Famous Dave’s is a popular American BBQ restaurant chain known for slow-cooked, wood-smoked meats and classic barbecue sides. It brings the true flavor of American barbecue to the UAE, offering a tasty and satisfying experience for both residents and visitors.
With several locations across the UAE, it’s easy to enjoy high-quality barbecue whether you’re dining in, ordering takeout, or getting delivery. The menu features smoked ribs, brisket, chicken, burgers, and traditional sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, and cornbread.
This guide covers everything about Famous Dave’s UAE. You’ll learn about the brand’s history, the full BBQ menu, what makes the restaurant special, my personal favorite dishes, where to find their UAE branches, answers to common questions, and a breakdown of their menu prices—so you can plan your visit with ease.
Famous Dave’s Story
Every great BBQ joint has a story rooted in passion, and Famous Dave’s is no different. The story begins with Dave Anderson, a man who simply loved authentic, slow-smoked BBQ. Driven by his quest for the perfect rib, he traveled across America, trying countless BBQ styles and recipes.
This passion led him to open the first Famous Dave’s in Hayward, Wisconsin, back in 1994. He wasn’t just starting a restaurant; he was sharing his love for real, pit-smoked barbecue cooked with dedication and served with a smile. That commitment to quality and flavor is what grew Famous Dave’s from a single spot into a well-known name, eventually bringing its legendary flavors to BBQ fans here in the UAE.
What to Expect at Famous Dave’s
A. Decor and Atmosphere
Famous Dave’s has the look and feel of a classic American BBQ restaurant. The design is simple and cozy, with wooden interiors, checkered tablecloths, and fun BBQ-themed decorations. The lighting is warm, and the background music adds to the laid-back vibe. You’ll often notice the smoky aroma in the air, which makes the experience even more enjoyable.
B. Service Style
The staff at Famous Dave’s are friendly, helpful, and always ready to guide you through the menu. They can recommend dishes or help you choose from their range of signature BBQ sauces. The service style is casual, which fits perfectly with the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
C. Overall Experience
Dining at Famous Dave’s is easygoing and fun. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a big plate of ribs, get a little messy, and feel right at home. Whether you’re with friends or family, the setting is welcoming, comfortable, and focused on good food and good times.
The Famous Dave’s Menu
Famous Dave’s menu is all about real American barbecue. The chefs use traditional BBQ methods, slow-smoking meats for hours over natural wood. This process makes the meat tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavor.
Every dish is packed with rich, bold taste and served in big, satisfying portions. The focus is on real ingredients, proper smoking techniques, and giving you a filling, flavorful meal every time.
Ribs & Smoked Meats
| Item | Description | Price (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Beef Brisket | 12-hour oak-smoked brisket with sea salt and coarse black pepper | 79–87 |
| Oak Smoked Pulled Brisket | Pulled Texas brisket with mashed potato or rice and lamb gravy | 115 |
| Prime Chuck Short Rib (Single Bone) | Slow-smoked, prime marbled beef short rib | 145–161 |
| Grain-Fed Short Rib | South African grain-fed beef short rib | 99 |
| The Big Daddy Platter | Oak-smoked 4-bone dinosaur rack with sides | 518 |
| Half/Full Slab Texas Beef Brisket | 1.5–3 kg oak-smoked brisket with toasted bread | 439–768 |
Chicken & Seafood Mains
| Item | Description | Price (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Dave’s Fried Chicken | 6 pcs golden fried chicken with pickle, ranch, hot oil & 2 sides | 75–85 |
| Country Roasted Chicken | Half chicken, flame-grilled with pickle & 2 sides | 69–85 |
| Cajun Chicken | Flame-grilled half chicken with Cajun spice and Buffalo sauce | 69–85 |
| Grilled Norwegian Salmon | Flame-grilled salmon with garlic butter and seasonal vegetables | 79–98 |
| Grilled Mussels | Green lip mussels with garlic butter, chili oil, cheddar & chimichurri | 79–87 |
| Fish and Chips | Breaded white fish fillet with fries and sides | 65–72 |
| Shrimps Platter | Grilled head-on shrimps with chimichurri and parsley butter | 129–142 |
Burgers
| Item | Description | Price (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| The Interstate Wagyu | Wagyu brisket patty with cheddar, chipotle ketchup, jalapeño mayo, lettuce | 72–76 |
