Jambones- Great BBQ

[Amy@Avalon]

I am from Alabama and fancy myself a BBQ expert. I have driven many miles for no reason other a good pulled pork. While there are a few "fair to middlin" places in our area, none would have gotten a rating of "great" before now. Both the beef brisket and Boston Butt were tender and tasty without being overwhelmed by smoke. It is good to taste the meat itself. All of the sauces were nice, something for everyone. But you really don't need the sauce on pork (or beef) this good. Next time I will try the ribs-- "Dreamland" (an Alabama fav) may have some competition!

[4dogs]

Amy I agree with you the food is GOOD.
BUT the service is terrible.
We went there Saturday at 4:15. Passed two employees on the way in, none greeted us. Had 4 employees look at us as they passed while we stood at the counter to order, none acknowledge us. The bartender saw us also.

When we finally order, no ribs and that was a Saturday, early.

Now I will have to say we ate there when they first opened and the service was great.
From the crowd that was there on Saturday I would say they are definitely catering to the bar crowd.
We will try them again, as I said before the food is GOOD.

[Smiling JOe]

The Best BBQ around, not including the backyard stuff chrisv cooks across the bayou. Being that the service is counter service +, I don't see how someone could say that service is "terrible." You order at the counter, fill your own drinks, and find your own seat. Someone calls your number and you walk to the counter and pick up your order.

Of course, we all want to be acknowledged and welcomed when choosing to spend money at a particular place, but a lack of acknowledgement doesn't equate to bad service, especieally in a self-service restaurant.

As for being out of a menu item, they slow roast their ribs and butts for something like 12 hours, so it is easy to see how they could sell out and not be able to just throw some more on the fire. Good BBQ requires slow cooking, and much patience.

For those who don't know, I noticed that Jambone's lowered their prices on a few items. (yippie!)

[aggieb]

The Best BBQ around, not including the backyard stuff chrisv cooks across the bayou. Being that the service is counter service +, I don't see how someone could say that service is "terrible." You order at the counter, fill your own drinks, and find your own seat. Someone calls your number and you walk to the counter and pick up your order.

Of course, we all want to be acknowledged and welcomed when choosing to spend money at a particular place, but a lack of acknowledgement doesn't equate to bad service, especieally in a self-service restaurant.
thanks for the clarification sj.

[JamBone]

Amy I agree with you the food is GOOD.
BUT the service is terrible.
We went there Saturday at 4:15. Passed two employees on the way in, none greeted us. Had 4 employees look at us as they passed while we stood at the counter to order, none acknowledge us. The bartender saw us also.

When we finally order, no ribs and that was a Saturday, early.

Now I will have to say we ate there when they first opened and the service was great.
From the crowd that was there on Saturday I would say they are definitely catering to the bar crowd.
We will try them again, as I said before the food is GOOD.


hey there 4dogs
there is nothing more horrifying than hearing that a guest of mine had a bad experience and for that i really want to apologize - especially if one of my gang didn't acknowledge you when passing. i would like to take this opportunity to give my idea of how i structured the service system here at JamBone - and it is a bit unique in some ways.

i really wanted to have an operation that required the fewest amount of staffing and still get people great hot food fast and inexpensive and the counter service method is the foundation of that and sj did a very good job of explaining that already. there is an attitude and persona that goes along with the speedy counter thing and we rock out food so fast and hail your number out loudly and often with some very humorous sarcasm to pump up the action. sometimes i even slightly scold those who aren't paying attention to their ticket number and they come running up with a smile and we all laugh and i tell them that i will have them all "trained" how to eat here eventually. the pace is super bustling and rowdy and slightly off kilter and it all adds to what i want this place to be. i am even willing to say that some folks don't really have much appreciation for this style "yet" but - i'm gonna keep at it and see how it flies! during the mid shift times like when you came we don't have cashiers on staff and you have to fight through the half-off happy hour crowd and give your order to the bartender - my sister aimee - and it can be a little inconvenient for sure. i hope you get used to the style and it starts to suit you and if you ever come back please ask for me and if you ever need service and are ignored please again ask for me and i promise i will take care of you immediately.

