J&J Smokehouse BBQ

The atmosphere is awesome for the nice weather. Outside seating. No serving, you order your food at the counter and then pick it up and go sit. The food itself was just lacking something to be really good. The meat was dry and it just didn’t taste like fresh bbq you expect. The sides were also just okay. Corn bread bland and pickles extremely hot. For 2 people $45 with no drinks and to not even be waited on, I also feel it was expensive. The vibe seems to be really great but I think they’re missing some important aspects. I don’t think we’d go back.

This place is immaculate, their barbecue is off the charts, and the service is just amazing! I’ve been here a handful of times and have not been disappointed. I will have to warn you, the pickles are very spicy😳🔥 Look at this pulled pork sandwich! The meat towers as high as the bun standing up

All the food we ordered was delicious! The portions were huge and the prices were reasonable. We didn’t even wait 5 minutes before our meal was ready. Highly recommend!

The pulled pork is delicious!!! VERY generous portions. It was such a beautiful day we ate on the "deck."

Food was great. Huge portions and fast service. Did get some heartburn but might have been the spicy pickels

10/10 service taste atmosphere price. Potato salad and spicy cucumber was a KICK

We got the Catskill Cuban, pulled brisket, and burnt ends. We tried the Mac and cheese and garlic mashed potatoes. Everything was delicious. The portions were huge. Definitely recommend.

I want to share my sincerest thanks to J&J Smokehouse BBQ for catering our wedding! They have been absolutely amazing from the start and when I say, literally EVERYONE enjoyed every ounce of food we had yesterday! From the amazing customer service every time we stop there for lunch, the food being exceptional every time, and how prompt, kind and helpful the delivery driver was, J&J Smokehouse is a 10/10!!

Fantastic local BBQ shop in Cairo. I got the three meat platter with spicy jerk chicken, pulled smoked brisket, and pork ribs. My sides were Mac and cheese and the veggie of day which was roasted carrots. The roasted carrots were especially delicious. The meats were tasty and everything tasted homemade. Even though the place opens at 12pm and closes at 7pm, the owner told us he starts working there at 6am to get the meats ready. This just demonstrates the detail and commitment that goes into this place. My only complaint is that the spicy jerk chicken is REALLY spicy, I wouldn't get it again. For dessert, I got the chocolate brownie filled with peanut butter. It was incredible. I highly recommend this place for a great meal in a small town.

Was in town for Thanksgiving with family and chose this spot to eat lunch days before. What a pleasant surprise. Reminded me of a personal favorite BBQ spot in Providence, RI that my family loved and the food here was incredible as so. I had - Platter Jerk chicken Pulled chicken Garlic mashed Veg day My meal had so much food and all was incredible. The cornbread is so good! Would eat here again no doubt.

After a hike in Catskill, we we starving and came straight here for some good ol' BBQ. The location isn't very big with a couple parking spots and some tables indoors and outdoors. Since we had our pup with us, we sat outdoors in the picnic benches. I ordered the Trio Platter ($22), which includes 3 meats, two sides, cornbread, and house pickles. For my meats, I chose the smoked pork ribs, jerk chicken, and smoked pulled brisket since they didn't have any burnt ends available. I liked that the pork ribs were more like 4 bones even though it stated 2 bones. The pork ribs were super tender and delicious while the pulled brisket and jerk chicken had such a similar texture that there's no much difference. Everything went great with the BBQ sauce to cover up some of the dryness. For my sides, I had the mac & cheese and potato salad --loved both of these. The mac & cheese was so cheesy while the potato salad had a nice acidity to cut through the heaviness of the meat. Finally, the cornbread is an entire mini loaf, which was delicious. Also loved the house pickles, which were pretty damn spicy. Overall, yummy BBQ spot while in Catskill. The platters are huge and they really pack your plate for such a great price too! Definitely would come back here whenever in the area.

Authentic and easy take away! Always fresh and innovative. Diverse menu and amazing large portions. Never disappoints

WHEW! The food here is to die for, my lord! My husband and I were looking for some BBQ on our way home from Kaaterskills falls and J&J kept popping up on the local restaurant lists and the extensive menu had us locked in. We arrived about 10 minutes before a crowd accumulated so we took our time ordering. I ordered a platter with one meat (ribs) and my husband ordered 2 meats (pulled pork and beef). I was so shocked (and happy) to see that I was given 4-5 ribs for my one meat platter since their portions were already pretty generous! Overall, if we're back in the area we will make it a point to come back to J&J!

