People there are very helpful. One of the guys noticed that I was on a motorcycle and only had a backpack. So he asked me if I wanted to have all the BBQ nice and tightly wrapped so I can fit it in there. Thoughtful and effective for my current situation. I appreciate that. I give the atmosphere a five-star because they do pretty well for having this set up at a liquor store. Maybe I can upload some photos next time but I brought it home and the family just digged in immediately. I think it's the best damn thing between Irvine and Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, a slice of Texas literally.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Easley Darin
The best BBQ in Irvine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
MrOcho
This is the first time I have eaten at this off the beaten path Texas style BBQ joint that is hidden inside a liquor store across from John Wayne International airport! Since we already ate breakfast and did a detour before catching our flight, I only ordered the brisket which is the true king of BBQ in Texas. The order / prep area size is limited buts gets the job done. They menu is limited but diverse enough. What I Liked: -\tThe place is a true hidden gem for its size and location out by the airport -\tThe brisket was decent and tasted better because of its location which was unexpected -\tThe exterior seating has plastic tables (2) and chairs (4) -\tThe coleslaw was better than average -\tThe menu is simple What I Did Not Like -\tThe price point of $40/lb. is expensive -\tThe exterior seating has two DIRTY plastic tables (2) and chairs (4) -\tThe provided small plastic knife was useless so I used the small, cheap plastic fork, lol -\tThe brisket was not juicy which indicates a lower quality beef -\tThe BBQ sauce was not very good -\tThe smoke aroma was limited to the order counter because the smokers in the rear were not operational My overall restaurant rating is 7.6/10 which was aided by my higher score for Ambiance for which it has none which is the point of why it was great, lol! My Prime Minister of Beef rating is 7.4/10 Moos. I have had significantly better beef brisket in Texas so this would be considered a Minor league offering there but here it is a Major league offering.
Tyler M
Somehow this place is still a hidden gem compared to what it would be if the word got out. I’ve had all the famous bbq spots in Texas. This is the only spot with regular hours in California that is on par with what I’ve had in Texas.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Miranda Larsen
Great barbecue! I came in on a Wednesday afternoon and it wasn’t super busy. Quick service and the boys working were sweet. I got pork ribs and brisket which were both tender and juicy. I also got a side of scalloped potatoes which were yummy. The order came with pickles, bread, barbecue sauce, and a small side of coleslaw. I’ll definitely be coming back to try a few more things!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brisket
Alyssa Vu
This place has become one of my new go-to spots. I ordered a half pound of pork rib, a half chicken, and coleslaw. Both the pork ribs and chicken were delicious and cooked perfectly. They both have so much flavor and the chicken is my favorite. The coleslaw is always fresh which pairs perfectly with the two.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Patrick Waiyawaytar
Family enjoyed it but didn't care for BBQ sauce at all has this weird after taste. brisket was decent just not super flavorful. Beef ribs was crazy tender and juicy. Pork ribs were slight above average. Service wise they just don't acknowledge you or anything, no interaction at all just take ur order and then pay and asks for tip, and not that they were rude but it almost felt like they were since it felt like they gave everyone the cold shoulder. Just a couple of kids doing their work and no one trained them on how to interact with guests.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
J Sp
Brisket, and pulled pork were outstanding. Smoked turkey and ribs were very good. Beans and coleslaw also good, mac & cheese average.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 4
Susan Jallow
Great quality meats and the sides are delicious too! Definitely worth the trip!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stacy Kline
Amazing, fresh, and extremely authentic Texas barbecue, by JW Hayes and team! The staff are incredibly accommodating, don't mind the line. Line they are very quick. The food is unbelievably tasty and there is an incredible variety. Not to be missed!
Overhyped, overpriced. We got half a pound of brisket, half a pound of ribs, a pulled pork sandwich and some coleslaw. The pulled pork sandwich was the highlight of the meal. Both the brisket and the ribs were extremely fatty and lacked flavor, especially the brisket. Social media got me here and I kinda regret spending money on fat. This place would be good if you’ve never had real Texas or KC bbq. But honestly, City BBQ is better. Won’t return.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
M Malm
Ordered brisket, chicken and a pulled pork sandwich with beans, mac n cheese and coleslaw. Finally, BBQ that is worth every penny!!! Absolutely delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paul Bailey
The best bbq in the OC...
Rick Nyberg
Two years ago we started our Annual Veterans BBQ. JW Hayes has been both years.
