Chris’ & Pitt’s BBQ Restaurant

I’ve been coming to Chris N Pitts since I was a child, back when they still had the Rosemead location, so this review honestly makes me sad to write. We started coming to the Downey location because there are only two locations left, and there’s definitely still some nostalgia here. The food was good. The onion rings were crispy and fresh, the portions were generous, and the atmosphere still has that classic quiet, dimly lit steakhouse feel that longtime customers will recognize.

I hadn’t wrote a review before but I feel I had to now.

Unfortunately, the service completely changed the experience for us. We came on a Friday for my birthday at 3pm and seated ourselves like the sign at the front instructed. After sitting there for about 10–15 minutes, someone finally came over. Throughout the time we were there, the staff seemed overwhelmed, overworked, or honestly bothered to be there. It felt like waiting tables was only one part of several jobs they were juggling.

I understand restaurants get busy, especially on weekends, but the overall experience just didn’t feel welcoming or attentive. As someone who has supported this restaurant for years and has a lot of memories attached to it, that was disappointing.

Then came the small things that just added to the experience. We asked for ketchup and Tabasco, and instead of bringing actual bottles, they brought out two tiny plastic to-go containers with ketchup and ONE single packet of Tabasco. Honestly… what is that? It just felt cheap and strange for a sit-down restaurant.

The food may still bring people in, but the customer service and overall hospitality really need improvement. Sadly, I don’t think we’ll be back.

I have not been there in years and the food did not taste the same maybe it was me since it’s been a long time. Unfortunately the waiter did not make it better as he kept forgetting to bring us part of the orders. We had to remind him and the worst part were those old red cups they have, if you look at the rims they are breaking off and some of that plastic ended up in my daughter’s mouth. They are falling into the cup. I did tell the cashier that they should replace them but I doubt she said anything. I am not the best BBQ cook by all means but I did tell my family next time I will make my own ribs. Very disappointed.