Based on the rating - this place doesn't need many of my good words to convince you to come. My words are, "You HAVE to!" Not much seating or parking for a place so GOOD. A walk-up to order counter from their easy to ready menu. Decided on a trio plate to share between two folks. Got the brisket, (last of the) burnt ends, and the sausage with potato salad, and mac and cheese. I just think this place is so cheap compared to what BBQ paces charge in other areas. This was more than enough food for the two of us and we were hungry. And the bottled drinks are only $2. The food was PHENOMENAL. The burnt ends and brisket were piled on. Slathered in enough sauce not to be saturated but also be moist. The sausage had just the right amount of heat. Tender and fall apart in your mouth. I happened to LOVE the sides. The mac and cheese can always be a toss up at any place but this was GOOD! It didn't fall apart. There was a cheesy goodness to it. Not too oily. Not too salty. I think that is exactly what I needed with the meat. And the potato salad is mustard based. But not over the top because of the ratio with a creamy sauce. The sides MADE the meat the stars of the plate. The homemade pickles were SO spicy. They also gave us a white sauce that is just...I can't describe how delicious. Everything, and I mean everything was balanced. It looks like their catering does really well, but I was happy to sit inside with the garage style doors open. The one thing I think would help is a bigger plate or serving the plate on a red cafeteria style tray. I think that would really bring together the homegrown feeling. PLEASE visit while in the area. You won't regret it.

Arrive at place hungry not open when supposed to be. Poor quality food for the price. 10/16/24 in response to owner comment: Obviously I ate the food prior to Columbus Day. You are absolutely correct..... I shouldn't have came back for another try. Regards

Great value and delicious bbq! Ordered ahead for pickup and it was hot and ready to go..love this place!

Clean and well kept space. Greeted by very friendly staff. Food came out quickly. Very generous portions and reasonable prices. Would definitely come back.

Would highly recommend. The food is delicious. Loved the ribs pulled pork chicken wings, Mac and cheese, and beans. Prices were very reasonable considering the extremely generous portions. We had a lot of leftovers. Service was very good. It's a friendly family run spot. Definitely stop in if you are nearby.

What a serving! Those with "big eyes" will definitely be pleased. Be prepared, however, to take home leftovers. Everything was delicious.

The ribs were outstanding, as were the baked beans, Mac and cheese and the carrots. All the meats (brisket, pulled pork and chicken) were very good and the brownies were incredible. These guys know what they're doing!

J&J's Smoke House Barbecue Joint offers a decent dining experience. The ambiance is casual, but nothing particularly stands out. The barbecue itself is alright, but lacks the depth of flavor and tenderness found in top-notch barbecue joints. The service is friendly enough, but can be slow during peak hours. Overall, it's an okay spot if you're in the mood for barbecue, but don't expect anything extraordinary.

NEW FAVORITE! We were only passing through, but the flavor, quality and portions of this little place put this on the list to "drive out of the way for" places. We had the pulled-pork platter with cole slaw and roasted carrots - and split it. Fantastic texture, great BBQ/smoked taste, and a big portion came along hot and quick from the nice people behind the counter. Totally charming converted gas station, great outdoors seating - TOTALLY GOOD, we'll be back!

Very friendly service. The amount of food for the price we paid was awesome! The quality was great too. We got the trio platter. We had two dogs with us and they were pretty accommodating outside. Awesome little stop!

Came here on 4th of July and kept our expectations low. It's self service, you order at the counter and they call you when your food is ready. Food was good, loved their sweet sauce. We ordered the meat platter. Ribs had good amount of fat so my BF wasn't too crazy about it but I enjoyed it. He liked the pulled pork and pulled chicken. Side dishes were adequate and average. The carrots side dish was my least favorite, ended up throwing it out after a few bites.

The owner or manager here was so nice. My friend can't eat spicy food so he let her try a taste before placing our order. 10/10 will recommend.

Walked in on a gloomy Tuesday on my first night in a cabin nearby. What an amazing non nonsense BBQ joint. Gargatuan serving size and one of the better BBQs I have tasted. Must visit if you hungry anywhere in the vicinity.