We are never disappointed. And nobody goes home hungry. The man knows how to put fire to meat.
Peter Mavropoulos
Fantastic smoke BBQ. I’m looking forward to having more!
People there are very helpful. One of the guys noticed that I was on a motorcycle and only had a backpack. So he asked me if I wanted to have all the BBQ nice and tightly wrapped so I can fit it in there. Thoughtful and effective for my current situation. I appreciate that. I give the atmosphere a five-star because they do pretty well for having this set up at a liquor store. Maybe I can upload some photos next time but I brought it home and the family just digged in immediately. I think it's the best damn thing between Irvine and Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, a slice of Texas literally.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The best BBQ in Irvine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is the first time I have eaten at this off the beaten path Texas style BBQ joint that is hidden inside a liquor store across from John Wayne International airport! Since we already ate breakfast and did a detour before catching our flight, I only ordered the brisket which is the true king of BBQ in Texas. The order / prep area size is limited buts gets the job done. They menu is limited but diverse enough. What I Liked: -\tThe place is a true hidden gem for its size and location out by the airport -\tThe brisket was decent and tasted better because of its location which was unexpected -\tThe exterior seating has plastic tables (2) and chairs (4) -\tThe coleslaw was better than average -\tThe menu is simple What I Did Not Like -\tThe price point of $40/lb. is expensive -\tThe exterior seating has two DIRTY plastic tables (2) and chairs (4) -\tThe provided small plastic knife was useless so I used the small, cheap plastic fork, lol -\tThe brisket was not juicy which indicates a lower quality beef -\tThe BBQ sauce was not very good -\tThe smoke aroma was limited to the order counter because the smokers in the rear were not operational My overall restaurant rating is 7.6/10 which was aided by my higher score for Ambiance for which it has none which is the point of why it was great, lol! My Prime Minister of Beef rating is 7.4/10 Moos. I have had significantly better beef brisket in Texas so this would be considered a Minor league offering there but here it is a Major league offering.
Somehow this place is still a hidden gem compared to what it would be if the word got out. I’ve had all the famous bbq spots in Texas. This is the only spot with regular hours in California that is on par with what I’ve had in Texas.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great barbecue! I came in on a Wednesday afternoon and it wasn’t super busy. Quick service and the boys working were sweet. I got pork ribs and brisket which were both tender and juicy. I also got a side of scalloped potatoes which were yummy. The order came with pickles, bread, barbecue sauce, and a small side of coleslaw. I’ll definitely be coming back to try a few more things!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brisket
This place has become one of my new go-to spots. I ordered a half pound of pork rib, a half chicken, and coleslaw. Both the pork ribs and chicken were delicious and cooked perfectly. They both have so much flavor and the chicken is my favorite. The coleslaw is always fresh which pairs perfectly with the two.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Family enjoyed it but didn't care for BBQ sauce at all has this weird after taste. brisket was decent just not super flavorful. Beef ribs was crazy tender and juicy. Pork ribs were slight above average. Service wise they just don't acknowledge you or anything, no interaction at all just take ur order and then pay and asks for tip, and not that they were rude but it almost felt like they were since it felt like they gave everyone the cold shoulder. Just a couple of kids doing their work and no one trained them on how to interact with guests.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Brisket, and pulled pork were outstanding. Smoked turkey and ribs were very good. Beans and coleslaw also good, mac & cheese average.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 4
Great quality meats and the sides are delicious too! Definitely worth the trip!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing, fresh, and extremely authentic Texas barbecue, by JW Hayes and team! The staff are incredibly accommodating, don't mind the line. Line they are very quick. The food is unbelievably tasty and there is an incredible variety. Not to be missed!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Overhyped, overpriced. We got half a pound of brisket, half a pound of ribs, a pulled pork sandwich and some coleslaw. The pulled pork sandwich was the highlight of the meal. Both the brisket and the ribs were extremely fatty and lacked flavor, especially the brisket. Social media got me here and I kinda regret spending money on fat. This place would be good if you’ve never had real Texas or KC bbq. But honestly, City BBQ is better. Won’t return.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
Ordered brisket, chicken and a pulled pork sandwich with beans, mac n cheese and coleslaw. Finally, BBQ that is worth every penny!!! Absolutely delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The best bbq in the OC...
Two years ago we started our Annual Veterans BBQ. JW Hayes has been both years. We are never disappointed. And nobody goes home hungry. The man knows how to put fire to meat.
Fantastic smoke BBQ. I’m looking forward to having more!
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