Is Mighty Quinn's BBQ OVERRATED? Trying NYC's Iconic BBQ Chain

Mighty Quinn's first opened in NYC in the early 2010s. What makes Mighty Quinn's interesting is that it is a BBQ chain completely originating in NYC, but it immediately began to get rave reviews and accolades. It was quickly being regarded as the best BBQ in NYC and even comparable to many of the best BBQ restaurants in the South! I myself used to be a fan of Mighty Quinn's during its heyday in the 2010s.
While Mighty Quinn's entered an era of expansion, opening Mighty Quinn's locations in New Jersey and there is even a Mighty Quinn's location in Florida, it does seem like the chain is past its heyday. The Mighty Quinn's flagship location closed so I went to its unofficial new flagship location in Greenwich Village. I tried the Mighty Quinn's ribs, the fatty Mighty Quinn's brisket, the Mighty Quinn's pulled pork and the Mighty Quinn's mac n' cheese. After eating my full in St. Louis BBQ a few weeks ago, I may have higher standards now for cue but I will fairly rate whether or not Mighty Quinn's BBQ is legit or if it's now overrated.
Like and Subscribe if you like my vids!
Restaurant Deets:
Mighty Quinn's Barbeque
75 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014

[@WarChortle]

You know the food is good when UA's face looks like he stepped on a Lego piece inside the quiet section of a library.

[@js9044]

Like he’s trying to smuggle a whole pack of Warheads in his cheek 😂

[@Manuel-qu3tc]

Was a bit worried at first, "did he like it?, tf's goin on? dude r u ok?"

[@Tapeworm99]

Thought bro was gonna say the brisket is horrible like what is that facial expression 💀

[@mikeg7411]

​@@Tapeworm99first time watching UA eat huh? Lol

[@saritaking-qr5fd]

Hi UA. Today is my birthday 🎉. You gave me the best gift ever....your channel❤....Cant get enough of it!!! There is something about you that draws people to you. Keep up the good work. God Bless you UA. 💕

[@uaeats]

Thank you! Hope you had a happy birthday!

[@scottreiburnNYC]

When the pit master has to sauce your ribs before handing them to you? You know that’s because they’re trying to cover up how dry they are. That rarely works. The meat is either ready to rock, or it turns into rocks.

[@The2ndFirst]

Yep. Anything that's sauced prior to service is using sauce to cover the flavor. That's why I don't care for Memphis style, and to a lesser degree St Lois.

[@mikeg7411]

​@@The2ndFirstKC born and raised and totally correct.... Bbq should be able to stand on its own without sauce.... The sauce is just to compliment the meat... I personally like some sauce on my ribs while they are cooking but u can't hide bad bbq with sauce

[@loukeller5652]

All the meat looks very dry. Looks like yesterday's BBQ.

[@LifeFluid]

Love your channel man. Happy to be here from the semi early days. You’re going to pop off dude. Great work 👍🏻

[@ernestedwards4073]

3rd 👍! Hi UA 👋 I'm going to miss this premiere but I'll watch after work! Today's my 1st day at my new job!

[@uaeats]

Congrats! Totally understand, your job takes priority. Have a great first day!

[@brandonlesgo9563]

Take a long bathroom break

[@brandoncarpenter9681]

lol, you are a funny commenter, I bet your work is happy to have you on board

[@hailandfire1822]

Hope you made a lot of tips on your first day at Mighty Quinns!

[@jammerfanreturns6282]

NARRATOR: OP GOT FIRED

[@2Wheels_NYC]

Another great review! I haven't been here in years man. We recently did Dallas BBQ on the UES, and it was a fun night with good food. As for the earthquake, my whole house in Queens shook! Every one/thing is safe and sound, but it certainly catches you off guard. Glad you're safe, sir!

[@jonsmith848]

Really Appreciate the honesty. Being originally from Chicago..i laughed at the bbq sauce application on dry ribs..🐖

[@Black0bsidian]

I was like what the hell?😂😂 weird!

[@scottmeskan1931]

Does Chicago have a rib or even bbq culture?

[@jonsmith848]

@@scottmeskan1931 Absolutely...the Black Community were descendants from mostly the South..Milwaukee has good ribs too

[@shawnstott]

The reviews are good, but what I enjoy the most is the non-sugar-coated review, "this was amazing", "this was not good", that is what I watch this for. Keep it up.

[@ViolinistWilliam]

Fantastic video as always!

