Only have one visit to go on, but I drove 2 1/2 hours to try this place because I had heard good things. It did NOT disappoint. Roasted turkey was outstanding, ribs were perfect, the sausage admittedly wasn’t awesome—a tad dry and weak flavor, but the beans and the sides were fantastic. The value for the price is great, here in NY that 3-meat sampler would easily be another $5.00! Totally worth the drive. Can’t wait for a return trip!

Some of the best smoked meats you’ll get anywhere. Amazing food and amazing people. Must try!!!

"... Or until we run out" that says it all about this place. The food is amazing. Huge portions for a reasonable price. Dont expect frills, this is a locals only type of place. I'd be surprised if anyone wanted to let this place get too well known. Honestly, some of the best BBQ I've ever had. Will definitely be back.

Super nice staff, fantastic bbq, great prices. Worth making a trip for. I can’t believe I got all this food for $15. Excellent brisket & bark.

We came in for a few days from Niagara Falls, NY for a little statcation a few weeks back. This place was recommended to us by a friend so we had to stop and check it out. Service was fast and friendly and the food was Deliscious. We will 100% stop back and eat here agaun if we are ever in town again.

Federal Hill has the best BBQ in Erie hands down. The staff is friendly and efficient. The only downside is they sell out of some selections quickly so it's a good idea to get there early.

This no-frills smokehouse focuses on all the right things. The brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and mac and cheese were all great. The portion sizes are generous. Staff is friendly. Highly recommend.

Good food. I had the ribs and lean brisket with Cole slaw and beans. Everything tasted good and was cooked well. The rest of my family got pulled pork with mac and cheese. My kids weren't huge fans of the pulled pork, but I think that was just kids being kids. The pulled pork looked and tasted fine to my wife. If I'm in the area again I would certainly come back. The staff was also friendly. The off street parking was nice to have available.

Fantastic BBQ ! No matter what you get , you’ll love it ! Worth the 2 hour ride … only issue is that they close early , and if they sell out ( which they often do ) they close earlier. Definitely give them a try !

First time here. Will be going back. What I liked, everything. The brisket was tender (I prefer a bit more smoke and my first bite of the fatty side gave just a hint of pot roast flavor…so it isn’t quite 5 star for me) Sides were all amazing. The jalapeño poppers were perfect. Potato salad was light, airy and delicate. The pinto beans were chock-full of meat bits and just an abundance of flavor. The Mac-n-cheese was on point. Next time I hope to get here earlier (was there at 1) and the ribs and sausage were sold out! That pretty much confirms this place is legit.

It's always great. Good people, great food, fast service. I normally don't like Rubens, but their pastrami Rubens might be one of the best sandwiches I've ever had.

Amazing BBQ, easily some of the best I have ever had. Portions are huge for the price, very reasonable. Brisket is outstanding and the owner lets you choose if you would like fatty, lean, or burnt end brisket. Ribs are spectacular and have this smokey flavor to them. Pulled pork is also very good and moist, not dry at all. And the best thing of all, the Cheesteak Brisket. Man. No words can describe how unbelievable the cheesteak brisket sandwich is. It comes on a soft roll, with fried onions and melted american cheese. 10/10 easily one of the best sandwiches I have ever had, and I would argue better than just about any Philly Cheesesteak (I’m from Philly so its tough to say that, haha). Absolute must try eatery for anyone in Erie or visiting. Go Birds!!!

Erie resident until moved to Texas 4 yrs ago. Saw yelp review where your establishment was rated 23 for brisket out of top 25 in country. Had to try on our visit home. Was great and rating is well deserved!

Delish! Good portion with reasonable prices. Would recommend. Can’t wait to go back

It was an experience indeed. Food was excellent. The coleslaw was fantastic. The brisket was succulent. Don't know the price as my friend paid for us. Clean inside and counter service was fast as well as the employee

Not even in the South can you find a BBQ of this quality. I will drive again from Miami Beach all the way up here to enjoy this incredible food.

This is, simply put, the finest place in town to get serious smoked meats. One bite of their succulent, mouth watering, amazing brisket will have you hooked. They sell out every day for a reason! Second year in a row getting brisket for Christmas dinner instead of prime rib and we all love it. Also got some pulled pork, theirs is the best! Incredible quality meats at a very reasonable price. Great service, great sauces, great smells! Just driving by this place and getting a whiff of the smoked meat is a pleasure. One bite and you will be back.

My favorites are brisket and pulled pork sandwiches. All the sides are good. My first choice is beans. We sat outside on picnic tables during a warm June day.

Finally got to try this place! The brisket was perfectly smoked, if you don't know brisket, always get the moist, it's the fattier side and the fat melts into the meat. The ribs were very good, and the Mac n cheese we had was not Kraft, was well seasoned. I personally did not like any of the sauce choices, but I really didn't need it. It was well worth the wait of finally getting there in time.

