KC-style BBQ joint w/ standout burnt ends & ribs [1]. Some say best in NYC, others cite inconsistency & dryness [3, 4]. Lively vibe.
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.
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].
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].
"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]."
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].
Important Note
Some long-time patrons have noted a decline in quality, with dishes becoming dry and subpar. This is attributed to decreased customer traffic, potentially leading to less fresh preparation throughout the day. Ordering by phone can also be difficult due to long holds and hang-ups [3, 4].
"This commenter finds John Brown's cornbread to be the best they've had and their ribs quite good."
Positive"This user believes John Brown's cornbread is possibly the best they've encountered and also enjoys their barbecue."
Positive"This user agrees that both positive and negative comments about John Brown BBQ can be true, implying a mixed experience."
Neutral"This user claims John Brown's burnt ends are excellent."
Positive"This user states that the pastrami at John Brown BBQ is 'pretty bomb'."
Positive"In response to a question about better options, this user reiterates that there is no good BBQ in NYC."
Negative"This user states that John Brown BBQ is terrible."
Negative"This user recommends John Brown BBQ, particularly highlighting their cornbread and ribs."
Positive"This user suggests John Brown BBQ in LIC."
Neutral"John Brown in LIC is recommended as a place for authentic BBQ and is generally open until 9-11 PM."
Positive"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