[@maxivisionvermont1333]

Love the vids keep up the great work

[@HarrisonSaghi]

Great video UA! I eat at Mighty Quinn's pretty often (big fan of Texas BBQ and this is the closest in NY I've found). I also love their brisket, but I agree I've never had a good experience with their ribs. I recommend if you go back to try their Bronto Rib (Beef Rib) - it's pricy but definitely my favorite item they have along with their roasted sweet potatoes with candied pecans.

[@paullawson2830]

You waited until the damn mac and cheese was cold as my ex's shoulder!!!

[@surfboard396]

Hey UA. Yeah after the first bite of rib I could tell it was dry. The brisket cut and looked amazing. Pork looked so so. Some establishments get complacent. Thanks for your review. Take care man. 👋🏽

[@MaxC-rf5ss]

Or learn to cook

[@Brawarren]

Hi, the reason why establishments serve mediocre food, is because nearly everyone DOES NOT complain

[@MaxC-rf5ss]

@Brawarren you can't cook. Don't comment.

[@Manuel-qu3tc]

Gotta say, watching how many people engage with ur vids in the comments and how many views u get makes me feel good cos you deserve it.

[@tnytdn1700]

Most BBQ chain restaurants use BBQ ovens. They don’t use offset smokers, which is what is used by competition and traditional Texas and KC BBQ and gives the BBQ the distinct Texas taste. The major difference is that Texas BBQ now uses a trick that accounts for much the ‘juiciness’: they douse it in beef tallow and then wrap in butcher paper. Mad BBQ scientist did a video on this technique. It’s very common now and has changed people’s expectation on moist BBQ.

[@geno5360]

Even the brisket as awesome as it looked the solidified look on the fat also suggests to me that it may have possibly been cooked a bit in advance.

[@geno5360]

Maybe you’re right that it was under rendered too that could definitely be part of it

[@locstar9692]

If pulled pork is done correctly and fresh, you can break it up and eat it with no sauce and it will be juicy and delicious. There is also always a bark on pulled pork if it is done correctly. To be honest.. the ribs and the pulled pork they gave you looked like they may have been cooked a day or two before and reheated.. jmho!!

[@chi7072]

ST LOUIS is just the cut. all the ribs should be the same length and a rack should be squared off. the st louis cut contains none of the rib tips

[@MaxC-rf5ss]

You googled that?😅

[@The2ndFirst]

It can also refer to the style of service. St Louis is different from Memphis, is different from TX, is different from Carolina.

[@shanecucheron2728]

Great job UA!

[@dennist.8210]

If i recall, you've been to Hometown BBQ for Pastrami, right UA? Give it a try again but get brisket/Dino Rib! Also, I'm curious if you're up for trying Christo's steakhouse in the Astoria area!

[@The2ndFirst]

It's true that "competition" ribs have a little chew to them, but if you like fall off the bone, then that's what you like and there's nothing wrong with that. Also "Saint Louis Style" can refer to both the style of service like St. Louis, Texas, Memphis, etc but it can also refer to the cut of pork ribs like "Baby Back" or "Back" (Most trimmed) "St Louis Style" (Mid trim) and "Spare Ribs" (Least Trimmed).

[@julianmatzener1705]

great video! I am the guy from Switzerland who spoke to you in the restaurant :) Very cool video and go on!

[@uaeats]

Yes I remember you! Hope you liked the vid!

[@johnnyplunkett8532]

Challenge... Does an IHop T Bone beat a high end burger?

[@russellpatt6825]

Would be great to see you visit Philly to review all the different cheesesteak spots ! ( Dellasandros, Steve’s, Genos, John’s Roast Pork )

[@alebroker7587]

He did a Philly Chessesteak video. Is on the timeline.

[@darrenmazzei3791]

I’m from NJ but I was in Dallas last month. If you go back check out the Pecan Lounge. Great bbq, the brisket was better than anything I’ve had in the east coast.

[@Nope145]

St. Louis refers to the cut. The ribs look dry.

[@oliverunruh900]

UA, it might surprise you, but bad lighting can be compensated by a good camera with big sensor and good optics. Keep on going, like your honest reviews

[@incognitotees]

the way you was shaking your camera i thought you was going through another earthquake lol

[@AileenLi-rr1os]

Hi UA, please do a review for Legasea for their unlimited ribeye.

[@-EchoesIntoEternity-]

that brisket was cut awfully thin, sure sign they are trying to hide some defect in the product. likely wasnt cooked properly so they slice it thin to make it more tender.