NO STARS for J & J Smokehouse BBQ of Catskill, NY, period Synthetic Estrogen Infused, Flavorless, Massive Sodium Dosing, Cold Owners Informing people of J & J food facts is worth a few minutes typing. Excess Sodium: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/effects-of-excess-sodium-infographic Phthalates, BP & EA (Estrogenic Activity) ~ Synthetic Estrogen: ‌ Phthalates and BPA are dangerous because they can cause: Cancer, Asthma, Hormone imbalances, Developmental delays‌, Reproductive problems. Ingestion - When you eat foods that were wrapped or stored in plastic, phthalates may seep into your food. Hot foods in clear plastic fast food containers release stratospheric levels into foods. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-about-the-toxicity-of-polypropylene https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3222987/ Health-conscious people habitually avoid SE infusions, and massive sodium consumption to avoid scientifically associated consequences. What a cryin' shame that J & J (Owners) have no clue, regarding truly authentic barbecue. Biting into saucy ribs immediately overwhelmed taste-buds with a severe sodium infusion. During my first visit, I spent well over $100 upon ordering a wide variety of meats and sides. Every item from the menu (coleslaw was slightly less salty) was, and remains flavorless, other than extremely heavy salt. Prices are considerably higher as well, when compared with authentic and flavorful BBQ fare in the area. J & J Smokehouse BBQ over-salts every single menu item so heavily that it masks all other flavors, which may have an ulterior motive beyond increased beverage sales. Note: They need to list non-traditional ingredients on the menu since many people don't consume swine, and may be sensitive to hot peppers. Stranger Than Fiction! No making heads, nor tails as to why anyone would incorporate mystery meats in baked beans, nor hot peppers (or hot minced pepper sauce) into macaroni & cheese. Their coleslaw is very watery, and the potato salad is mostly mayo'. Their brisket was under-cooked, which the cook somehow overlooked, and obviously disregarded while slicing. Too rare to sample, and very tough and string under knife and fork. I respectfully mentioned my inability to taste any of their foods due to extremely excessive salting. I also informed them of the more crucial and devastating health implications of high sodium content for themselves and customers. Sadly, no change has been made, based on repeated, and recent follow-ups. Be forewarned; J & J Smokehouse BBQ also serves all piping-hot meats and sides in plastic containers. Why consume large infusions of synthetic estrogen to throw off your chromosome balance, reduce virility and increase likelihood of cancer? Many safe and more affordable food service container options exist. The female owner (on left in photo) at the counter's face went sour when I requested a replacement order of beans without a plastic container. The male owner (on right in photo) turned his back to me, and dumped the synthetic estrogen infused baked beans into a tin container. Upon refusing the contaminated beans, he gave me his big, bad and angry look from their elevated kitchen platform, rather than an understanding smile of 'customer appreciation'. If they were unaware of the widely known fact that plastics release toxins into hot foods, they would have inquired out of genuine concern for their customers, and business. I spent my finite time sharing internet resources, and specifically documented studies of the direct health consequences. Their seemingly sincere interest and concern has proven to be ingenuous. Searing hot foods are still placed in synthetic estrogen leaching plastic containers, as-per ongoing visits. No acknowledgement, nor researched into health consequences of massive sodium consumption, nor single serving SE leaching affects instilled the least concerns. J & J Smokehouse BBQ has made no efforts to switch to safe food service containers, nor reduce intentionally excessive sodium applications indubitably confirms lacking concern for the safety and health of their high-paying customers, nor community. True barbecue aficionados will seek-out true Pit Master restauranteurs in the area who are friendly, respectful, appreciative and conscientious. Healthy BBQ at reasonable prices, including tin takeout containment is worth the quick search to remain healthy and happy. NO STARS for J & J Smokehouse BBQ of Catskill, NY, period

Delicious food, amazing portions, and really nice people. We are new to the area and stopped for lunch. Our pick two platters were so filling and tasty. Thank you!!

We were in the Catskills and wanted some BBQ so we decided to stop by and give J&J's a try. In terms of BBQ, it was just average...some things were pretty decent, and some were just not good at all. The best thing about this place were the portion sizes, they were very generous! We ordered the chili con carnivore, which was delicious, the jerk chicken which was OK, the smoked pulled brisket which was decent, the sausage of fire which was tasty, the baked beans which were tasty, and the smoked pastrami (which was not really good at all compared to other pastrami I've had). The sides were good, but the overall experience was just ok. The staff service was very good though, the girl behind the counter was really nice, and the ambiance inside was nothing special but also not horrible either. We sat outside at a table and it was pretty nice. Would I return if I was in the area? Probably...was it the best BBQ I've had, no....but there were definitely some things I would order again.

