Red Dog - Thurrock

We went there because the food look nice. 1) the food was good 2) the pricing was wrong compared to what was advertised. 3) the staff was poor they were just. Spent there tine talking to each other, dancing and just shouting order numbers. The tables were full or previous people food that had not been cleaned.

(Goodie Mob) Red Dog American Sandwiches Lakeside, Thurrock My mate and I were on a mission, shopping in and around Lakeside and, while we were both tempted by ‘Five Guys’, I suggested we try ‘Red Dog’, opposite. It was a brave decision, given that, at around twelve thirty on an otherwise busy lunchtime, ‘Red Dog’ was almost empty, while ‘Five Guys’ and Nandos were bustling. The menu promises ‘authentic’ barbecue and burgers. My mate ordered a Bacon Cheeseburger and I ordered the ‘carnivore platter’ for fourteen quid, which came with two side dishes I ordered fries and chilli. You order at the bar, and your order number is called out when the food is ready, so no waiter/waitress service. Our dishes took around ten to fifteen minutes, so a reasonable wait that implied that the burger at least had been cooked to order. My platter comprised a rasher of smoked brisket a tad too sparse to be able to either compliment or complain, a smoked ‘texan’ sausage a little over cooked, but tasty, a beef rib tasty and juicy, and chicken wings covered in sweet, sticky BBQ Sauce, but over cooked and caramelised to within an inch of their lives, I couldn’t finish them. The fries were okay, but the chilli was a revelation spicy with a rich, brisket flavour. Tom described his burger as being ‘okay, but a little over cooked’ and ‘not as juicy as five guys’. To be fair, as we left, the woman who took our order called out to ask how our meal had been. I replied ‘okay’, which I think was reasonable, but if ‘Red Dog’ are going to prosper in such a crowded market they’re going to have to up their game.

My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. When we arrived, we were greeted by a woman in a blue company shirt who recommended the double Philly bacon burger, but informed us that there was no brisket available. I decided to try the pulled pork with onion rings and pit boss fries. Our food arrived quickly, but we immediately noticed a strange smell coming from the fries and burger. We had it remade, but the new dish was also spoiled. The chef even smelled the food in front of us, making us feel like liars. Despite being refunded, my husband, daughter, and I all ended up in the hospital with food poisoning. This place is unsanitary and dangerous, as they knowingly serve old food to customers. I will be contacting health and safety authorities and reporting this to the management. Avoid this restaurant at all costs. The customer service may be great, but the incompetent chefs and kitchen staff make it a disaster. They should all be fired. Shame on you chefs!

Decided to try a burger as they looked delicious. We were still looking at the pictures above the counter as we approached, the only other customer was being served on the left hand side as we looked at the counter so we went to the person on the right who was having a conversation with a colleague. We waited patiently for her to acknowledge us and when she finally looked at us I smiled and opened my mouth to order at which point she looked me up and down, pointed her finger and sneered 'The queue is there! ' We looked over and in the time we had been waiting for her a queue of about four people had formed. If we were queuing in the wrong place she could have told us at the outset. I should have likes to review the food but unfortunately her lack of common courtesy left rather a sour taste so we ate elsewhere. It takes some doing to alienate customers before they even taste the food but this young lady made it look easy.

We recently visited Big Dog Lakeside for the second time and it did not disappoint! The burgers are delicious and the onion rings are fantastic. The service is friendly and laid-back. If you have a big appetite, try the Devastator challenge - an 18oz chuck steak, 200g pulled pork, 6 rations of bacon, topped with cheese for only £14.50. Highly recommended!