KC-style BBQ w/ standout burnt ends & ribs. Forgettable brisket? Mixed reviews on quality but some say best ribs in NYC.
Will Hartman reviews John Brown BBQ, a Kansas City-style smokehouse in Long Island City, particularly recommending the brisket burnt ends and ribs, while finding the brisket itself a bit dry.
This Queens-based smokehouse offers a taste of authentic Kansas City BBQ, with a strong emphasis on quality meats and traditional preparation. While certain dishes like the brisket burnt ends and ribs receive high praise, some patrons have noted a decline in overall quality and consistency over time. The atmosphere is generally lively, though service experiences can vary.
This American BBQ joint specializes in Kansas City-style fare. Standout dishes include the highly recommended brisket burnt ends, praised for their texture and flavor, and tender, glazed ribs. Some customers have found the main brisket to be dry and lacking smoke, and the pastrami has also been criticized as dry and stringy. Cornbread and mac 'n' cheese are mentioned positively, but not as standout items. Consistency in food quality has been a concern for some long-time patrons.
"The brisket burnt ends and ribs are frequently recommended. Other dishes mentioned positively include fatty brisket, good sausage, and cornbread souffle."
Customer sentiment is mixed, with some praising specific dishes like ribs and burnt ends as the best in NYC, while others report a decline in quality, dry meats, and disappointing experiences. Service can also be an issue, with one report of difficulty ordering.
Important Note
Some reviews suggest a decline in food quality and consistency over time, with issues like dry meats and subpar preparation. One customer also reported a very negative experience with ordering and customer service.
"The user enjoys the taste of the corn in the cornbread at John Brown BBQ in Astoria and also recommends their burnt ends."
Positive"The commenter experienced extreme difficulty ordering from John Brown Smokehouse by phone, with multiple hang-ups and long holds despite the restaurant not appearing busy. This led them to order from Terry and Yaki instead."
Negative"A recommendation for John Brown Smokehouse suggests trying their Boulevard wheat beer and brisket."
Positive"The cornbread souffle at John Brown Smokehouse is considered a compelling reason to visit the establishment."
Positive"The commenter states that John Brown's is a solid option, acknowledging previous positive comments about it."
Positive"The reduced customer volume at John Brown Smokehouse likely impacts food freshness. While the corn pudding and mac 'n' cheese are considered good, they are not highlighted as standout dishes in a sides-focused discussion."
Neutral"The quality at John Brown Smokehouse has become inconsistent, with a 50/50 chance of the food being dry. This is attributed to decreased customer traffic, leading to less frequent preparation of fresh items throughout the day."
Negative"A long-time patron notes that John Brown Smokehouse has declined in quality, with many dishes now being dry and subpar. They also experienced a ruined Father's Day dinner due to a canceled order and subsequent deception."
Negative"The commenter, from Kansas City, finds John Brown Smokehouse to be the most authentic KC-style BBQ available in NYC."
Positive"The commenter believes the price of Hometown BBQ is not justifiable, contrasting it with their preference for John Brown's."
Positive"John Brown's is recommended, with specific praise for their burnt ends and ribs."
Positive"Pig Beach has relocated to Astoria. The commenter also likes John Brown's, specifically praising their fatty brisket, good sausage, and cole slaw."
Positive"John Brown's is recommended as a top choice for BBQ."
Positive"This user states that John Browns has the best ribs they have had in NYC."
Positive"At John Brown BBQ, the corn bread is liked, but the BBQ itself is considered forgettable."
Neutral"John Brown BBQ is mentioned as a place that serves BBQ."
Neutral
