The place itself just has a great feel too it. The walls are decorated with rock-and-roll and sports memorabilia, as well as some local businesses/causes they support. Every now and then, they hang up a "Wall of Fame" for the food-eating challenges they've had. Personally, I tried the first challenge they had a few years ago, which consisted of me attempting to eat a pulled pork sandwich cover in "ghost-chili" sauce...needless to say, it didn't end too well. The staff that work there are always friendly, which adds to the experience. Just as an added bonus, you can regularly find free live music being performed behind Shakedown during the summer months...BYOB.
Now for the important stuff, the food! I can say I've ever had a bad meal from here. They serve an assortment of meats, sandwiches, and sides. It always tough to choose from the different options because none of them disappoint. The ribs fall off the bone, the brisket is tender, and the pulled pork is just awesome, not to mention the portions are great, too! The prices on the sandwiches change from time-to-time, but the price is always worth it.
My favorite sides would have to be fries, as well as the baked beans...but everyone has their preferences. The baked beans almost have a chili taste to them, but I'm not 100% sure what's in it. Whatever it is, it works! (They recently changed their fries, and I think they're better...more potato, less grease)
I also have to admire how Shakedown is always innovating. The menu almost always has something new on the menu when I come in, which constantly makes my decision on what to eat harder every time!
My favorite menu item has to be Shakedown's classic Pig Pen sandwich. It's an enormous pulled pork sandwich, topped with slaw and Shakedown's barbecue sauce. The buns are good, but the pulled pork is just out of this world. I was craving one of these sandwiches so bad that I almost got half-way done with my sandwich before I remembered I had to take a picture of it (which explains the picture below).
Anyway, it's pretty clear how passionate I am about this place. You can find Shakedown BBQ at 668 Firehouse Road, Grantville, PA 17028.