[@konradmaerzluft985]

I’ve been there a couple times when I’m visiting NYC. But I had the brontosaurus rib. Do they still have that? I remember it was pretty good. Not as good as Terry Blacks in Austin.

[@jackiewright7413]

UA's facial expressions says it all!!!😊

[@brozors]

The two most popular BBQ joints in NYC are Mighty Quinn and Hometown BBQ. Both are Texas style barbecue, which is low and slow using wood smoke to form the bark. The bbq in your vid looked like they’ve been sitting for a while, including the brisket that you enjoyed.

[@samuraidoggy]

Yeah I wouldnt give that pulled pork even to my dog.

[@The2ndFirst]

If they are saucing prior to service it's not traditional TX style. Not anywhere I've eaten in TX anyway.

[@iec7587]

Hill Country is a lot better

[@PrimeInChina]

As another person mentioned, this isn't really Texas style. These ribs were BBQ'd before served.

[@The2ndFirst]

@@PrimeInChina There are a VERY FEW places in Texas that will sauce before serving, but they are very much the rarity, and are generally direct heat practitioners. It's not traditional TX style though as it's commonly known.

[@Jim-nt7xy]

That doesn't look like much mac & cheese for $5.95!

[@110metsfan]

I went there once and never went back… it’s pretty good, but very little for the amount you pay

[@3up3down.]

That’s 10 bucks Canadian for a couple spoons of the mac and cheese :(

[@eldorado1244]

UA please learn some table manners close your mouth when you chew, don’t make chopping sounds and for gods sake stop squinting, your annoying

[@dennisburby8585]

Sorry you missed the quake. It's an amazing experience. The surprises the earth holds.

[@fenian1]

That was just me in bed with my wife, sorry.

[@WaterJake]

Interesting review! I never get BBQ in NY and it's good to have someplace where at least something is worth trying! I thought you might be interested to know that yellow and white cheddar are the same. Yellow cheddar is just colored white cheddar!

[@tonydofat6254]

I went to this location years ago and gave them a 1 star on Yelp. Portion was way too small and overpriced. I will post the link to the pic/review. I also ordered from them on Uber eats in NJ and their customer relations gave me a coupon code for another meal. It was so bad

[@nick_at_nite]

Sorry, it all looks like 2 or 3 day old re-heated meat. Definitely not right out of the smoker. A few years ago had some Virgil's in Times Square, it was pretty good at the time.

[@wc878]

stop being so nice, we appreciate honest reviews, if they not that good, it is what it is

[@bow2king221]

you should go check out hoo doo brown bbq its in ridgfield ct!!!!

[@No85Limits]

do like Mighty Quinn's - think it fell off slightly... it' still good but not my top top type one... like I won't go out of my way anymore. My fav bbq spots in nyc: Blue Smoke BBQ (they closed down the OG location in flatiron district that had a jazz club downstairs) - love their brisket Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (Harlem location) - pork ribs are my go to here Hometown Bar-B-Que (Red Hook, Brooklyn) - love the pulled pork and their ribs those are my top 3 (any order) - Hometown in red hook prob most consistent tho. So if I was to recommend 1 - that would be it. Blue Smoke I went to their other location by battery park city (I forgot the cross roads) - wasn't as good as the OG - but it may be the nostalgia for me giving bias... brisket was still good. Dinosaur in Harlem is a just an iconic spot - so you should go there anyways

[@whskymr]

Mail ordered through these guys the brisket and beef rib were outstanding

[@glockypicasso]

UA You NEEEEEED To Go To (Bark Barbecue) (Dominican Style) In Brooklyn (Dumbo Area)! Best Barbecue In NYC. Their Sandwiches Are Amazing And Have Great r Brisket & Ribs Etc. MUST GO! 5th Floor Of The Timeout Market Building

[@dannyMCDelight]

Only cost $150 for a sampler plate at Bark

[@glockypicasso]

@@dannyMCDelight Which Is Why I Mentioned Getting The Sandwiches. Either Way The Sampler Platter Is Worth The Price 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@samuraidoggy]

@@glockypicasso Why Do You Write Like This? It Is Really Annoying To Read.

[@glockypicasso]

@@samuraidoggy Just Don’t Read It Then 😭😅

[@riflemusket]

Yep, UA. St. Louis style spareribs refer to the cut of the rack. Squared off to make the rack more uniform, with the rib tips as a separate, delicious cut. 🔥🍖

[@walk_disney]

St Louis is the cut

[@scenesfromthecouch1288]

Please try Virgil’s. Memphis style.