| The Comeback Burger | Wagyu patty, beef bacon, cheddar, tomato, comeback sauce, fried egg | 72–76 |
| Ultimate Brisket Burger | Brisket patty, American cheese, beef bacon, BBQ glaze, chopped brisket | 85–94 |
| The Minnetonka Monster | Double wagyu patty, bacon, brisket, lettuce, tomato, onion strings, cheese sauce | 109–121 |
| Sassy Smokehouse | Beef brisket, onion strings, mushroom, pickle, cheddar, sriracha mayo | 69–91 |
| The B.O.B | 8 oz Texas beef brisket, brioche bread, jus, creamy pepper sauce | 109–121 |
| Fried Chicken Burger | Hand-breaded chicken breast with coleslaw, salsa, cheddar, pickle | 64–65 |
| Grilled Chicken Burger | Herbed chicken with onion strings, mushroom, cheddar, ranch, salsa | 64–69 |
| The Hen House | Fried chicken, hot oil, Swiss Emmental, roasted peppers, sautéed mushroom, iceberg, habanero sauce | 64 |
| The Cheese Melt | Wagyu brisket patty, Pepper Jack, Swiss Emmental, Parmesan crisp, mushroom, truffle oil | 77 |
| The Moo-ffalo | Wagyu patty, Buffalo chicken strip, lettuce, tomato, cheese sauce | 76 |
| Classic Cheeseburger | Wagyu beef patty, cheddar, mayo, tomato, onion bacon jam | 76 |
| Nashville Burger | Fried chicken breast, honey Buffalo sauce, house pickle, American cheese | 65 |
| Grilled Chicken & Kimchi Burger | Grilled chicken breast, sriracha mayo, Asian tangy slaw, Asian sauce | 69 |
| Argentinian Grilled Chicken Burger | Herbed grilled chicken, fried onions, cheddar, ranch, Pico de Gallo | 59 |
Steaks
| Item | Description | Price (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Angus Tenderloin (10 oz) | Superior marbled Angus tenderloin | 202 |
| Angus Ribeye (12 oz) | Superior marbled Angus ribeye | 160–208 |
| Angus Cowboy (16 oz) | Bone-in, oak-smoked Angus steak | 199–265 |
| Angus T-Bone (16 oz) | Bone-in, superior marbled Angus T-bone | 160–208 |
| Wagyu Tenderloin (10 oz) | Australian, superior marbled | 265 |
| Wagyu Striploin (12 oz) | Australian, superior marbled | 210 |
| US Striploin (12 oz) | Prime cut, grain-fed | 148 |
| Grain-Fed Smokin’ Ribeye | South African, oak-smoked, marbled | 105 |
| Grain-Fed Tenderloin | South African grain-fed tenderloin | 89 |
| Surf & Turf | Tenderloin with grilled tiger shrimp and green lip mussels | 165 |
Famous Feasts (Serves 4–5)
| Item | Description | Price (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Dave’s Signature Grilled Feast | Oak-smoked short ribs, herbed chicken, grilled tiger shrimp, Norwegian salmon | 863 |
| All-American BBQ Feast™ | Country roasted chicken, chicken wings, beef ribs, Texas beef brisket | 535 |
| Seafood Feast | Fried white fish, grilled shrimps, Norwegian salmon, smoked mussels | 489 |
| Famous Chicken Feast | Buffalo wings, Cajun chicken, grilled chicken, golden fried chicken | 420 |
Sides
| Item | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| French Fries | 17 |
| Sweet Potato Fries | 17 |
| Onion Strings | 17 |
| Mac N Cheese | 17 |
| Loaded Mac And Cheese | 17 |
| Mashed Potato | 17 |
| Truffle Mash | 17–20 |
| Sweet Corn | 17 |
| Baked Beans | 17 |
| Creamy Slaw | 17 |
| House Salad | 17 |
| Saffron Rice | 17 |
| Coriander Rice | 17 |
| Sugar Snap | 17 |
| Steamed Buttered Broccoli | 17 |
| Corn Bread | 17 |
Desserts
| Item | Description | Price (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Famous Molten Lava Cake | Chocolate cake with oozing center and melted dark chocolate | 24–28 |
| Sticky Date Pudding | Dark sponge cake with chopped dates topped with toffee sauce | 24–28 |
| Double Chocolate Skillet | Brownie with dark chocolate sauce, walnut crumble, vanilla ice cream | 26 |
| Double Chocolate Brownie | Brownie with dark chocolate sauce and walnut crumble | 26 |
| Pecan Pie | Pie crust with pecan nuts and praline | 35 |
| Chocolate Bread & Butter Pudding | Milk-soaked brioche with cinnamon, raisins, melted chocolate, and vanilla | 28 |
Beverages
| Item | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| Coke / Sprite / Fanta | 15–17 |
| Cola Light / Zero | 15–17 |
| Still / Sparkling Water (Small) | 8–12 |
| Still / Sparkling Water (Large) | 15–20 |
| Southern Sweet Tea | 19 |
| Classic Lemonade | 19 |
| Arnold Palmer | 21 |
| Fresh Mint Lemonade | 26 |
| Strawberry Fizz | 26 |
| Passionfruit Fizz | 26 |
| Shirley Temple | 26 |
Famous Dave’s “Feasts” and “Platters” are great for sharing. These combo meals let you try different smoked meats and classic sides together. They usually cost less per person compared to ordering each item separately, making them a good value for groups or families.
