Willard's Bar-B-Q Junction- Jacksonville, FL

 

This is kind of an update to a previous review, but I'm treating it as a new review because in the ensuing decade (can't believe it's been that long!) they opened this newer, larger location and closed the previous one. And *spoiler alert* they got better.

This location actually feels a little older- I think it was an existing building they remodeled- and it isn't spacious by any means, but it's just the right size for a down home barbeque joint. It is a little cramped, which makes social distancing rather difficult, and the use of masks is not enforced, so if that is an issue for you be forewarned. The inside seating area is tastefully decorated in a rustic theme along with multiple expressions of support for law enforcement.

Since it had been so long between visits, I went with my standard first try choice of a pulled pork plate with two sides. Let me say something about the sides. Willard's has far more than the standard beans and slaw; they offer about 15 different southern/country style sides to pair your meal with. I choose one standby- baked beans, and one which is common at country buffets but not often seen at a barbecue restaurant- stewed okra and tomatoes.

The pork was beautiful. It was done well and fully met my expectations, but the sides even went beyond that and took what would have been an average meal a notch up. Somebody knows how to cook around here. Having said that, I still took the opportunity to try out their sauces on the pork. Nothing to disappoint their either. As usual, I was a little partial to the mustard one with my pork, but any of them would suffice.

It's not the best barbecue in Jax, but it's definitely worth consideration for anyone in the area looking for a solid meal on the Westside. I don't know what took me so long to return, but it won't be another ten years until next time.

FOOD RATING: 3.5 OF 5

AUTHENTICITY: 3 OF 5

OVERALL RATING: 3.5 OF 5

PRICE: $

 

Willard's website

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Gators BBQ- Jacksonville,FL

I'm frequently in Jacksonville for work, so I've tried a fair number of the barbecue establishments in the River City. I was surprised then, when a Florida Times-Union reader poll named a joint I'd never heard of as the best in Jax. Of course, I had to see for myself. In fact, I made two separate trips to the industrial Westside to see what all the fuss at Gators BBQ was about. It sits shoehorned into an old home under a couple oak trees, surrounded by lumberyards and auto repair shops.

   Inside is a crowded dining room with seating for about 25, and an even smaller kitchen. Both times it was nearly full, but I was still able to find a seat. Orders are placed as you enter at a counter separating the two rooms, and brought to your table when ready.

  On my first visit, I sampled their pulled pork, along with beans and macaroni salad. The second time I went big, choosing a two meat combo with ribs and brisket plus potato salad and beans (again), so I think we've got the basics covered. There is a lot more on their menu, including the namesake gator, so another return may be in order.

   I was impressed with the pulled pork. Large chunks of tender smoked meat and small bits of flavorful bark were mixed nicely. Smoke flavor was there, but not overly strong. Beans and Macaroni salad were both average, run of the mill supporting actors.

 

   The ribs had a nice black crust. They had good flavor and were perfectly tender, but a little dry. Though it was chopped into little strips, the brisket had decent flavor too. It would have been better if the 1/4" layer of fat on the edge had been given time to cook into the meat. Both of these meats seemed like they could use a little sauce, so I gave the yellow bottles a try.

  Only one was labeled as mustard sauce, but they seemed to all be variations of the same recipe, one a little sweeter and one slightly hotter than the regular. I like a good mustard sauce, and these didn't disappoint.

   Again the sides were average. Garlic toast was so cold the butter wouldn't melt.

This places epitomizes the atmosphere of a good bbq joint, and they are on the right track with their meats. Even though some of the details need work, I would say they edge out Monroe's as my new favorite place in Jacksonville.

FOOD RATING:3.5 OF 5

OVERALL RATING: 4 OF 5

Monroe's Smokehouse Bar-B-Q, Jacksonville,FL

I first noticed Monroe's Smokehouse while driving down a side street off Cassat Avenue, and made a note to give it a try next time I was in the area. A quick Google search revealed many great reviews, several even proclaiming it the best in Jacksonville and making me more eager to try it out. A couple weeks later, the opportunity arose, and I stopped in for a Friday afternoon lunch. The parking lot was packed, but I managed to find a spot. After entering the front door, you place your order at the counter straight ahead of you. A colorful chalkboard lists the days specials and available side items.

 
They had a two meat combo, so I went for pulled pork and brisket along with sides of baked beans and collard greens. A piece of texas toast was also included. After ordering, you take a number and seat yourself at one of the oversized booths. A few minutes later, my food arrived and I dug in.

I hit the sides first and was immediately impressed with both. The beans were loaded with bacon and tasted heavily of brown sugar, maybe a bit too sweet but I loved them. The greens were tender, cooked in a spicy tomato sauce and had tons of flavor. I was excited to try the meats, especially since I don't usually get brisket and this seemed like the place to try some. Maybe all the glowing reviews and my excitement got my hopes too high, but this meat was a letdown. It was tender and moist, appeared to have a little bit of smoke ring, but I had to strain to find any smoky flavor. Also, the brisket had a big strip of unrendered fat running up the middle, which I have learned from @BBQsnob is not a good sign. It was a great pork roast and roast beef, but fell short of awesome barbecue. While coming to this realization I was also contemplating the sauce lineup:

I poured out a little of the "Monroe Sauce", dipped a couple chunks of meat and found where all the smoke had gone. The sauce, like the sides, was intensely flavorful and it's sweet smokiness almost made up for the lack of it in the meats. The mustard sauce was great as well, but the original remained my favorite.

As good as everything besides the meat was, I wish I could give them a better rating. Best in Jax? I would actually agree with that. Unfortunately, that doesn't say very much.

FOOD RATING: 3 OF 5

OVERALL RATING: 3.5 OF 5