Pack Jack Barbecue

Skip this place if you like legit bbq. "Texas style" this was not. The restaurant itself looks straight out of the 60s. But not a nice restaurant out of the 60s, just.. somewhere that needs a desperate update. When we walked in we sat down for about 10 minutes before we were greeted, given a menu (after being asked if we knew what we wanted) and served. The chef/server/only person there was very pleasant. In terms of drinks, there were Pepsi (just Pepsi, no diet, no other soda), water, and Budweiser. I ordered a combo plate to try two meats but honestly wouldn't have been able to distinguish them. All the meats we tried were sitting in oil (I'm not going to take a picture of the remains in my styrofoam box since that's gross, but I am talking a solid 2-3 tbsp of oil floating in the box). Why so much oil? There was no meaningful seasoning on any of the ribs, which were tough. Also, this is a basic barbecue prep - pull off the silver skin membrane off the back! They all had the ridiculously tough papery membrane on the back which doesn't break down during low-and-slow cooking, and there's no reason for that to be left on. I gave it one star because the guy was pleasant, but sadly I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone.

Was a pleasant find along the country road. Smelled the bbq smoking and turned around. The family was nice and generous portions.

The only BBQ in Sonoma County worth going to. The meat is slow smoked to delicious tenderness. No frills or fancy soco food snobbery here. Prices are fair, sides are good, and even home made hot links. Hot links could be a little hotter, but they are delicious.

Best BBQ! Great service! Because it's family run, it feel like home inside. Ask to see the picture of the original and very cute Pack Jack! We loved the ribs and chicken! The sweet sauce was my favorite. The spicy sauce had great flavor and wasn't overly spicy. Both the ribs and chicken came with a delicious char to the edges and are juicy underneath! Beans were the best side choice we had! They were the best beans we'd ever had! The potato salad and coleslaw were good too. It was my birthday dinner and they surprised me with my first ever sweet potato pie...for free! The heavenly crust was made from scratch, the filing is perfectly spiced,and they topped it with whipped cream and a candle! We will be back to Pack Jack!

We grabbed food here after hitting up Antique Society. The ribs were amazing, along with potato salad and beans. I am from Texas and this was seriously the best BBQ sauce I have ever tasty. We got hot and for once the sauce was not sweet. We were also allowed to sit on picnic table near heater outside. Everyone was super helpful and friendly. We will be going back for sure!

Just moved to the area and I'm so glad I found this place. Martin grilled up some hot links and beef brisket for me with coleslaw and beans on the side. On point!!!!! The inside is filled with history about the restaurant over the many years and the family that make this place great. Definitely a really comfortable at home feeling here. I definitely recommend to anyone new to the area looking for some real BBQ. I'll be back again and again. Thanks Martin!!

UPDATE: I GOT FOOD POISONING FROM THIS PLACE. I eat nothing else that day besides top ramen later that evening. Ive been up and down all last night and today. Coming out of both ends. This was my first time at Pack Jacks. I got beef brisket and it was way overcooked, cut way too thin and very tough. I also got the coleslaw which was very dry. I could hardly taste it. When I asked the waiter said it was a dry vinegar coleslaw, which is fine by me... But that requires there to be actual vinegar and/spices on it to taste. The sauce was good. Also got a beer and it was bar price but half the size. I was offered pulled pork half way through my meal when I made those comments but how can you be a real BBQ place without proper beef brisket.

This was my 3rd visit to Pack Jack tonight. The first 2 were excellent. Not the 3rd. The brisket that I ordered was horrible. Looked like it had been sitting in the open all day....dried out and overcooked. The beans were cold. BBQ sauce was like gelatin. I won't go back. No excuse for this.