We were traveling through the area and saw this place on Google. Wow! The food was amazing! We had a pulled pork & Cubano sandwiches a side of potato salad and a side of baked beans. The portions are huge! They quality of the food was delicious, flavorful and overall fantastic. The pickles are spicy and fresh tasting. I'm picky about potato salad but even that was great. Definitely a must stop if your in the area! Also it was very clean even the bathroom!

this BBQ hit the spot for sure! we got the three meat platter of ribs, brisket, and pulled pork with mac and cheese and the spicy pickled cauliflower on the side and everything was DELICIOUS! the pork ribs were definitely our fave. all the sauces were great as well--the white sauce, the sweet barbecue, and the NY vinegar were our faves. the folks working there were very kind and friendly, and the restaurant was perfect to sit and eat in.

My wife and I were craving BBQ. We checked Yelp and found J and J Smokehouse BBQ. 4.6 star rating by 73 people. We arrived at 6:00 and the restaurant was empty. We went in and ordered bbq brisket sandwich and pulled chicken sandwich (for my wife). The food was terrible. We ate about 1/8 (if that) of the sandwich and ended up throwing the plate of food away. Then we just left. Not sure where these reviews come from, but I don't believe they're real.

Quick update - they have indeed gotten the food hotter! The specials they come up with and additions to the menu are really good and different. I have not tried the brisket again, but hope to! I'm glad they've managed to thrive in Catskill, despite Covid! An asset to the town.

Little spot in Catskill NY. They make sandwiches and platters. Many choices for side fishers. You can also order just meat in pint and quart sizes. Have tried the pulled chicken which is good and the jerk chicken which is better! Just the right amount of kick to it. Very casual, we usually do take out. They do sell beer and hard seltzer I believe.

This place is fantastic, the service was really fast and the food was great, reasonably price and delicious. Checks all of the boxes it should.

VERY GOOD and huge portions - bf and I ordered a trio (comes with 3 meats, 2 sides, and cornbread). we asked if it would be enough food for both of us. cashier stated that it depends on how much we can eat. we're from NYC so bbq portions here are TINY but we decided we can always order more. the grill master probably overheard us and PILED IT ON and said he might have overdone it. no good sir, you're da bomb. 1 order filled both of us up. the pickled cucumbers are soooo spicy and the burnt ends were delicious. i really wanted to come back and order more to take back home but we left Hudson early :( pls check this place out and tip!

Best BBQ in town. Was staying in close by Leeds and saw this gem pop up on our search. Stopped in for a late lunch and was not disappointed. Amazing BBQ and huge portions.

Outstanding! Great place! Great food and Great service! Highly recommended.Pulled Brisket! Yum!

The portions *are* very generous, as someone has mentioned. I got the pastrami platter. The pastrami was undercooked and extremely tough. Maybe it was a tough cut? But the cook should have tried it before putting it out to sell, not just slice some off but TRY it. Even slicing should have shown it was not ready yet. It needed to be cooked a lot longer. The mac and cheese was ok but I think it had either jalapeño peppers or maybe hot sauce in it?.....which was not mentioned. If something like that is added, state it on the menu. Had I seen that I would have skipped it. I haven't eaten any of the potato salad yet but it also seems to be very wet with what I assume is too much mayo. The cornbread was ok. I bought extra side dishes. The baked beans were good though they had sausage and/or some other pork in them, which I think should be noted on the menu. Some people don't eat pork. I've had plenty of good baked beans at other barbecue places that had no meat. Think SEASONINGS....brown sugar, bourbon, molasses The cole slaw was good after I put it in a strainer and got rid of the huge amount of liquid it was soaking in. The young lady behind the counter was not particularly welcoming. I really wanted to like this place but I don't think I will be back. I see another reviewer mentioned very tough pork. I can believe it. The main reason I won't be back is that spectacularly undercooked and tough pastrami.

Wow, what a fabulous find! Best smoked meat in the region. Let's just say that our first visit was such a wonderful experience that we came here the next day with our hosts rather dine in Hudson. If you are looking for really good bbq, head to J &J Smokehouse. Order any of the meats (we tried pulled pork, pastrami and chicken) and get the cole slaw or garlic mashed potatoes. We look forward to our next visit.