in regards to being out of ribs - whew - this is a tough issue for me to stay on top of. we only use steroid/hormone/antibiotic free meat that has been raised on organic feed and treated humanely and allowed the social interaction and natural grazing and breeding that they would be allowed in the wild. this meat is about 140% more expensive and way less available and we sometimes get less than i ordered. also i don't serve left over meat and smoke food in timed batches so you get hot of the pit championship quality que during each service period. sometimes i guess wrong and we run out so it will probably always be a thing here were you may come in even early and we could be out of any number of items - my goal however is to have some of everything at least for the beginning of each service and please try us out again!
thanks for coming the time that you did and i'm glad that you liked your food!

sincerely

scott aldrerson

[TreeFrog]

Scott-

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Love your Q. :D

Keep up the good work.

[4dogs]

Scott, I appreciate you taking the time to get back with me. We will back to eat at JamBones the food is GOOD.
You might want to put a sign up at the cash register telling people to go to the bar. If I had know that we would have gone over and ordered instead of standing there like an idiot.
As far as the ribs go. Believe me I did not starve, I had Boston Butt, YUMMY!

[Beachlover2]

Went to Jambone last week - great food - great people - we were welcomed in before we even got to the door. I will definitely be back and have already told a lot of friends about how much we like this place. Thanks Scott - your sense of humor is something that will bring me back.:clap::clap:

[kimbug]

We will be there on vacation soon...can't wait, of course! Where is JamBone located??

[Smiling JOe]

Jambone's is in the strip center with the US Post Office on Hwy 98, in CoCo's former location. It's just a mile or so east of Hwy 393.

[MissCritter]

we only use steroid/hormone/antibiotic free meat that has been raised on organic feed and treated humanely and allowed the social interaction and natural grazing and breeding that they would be allowed in the wild.


Good to know and important to many folks, I'm sure. Thanks!

[JoBu]

We stopped by on our way out of Seaside (headed back to Alabama) this past Saturday. Arrived around 11:30. Wanted to meet the owner, but i was told he was busy in his office.

Very good atmosphere. Would love to go there some afternoon for beers and wings.

I had the ribs, half rack. With beans and fries. The ribs had a good taste, but just a hair too much bark on them. I couldn't eat the last bone due to the toughness of the bark. Interesting that the smoke ring was deep, but only from the top down. No pink coming from the bottom. I'm not familiar with how that particular smoker works, if the meat sees smoke only across the top or if it drifts up from the bottom also.

They were very juicy to the point i wondered how they are kept so moist. Cooked long enough to be falling off the bone which most folks who eat commercially cooked ribs are used to. I didn't try any sauce on the ribs.

Beans were excellent. Lots of tastes in there and the finished product is well worth forgoing the fries and the slaw to double-up on the beans.

My wife had the pork, fries and slaw. We were a little confused to start with as we ordered a pork sandwich (common around here) and ended up getting a plate. Then we found out there is not a sandwich option. No problem, just a little twist. Ample portion of Q; moist and great in taste. Her plate didn't have much fat and did have a nice sampling of the bark.

Father-in-law had the brisket. He was very pleased with his choice.

Don't know that any of us tried the slaw. I'm not much of a slaw person anyway. Only slaw i like is the one made from the Neeley's BBQ joint. And that slaw is THE BOMB!!! Fries were plentiful to the point of almost too many. The Buttrub seasoning added alot to them. I'm assuming that Buttrub was also used on the ribs and maybe the pork.

Prices were reasonable for the area when considering the "free range" adder and the choice of 2 sides. Don't know that i would know the taste difference between free range meat and regular harvested meat, but if people are willing to pay a little more, then so be it. Prices would definitely have to be lowered to compete in North Alabama. We alls iz poe up here ya know...

Would love to see a sampler plate with ribs and pork, no sides. Sides just take up space. Meat and beer - the rest is just for show.

Our next trip to Seaside will include another stop at Jambones.

