KC-style BBQ w/ legendary brisket burnt ends & tender ribs. Can be hit or miss on main brisket & pastrami, but worth it for the authentic flavor.
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 Kansas City-style smokehouse offers a compelling BBQ experience, with standout brisket burnt ends and tender, glazed ribs. While the main brisket can be a bit dry and the pastrami is criticized for being stringy, the overall sentiment leans positive, especially for those seeking authentic KC flavors. The atmosphere is lively, particularly on Sundays, making it a good spot for groups and casual dining.
This smokehouse specializes in Kansas City-style BBQ, with high praise for its brisket burnt ends, ribs, and cornbread. However, some reviews indicate that the main brisket can be dry, and the pastrami is considered stringy and not worth the price. The cornbread souffle and mac 'n' cheese are also mentioned as good sides.
"Standout dishes include the brisket burnt ends, ribs, cornbread, and cornbread souffle. Fatty brisket, good sausage, and cole slaw are also recommended."
Customer feedback is mixed, with some praising specific items like brisket burnt ends and ribs as the best in NYC, while others note a decline in quality, with dry meats and disappointing pastrami.
Important Note
Quality has been reported as inconsistent, with some dishes becoming dry and subpar. There have also been reports of poor customer service regarding order fulfillment and phone communication.
"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