You won't go home hungry! After accomplishing a diy project my wife and I drove for takeout + We got a combination of four different styles of meat and four different sides with the included cornbread. We took it home and mixed and matched. Highlights: all meats were very tasty and consisted of generous portions; for the sides the garlic mashed potatoes were outstanding, the pickled spicy cauliflower. Not to be outdone the included cornbread was some of the best I have tasted in a long time, again another. My wife and I will definitely come back again, a solid 5 stars. +For our plus we drove to the Crossroads brewery and picked up a growler of Outrage Ale, which is located just down the road from J&Js.

Okay first of all, that is the best whoopie pie I've ever had. I also got dinner. Pulled pork sandwich was great. Coleslaw was great. Potato salad was great. I actually woke up in the middle of the night and started to eat more of it. I got a brownie too which was also great. Definitely want to go back.

Great food, best dishes! Nothing you could order will be wrong. Our favorite place to eat!

Their Cuban with Pastrami and pulled pork was excellent and a large portion. Their salads are amazing. Beef brisket and ribs were large portions again but had a slight steamed taste vs. smoker. Not sure if they smoke their meats. People are friendly, portions are large. Would suggest you give it a try, worth stopping.

Slap-yo-Mama GOOD. My coworker had been talking about it all week. Heading home from Adirondacks I had to stop. Just amazing. He recommended the Rueben and beans. I'm speechless! Will definitely return.

We love J&J!! We stop quite a bit for dinner and have used them for catering a few times. The owners are great and so are the employees. Always great service and great food! The burnt ends are my favorite. And I can't leave without one of their dessert bars!

Great place. Loved the vibe and the good was balls on. I loved the Ruben get the Ruben!!!!!! Pulled pork was great and fries were great but the Ruben was banging with the mustard kraut and Russian. It was like the UN made sense for a moment.

In a word, meh. I love BBQ, but this place left me underwhelmed. Think they did a nice job on the interior space. So while there's nothing bad about this place, I can't say there's anything of note, either.

We just ate here for the second time. The meats are wonderful and portions are generous. I'm not crazy about the sides. I like flavorful food but not overly seasoned. I found the Mac and cheese to have way too much pepper, didn't like the jalapeño cornbread. Coleslaw and garlic mashed potatoes were ok. There's outside seating which is nice. Service is a bit gruff, got an eye roll when I said I hadn't enjoyed Mac and cheese last time.

Delicious barbecue especially the ribs. The beans are yummy. The pickles are a little spicy

Great main and side dishes. Friendly staff, fast service, generous portions and a cool spot to hang out.

A-Mazing Husband and I are on a road trip and stopped for lunch. We didn't know the portion sizes so I asked how big are the sandwiches, and he said "pretty big." He was not exaggerating! Pulled Brisket sandwich was moist, lean, and Plentiful for 2. Sauce was very good and the home made picked beets were excellent, better than my own. Coleslaw was also very good with a flavorful dressing. Highly recommended!

I can't believe they dumped everything into one big tub. It made the whole BBQ meal a big mayonnaise soup. The food is usually really good. I can't believe they absolutely ruined all of this. I got the trio and everything is soaked in mayonnaise juice from the coleslaw. I didn't realize I had to specify to separate everything! Food is fantastic! The packaging is ruining it.

Visiting family in Memphis. So .... gotta get BBQ. Right? Ate at Central BBQ and Fat Larry's. Have been to The Rendezvous downtown a number of times. Save yourself the trip South. Prefer J & J Smokehouse. The quality, the taste, the portions, the value are all spot on. We are fortunate to have Jim and Jill and the team here in Catskill.

Amazing Brisket! From a Texan, hands down done well, fresh & delish! Beef Brisket! BBQ sauce a gr8 touch!

Disappointingly mediocre. Yes ribs, but lacking flavor. Brisket shredded like pulled pork and lacking smoke flavor. There's no sauce and no meatiness by themselves so therefore no flavor. Just grey meat. Pickles in razor thin slices (why?) obnoxiously spicy (Why again?). Baked beans and cole slaw not bad. Not worth the trip, time or 20 bucks for two meat dish. If I ever return which is doubtful I might try a Reuben. Not worth crossing the bridge for baked beans. Bummer -- I was hoping for bbq better than mediocre a la Dinosaur in Troy. "Dinosaur is better," I never thought I would ever utter. (Syracuse and Rochester are outstanding.)

Best barbecue in the north. Pricey but worth it Ambiance for the prices not so good