, including a smoked ribeye.
Who should go: Casual steak eaters and sports-bar crowds
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm for happy hour and easier seating
What to order: 12oz ribeye; smoked ribeye; fancy fries upgrade
Insider tip: Late-night happy hour runs after 9pm on weekends in Livermore.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street and public lot parking available nearby; weekends can fill up quickly during events on First Street, so arrive early or use the city garage a block away.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, team jerseys, and everyday attire are all welcome; it’s a laid-back bar-and-grill atmosphere.
Noise level: High during games and evenings; expect a lively sports-bar hum rather than quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–45 minutes during peak dinner hours, especially on game nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—there are sides, salads, and mac & cheese, but entrées are mostly meat-focused.
Vegan options: Minimal options; request modifications on sides or salads.
Gluten-free options: Some smoked meats and salads can be prepared gluten-free upon request, though cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups or double dates than a quiet romantic night—expect a fun, noisy crowd and plenty of TVs.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most tables are walk-in friendly. Arrive early for large groups or during game nights to avoid longer waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common earlier in the evening; kids’ menu available, though it gets louder and more bar-like after 8pm.
Best For
Better for: Ideal when you want a high-energy atmosphere, big portions, and a mix of barbecue and steakhouse comfort food with a full bar.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet dinner, fine dining service, or refined steak presentation—Range Life or Zephyr Grill are better fits.