The 2 meat platter was yummy. Had brisket and pork. Mac and cheese and cole slaw wife had brisket and ribs and slaw and pinto beans. We recommend this place.

Amazing brisket and stellar ribs. The sweet sauce is a little cloying but the spicy and mustard vinegar are what really hits. The peach cobbler is amazing as well. Be aware they do run out and expect to be in a line when it's warmer and drier. You'll also need to be aware of a modest step to enter and the small dining room but the rest is largely accessible.

My brother used to live in Erie and he took us here 4 years ago. It’s been awhile since we came back. I love the brisket, the ribs though is all bone but 5 stars for the flavor. 👌🏼

This establishment truly offers an exceptional barbecue experience, surpassing any other I have encountered in the state of Texas. I use to think Texas had the best bbq, WRONG! Pennsylvania does. Their brisket is a masterpiece, with a beautiful bark, perfectly seasoned, and incredibly moist. The ribs boast an ideal tenderness, providing that satisfying pull with each bite. I wholeheartedly recommend this place to any barbecue enthusiast. While the barbecue sauce was not to my personal preference, their vinegary option was a standout. However, the meat itself is so incredibly flavorful and well-prepared that it truly stands on its own, with no need for additional sauce. The sides served alongside the main dishes were equally impressive, perfectly complementing the barbecue feast. I am eagerly anticipating my lunch visit today, as this place has left a lasting impression on me. It has become a destination that I dream of, thanks to its exceptional quality and taste.

The cuisine was satisfactory; although their website touted them as the finest BBQ in PA, our visit failed to confirm that assertion. The food was decent, though not outstanding. Regrettably, the service displayed rudeness, and the ambiance was less than pristine. I’ve had way better and expected more.

First time customer. Always heard good things about the Federal. Food did not disappoint. We had the pit boy sandwich with a side of mac and cheese/Cole slaw. Best brisket ever. Pulled pork and sausage were great too. Will definitely be back. Thank you!

Big Update: We had Federal Hill cater our wedding. From day one of contact to the actual wedding, they were on top of it. Every email was responded to promptly, even on their busiest days. The food came on time, cut, and with sauces. And the seitan was a hit with meat consumers and vegans alike. We asked them to provide for a huge part of our day and they came through in a big way. Everyone loved the food! Lifetime customer from me and hopefully some new fans from the wedding. Loved every part of it. Brisket was rich and fatty with an impressive smoke cap. Turkey was moist and packed with flavor. Sides and sauces were spot on too. Would highly recommend. We got there at open and we were probably 15th or so in line.

Stopped here on our annual BBQ road trip. Best brisket I've had with excellent bark, tender, juicy and just the right amount of smoke. The sausage, turkey and pork were excellent and the sides were very good too. Nice laid back atmosphere and friendly efficient service. The line was to the door when we got there at 11:10 am but it moved fast. If I am ever within an hour of Erie near lunchtime I will go out of my way to get here again, it's that good!

It’s kinda disappointing I was told this was the best bbq in Erie and was really let down. The spare ribs had good flavor but with being a spare rib you loose most your weight to the bone and weird cartilage part so it’s a waste of money. Any good bbq place uses baby backs. The pulled pork was bland their sauces were a major let down. You gotta have good homemade sauces. The sides I took a couple bites of and threw away. The only saving grace and only thing I recommend is the brisket. I’ve went back again just for the brisket but ate it plain since the sauces were nothing to write home about. If I go back again it’ll be to get the ribs and weigh the waste. Nearly 1/3 to 1/2 is waste.

I've eaten BBQ all over the country in my travels, and Federal Hill is still my go-to when I'm home in Northwestern Pennsylvania. If brisket is your thing, you won't be disappointed. You'll get a thick, juicy slice with amazing bark that doesn't need sauce! I'm also a fan of their smoked sausage. Good flavor with a little bite, but not over the top. All the sides are made from scratch daily, so far I haven't been disappointed. Check their social media for daily/weekly specials- I've seen everything from tomahawk ribeyes to pork cakes and smoked shrimp. If anywhere in this region says they have better 'Cue, they're lying. The building is really awesome as well. I'm a fan of brick and vintage lighting!

I've been eating to come here for several years. Finally had the opportunity (since I've heard they sell out if you don't get there early enough). I got the brisket with 2 sides for $12. I was disappointed that the baked beans are savory instead of sweet, which is what I like, but I got anyways to try. I also got the coleslaw which had a creamy dressing, no sugar or vinegar taste at all...just creamy and kind of bland actually. I have to say that I "doctored" both off the sides once at home. Ok.... For the brisket, they asked if I wanted lean or regular..I got the lean. It was a good portion for the price, about 1/2 pound. It was heavily seasoned and smoked, had a very slight "fuel" taste which was easily disguised with the BBQ sauce. The meat was really tender and delicious, I might just be extra sensitive to the "fuel" taste I mentioned.

One of the best restaurants in town. They sell out fast so it’s good to get there early. The food is obscenely good but a little messy, be prepared.