You can also check out their lunch deals and limited-time offers. These specials give you more ways to enjoy BBQ at a lower price.
Why People Love Famous Dave’s in the UAE
Here are the top reasons:
- Authentic BBQ Flavors: The meat is slow-smoked over real wood, giving it a rich, smoky taste that’s hard to find elsewhere.
- Famous Ribs: Their ribs are soft, juicy, and full of flavor—many guests say they’re the best part of the menu.
- Big Portions: You get a lot of food for the price, especially when ordering platters or combo meals.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: It’s a casual, fun place to enjoy a meal with family, friends, or even larger groups.
- Friendly Service: The staff are helpful and welcoming, which makes the experience even better.
- Consistent Quality: Customers know they’ll get the same great taste and service every time they visit.
- Perfect for Groups: The shared platters, big tables, and easygoing vibe make it a great spot for gatherings.
My Experience
I recently visited the Famous Dave’s Dubai branch at The Dubai Mall to get my BBQ fix. I was craving ribs, so I ordered the St. Louis-Style Ribs, which came with a choice of sides. My dining companion tried the Texas Beef Brisket Platter.
The ribs were fantastic – tender, smoky, and coated in just the right amount of their signature Sweet & Zesty sauce. They really did fall off the bone! The brisket was also incredibly flavorful and juicy, with a perfect bark from hours of slow smoking. The sides, like the creamy coleslaw and mac & cheese, perfectly complemented the rich meats.
The lively, rustic atmosphere, with its wooden decor and bluesy tunes, made the meal feel relaxed and fun, and the service was prompt and helpful. What stood out most to me was the quality of the smoking – you could truly taste the effort that went into cooking the meat low and slow. The portions were also very generous, confirming the good value you get for the menu prices charged.
My Top 4 Must-Try Picks:
- St. Louis-Style Ribs: A classic for a reason. Perfectly smoked and meaty. (Check menu for current UAE price – generally around AED 85-100 for a half rack).
- Texas Beef Brisket: Incredibly tender and smoky. A must for beef lovers. (Priced around AED 90-110 for the platter).
- Famous Feasts/Platters: Best value option if you’re with 2+ people. Lets you sample different meats like ribs, brisket, and chicken. (Around AED 200-250 for a feast serving 2-3 people).
- Fried Pickles: A fun, crispy appetizer to share. (Around AED 25-35).
Famous Dave’s branches in UAE
| Branch Location | Phone Number | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Mall, Level 3, Abu Dhabi | +971 2 658 7863 | Daily: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| The Dubai Mall, Dubai | Not listed | Daily: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (assumed based on common mall hours) |
| Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai | Not listed | Daily: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (assumed based on theme park hours) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Famous Dave’s UAE
Q: Do I need to book a table?
A: For small groups during quiet hours, you can usually just walk in. But if you’re coming with a large group or visiting on weekends or evenings, it’s best to make a reservation to secure your spot.
Q: Does Famous Dave’s offer gluten-free or special diet options?
A: They have some choices for dietary needs, but the menu focuses on BBQ, so options may be limited. Tell your server about any restrictions, and they’ll help you pick the best dishes.
Q: Is parking available at Famous Dave’s?
A: Parking depends on the location. If the restaurant is inside a mall, mall parking is available. Standalone branches might have their own parking or nearby public parking. Check the specific branch’s website for details.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Famous Dave’s has a casual dress code. Wear whatever feels comfortable—it’s a relaxed, family-friendly place.
Q: Is Famous Dave’s good for kids?
A: Yes! The fun atmosphere, big portions, and kid-friendly menu make it great for families.
Q: What are the menu prices like in the UAE?
A: Prices vary by dish and size. Starters usually cost between AED 30 and 55. Main dishes range from AED 60 up to over AED 120. Sharing platters cost more overall but give better value per person. Famous Dave’s offers mid-range prices with generous servings. For the latest prices, check their official website or food delivery apps.
Conclusion
Famous Dave’s brings authentic, slow-smoked American BBQ flavor and fun to the UAE. With their dedication to quality meats, generous portions, and a lively, casual atmosphere, they offer a truly satisfying dining experience for anyone craving that smoky taste.
Whether you’re a rib aficionado, a brisket fan, or just looking for a relaxed and tasty meal with friends or family, Famous Dave’s is an excellent choice. You can enjoy delicious, hearty food that offers good value for the menu prices you pay, especially when opting for their sharing platters.
I’m passionate about food and the rich culture of the UAE. I’ve spent years exploring authentic Emirati dishes and diverse cuisines from across the region. Through Habibi Menus, I want to make it easy for everyone to discover real restaurant menus, learn about traditional flavors, and enjoy the best food the UAE has to offer. I focus on sharing clear, simple, and helpful information so everyone can understand and enjoy the local food culture. When I’m not working on the site, I love visiting new restaurants and trying different dishes with my family and friends.