H&J B.B.Q.

DALLAS: H&J B.B.Q.
6205 S R L Thornton Fwy
Dallas, TX 75232
214-371-5420
Open M-Thur 11-11, F-Sat 11-12

This small joint on the I-35 service road is not exactly a full-service restaurant. Orders are placed at the counter, drinks are purchased at the Coke machine, and food is then retrieved at the counter when your order is complete. H&J does offer one service not available at most restaurants. For just $1.20/lb., they will smoke your meat out back in their smoker.

Smokemasterone and I shared a plate of ribs, sliced beef, beans and potato salad. The plate was stacked high with meat, and for $14 a plate, it should have been. The side of beans was smoky and flecked with green pepper and onion with a bold bbq flavor. The potato salad was merely grocery store grade. The spare ribs were chopped nearly beyond recognition, but the flavor was excellent. Although sauced, the crust on the ribs was well formed creating a good level of smokiness. The meat was deep red in color as well as moist and tender. The fat could have been more well rendered, but these were tasty ribs. A black crust and good deep smokeline on the brisket was promising, and the meat did not disappoint. Each bite contained a high level of smokiness, and the flavor of the crust reinforced the robust flavor of the beef. The well rendered fat contributed to the moist and tender slices. Whether coming in to this joint for a plate of ready-made 'cue, or trusting them to smoke my very own brisket, I'll surely be back.

Rating ***