Tommy Gunns American Barbeque

I absolutely loved Tommy Gunns. Great pulled pork and delicious fried Mac n cheese bites. Unfortunately road by today and it was closed for business :(so sad.

Probably the worst dining experience of my
entire life. No — definitely the worst! They were «out of everything» other than pulled pork — stale rolls and baked beans they microwaved from a giant can. Sorry but I like my BBQ meal slow roasted and real ! Nothing was ready — it took about 30 min to heat that garbage up and was beyond small and in satisfying. Whoever claims this used to be the best place around — sorry that ship sailed a long time ago and it is now an overpriced joke. Don’t waste your time — go straight to Dekes on Shurs. I live a few blocks away and am lucky enough to smell them smoking the meat outside and cooking all day. The way it should be !

I’m devastated.
I was visiting Manayunk this weekend and convinced the group of people I was with to give this place a shot. My apologies.
Upon picking up a menu, the only man working there kindly informed us that they were out of the following:
Beef
Brisket
Baby Back Ribs
Fried Mac and Cheese
This was over half of the menu. We were there at 3 p.m. on a Saturday. He offered to make us fries, which took over 20 minutes and one in our group fittingly described as «grease flavored bubble gum».
The sandwich I received was the worst food I have spent (too much) money on in a long, long time. The small shreds of meat I got were cold. Not lukewarm, not room temperature, cold. I bit into a bone, twice. it was sitting in a pool of room-​temperature sauce, clearly added after assembly. This sandwich took over 15 minutes to get to me, as the employee was busy flirting with the female customers who seemed to be regulars.
Not only would I not return here, I would seriously, seriously caution anyone who considers it to save their money. How this place remains open is a mystery to me.

This place USED to be amazing. I literally just left there still hungry. When we walked in we were immediately told that they only had chicken and pork. What kind of place has a full menu but on a FRIDAY night only has 2 things to offer? Oh and no corn bread. We ordered 2 pulled pork sandwiches and fries. We got 2 fountain sodas served to us in a 1 cup styrofoam cup. Thank god we could at lead re fill them.
When we got our platters even more disappointment. The roll was way larger than the pitiful meat and sauce on the bun. Pulled pork is supposed to be shredded and tender. This was like they took a pork chop, over cooked it and cut it into pieces. It was horrible. The fries were salty, greasy and disgusting. Which worked out well because the no name ketchup tasted just as awful.
This was such a disappointment. We told the lady who worked there that the food was awful and she said they had a new cook. I feel as they have adopted a whole new business scheme where the goal is to cut corners and cost. By the way the credit card machine is still down.

They used to have awesome BBQ but is not worth it anymore.
The place looks beat up and dirty. I got there at 2 pm and they only had pulled pork, ribs and collard greens. I got a pulled pork sandwich and it was more like chunks of pork with a little drizzle of bbq sauce inside a 3 inch cold roll.
I guess they did change owner. By the way the credit card machine is still not working.

This is a neighborhood place I’ve been to a handful of times over the past couple of years, so I have to agree with others who are guessing there is new ownership or management. It certainly seems that they’re working out quite a few kinks. There was a sign on the counter that said the credit card machine was broken — cash only. There is an ATM in the restaurant, but I don’t know what the fee is (had cash). There three people working when my boyfriend and I walked in. A couple people were eating outside and there were two orders ahead of us waiting to be filled. We probably waited about 15 minutes for our order to be filled. Ordering was a tad confusing as some items were not available and we had to substitute. My boyfriend ordered the brisket sandwich platter, which comes with two sides. Since they were out of the fried macaroni (what?!) he had fries and cornbread. I had the grilled BBQ chicken breast sandwich with a side of coleslaw, and we each had a fountain drink. Our bill came to $ 22.50, we paid $ 30, and they were out of change. I had singles so I offered to give exact change, but we were told someone had just gone to get change. We did pick up our change on the way out, and they were very apologetic about the inconveniences and thanked us for being patient.
As for the food, the chicken was great and was an incredibly large serving. There were two thick pieces of chicken on the roll with a mild but good BBQ sauce. I couldn’t finish the sandwich! I also liked the cole slaw because it didn’t have a heavy dressing. My boyfriend said the brisket was decent, but would have been a bit better if it was dry rubbed and a little crispier. The fries were your standard crinkle cut fries — different than the seasoned ones we’ve had there before. The corn bread was delicious — just the right amount of sweetness, good consistency and warm! They even gave us each an extra piece on our way out (we ate there).
Overall it wasn’t a bad experience — just different. Definitely some hiccups to work out so their order/​prep/​serving process is a little more streamlined, but the staff was very friendly. I think friendly service can make up for a lot when things are in transition. Hopefully they get it all working in a little better order soon so customers can continue to enjoy a decent local BBQ joint.

