Double J Bbq Ranch

The barbecue was really good, 4 signature sauces to choose from, hot was not hot enough but that's just me :)

The sides were homemade, baked beans and green beans with real bacon.  Green beans were super good with lots of garlic.

We never would have found it without yelp, very easy to get to off I70.

Between Columbia and St. Louis, there are a number of places to stop off of the highway for food, but not a ton of local spots within easy sight of 70. For the choice of location alone, Double J should be commended.

It's not difficult at all to get from 70 onto this little restaurant's lot. The turn in's a few yards in front of the sign marking the restaurant and both cars and trucks use the same entry.

From the outside, there's not much to see, but a little smoke coming from a pit out back was a good sign.

The parking lot, both for regular cars and semis, is gravely. The inside of the restaurant betrays this with fine bits of the coarse material tracking in past an industrial mat before sticking in the carpet. The tables were thoroughly wiped down though and the basic chairs seemed in reasonable shape.

While waiting for a to-go order, there were a few small flat-panel tvs to watch from about 15-20 tables of various sizes and the whole place felt like you were at a friend's shop. A couple of implements and what looked like oil-rubbed light fixtures gave the space an aire reminiscent of 'old west', but the theme doesn't cut too deeply, nor does it need to. As a neighborhood spot perched at the crossroads, it comes across as much of a place for meeting friends and regular customers as a service to travelers.

With regards to the food, I found it acceptable. Portions are good and the menu is about what you'd expect in this region without many (if any) surprises. Sandwiches are served with chips and one side (~$7); Dinners/Plates come with two sides. Pulled pork, brisket, beef, ribs, etc are the meats. One sauce was served with my sandwich in an optional container (you've got to appreciate the option!). Like catsup spiked with a shot too much of sweetener, but mellowed with some spice, I found it off-putting when used as a dip, but pretty good when used sparingly. The meats were smoked; the sauce tasted of  anything but.

In all, Double J impressed me, though more so with its middle-of-the-road charm than world-class 'que.