Eating Out: Brooklyn

I am a BBQ aficionado. This is not just a passing fancy for me as I've traveled the four corners of this country seeking out good Q wherever it can be had. To declare Brooklyn as the home of one of the BEST BBQ joints I've been to is a bold statement but it can surely be backed up by the facts. North, South, East, West, the USA has a unique BBQ flare depending on region (state) but the Northeast has long suffered from a lack of real Q cooking, often serving up some mediocre chain-BBQ for locals who know no better.

The most important thing for me is consistency. Can the restaurant consistently deliver a quality food product that hits home time and time again? If not, it's not worth repeat business. But, when a restaurant can deliver over and over without a hitch, you know you've found a great spot. But if you want to know my secret for measuring a good BBQ spot it's simply how they prepare their collard greens. If they can't make greens, they can't be trusted. Jake's got good greens.

Quite a long intro to get down to the brass tax. Jake's BBQ located near the Marine Terminal in Brooklyn was discovered by me too many years ago to admit, entirely by accident. I was driving on the BQE and was in the usual horrific traffic and I decided to ride the streets and BAM! there's Jake's. It was not time for one of my feedings so I took a mental note and returned at a later date. From the first time I walked in the door to the present day, Jake's has delivered authentic KC style BBQ with deliciously smoked meats (Ribs, Chicken, Pork, Beef, etc.) that are undeniably the very best in all of NYC.

The beef short ribs are a must! Pricey but massive and worth every penny. There's not a bad thing on the menu but for starters I'd recommend bringing your appetite and some friends and enjoying the Sampler Platter. It's a steal at nearly $30 and can easily feed 3 people. The only thing I've had that was not something I'd recommend was the fried chicken which is good but not great and it's easily overshadowed by many of the items on the menu. 

It's small and unassuming compared to some of the more bombastic entries into this arena in Manhattan but looks are deceiving and Jake's is numero uno in the hunt for the best BBQ spot in the 5 boros.