[@SafeEffective-ls2pl]

Tourist trap

[@scenesfromthecouch1288]

@@SafeEffective-ls2pl Why because it’s near time square? Not everywhere near TS is. Have you ever been there?

[@danielschear556]

I LOVE UA EATS VIDEOS!👏👍

[@robincraig9492]

Come to Kansas City! So many BBQ choices! Slaps, Oklahoma Joe’s

[@bb57365]

I live 5 miles from the epicenter. My house swayed a lot. Thought the furnace was blowing. Enjoyed it more than the nothing burger eclipse. But both were good, in the same week.

[@kevinhelleman9808]

When this guy looks like he will shit on the floor, he loves his bite. Thx 😂

[@mikes.4136]

Wow - you really enjoyed the brisket and I’m going to go with the brisket meal and ask them to add a little salt. I will avoid the ribs and the pulled pork. Thank you UA.

[@inezsitu7291]

MIghty Quinn's lasted a very short time here in Manila, Philippines.

[@karateday]

They pre sauced that pulled pork hoping it would rehydrate by the time you started eating!

[@geno5360]

Ribs shouldn’t be wet like steamed or boiled ribs or fall off the bone there should be some resistance but they should still have some tenderness and juiciness in the internal structure when you bite into them. Those just looked cooked too far ahead of time, and perhaps intentionally so if they’re trying to cover that up with a basting of sauce right before service with no other obvious reason for that sauce.

[@HudsonBeGood]

Have to try Pig Beach over in LIC/Astoria now!

[@aimvero7166]

Oh my 30 bucks New York prices suck

[@ericjohnson7876]

Please review more pizza shops in New Jersey 😊

[@strykerhalo]

Stilton Mac is one of my new favorites. Get the cheese at Trader Joe’s or a great cheese shop. Boil up some Mac. Outstanding.

[@hgullo]

Been wanting to visit the Mighty Quinn location in Union, NJ, after seeing this not so much 😬

[@LegalNYer]

The ultimate NY BBQ is "Hometown BBQ" in Red Hook, Bklyn. You should try that place next.

[@mood2]

Hey UA, do you have any reviews where you had nothing negative to say about the food?

[@quakercarlos1]

yes he does

[@ChinxBud]

When u eating da brisket cnt tell if it’s bad or if u have brain freeze. Dope review

[@maitrehg]

According to New Yorkers, almost everything about them is iconic 😂

[@mikelee7876]

You gotta go to Texas for bbq or California Santa Maria style tri tip

[@HerrBrutal-bl2fk]

How about a review of Red Rooster Harlem?

[@uaeats]

Not a bad idea!

[@samreiffpasarew]

Mighty Quinn’s used to be very good. When it first opened I thought it was the best in the city but it’s gone down. Hometown in Redhook is the goat BBQ in NYC these days.

[@Drones_Jeeps]

ST.Louis is the way the rib is trimmed.

[@jasonplanck1481]

It all looks like it was sitting under a heat lamp letting it dry out

[@viciousvictortee1298]

The Brisket Looks like it has a good bark. But the fat doesn't look rendered nor do I see a solid smoke ring. Looks like you got yesterday's BBQ! And competition ribs will be juicy and smokey as well as look like you bit into a peach after a bite.😊

[@unknown183]

You should try other foods in the Bronx & Queen. Don’t sleep. Manhattan & Brooklyn aren’t the only boroughs with great food.

[@georgiasmith7615]

Has he been to Flushing Queens? So much good Chinese food there!

[@katyadolko]

@@georgiasmith7615 He has a video about the New World Mall food court in Flushing.

[@trentbateman]

The Bronx has almost nothing outside of Arthur Ave…..plus it’s a shthole 😂

[@georgiasmith7615]

@@trentbateman Not all of the Bronx is a s hole. The Northern Bronx like Riverdale is really nice, but it’s more suburban, not a lot of restaurants. You barely know you are in NYC there.

[@unknown183]

@@trentbateman And you was born with one. There is no difference.

[@sonvo4095]

that brisket is perfectly rendered. that light brown fat means that it is well smoked and rendered.

[@mikemuoio2340]

It's the Chipotle of BBQ.

[@777RL]

Yeah, the food doesn’t look fresh. The popular BBQ spots always have a line.

[@joshualaird5303]

So was it a HUGE earthquake or "not very much"?

