John Brown Smokehouse

Reviews

• Scott L.

  star star star star star_border 26 June 2026

  We were in the area and a friend suggested we go here.    
  
  Place was packed around 5pm on a Friday.  
  
  Prices haven't gone up.  You can get a sandwich for around $9, which is plenty, but I highly suggest getting sides and sharing them.
  
  Food is good here and good value.  The meat plates get you 1/3 lb of meat and a side for $15.  
  It's a lot of food.  I also like that they serve white bread instead of rolls.    That's more te as style.
  
  The brisket was decent if a little dry.  BBQ sauces were thick and tasty and the hot one was super spicy.  
  
  I sampled lots of things on this visit - the chili, the pulled pork - both really good.   I'll come back for the chili.  For sides we tried Cole slaw - vinegratte and very fresh.  The cornbread was moist like pudding.  Baked beans were also god with pork inside.   I think I could eat Thanksgiving here.
  
  This small easy to miss BBQ spot gets packed for good reason.  Wood paneled walls, red white checkered table cloths provide a simple Texas decor.  Patio is big out back.  
  
  Happy hour was ridiculous with a really nice beer on draft for $4.  
  
  This place can accommodate a few large groups.  Inside or on the patio.

• Le L.

  star star star star star_border 22 June 2026

  I do apologize for the review.Overall it was good .I just think that the Mac and cheese needs some work .it is ALWAYS PACKED!!!!!!! I mean ALWAYS
  
  Brisket 10
  Ribs 8
  Collard greens 5
  Bake beans 5

• anabela D.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 14 June 2026

  I really need to stop eating bbq in NYC!
  Overrated like this place . so not memorable forgot to write a review after visiting a few months ago.
  Crazy line.
  Homey red white checker cloth decor. glad they had decent selection of wine and beer. shared wings and ribs.
  not enough smoke not enough flavor not tender enough sides alright
  BBQ is always pricey but I felt portions tinier than expected
  Burger on table next door looked yum
  Might try that and the sandwiches which looked inventive one more time but would SKIP if you are craving some bad ass BBQ

• Chengetayi T.

  star star star star star 5 June 2026

  My husband and i were in search of amazing rib tips. He's obsessed with smoked rib tips so we stumbled on this restaurant. Its right over the bridge in long island city, queens.
  
  I ordered the corn bread with half a portion of pulled pork and half portion of brisket. My husband got his rib tips with mac and cheese. IF YOU DO NOT GET THE CORNBREAD YOU ARE FAILING AT LIFE!! I just had to emphasize how amazing this cornbread is! Like seriously, i cant quite figure how they make it but it has actually bits of corn in it and not just ground corn. Im not actually sure if what I'm saying is making sense. You'll just have to go and try it out for yourself! The brisket was cooked to perfection and the pulled pork was so well done it was literally coming apart on its own and the combo just melted in my mouth. I also tried hubby's rib tips! To be honest, the rib tips are also excellent.
  
  We ordered a pitcher of beer. Cant remember what it was called but it tasted like a blue moon. It was very good. I tried the cider which was pretty good on a warm summer afternoon. The weather was perfect so we decided to sit outside. They have a beautiful mural wall and quite a bit of outdoor seating for a NYC restaurant.
  
  This place is cool and laid back. We'll definitely be back to try some of the other stuff on the menu

• Jack M.

  star star star star_border star_border 1 June 2026

  An OK execution of TX style BBQ.
  
  The pastrami was tender and had a good amount of fat.
  
  The rib tips didn't have that much meat, but they were savory and smokey.