Out of fries?
Out of baby back ribs?
Credit card machine doesn’t work?
Seems to me this place is all about catering now and no longer interesting in in store service.

Baby Back Ribs were outstanding and the dry rub was very flavorful. Some of the best I’ve had in a while and very meaty. It certainly does seem like new ownership there, however, as the french fries were completely different than they had been in the past (frozen, crinkle-​cut in a bag instead of spicy potato wedges of the past) and the baked beans were bland with no pork in them.
The proprietors could not have been nicer, though, and were friendly and helpful through and through.

Situated near the southern end of Wissahickon Park you’ll find this convenient BBQ joint. Very few seating spaces. You’ll find one large table outside and 2 to 3 tables inside. The bbq availability is sporadic as it was the lunch hour and all they had were ribs and no pulled pork.
The ribs were succulent and tender though. They also gave the option of separating the bbq sauce on the side with spicey and mild. Overall the ribs were good and the sauce was a hit. Spicey and sweet. Skip the sides though as the collard greens weren’t a standout nor was the corn bread. Great variety of fountain drinks as well.
Very good service and the owners were very friendly and accommodating.

I don’t know what happened to this place. I used to come here all the time when I lived in Manayunk. After moving down into Old City area I don’t make my way up this way as much, so it’s been close to a year since I was in here last.
Today I stopped in for some BBQ because I was in the neighborhood. It was extremely disappointing. First things first, the place is falling apart. The lettering on the outside is falling down and even their screen door won’t shut with force. I will say the workers were pleasant but as soon as I pay, they tell me they can’t make change. Because of this I have to put it on the card. No real big deal but I should have taken that as a omen to leave.
I ordered a BBQ Texas sandwich platter with baked beans and Mac and cheese. The BBQ beef sandwich which used to be my go to was terrible. It was all Fat! The sides were not much better. The baked beans were sub par and the Mac and cheese was disgusting.
After 12 dollars and some change, my stomach hurts and my heart breaks a little.
In this city it’s hard to find good BBQ. This place used to be a solid but is no more. I will not be back.

I went here for lunch today and Tommy Gunns delivered a great pulled pork sandwich on a solid bun. The bbq sauce was about average, but the meat was great! I regret getting the fries with so many great options for sides.
I’d rate the food very high, but the prices aren’t so great. I think the prices are a bit steep and the service a little slow… but at this point I’m just nitpicking. BBQ is from the south where everything is slow.

I have been waiting to write a review for Tommy Gunns, since I hadn’t been there in a little while.
I stopped in today to pick up some cheese fries for one of my employees. I couldn’t believe how much you got for such a low price. I wasn’t going to eat but I couldn’t resist ordering the fried Mac and cheese.
The fried Mac and cheese is about the size of a hockey puck. It’s s fried shell filled with yellow mac and cheese. I remembered it being good, but I think it got even better. It seemed bigger and cheesier than I remember.
Although I didn’t sample any barbecue today, I have always loved the pulled pork and the ribs here. I think it’s the best barbecue in the city.
They have great customer service and they offer catering too.

Pretty tasty but a bit of an odd location. They have a tiny seating area inside and a table outside if you want to people watch the bus station. Which is highly entertaining actually…
So far so good on all the sides and BBQ. We got free cornbread since we were the last customers of the day. A little thank you.
I also like the fountain machine. Local, small sodas. A nice change from Coke.

If there is a best way to die I’d like to imagine that it involves the over consumption of deep fried macaroni and cheese — though arteries may shudder, a man can dream.
Obviously BBQ is a very accessible variety of food but it can go wrong. Fortunately the people at Tommy Gunns have a passion for the food they make. The food here is great, I have not tried anything that I did not like and I have tried several things here that I love.
The prices are just right and the food is ready fast. Their main problem is seating and parking. If you head here are the wrong time you are going to have some serious difficulties with each — possibly to the point that you have to go elsewhere to increase your chances of heart disease. Delicious, delicious heart disease.

Called three times before they finally answered. We asked for chicken tenders. They were out of chicken tenders. We asked for a grilled portabello mushroom sandwich. They were out of portabellos. We asked for the fried mac n cheese. They were out of fried mac n cheese. Seriously? It’s 7:30 on a Friday night? What kind of place is this?

