Long lines but moved quickly and food came out fast & fresh!! Large portions at great prices. Loved the regular and Carolina BBQ sauces on the table. Wanted ice cream but was so full I couldn't do it (and that's with 1/2 my wrap to take home). Also liked the cooler of soda pop options to accompany the lunch. Well done!!
Review Source:We have been slowly working our way through the menu... about four visits a month -- yes, it's THAT good. Â The Rib & Brisket combo is the obvious choice for those who can't decide. Â Both are excellent. Better than even expected. Â The smoked chicken is great, the brisket wrap is stuffed full of meat and cheddar cheese... but our newest addiction is the Saturday night special - the Brisket Burger. TWO third pound hamburger patties, wonderful-smokey brisket, and real cheddar cheese on a grilled roll. Â Between licking the juice drops off your arm, you will thank me for this recommendation! Â This giant burger with your choice of sides (awesome fries, as-good-as-mom's-potato salad, meaty baked beans, or cole slaw) for under $9 -- it feels like you're stealing from them. Â Jim and Laura are the nicest owners around, it's a great little restaurant filled to overflowing with knick-knacks and antiques. Â There's always something new to see. Â No matter how hard it is, save room for ice cream. Â You do not want to miss Tim's small-batch, locally made ice cream. Â Just walk in, go up to the counter and order the Brisket Burger and a single scoop Macinac Fudge cone -- seriously, you will STUFF yourself with GOODNESS for about $11. Â We're SO glad we found this place!
Review Source:THE REAL DEAL. The ribs are all we tried, but they don't need sauce. They were perfectly smoked to a lovely pink, the meat came off the bone very nicely (not falling off, but not stuck either) and they were SO tasty! Baked beans and potato salad were top notch, too. It's all homemade here...
I will purposely look for this place every time we come back to the area!
Stopped in Nelson at J&J BBQ on 2-26 to inquire about their ribs & whether they smoke their own ribs or bought them. The owner quickly assured me that his smoker was on-site and he personally did them, that day. Nice couple that run it, very reasonable prices. Kind of a trinket/general store atmosphere too with tons of odds and ends for sale too.
I took a chance, being that I consider myself the best cook of ribs and briskett I know. After living in KC for 4 years I had to learn how to bbq myself after moving back up north because we just don't get real bbq up here.....I was pleasantly surprised with the ribs. They were "fall off the bone" GOOD. Excellent flavoring and over all I would say I will be back again & again & again .......so long as they stay consistant. $18 for a rack includes 2 sides, very filling !!
The sides of .......fries - portion was good, fries were good.
           ........Coleslaw - Really small container (to go) but tasty
           ........Beans -Really small container (to go) but tasty
It won't be neccesarry for me to spend half a day to have ribs now that I have this place just across the river.
The only reason I give 4 stars instead of 5 is the tiny portions for the sides.....
My fiance and I drove the scenic trip down Highway 35 from Menomonie just to experience J&J BBQ. Â The restaurant itself is very unique because it's a combination general store, antique haven, and BBQ joint all in one. Â Atmosphere is definitely not lacking here!
It is run by an elderly couple who are very nice. Â They refilled my Coke free of charge and chatted about their sauce for awhile too. Â Very nice down home country people. Â Have to love that kind of service. Â
It took about 5 minutes and out came my shredded brisket sandwich. Â The beef by itself is not heavy on the smoke at all and it was quite dry, but that's not a bad thing. Â Their vinegar based BBQ sauce is right on the table to drench your brisket in. Â The thin and runny vinegar based sauce is mild and is the perfect compliment to their beef brisket. Â There is some fat on the brisket, but not too much even for me who hates bundles on fat on meat. Â
My brisket came with baked beans that had a delicious and unique flavor and a boat load of french fries all for $7. Â What a deal! Â
My fiance had the pork sandwich and she really enjoyed it. Â
We'll come back for sure! Â However, I wouldn't go out of your way for J&J. It's good, but not "50 mile detour" good. Â However, if you're in Nelson, WI or nearby, stop by for some great Americana!
J & J Barbeque located in The Nelson General Store is some of the best barbeque that I have had on the Mississippi River, and definitely on the norther extent. Service is exceptional and the small town kind. My favorite is the BBQ pork sandwich with a healthy dose of tabasco and cole slaw which is a steal for $5.95. I have rode the motorcycle down Hwy 35 (The Great River Road) from St. Paul to Nelson just to get lunch here.
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