Jake's BBQ

"Representing Kansas style BBQ, Jake's may not universally loved, but it kicks out great hearty BBQ," says Gridskipper. Jonathan Dixon for New York magazine writes, "While the portions are beyond generous, the service efficient and décor open and airy, none of the menu’s lynchpins distinguish themselves in a real way. The ribs fall short when compared to the texture of the genuine article, and the sauce drizzled on top is sweet and slightly anonymous; fried chicken fares a bit better with its crisp coating and juicy interior."
Eat It reviews Jake's pulled pork sandwich, which "seems more chopped than pulled. It's on the drier side, but is definitely still tasty with plenty of smoky BBQ flavor. It comes on a choice of bread (I always get it on a roll) and it comes with potato salad, macaroni salad, fries or cole slaw." And Yelper jonathan h. reminds us that Jake's menu goes beyond BBQ: "The burgers are just excellent. Huge, juicy, good bun - just a great burger from the school of 'more is more.'" What's your take on Jake's?
Reviews (12)
owner12 wrote a review on July 13, 2009 12:26 PM
only had delivery from jakes, but it is always spot on. We get the sampler which has a rack of ribs, pulled pork and brisket ( we sub out the sausage). The sides are a little bland and boring but the meat is always tender and perfectly flavored. there were rumors that Jakes was closing ( about a year ago) but we are really glad they are still around for those days when we get the urge!!!!
southslope wrote a review on July 13, 2009 12:49 PM
It's been at least five years since I've eaten at Jake's, but I distinctly remember being very unimpressed with the BBQ there. The ribs were very so so, and the French Onion soup that my wife ordered was still a little frozen in the middle. The owners didn't seem to be connoisseurs of BBQ either. If you want good BBQ in that part of town, go to Pete's on Atlantic.
Watermellon wrote a review on July 13, 2009 2:22 PM
Respectable wings and the delivery guy was very well versed in foreign policy. We ordered one day, he shows up, strolls into my apt and looks at the TV which for some reason was on an interview with Henry Kissenger. The guy says eeeeyyyyyy mon is dat Enrrry Kissemger.......... Dat crazy coconut bloodclot........
BklynJace wrote a review on July 13, 2009 2:59 PM
Jake's won't win any awards, but it's very fine comfort food and the portions are gigantic.
Art Salt wrote a review on July 13, 2009 3:23 PM
is it in Zagats yet? For years it wasn't. I like it.
eh wrote a review on July 13, 2009 4:56 PM
lol bumbaclot not bloodclot...
lapmax75 wrote a review on July 13, 2009 5:00 PM
This is not "gourmet BBQ," if you know what I mean, but it's solid. The owner is indeed a "student" of BBQ, constantly researching cooking methods and better ways of doing things. All of the meats are, therefore, very well cooked and flavored. It's excellent comfort food. The cornbread is great too. I've never had a bad meal here, and the portions are big. Order out and love life at home.
Knickerbocker wrote a review on July 13, 2009 5:23 PM
Haven't been to Jake's in 5+ years - for good reasons. Started with ordering delivery once in awhile - which was always 1hr or more (less than 1/2 mi away) and arrived cold/greezy. A little time in the microwave made things edible, but I was never impressed.
Then went inside twice - first time was very slow service and generally luke-warm so-so food, but it was the only BBQ in the area at the time.
Second time was terrible. The server was best described as 'spaced out' (the worst description will be left to your imagination). Came back 3 times to confirm the order (even with a note pad) yet still got the food wrong after waiting over an hour for service. Never made an attempt to make up for it (i.e. plate of fries, comp drinks, etc), so we walked out.
AVOID - not all neighborhood places are worth your money. Sometime the bad has to go so the new, better replacement can thrive.
Also - isn't there an attached Chinese food place which uses the same kitchen? Ordered from there too once upon a time and some of the food (i.e. chicken soup) was exactly the same.
Nomi wrote a review on July 13, 2009 10:25 PM
Geez, are the ribs THAT bad? I had no idea . . . . and I eat them! But I'm not from BBQland so I guess I don't know much. Anyway, I find them enjoyable. Now I can't wait to have "real" ribs. Have only had delivery and take out, so can't speak to service in the restaurant.
Nomi wrote a review on July 13, 2009 10:26 PM
I have to say, I lowered my food rating from feeling insecure. I should have given it a four if I'm being honest cause I like their ribs, dammit. I'm gunna do it again:
abrooklynlife wrote a review on July 14, 2009 9:06 AM
worst. barbecue. ever.
sides are an abomination.
shape wrote a review on September 28, 2009 7:36 PM
Jake's vs. McDonald's? hmm, well you can get almost the same quality at McD's for A LOT cheaper.
i'll start out with the positives. the delivery came fast, the guy was really nice, and the order came with a lot of food - the portions were nice and big and each meal came w/ 2 sides. my friend and i were starving. i got the smoked beef briskette and he got the pulled pork & chicken. we split our meals so we could try both items. i have nothing else positive to say. the quality of the beef, pork, and chicken were the worst i've had in the past decade. i normally eat very fresh & clean food (in every food group). all the meat was soft, mushy, and fatty and tasted like it had been made 2-3 days ago, and microwaved a couple times. the sauce tasted fresh out of the Kraft BBQ jar - disgusting!
the hash browns reminded me of the high school cafeteria - the bulk ones that are frozen and heated but end up with a dry, spongy texture after they re-serve the leftovers from 2 days ago. actually the hash browns felt rubbery like old pancakes. the collard greens also tasted old and microwaved. the only thing that tasted fresh and was "edible" was the side of broccoli.
before eating this, today was one of the best days i've had all year. i had an incredible amount of energy, and after eating this i felt sick, tired, and weak. you know that feeling you get from eating greasy food, or fast food. well, your body doesnt lie. and usually i feel energized after a meal...
if you like fast food chains, i'm sure you'll love Jake's. you're better off going to a diner.

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