Amy@Avalon mentioned Dreamland. We have a Dreamland in our city and i wouldn't eat there unless all of the other BBQ places were closed. I'm not much for eating grilled ribs that are floating in sauce. Same for the pork. Now don't get me wrong, i love their sauce. But i don't like to eat ribs or Q when all you can taste is the sauce. But without the sauce, Dreamland ribs aren't all that tasty.

Also mentioned was the fact that Jambones ran out of ribs when 4dogs ordered some. While i would have been disappointed also if this happened, i also appreciate the fact that the ribs are cooked and served in managable quantities. Yes its hard to always cook enough and not run out, but with the price of meat and the time needed to cook, i would rather run out of a menu item (unless its beer!!!) than to have product left over. So thank you Jambone for not serving day old ribs and Q. The average customer wouldn't be able to tell the difference, but like your choice of meat that is free range, the pit master has to take pride in his work and stand behind his (her) beliefs.

JoBu.

[Amy@Avalon]

Since you mentioned Alabama... If you are ever in Tuscaloosa, try Archibald's on Watermelon Road. On the Northport side of town. Worth asking directions to. It's really downhome style, behind Archie's house in a little outbuilding. No sides, just white bread to accompany some mighty fine BBQ. I agree about Dreamland, only brought them up due to their suprising popularity. I guess it is a chain deal now- not usually a good sign! Jambones is a welcome addition to the beach.

[Smiling JOe]

JoBu, I don't eat slaw either, but Jambone's slaw is worth eating. The Jalapeño Peppers make it rock. I actually look forward to eating the slaw there. I agree with you regarding running out of ribs or briskett, etc. in that I'd rather have fresh items, than recooked items.

[JoBu]

Amy,

Been to Title-town many times to watch the Crimson and Tide play. I've had Archibald's ribs and they are in fact excellent. Nothing for show, the meat speaks for itself. That's the way BBQ should be. I bet if you brought up the idea of 'free range' to them, they would just look at you funny and ask you to leave.:lol:

I'm in Huntsville and the Dreamland here was heavily anticipated due to the lack of decent BBQ joints in town and the reputation of their meat. I've eaten there a few times, but its not worth the short drive. Ribs and pork are both average at best.

I cook in a few BBQ competitions and have sampled both outstanding BBQ and that which is not worth feeding to the dog. And i've cooked both :idontno: depending on how many cool adult beverages I might have had.

Finding a good, consistent BBQ joint is rare. But the search is half the fun. Some people swear by Dreamland, i swear at it. Some folks love Golden Rule, I'll drive past it and eat at Dairy Queen. Next trip to SoWal will include another stop at Jambones plus a trip to a couple other joints i've been educated about recently. As you described Archibald's, many times the best BBQ is found in the most unlikely places, like behind someone's house or in a hole in the wall with a less than stellar health rating. Course if you're worried about the health rating, you prolly don't need to eat BBQ anyway.

Usually the highly advertised places never live up to the hype. Word of mouth takes care of the better places.

JoBu - Cookin' Q and searching too.....

[TreeFrog]

JoBu-

There was a time when, if I wrote as much, and as definitively, about BBQ as you just did, that I'd get flamed as a "Memphis BBQ snob".

I haven't eaten much AL BBQ, but I've got to say that the pork shoulder at Jambone tastes like the real deal to my Memphis-centric palate.

Still wishing Jambone would add a good Memphis sauce, though. The sauces are all well done, but I just can't get into them. I'll bring a coupla bottles from Neely's, Central, and some other Memphis joints the next time I'm up there and drop them off for Scott to try.

There must have been lot of requests for sandwiches. We ate there tonight and they've added a pork sandwich for $7.99, with one side.

[Smiling JOe]

Memphis sauce? I thought they used dry rub.

About the sandwich, that is the first thing I looked for when reading the menu, and I had to be educated on what was what. I think a lot of people did. Glad to hear they added a BBQ sandwich. The white bread is okay with the plate, but I like my Q sandwich on a real bun.

[TreeFrog]

Memphis sauce? I thought they used dry rub.

