ssweeney’s Review of Smokin Js

Main Fare:

• Brisket has clean flavor.  It could use a bit more time to render a velvet texture, but this is DARN GOOD brisket!
• Huge, Flintsonian rib… but the time has been taken to finish it properly.  The right amount of rub does not overpower, but brings out rib flavor.  Nicely done.
• Sausage is salty and greasy… but good.  Larger diameter than we’ve seen to this point — or is it just the fact that the sausage is sliced on the diagonal?  We debate.

Main Fare:

• Brisket has clean flavor.  It could use a bit more time to render a velvet texture, but this is DARN GOOD brisket!
• Huge, Flintsonian rib… but the time has been taken to finish it properly.  The right amount of rub does not overpower, but brings out rib flavor.  Nicely done.
• Sausage is salty and greasy… but good.  Larger diameter than we’ve seen to this point — or is it just the fact that the sausage is sliced on the diagonal?  We debate.

Other Fare:

• Pork Tidbits – Trimmings off the rib have been seasoned and cooked on a grill.  These have a texture similar to "burnt ends" in Kansas City, but are grilled rather than smoked.  Very tasty offering.
• Other sides are normally homeade, but today we are told they are store-bought… so we opt out.

Atmosphere:

• His previous building burnt, and the rubble still remains on the lot next door.  He says that will eventually become parking for this structure.
• This is a screened enclosure framed with 2×4’s and corrugated tin.  Commercial fan combined with DIY misting system seems to work well in the high heat.
• BYOB… so we all have a Shiner Bock with our barbecue.  Yum.
• This place has a Harry’s on the Loop vibe to it… I think the crew could hang out here all afternoon.  But we all realize that there are miles to go before we sleep, and eventually load up and move on.
• I think this is about as good as it can be for what it is right now.  Give it a bit of time, and the atmosphere could be through the roof.  Keep up the good work!