[@alant.541]

Not much eye-squishing at Mighty Quinn's. Nobody really goes to NY for BBQ, however that brisket looked like a winner! Thanks.

[@WilliamKShank]

YUM!!! 😋😋😋😋😋 Safe Journey! Yellowbird Blue Agave Sriracha!!!

[@henryhill6637]

Dinosaur bbq is the best bbq food hands down in NY. But git to go to the original in Syracuse NY. Thw wings are to die for. They slow cook the wings fall off the bone omg amazing. Baked beans. Pull pork , brisket and cornbread amazing amd the ribs. You can order anything from the menu amazing.

[@johnmamo653]

Please chew with your eyes open. 😂❤

[@tapking40]

the food does not look too appetizing. I would love for you to try the Montreal Smoked Meats, which in now in manhattan and Brooklyn. This place looked sub- par

[@Paul-oh4fe]

Do Hill Country and try the beef ribs

[@josepherhardt164]

4:54 Okay, by this time the American Heart Association must have you on their hit list. :)

[@davidherz499]

You need to try Virgils BBQ in Times Square. Great BBQ and the BEST wings in NYC!!

[@user-xb3wz3hw3p]

This food isn't impressive

[@BaahBen]

u r killing them

[@johnmamo653]

Got very sick. Got robbed outside of restaurant😢😮

[@Brawarren]

Hi UA (Huwei), i am a big fan of your channel, though not a subscriber... i am amazed at the food prices in the US. To give some context, i am an artisan (tradesman), working on a coal mine on South Africa. Paying almost $31 for a tiny meal, those portions are not even decent, is incomprehensible. That's more than 25% of my daily wage (i get paid roughly $2000.00 a month). Not much to many Americans, but it's a lot for many people in other developing nations, even South Africa. But i have hard time paying the prices for virtually all of your meals. i have been to the US twice, 2005 and again in 2010. Even then, a decent meal was what i considered then, pricey. Yet your electronics and cars are much cheaper than here. Granted, eating out is a big part of the American culture. But what do you do if the meal is sub-standard? Anyway, even in the sweet RSA (Republic of South Africa), the quality of the food in many food chains are disappointing. Enough ranting, i like your videos, for your honesty, unpretentiousness (is that even a word), no crude or vulgar language. Keep it up. Warren Nasson, Zululand Anthracite Colliery Okhukho district, Mahlabhathini, Kwa-Zulu Natal, RSA

[@southbronxpapi9632]

When you have a cut of rib w less meat on it when you cook it it drys up fast Maybe they should consider cooking it 90% of the way and letting it rest and then serving it I cook sometimes and I was shown to cook my bacon halfway in our oven and then when it’s on the grill then cook it the rest of the way that way the bacon isn’t hard and cooked just right

[@SimplyJack3]

Color of cheddar doesn't make a difference in flavor. Just aging.

[@mp1p]

show us the tasty food !

[@thomasbello221]

Is ho to a Puerto Rico or Dominican restaurant and try. Pernil it’s a pulled pork no sauce and tender or can also be sold as carne asada Try with rice and beans and fried plantain called mudoros there plenty of restaurant in New York City area Give it a try

[@paigewillow8768]

When you can please review Michael Symon’s BBQ place Mabel’s. It is rated well I believe. St Louis ribs are cut from side ribs not baby back ribs. Not sure about the sauce difference. Yes those ribs and pork looked dry as hell.

[@weege001]

Anybody notice the drone at 12:06?

[@vaneh6982]

Their bbq is dry cause it was made probably a day before and it just stood around waiting for somebody to finally buy it..their brisket w that yellow fat, looks diff than what i typically have seen..but brisket did look like it was kept long as well in something that steamed it almost from look of it anyways i could be wrong..and hell ya brisket should be coated in salt heavily

[@davidisaacson9543]

Kill the repetitive piano music

[@ramencurry6672]

It’s great actually

[@hisroyalhighness8566]

By far the most pleasant food reviewer on KZbin love you UA

[@user-qm4jh4dh6i]

I pull my pork once a week. Just getting old.

[@mikehancock1212]

I've learned from your channel that I love overcooked ribs. lol I cant imagine anyone not wanting their ribs to be fall off the bone.

[@jaytracks]

Same here I just don't understand either!

[@soowoo2246]

UA busted a fuggin load eating that fatty brisket

[@ItzBwo]

Had a Mighty Quinn’s in Hoboken and ngl I’d never order anything beside their Burnt End Fries which were incredible. Everything else was just ok