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JOHN BROWN BBQ

Updated

Phone: (347) 617-1120

Address: 27-16 40 AVENUE 11101

TLDR

KC-style BBQ joint w/ standout burnt ends & ribs [1]. Some say best in NYC, others cite inconsistency & dryness [3], [4]. Lively vibe.

Reddit Sentiment for JOHN BROWN BBQ(based on 27 Reddit opinions)

59% Positive19% Neutral19% Negative

Tags

american 27barbecue 2bbq 2bbq 17ribs 5cornbread 4View All

Neighborhoods

Long Island City

Featured Articles

Dedicated reviews and comprehensive features focusing directly on this restaurant.

John Brown BBQ
lean positive

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.

Will HartmanJun 12, 2025
Read More →
Infatuation

Details

John Brown BBQ, a Kansas City-style smokehouse, offers a lively atmosphere, especially on Sundays with football games [1]. While known for its BBQ, opinions are mixed, with some hailing it as the best in NYC [1], [2], while others find the quality inconsistent and dishes dry [3], [4]. Standout items include the burnt ends and ribs [1], [5], alongside popular sides like cornbread and mac 'n' cheese [6].

Food Overview

John Brown BBQ is a Kansas City-style smokehouse with a focus on traditional BBQ. Praised dishes include their fatty brisket, good sausage, cole slaw, burnt ends, and ribs [5], [7]. The cornbread souffle is also a highlight [8]. However, some patrons find the BBQ itself forgettable or dry, with inconsistent quality reported [4], [3], [2]. The pastrami has also been described as dry and stringy [1].

Highlights / Recommended

"Standout dishes include the brisket burnt ends, praised for their texture and flavor, and the tender pork ribs [1]. The cornbread souffle is also a compelling reason to visit [8]."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • brisket(3)
  • ribs(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customer sentiment is divided, with many praising specific dishes like burnt ends and ribs as the best in NYC [1], [5], while others report inconsistent quality and dry meats, attributing it to decreased customer traffic [3], [4].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About JOHN BROWN BBQ

This thread contains a mix of opinions on John Brown BBQ. Some long-time patrons note a decline in quality, with dishes becoming dry [3], while others, including someone from Kansas City, find it to be the most authentic KC-style BBQ in NYC [8]. Specific recommendations include brisket and burnt ends [9], [7].
This discussion includes strong recommendations for John Brown BBQ, with multiple users highlighting their excellent cornbread and ribs [10], [11], [12]. One user even calls the cornbread 'possibly the best' they've encountered [12]. However, there's also a strong negative opinion calling the BBQ 'terrible' [13].
In a discussion about southern food, John Brown BBQ is mentioned. One user notes that while the cornbread is liked, the overall BBQ is considered forgettable [2].
A commenter states that John Browns has the best ribs they have had in NYC [5].
This user enjoys the taste of the cornbread at John Brown BBQ and also recommends their burnt ends [7].

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off

"This commenter finds John Brown's cornbread to be the best they've had and their ribs quite good."

Positive
May 29, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off

"This user believes John Brown's cornbread is possibly the best they've encountered and also enjoys their barbecue."

Positive
May 28, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off

"This user agrees that both positive and negative comments about John Brown BBQ can be true, implying a mixed experience."

Neutral
May 28, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off

"This user claims John Brown's burnt ends are excellent."

Positive
May 28, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Tender Bbq In Nyc Hometowns Quality Fell Off

"This user states that the pastrami at John Brown BBQ is 'pretty bomb'."

Positive
May 28, 2026View Comment →

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