About the sandwich, that is the first thing I looked for when reading the menu, and I had to be educated on what was what. I think a lot of people did. Glad to hear they added a BBQ sandwich. The white bread is okay with the plate, but I like my Q sandwich on a real bun.

Nah, the dry rub is just at the Rendezvous, and just for ribs. All the rest use sauce on both ribs and shoulder. You might have had Corky's when they were open in Destin - they do a Rendezvous clone thing with the dry ribs.

And the white bread is an authentic thing. Visit Payne's or some of the other old BBQs there, and that's what you get.

[JoBu]

Treefrog: I agree about the pork. Its very good and worth the drive alone. About sauces, i'm used to a vinagar based thin sauce with black or red peppers for pork. As for ribs, a thick tomato based sauce with some heat will do nicely. We use a sweet sauce for competitions, but its not my type of sauce for home.

Glad they added a sammich to the list. Load that sucker up with plenty of pork and a scoop of Neeley's slaw and enjoy the ride:D Oh, and i didn't think one could talk or write enough about good BBQ....

The white bread used to be the only side item at the better BBQ joints. Why? Because the meat was so good that no one wanted or needed any sides. So white bread was served just to have something to sop up the sauce with. A hard working man didn't have time to fiddle with beans, potato salad and the likes. Meat and beer is what made this nation strong. The ONLY acceptable side item was a big bowl of homemade nanner puddin. (I made all that up, but it sounds legit.:idontno:)

In today's times, sides are used as filler food so as to use less of the more expensive meat and still have the customer walk away full. Hence my comment earlier about offering a plate with just meat and no sides for possibly the same price.

JoBu.

[Indigo Jill]

Here is most of my review I posted on SoWal Scene (http://www.sowalscene.com/blog/2008/06/jambone---a-har.html) - great job, JamBone!

"And last week, as I was driving toward Destin, my craving for BBQ won out and I made an impromptu stop at JamBone for lunch alone. Wow - am I glad I did. It was absolutely, fantastically delish and I can't wait to get back to sample more from the menu.

Owner Scott Alderson opened this "hardwood joint" in what was Coco's restaurant. I must say - it is the perfect location for his concept as the strip mall it's located in is fairly run down and outdated. Anything other than a "joint" in that space wouldn't fit with the feel of the location. But JamBone fits perfectly and will do well because of it - it's that Location. Location. Location. thing. I really like how they have it set it up as well. There is no table service - you order at the counter and they call out your number. As their tag says, it's "slow food .... fast".

What is truly remarkable about JamBone, though, is that it is the first eco-conscious barbeque restaurant I have ever been in - or even ever heard of. Yes, folks, JamBone is a green barbeque joint! How fabulous is that? I don't think that this is a marketing stunt, either. They seem take their eco-role seriously, from using corn and sugar based biodegradable to-go cups and containers to only using hormone and steroid-free, free range, and organic meats (which you can tell in the finished product) bought from local farms whenever possible. I just love it!

I couldn't believe how extensive - and affordable - their menu is. And although I'm sure their barbeque is what will keep people comin' back, they also serve up burgers made from house ground chuck, sirloin and brisket (YUM!), foot long hot dogs, wings, fresh seafood at their raw bar, fish and shrimp baskets, salads, stews and soup, dips and more.

For my lunch, I ordered the Boston Butt ($8.95 with a choice of 2 sides) plain, without a rub, and was offered a choice of 2 sides with that. I chose Jalapeño Slaw and Spicy Fries. Now, I'm a Yank and as such, I grew up eating barbeque which was usually drowning in a sweet BBQ sauce like K.C. Masterpiece and served on a Bunny Bread type bun so was a bit surprised to find out they didn't offer a sandwich. But trust me - no such accoutrements are needed at JamBone and I realized I was a barbeque novice for thinking so.

