Critic's Review
Formerly named Jack's Bar-b-q Smokehouse, they changed the name in 2006 but the smoking continues. They proudly display signs claiming to smoke beef, chickens and pigs. The big smokers in the parking lot confirm it. You can smell it in the parking lot as you walk in.
Inside, Jack's is a decent place as BBQ joints go, with cherry-tone furniture and a big open window where you can watch them slap your order together.
They don't seem to have babyback ribs anymore, which I got the last time; I wanted to try the spare ribs anyway. I ordered the Spare Rib Combo for $13.75, which ended up including 7 ribs.
The cost is about on par with most other places. The sides were both good; the beans weren't too sweet and had a hint of molasses and the cole slaw had just the right sweetness to it. I'm on the fence about the ribs; the meat was very smokey and excellent when I could get to it, but the crust was so tough in places that I had to discard it, and some of the bones were broken, making them difficult to eat. They also pre-sauce the ribs and don't give you any extra; the sauce was slightly vinegary and while not bad, I like to try ribs with sauce that I know I like as well. I'd say that I liked the ribs, but they're not the best in town.
They charge $1 extra for Mac and Cheese and they only have it on Fri, Sat and Sunday; and they don't take AMEX.