We want every guest to walk out the door full, happy, and already planning their next visit. A few folks have been surprised when we sell out or when ordering changes during busy times, so we wanted to give you the inside scoop.
Here are some simple tips and tricks to make sure your visit to Code 1 BBQ is everything you hoped for (and then some).
Tips for the Best Experience at Code 1 BBQ
1. BBQ + Beer = A Very Good Day
Good news! We now serve alcohol! You can finally enjoy a cold beer or a drink alongside your BBQ tray.
2. We’re Now Full-Service
You’ll get the full dining experience with servers taking care of you. Don’t worry! You’ll still see the pit crew slicing meat and building trays. The show is part of the fun.
3. Online Ordering May Turn Off When We’re Busy
When the restaurant fills up, we sometimes shut off online ordering so we can take care of the folks who came in that day. We’ve seen some dedicated BBQ lovers come back the next day after missing out. That kind of loyalty deserves our full attention.
4. Delivery Changes on Weekend Nights
Grubhub and Uber Eats will not be available on Friday and Saturday nights going forward. Delivery will still be available afternoons and weeknights when we’re open.
5. Yes… We Do Sell Out
This is real deal BBQ. When the smoker is empty, it’s empty. Brisket and ribs are usually the first to go near the end of the night.
6. Large Parties Should Call Ahead
If you have 8 or more people, especially later in the evening, please call ahead. We can set food aside so everyone in your group gets the full experience. Large parties include 18% gratuity for your server.
7. Reservations for Large Groups
We happily take reservations for groups of 8 or more. Everyone else is first come, first served.
8. Earlier Is Always Better
The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of getting everything you want. If you can’t make it early, call ahead, and we’ll do our best to help.
9. “Looks Slow” Doesn’t Always Mean Slow
Sometimes the dining room may look quiet while our takeout board is packed and the kitchen is moving full speed. If we’re hustling behind the counter building trays, we’re still busy, and there may be a wait.
10. We’re Not Fast Food
This is slow-smoked BBQ, not a drive-thru. Typical waits look like this:
• About 20 minutes when it’s quieter • 30–40 minutes when we’re busy • Occasionally up to 90 minutes on wild nights
Trust us. The smoke and the patience are worth it.
11. Planning a Bigger Celebration?
We have an event room for groups over 20 with an 85-inch TV available for use.
Perfect for: • Birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, showers • Networking events • Craft or trade classes • Presentations • Celebrations with friends and family
The room fee is waived with a minimum food and beverage order. Just give us a call to reserve it.
12. Not Just BBQ. We’ve Got Options
We’ve created a simple “not just BBQ” menu with items like burgers, fried chicken wings, grilled chicken skewers, chili, and rotating specials. That means if the brisket or ribs happen to run out, you can still grab something great to eat while you kick back and enjoy a local Hannah’s of Melrose IPA or another drink from our selection.
13. We’re Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
As a small husband-and-wife-owned business, we need a little time to recharge and prep for the week ahead. That means we’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Those days give us time to rest, prepare meat, prep from scratch, and get everything ready to serve you the rest of the week. Before making the drive, take a quick peek at Google or our website to check our hours. It’ll save you a trip and make sure we’re here and ready to feed you.
AT THE END OF THE DAY….
Real BBQ takes time, and behind the scenes, it’s still a small team. Pitmaster Sean is up early and working late, tending the smokers so we can serve hundreds of guests each week. The process doesn’t really stop. Even when he probably should be sleeping or spending more time with the kids.
Chef Erica is running the business side, the catering, and the restaurant all at once. It’s a lot of moving pieces for a husband-and-wife team that cares deeply about doing things the right way.
Until the day we have a full team helping carry the Code 1 BBQ mission, there will be nights when certain meats sell out. It’s not because we don’t want to serve more people, it’s because we’re committed to doing real, slow-smoked BBQ instead of cutting corners.
At the end of the day, we’re here to serve great BBQ and give you a great experience. A little planning goes a long way, and we appreciate your patience and your support. Every time you choose to spend your meal with us, it truly means more than you know. See you soon…and come hungry.
With love and gratitude, Erica, Sean, and Team Code 1
Be sure to follow us on Facebook for all of the latest specials, happenings, and updates!