The meat was absolutely divine - just enough fat with a melt-in-your-mouth quality and a perfectly smoky accent which complimented the pork flavor, not masking it like is so often the case. As I was eating, I was thinking to myself this is what all barbeque pork should taste like, like I had been searching for it my whole life but had never found it until that moment. I don't know if it the hormone and steroid-free, free range, organic meat or the smoking process (100% natural lump oak charcoal and local seasoned Pecan wood) - or a combination of both? - but I didn't even think to sauce my meat, although they do have an assortment on the table to choose from. In the last few days I hear they have added a sandwich ($7.99 with one side) but you don't need the bread - I promise! I wasn't a huge fan of the Jalapeño Slaw - it was tasty but too spicy for my taste and I was thinking a more sweet-sour version would've been perfect with my au natural pork and spicy fries. But that was incidental as the meat is what I focused on and had more than enough on my plate to keep me happy.

I am anxious to try the Beef Brisket ($10.95) next. I will work my way through the menu to be sure - Spareribs, chicken, 7 types of specialty barbeque, wings, burger ... oh, and for sure there will be more Boston Butt in there somewhere as it is one of my new favorites. I will write about my JamBone adventures as I do so!

JamBone - A Hardwood Joint is open 7 days a week from 11am - 2am. They serve food all day and night. They are located at 3906 US HWY 98 West, Suite 10 in Santa Rosa Beach. Phone is 850.267.1497. They accept MasterCard, Visa and Discover cards."

[Andy A.]

I'm sorry and maybe we hit a bad night but we went to Jambones for the first time on Wednesday night of this week and to say we were dissappointed would be putting it mildly. One member of our party of four is handicapped and was in a wheel chair. No assistance from anyone in getting him to a table. We did manage just fine but a courteous "anything we can do?" would be appreciated. My wife and I ordered a beef brisket sandwich with one side and she had ice tea and I ordered beer from the bar. The brisket sandwich was reasonably good but not worth what we paid for our meal IMO. The total, not including the beer, was $23.43 (9.95 per sandwich and one side). I, also do Q on a regular basis. I think I'll remain home with mine before I return again to Jambones. Sorry, but I call them like I see them. It comes from my days of umpiring.

[Andy A.]

Mr Alderson has contacted me and informed me I am wrong about offering assistance for our handicapped friend. Since I don't remember exactly what transpired, I will take him at his word that assistance was offered and I apologize for my error. That having been said, I stand by the rest of my post.

[Indigo Jill]

The brisket sandwich was reasonably good but not worth what we paid for our meal IMO. The total, not including the beer, was $23.43 (9.95 per sandwich and one side).

Maybe I've been here too long and have gotten used to "resort prices" but - to put some perspective into this thought - I was at Mickey D's drive through the other day for a quick bite for one of my sons and a grilled chicken sandwich meal was $6.89. For $8.95 - I could've had a plate of hormone and steroid free, free range, organic pork smoked over pecan wood with fries and baked beans at JamBone. JamBone is a steal IMHO and I am having a hard time understanding why some think it's "pricey". :idontno:

[MissCritter]

You're right, Jill. The other day I bought my son a Whataburger double burger upsized meal and it was about $9.00!! :yikes:

[Smiling JOe]

Nah, the dry rub is just at the Rendezvous, and just for ribs. All the rest use sauce on both ribs and shoulder. You might have had Corky's when they were open in Destin - they do a Rendezvous clone thing with the dry ribs.

And the white bread is an authentic thing. Visit Payne's or some of the other old BBQs there, and that's what you get.BBQ was food for the poor, like many of our great dishes which we eat regularly. Cheap cuts of meat, cooked slowly to make it tender and tasty. White bread was also cheap, and it was what many people used for their sandwich bread. It is okay, but that is what I use at home. I would rather have a real bun, but I never buy an eight pack of buns unless I'm having a party. At Jambone's I've been getting the bbq plate, and am fine with it being served with white bread, but if I order a sandwich, just give me a bun.

I've eaten at Rendevous (Memphis) several time and ordered the ribs every time. I was always told that Rendevous was Memphis BBQ. I've also eaten at Corky's (memphis) as often as 5 times in a week :blink: and like it, but thought it was more commercialized and maybe not true Q for Memphis.

I grew up on wet Q, but I do like dry rub Q too, if it is cooked properly.

Back to Jambone's, my last visit, I sampled the sauces and I like the variety, but none were as tasty as that Budha Butt marinade -- YUMMY!

