Joff's Backyard Grill — Restaurant in Bellingham

I wanted something stupid to eat - something with a ton of flavour and a ton of calories. Enter Joff's, and the hot dog known as The Aporkalypse Cow.

I went to Joff's some ten or more years back and tried their burger. I was not impressed and was indifferent about the idea of ever going back. However, I always remembered one thing I saw on their menu that I have been curious about for the greater portion of a decade - The Aporkalypse Cow: an all beef hot dog topped with pulled pork, coleslaw, and cheese, all on a fresh bun.

I finally decided that it was time to indulge in excess and try "that hot dog I saw on the menu", and I was not disappointed.

Joff's is in a small - blink and you'll miss it - plaza, and when you walk in, it truly feels like walking into an indoor backyard. Picnic table, plastic lawn chairs, utensils and condiments in metal buckets - it has a homey, backyard BBQ vibe.

I placed my order, Aporkalypse Cow and Onion Rings, and took a seat, noting that the ceiling vents needed cleaning. It is a stupid little detail, but my mind was wandering. Next, I noticed something I loved: silence. The only sounds were the staff working in the kitchen and the customers coming and going. One of the things I've noticed is that I care little and less for music in restaurants, especially loud music.

Food arrived in a timely manner, and I worried that I made a wrong decision. The hot dog, advertised as a foot long, was massive. I did not need onion rings. The hot dog would be enough. C'est la vie.

It smelled great, and it tasted better. An overall smokey, spicy, sweet, fresh flavour made this excessive meal an absolute pleasure.

The onion rings were well prepared, though at the price point, I would have liked an onion ring sauce (that horseradish mayo stuff you get at Chili's or similar). Still, a little mayo and ketchup and things go well enough.

When all was said and done, I was full, but not uncomfortably so. It all sat perfectly well in my digestive system and I left in a cheerful state.

One thing I can say is that they do seem to still lack the ventilation I'd expect them to have in the kitchen, which causes the place to get a bit smokey as their business ramps up. While for some it might elicit memories of grilling in the backyard, it reminds me of when our apartment house burned down, so I had to remind myself that the staff are professionals and this is what it is supposed to be like.

So, food is great, service is good, decor and ambient noise is perfect, but the smokiness can certainly be...

First time being here, the owner was in the kitchen and working the register. Super nice guy and worked through the menu with us. The business is consistently at the top of the ratings list for their ribs. Not in the mood for bbq, I came for the wings. Oh my, these flamed wings are to die for. I went with the garlic parm. Big wings, superb char and excellent seasoning. Then they are covered in a beautiful sauce of garlic and parmesan. Juicy, dripping down your arms good. I would drive an hour for these wings, easily! The best, by far, in the state. My child went with the pulled pork sandwich. They loved the sauce and lotsa meat on the bun. The shop was pretty quiet (or needs a makeover desperately), but the phone was always ringing for takeout and I saw a few coming in to pick up large orders. They also cater. I can't wait to go back and try the ribs and other wing flavors! ...

About a month ago, I had the worst burger and fries of my entire life from Joffs, The fries were extremely soggy and tasteless. As for the burger, i'm still trying to figure out how anyone could screw up a burger to that level! Unevenly cooked, overly salty, just awful. The owner and staff (mostly owner's family, I think) are very nice people. I did call to tell them how awful my lunch (takeout) was. It was so bad that I actually felt this was my duty. They were very apologetic and readily offered me free food. Of course, I declined. I didn't think the burger and fries sitting in the trash needed company, but thanked them for offering. Seriously, if it's burgers or fries, don't waste...