Reviews for J & J Smokehouse BBQ

05/29/2023 - "Memphis in May Judge"
Here lies the passion from a man that does it because you know he eats it. My constant companion and I drove about an hour to get there. Just to clarify there are a good amount of "real" BBQ places in the Capital Region, but you get tired of the same thing, hence the drive. The first thing that you notice are cars parked side-by-side in the lot. Either it's going to be good or there's a lot of people with no taste buds. I'm not going to nit-pick things that (I think) are wrong because I'm not getting paid to that. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and that's a delight in itself. Straight up, you get fed. Platters are on point, for the price of what I got and the quality of sides to the various proteins (Brisket, Ribs, Pastrami). Do I have to say more? My companion had the Chicken Platter Special that was moist, dark shellacked, well-seasoned smoked chicken. Of course, she had some brisket and a rib from my platter. Consensus was that the brisket was more geared to the novice. I say this because it is very lean and no top piece of fat (Deckle). Still very flavorful. The ribs were melt-in-your mouth tasty, but lacked that bark. On to the sides. We had Potato Salad (mayo, mustard and egg), Mac 'n Cheese (very hearty & cheesy) Hot fresh Pickle chips (Yummy, cuts right through all that richness) Cole Slaw (vinegar based with a kick) and Beets (Consumer variety). Bar the beets, everything had love. Because I am also a chili head, I had to try the Carnivore Chili. Hands down, damn right tasty. Made with his homemade Texas links (give me a bucket of them, but get them before he sells out), Pastrami, Burnt ends, brisket, and just a scattering of red kidney beans. The richly moist and tasty buttery corn bread was just the icing on that flavor treat.
Would we go back?
Yes, we are going back. But not for what I just described. We're going back to get a couple of his absolutely huge and tasty sandwiches: the Cuban and the Pastrami, $15 - $17 with a side and pickle chips. Mic drop. BTW, ice-cold cans of beer, too.
Bottom line is this, they can tweak it or keep it the same. It is worth the go. If you do, tell them the "Memphis in May Judge " sent you. Google that. Happy eating America.