User Guide

Getting Started

Creating an Account

1. Click Register in the top navigation
2. Enter your email and choose a password
3. Choose a unique username
4. Verify your email if required
5. Start exploring BBQ restaurants

Logging In

1. Click Login in the top navigation
2. Enter your email and password
3. You'll be redirected to your profile or the home page

Finding Restaurants

Search

1. Use the search bar on the home page
2. Enter a restaurant name, city, or BBQ style (e.g., "Texas", "Carolina")
3. Results appear as you type
4. Click a restaurant to view details

Browse by Location

1. Allow location access when prompted
2. Nearby restaurants will appear on the home page
3. Use the map view to explore visually

Map View

1. Navigate to a restaurant's detail page
2. View its location on the embedded map
3. Get directions using the map controls

Check-ins

Check-ins let you track your visits to restaurants.

Creating a Check-in

1. Go to a restaurant's detail page
2. Click the Check In button
3. Optionally add:
   • Dish - What you ordered (e.g., "Brisket plate")
   • Rating - 1 to 5 stars
   • Notes - Personal notes (private by default)
4. Choose whether to make it Public or private
5. Click Submit

Viewing Your Check-ins

1. Go to your Profile
2. Click History tab
3. View all your past check-ins with dates and ratings

Deleting a Check-in

1. Go to Profile > History
2. Find the check-in you want to delete
3. Click the delete icon
4. Confirm deletion

Reviews

Reviews are public and help other users decide where to eat.

Writing a Review

1. Go to a restaurant's detail page
2. Scroll to the Reviews section
3. Click Write a Review
4. Add:
   • Rating - 1 to 5 stars (required)
   • Title - Brief summary
   • Content - Detailed review
5. Click Submit

Note: You can only write one review per restaurant.

Editing Your Review

1. Find your review on the restaurant page
2. Click the Edit button
3. Update your rating, title, or content
4. Save changes

Deleting a Review

1. Find your review on the restaurant page
2. Click the Delete button
3. Confirm deletion

Your Profile

Profile Stats

Your profile displays:

• Total check-ins
• Unique restaurants visited
• Total reviews written
• Followers and following counts

Editing Your Profile

1. Go to Profile
2. Click Edit Profile
3. Update your Display Name, Bio, or Avatar
4. Save changes

Public Profile

• Other users can view your profile
• They'll see your public check-ins and reviews
• Private check-ins are not visible to others

Social Features

Following Users

1. Visit another user's profile
2. Click the Follow button
3. Their public activity will appear in your feed

Activity Feed

1. Click Feed in the navigation
2. View recent activity from users you follow:
   • New check-ins
   • New reviews

Privacy Settings

Check-in Privacy

When creating a check-in, you can choose:

• Public - Visible on your profile and in followers' feeds
• Private - Only visible to you in your history

Account Privacy

• Your username and profile are public
• Only public check-ins appear on your profile
• Private notes are never shared

Tips for Pitmasters

1. Be specific - Include the dish you ordered in check-ins
2. Rate consistently - Use the full 1-5 scale
3. Help others - Write detailed reviews for restaurants you love
4. Explore - Use the map to discover hidden gems
5. Connect - Follow friends to share recommendations

Troubleshooting

Can't log in?

• Check your email and password
• Reset your password if needed
• Clear browser cookies and try again

Check-in not appearing?

• Refresh the page
• Check your profile history
• Make sure you're logged in

Location not working?

• Allow location access in your browser
• Check that location services are enabled
• Try refreshing the page