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Ted Cooks 19th Hole BBQB-Worth Trying

Name: Ted Cooks 19th Hole BBQ
Address: 2814 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406, Minneapolis, United States
Rating: 4.4

2814 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406 · Barbecue restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (1109 reviews)

Takeout

Old-school Minneapolis BBQ takeout with beloved ribs and signature sauce, strong local following, but uneven consistency and sides; good value for meat-focused orders.

Why it gets a B- for overall quality

Ted Cooks delivers solid neighborhood BBQ with strong food quality centered on praised ribs and signature sauce, supported by exceptional speed and efficiency. However, inconsistent execution on beef ribs and sides prevents a higher grade, and the takeout-only format with minimal ambiance limits appeal beyond its core loyal base. Best approached as a reliable casual grab for those who know what they want.

Restaurant Summary

The scene is pure neighborhood BBQ: a small counter spot where the smoke aroma greets you from the sidewalk and orders move fast. Regulars talk about tender pork ribs and a sweet-spicy sauce that keeps them coming back. One fan put it simply: "Call it in, grab the bag, and dinner is done." The space is basic and takeout-only, but the vibe stays straightforward and friendly when the line is humming. The cooking leans traditional—no tricks, just smoked meats and classic sides. When the kitchen is on, the ribs land juicy, the rib tips are craveable, and the sauce ties it together. Some diners report off-nights with dry beef ribs or soft jojos, and a few sides skew mild unless you lean on the sauce. If you want a fuss-free, old-school BBQ run, this scratches the itch better than most. For families, it is an easy takeout play: share a full slab with piled-on jojos, add beans and slaw, and everyone eats. No kids menu, but there are familiar choices like chicken, ribs, and potatoes. Picky eaters may prefer sauce-on-the-side and simpler sides; adventurous kids will probably just cheer for extra jojos.

At a Glance

Beloved neighborhood ribs with a signature sweet-spicy sauce
Fast phone ordering and reliable pickup windows
Inconsistent execution on beef ribs, rib tips, and jojos texture
Takeout-only with minimal ambiance and limited seating
Order early; popular items like brisket or beef can sell out

What Sets It Apart

legacy_bbq_in_longfellow
house_sweet_spicy_sauce
generous_jojos_tradition

What People Love

That first hit of smoky aroma at pickup
Tender pork ribs when fresh off the smoker
The house sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and heat
Heaping jojos thrown on top of the meat

Points of Concern

Occasional dry or bony beef ribs and tough rib tips reported by several diners
Sides can taste mild or canned to some; jojos sometimes arrive soft
Takeout-only; check your bag before leaving to avoid mix-ups
Pricing for beef ribs can feel high if yield is low

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter Only Average Cost$28-38 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Choose pork ribs or half chicken for safer consistency
Select beans or slaw for reliable sides; request sauce on side
Consider the Two Meats special ($30) if deciding between pork and chicken

Perfect For

Easy weeknight BBQ takeout
Feeding a family with shareable slabs
Sauce lovers chasing sweet-spicy profiles
Low-fuss weekend meals

Location Insights

Area: Residential Longfellow corridor with working-class roots and local foot traffic; practical, not polished.

Safety: Generally safe with active streets; some reviews note cleanliness concerns at venue level, not neighborhood-wide.

Nearby: Near Hiawatha Ave and light rail corridor; mix of small businesses and homes; car-forward but transit accessible.

LongfellowThe dining scene in Longfellow is characterized by a mix of casual eateries, family-friendly restaurants, and a growing number of independent cafes and bars. The area has a welcoming, laid-back vibe with an emphasis on locally sourced food and community engagement, making it popular for neighborhood dining and social gatherings.

HiawathaHiawatha is a sub-area within Longfellow near the Hiawatha Avenue corridor, blending residential streets with light industrial and commercial spaces. It offers a more utilitarian dining environment with some hidden gems and neighborhood staples, catering mostly to locals and workers in the area.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday Tuesday11:00–21:00 Wednesday11:00–21:00 Thursday11:00–21:00 Friday11:00–21:00 Saturday11:00–21:00 Sunday11:00–21:00

Available: Takeout

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