Jammin’ Joe’s BBQ
Nov 21st, 2010 by Alex
On the way down to Old Rag you pass Jammin’ Joe’s BBQ. It’s right on the side of Lee Highway and you can smell the trailer-based smoker going even as you hurtle past it with the windows up. That smell of wood smoke and slowly cooked meats is enough to make you want to pull over.
The last time, we did pull over. We talked to chef/owner Brenda for a bit, who had considered opening up but had decided that it probably wasn’t worth it that day. To be fair, there was quite a bit of snow and the odds of people coming out looked slim. Turns out she’s originally from the Pasadena area. Small world.
This time we were in luck, although we hit them a little early for brisket or ribs. But no matter, the pulled pork was ready to serve. As soon as you step up onto the back of the trailer to order, the sweet aroma of marinated meats and BBQ hits you. It’s a good thing.
The sandwiches are carefully hand-crafted and then the BBQ sauce is drizzled atop just as carefully. It’s huge. The lid of the container was being pushed open as we walked to the nearby picnic tables.
The pork is tender and delicious by itself, without anything added; the individual strings just fall apart with the lightest touch. The smoke doesn’t overpower the flavor of the pork, nor do they overdo it with the sauce. If you actually attempt to eat the sandwich like a sandwich, don’t put it down… it’ll never come up in one piece. You’ll definitely need the napkins they provide, even after you lick your fingers clean. The coleslaw was fresh, finely diced and goes great with the sweet BBQ sauce. The potato salad was decent; not award winning, but definitely a tasty way to round out the platter ($10).
As we were finishing up a dump truck arrived to deliver a whole lot of firewood for the smoker. In addition to the catering, I imagine the place does a good amount of business in the warmer months.
Next time I’d pick up a half-dozen rolls from the grocery store and order a pint of slaw ($5) and a pound of pork (I think $13-14 IIRC) and make a bunch of sandwiches. I’m also told that their baked beans are second to none, so that’s definitely something to try too.
I wouldn’t drive the 65 miles just to eat here, but to be fair I don’t think there are any places that I like that much. But if you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth the visit.
