This BBQ place has been popping up in conversation a lot recently, mainly because some friends of mine had them cater their wedding – that’s a pretty good sign in my book. We showed up at J&J one night with a large group and they found us a table that fit us. It’s a large dining room with multiple seating options and seating at the bar – there’s also a stage for musical acts, which is cool.
I’ll say – tactfully – that the vibe is weird. It seemed
like we were putting them out with our large group (and is 8 really a large
group?). Then the servers seem like you’re putting them out, as well. Sort of hard
to tell if it’s a schtick or if they are actually bothered. Then the menus
themselves are hilarious – just names of sandwiches and other dishes – no description
at all. If you want an actual description, you have to click on a QR code that
takes you to their website where it explains ingredients, but you can’t order
from there. It’s all just weird. I’m not complaining, I’m just warning people
what you’re going to get, because I’ve heard this from pretty much everyone of
my friends who has been there. And now that I’ve said that, every time there’s
been weird or even bad service at a BBQ place, I’ve had reeeeeeally good luck –
so I was actually getting very excited about this food.
We ordered some cocktails, which I was pretty happy to see
they were tiki drinks. A Mai Tai and a Painkiller. We also got a pulled pork
sandwich, fries, and a cornbread fritter; and a 1/3 rack of ribs, with beans
and mac and cheese.
The food was right on point – the pulled pork sandwich was juicy and generous with really good flavor. It was sauced, but not in a way that made it sloppy, plus you could add more sauces, if you ordered them. The fries were done well and also seasoned heavily, which rules. So good. The cornbread fritter I never got a bite of, so I’m guessing it was really good. Hahaha
The ribs were actually pretty great. Lots of meat and dry rub, which allows you to try out a couple of sauces (again, you have to order them ahead of time). The beans were really awesome, and honestly some of the best I’ve had in a while – lots of different beans and meat in them. You can even throw in some of the jalapenos they give you to jazz it up a bit. Finally, the mac and cheese was awesome – nothing from a box, without question. Creamy and firm noodles with actual cheese flavor and no grit or flour texture. Well played, Jellybean!
I’m already planning my next trip to Jellybean and Julia’s.
Like I suspected, the food quality allows them to be a little gruff, whether or
not it’s intended. Just heed the warning so you’re not taken off guard. Look at
the website menu ahead of time so you’re prepared. Then, just order your damn
food and ENJOY it!
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