[JamBone]

Mr Alderson has contacted me and informed me I am wrong about offering assistance for our handicapped friend. Since I don't remember exactly what transpired, I will take him at his word that assistance was offered and I apologize for my error. That having been said, I stand by the rest of my post.

thank you very much andy a for that and i still respect your opinion on your thoughts on your meal here. i hope very much to have you back as a guest to give us another try - i would love the opportunity to win you back as a jamboner loyalist.

scott

[ASH]

Took the little lady there for lunch yesterday. Both had the Boston Butt and it was fantastic. Portions are huge. Lots of flavor. My eyelids were sweating by the time I finished. Had to get a doggy bag that covered a snack today at home. We'll be back to try other items for sure.
The service takes getting used to as Scott said, and I was able to follow it much easier this time around.

[seagrovegirl]

Went to Jambones on Saturday for lunch. We went to a counter to order 2 plates and a free promotional pork sandwich with one side. We ordered one tea, but had to go to the bar to get Bud Lite. Ordered another side. Cost of lunch $32.00, plus cost of beer $5 + $1. tip.

The food was excellent, pork sandwich and beef brisket. The jalapeno slaw was heaven, very creamy, crisp and full of surprises...like cucumber and tomato. The fries were perfectly crisp and seasoned. The beans have a unique flavor and very good. The BBQ sauces were excellent as well.

Total cost after tip left on the table for three people was $44.00 !!!! For BBQ! Remember there was also a freebie in there...so it actually was lunch for two. And....you do not get waited on, you have to walk up to the counter and order. I don't think I will be back, even though the BBQ was excellent.

[JamBone]

hello seagrovegirl

just want to say that i am sorry that your jambone experience was unsatisfactory in your view of value. i would like to give a bit of an explanation in an attempt to save you as a loyal customer - because losing a customer is the worst possible case scenario that a restaurateur can face.

we consider our PLATES to be a dinner portion full meal consisting of 8 oz of cooked finished product meat along with two sides. our pork plate is 10.95, chicken 11.95 and brisket 12.95.
our sandwiches are smaller and come with one side and the bun of course and the pork is 7.95, chicken 8.95 and brisket 9.95. these seem like reasonable prices to feed a person for a meal period. these prices were less when i opened and i have since raised them to the level that they are now. as i am sure we all are so intimately aware - the economy is very volatile and the cost of almost everything has risen dramatically. just as the cost of gasoline has doubled, so to has the cost of food today and there is no other way to function as a restaurant and stay in business unless the rising cost are transferred to an increase in selling price. under these circumstances that i doubt will ever change or decrease, i feel that jambone represents and absolute incredible value in the dining marketplace. our pint of bud light draft are 2.50 and 3.00 for the bottles. all od our beer and liquor pricing is in line with or lower than our competition and that has been the philosophy from the onset. we also feature a three hour happy hour from 3-6 m-f where the bar and appetizers are all half off. you can go on our website jambone.net and view our many other nightly promotions like .25 draft on thursday and free wings on sunday among others.

the most important part of what i feel makes jambone a leader in dining value in our area is the fact that we only use steroid/hormone/antibiotic free meats that are raised in a sustainable way under humane growing, feeding, breeding and slaughtering conditions. i actually pay close to double and over double in some cases for these products. all of our packaging is also eco friendly, biodegradable and recycled - we pay nine times more for our plastic cups than what i could pay if i used styrofoam. the final piece of the value puzzle and this is my biased opinion is the quality of the food. i have taken good ol bbq and applied my 29 years of culinary training and experience in which i reached a level of accomplishment that i can only feel totally blessed to have achieved. in this i mean that we make every sauce and dressing from scratch, we grind our burger meat from brisket, chuck and sirloin in our refrigerated butcher room(burger 6.95 including fries!), we actually smoke our meat right out front in the highest tech bbq pit on the market, we drive a truck and trailer to south geargia every three weeks to pick out seasoned split pecan wood and have our lump oak charcoal freighted in each month from texas. it is what i call honest cooking and with that there is no compromise in the methods in which we prepare food. i can only hope that this shows through on the palate and the senses and when finished my guest feel like the got their 7.95 worth or their 12.95 worth. we left our specialty bbq prices the same so they are now the same price as the standard bbq so check out all the cool different sauces if you decide to come back.