This place gets two stars because the catering service is terrible. Horrible! The worst. Don’t get catering from Tommy Gunns! They showed up over an hour late (no phone call– I had to call them to find out), we had to carry all the heavy catering stuff up/​down the stairs because they couldn’t unhook the handtruck from the car, they left us salad dressing-​less, called the wrong phone number whand they wouldn’t let us leave a tip on credit card.
When I called to follow-​up about the numerous issues, I was promised a call back and still haven’t received one and it seems they are dodging my calls as the phone rings forever and doesn’t go to voicemail. This is quite possibly the worst customer service of all time for such a large, expensive order.
The only reason Tommy Gunns gets any stars is because their food is bomb. I don’t really like meat and I was eating ribs. They’re potato salad and cole slaw were also really delicious. BUT the customer service was so bad that it completely ruined my view of the place.

This place is a great place to get your BBQ fix with no fuss. Located just before you reach Manayunk, it’s in a tiny spot across from the bus stop and a scenic walking path along the Schuylkill River (which comes in handy if you’re just ordering to go). Parking can be tight, but we don’t have problems going at lunch time or early dinner time.
There are a few tables to enjoy your BBQ there, but we’ve been taking ours home lately. We’ve also been skipping the sides and just getting two types of BBQ instead– delicious and no-​fuss– just how we like it!

You’ve been past Tommy Gunn’s a hundred times, that orange and yellow shack at the bottom of Ridge Avenue. But it always slips your mind when it is time to eat barbecue. You’ve wondered if it is any good.
Well, it isnt good. It is downright delicious!
The beef ribs are wonderful. Rubbed and slow cooked, just a hint of sauce. Same for the brisket, which has a hint of crispy crust surrounding juicy meat.
Their meats are some of the best in the city. Their single choice of bbq sauce prevents the fifth star. The sauce is tasty, slightly sweet. But a spicier choice would be welcome. (for example, the three sauces offered at Percy Street are superior)
Well, and then there is the deep fried mac & cheese. Jesus, just give me another order of that!
If you want to get some local flavor, dine in. It’s pleasant, clean, cramped, and you get some nice opportunities to chat with the folks bringing home take out.

I’ve passed this place an innumerable amount of times in my life. It’s truly an embarrassment it took me this long to go there.
My staple dish for BBQ places is a pulled pork sandwich so I went with that. As a side, I opted for their spicy fries. I was surprised to receive their pulled pork completely without any kind of BBQ sauce. However, I was dining in and their tables were all adorned with the proper condiments. (Cholula hot sauce, Tabasco, their BBQ sauce, salt & pepper) They had an interesting soda fountain of generic sodas and a nice selection of iced teas.
Dining inside obscenely tiny (max seating: 10) and the place is pretty awkward to get to. It can only be easily reached northbound on Ridge Ave. and you can only exit in the same direction.
Definitely going to head back some time to try out their other dishes. It was good but I’d have to say Sweet Lucy’s BBQ is still my reigning champion for BBQ places in Philly. The BBQ I had at Tommy Gunns’ was lacking a little bit of savoriness for my tastes. Also, the fries really weren’t that spicy which was fine. They were seasoned well, if you think their fries are spicy, well, you’re just a wuss.

Soooo, it was a lazy day and normally I DO NOT have cravings. That’s more my husband’s job as he has more cravings than a woman in her 3^rd trimester. However, I digress… I was soo in the mood for BBQ ribs and I didn’t know why. So, we (DH and I) went to a few places and they were either closed or super crowded. So, I went back home with the lip poked out and was destined to an evening of Skippy, bananas, and white bread. My husband comes back from an errand later on with this bag that had such a strong aroma, I smelled it as soon as he came in.
He brought back a rib platter from Tommy Gunn’s, with 2 sides: Potato salad and corn slaw (?-i think that’s what it was called). Anyway, lemme tell you, the ribs didn’t last another 30 minutes. The sauce, savory and sweet and just right…{the ONLY reason for 3 stars}But the sides left no mark as they were bland and uncreative. The corn slaw wasn’t awful but the potato salad was barely edible with hard (barely cooked) pieces of potato mixed in. All in all, I DID ask for BBQ ribs and got what I asked for (such a great husband.) but I could’ve done without the sides. The potato salad made its way to my garbage disposal the next day. Nuff said!