Joe’s Barbecue — Restaurant in Brimfield Township

Today I visited Joe's Barbecue In Kent Ohio. After my recent review of a new chain BBQ restaurant that moved in just up the road, I was inundated with messages asking me to try Joe's.

Now Joe's BBQ is about as rustic as you can get. In a parking lot on an intersection stand a giant smoker and a red trailer where you order your food. I walked up and was instantly hit with what I can only describe as BBQ heaven. Rich smoke filled the crisp air and it led me right to their menu. Brisket, Ribs, Turkey, Chicken, Pulled Pork, Meatloaf Sandwich, mac and cheese, potato salad, charro beans.

I ordered one of everything and here's how it breaks down:

Brisket: Definitely Texas style brisket. Beautifully peppered bark with a wonderful smoke ring. Extremely tender beautifully cooked.

Ribs: Absolutely fall off the bone tender. Smoked just right and seasoned to perfection. A good balance of sweetness as well.

Turkey: Juicy, flavorful and incredibly tender. Dipping it in their BBQ sauce was wonderful.

Pulled Pork: Chopped in nice sized chunks, but not overly chopped. I love it this way. Mixed with their sauce it was absolutely divine.

Meatloaf Sandwich: Guys. If you only take one thing from this review, let it be this. The meatloaf sandwich was not only the best thing I had here today (which is impressive because everything was crazy good) but it may just be one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. Anywhere. It's smokey, it's got a touch of spice, it has texture from the onion straws, the bun is soft and fresh. I could not put it down.

The sides are all pretty good, but honestly nothing to write home about. I'd say out of everything, give the beans a try. They are unique.

The service was stellar. The staff was very friendly and patient and it was great to see them Hand slicing your order right in front of you.

My advice? Drive right past that chain spot that opened and give all your money and support to Joe's. It's not only the best BBQ I think I've had since starting this page, but it may be the best BBQ I've ever had. I can't wait to eat my...

Joe's BBQ continues to take my breath away with their food. I always get the brisket sandwich and smoked Mac and cheese. The brisket is so soft, juicy with a slight sweetness in the fat. You get an even amount of melty and harty bites in every sandwich. When I say melty, you'll take a bite with that sliver of fat mixed with the fall apart section of brisket and the amazing BBQ sauce and you hear angels sing. And the Mac. By far the best Mac and cheese I have had. It has all the good southern style bbq qualities. Holds shape but still so so soft, cheese that pulls and coats and sinks into the noodles. My favorite part of the Mac, the curds. I don't know what is used or how it's done but every now and then you find these little cheese curds that are so melty and so buttery. The texture is out of this world in that cup. I've started getting the potato salad and it is so refreshing. The freshness of the herbs really hits your taste buds and it's a freshness you won't find in the store or any restaurants I've been to. I have no idea if the herbs are home grown but I've never tasted anything fresher when buying potato salad or an equivalent. You can genuinely taste the time, love and energy that goes into these dishes. I've reviewed a lot of food, quite passionate about finding those hidden gems. Joe's beats any experience I've had. Service. The people that run the truck while Joe does the magic in the smoker are truly amazing. I have a genuine happy conversation with all of them. They're nice, they remember faces, and put off such a great atmosphere. So much so that I have to remind myself there's people behind me wanting to order. This is the...

So once per week my husband and I spin a wheel for dinner with different food genres. We landed BBQ this time. We looked up all of the BBQ places within a few miles of us and made another wheel. We landed on Joe’s Bbq- needless to say we are NOT disappointed. This is the BEST bbq i’ve ever had. I’m such a fan of brisket, we got bbq brisket sandwiches. The price was a little high until i saw just how much food you get!!! There was SO MUCH brisket on that sandwich, and it was so tender and flavorful. While they were loading up my sandwich, I thought I’d need to eat it with a fork, but it wasn’t necessary. We came late so they were out of sides, we didn’t even need them because the sandwich was just enough. We loved it so much we’re considering coming back a 2nd day in a row.

I drive past Joe’s on the way home from work every day. I have seen people standing in the snow, and the pouring rain waiting in line for their food. Just 2 weeks ago it was hailing and storming, there were people waiting for Joe’s and I see why!

Also, GET THE BANANA PUDDING. This was the best banana pudding I’ve ever had. I make homemade banana bread, this tasted exactly like the delicious banana bread batter that you’re not supposed to eat raw because of the eggs (but we all...