Smokin’ J’s BBQ — Restaurant in Minden

First, I like this place because of the town in which it sits. Minden, Louisiana has a diverse economic base ( medical, military, education, government, lumber mill, small and large retail) so it has an equally diverse population. And that makes it interesting. The Garden District architecture leading to the brick Main Street, and the attention given to Downtown make it pretty.

But driving onto the parking lot of Smokin Js takes me to another place. Memphis, Tennessee. Beale Street. The music is fantastic and sets the stage for some of the best barbecue I've tasted. Especially the brisket! After dusk. Needed to hit the interstate . So I opted for drive-thru rather than dine in. Several cars ahead of me, but it didn't take long at all! Employees had friendly and professional attitudes and the order was perfect! Took a left out of the parking lot unto the street. A right to the next street over and another right. Straight to the interstate and on my way home. (Eastbound traffic exits to the right after westbound traffic. But sign is clearly visible.) No problems!

Home. Brisket tender, juicy, and flavorful as always. Ribs meaty and smoked just right. And then something new. Jalapeno Cheese Sausage. A bit hot but delicious! Barbecue beans and dirty rice. Just the right blend of seasonings! A very heavy plate. In fact, I couldn't eat it all!

Two cups of sauce were included, but the barbecue is so good, I...

This review is my opinion. I really wanted to love this place. The staff were friendly, it was clean, and they had a nice salad bar. In fact, we got free side salads because we were new customers, which was very kind. The BBQ baked beans were amazing. Unfortunately the BBQ sauce here is weak and bland. It almost tastes as if it has been watered down. A great BBQ sauce should be the centerpiece of a BBQ eatery and the sauce here just doesn't measure up. I actually prefer bottled sauce from the grocery store. The smoked brisket was just ok. There wasn't much smoked flavor, as if it were baked and then thrown in the smoker for a few minutes. The same is true for the smoked sausage. The dirty rice had no flavor. It was simply bland rice mixed with sausage. I hate to have to write this review, because I really wanted to like this place. The meal came to about $13 for brisket, sausage, dirty rice and BBQ baked beans. The portion sizes we're average. Unfortunately...

I can honestly say.....this is some of the greatest smoked/bbq I have ever eaten. The potato salad has a little too much mustard for my personal taste, but is good. The beans are just right and the meat is sooooooo tender (I've tried the brisket and the ribs so far). The portions for the money is not disappointing and I get full. The baked potatoes are delicious, whether you like them plain or loaded. I would absolutely reccomend the food here. The store is very clean, the staff extremely friendly, the service immaculate! There is space inside and outside for eating. The music varies to accommodate most genre's one could enjoy. If you're from the area or passing through, be sure to make a stop here for food, drinks ( including some alcohol) or just to sit and have a snack. You won't be...