our service method is intentional and it is built for super speed and efficiency because at such low price points for food i have to use volume sales to make up for that. we try to make the service fun and boisterous and kinda guest interactive and your gratuity is certainly appreciated by the small staff but it is not expected or required. i would say on average maybe 3 out of 10 guest actually leave a tip, some in cash and some on the credit receipt and that supplement really makes it nice for the crew.

i can only hope that this may clarify for you my pricing structure even though it is only bbq, and that you will return to jambone for another experience and then leave feeling like it was worth your hard earned dollars. or maybe try us for happy hour for sure and kick back and watch some sports on the plasmas or come late night for one of our live band nights.

i sincerely hope to earn back your business seagravegirl!!

scott alderson




Went to Jambones on Saturday for lunch. We went to a counter to order 2 plates and a free promotional pork sandwich with one side. We ordered one tea, but had to go to the bar to get Bud Lite. Ordered another side. Cost of lunch $32.00, plus cost of beer $5 + $1. tip.

The food was excellent, pork sandwich and beef brisket. The jalapeno slaw was heaven, very creamy, crisp and full of surprises...like cucumber and tomato. The fries were perfectly crisp and seasoned. The beans have a unique flavor and very good. The BBQ sauces were excellent as well.

Total cost after tip left on the table for three people was $44.00 !!!! For BBQ! Remember there was also a freebie in there...so it actually was lunch for two. And....you do not get waited on, you have to walk up to the counter and order. I don't think I will be back, even though the BBQ was excellent.

[seagrovegirl]

Thank you for taking the time to reply, Scott......I appreciate you! I have to admit, I did forget about the organic meat...I would pay more for that.....I did not know about the eco friendly to-go cups and I am sure they are pricey. Honestly didn't think about the cost of groceries either, even though I see it weekly when I shop........but compared to other BBQ joints, you are pricey....but you are not just a joint, you are a specialty...........and you are doing a good job of it.....and if anyone wants gourmet, organic BBQ, their going to pay for it.

Scott, I wish you loads of happy customers and a long and prosperous business in this community.......and if I get hungry for the best quality and tasting BBQ .....I'll be back with my piggy bank.

[JamBone]

groovy sgg - i hope to see you soon!

[ckhagen]

I take it they don't have a kids menu huh?

[JamBone]

yes we have a kids menu including children's sized bbq plates and fish/shrimp/chicken baskets all in the 5.95-6.95 range.

[beachymom]

Scott,
Your restaurant sounds wonderful! I wish more restaurants would use more all natural/organic meats. I will definately be putting Jambones on our list of places to try. We love BBQ, especially our older boys. Thanks!

[yummy]

went to jambone tonight for the first time. it was AWESOME. wonderful pulled chicken sandwich and pulled pork. great sauces. compare to 30A prices - comparable, and delicious! we will be back for sure.

[ckhagen]

yes we have a kids menu including children's sized bbq plates and fish/shrimp/chicken baskets all in the 5.95-6.95 range.


Thanks! Good to know... I was starting to think it was more bar than would be kid friendly. :biggrin:

[jdarg]

We finally made it to Jambone's yesterday - I can't believe we waited so long!

Let me just say that I loved the old CoCo's- the food wasn't great, but it was a great place to take the kids and they had killer margaritas. Jambone has taken it to the next level- the inside remodel looks great, there are couches and chairs for hanging out, shuffleboard, a huge bar, and lots of tables in different sizes. For us it will be a "multi-purpose" place- lunch & dinner with or without kids, takeout, bar time, and game watching (if we are out with people that watch games- we don't). A special thanks for the nicer restrooms!:clap:

We had pulled pork and chicken sandwiches- both easily at the top of the best barbecue lists. Awesome flavor, very moist, no "funky" pieces (gristle, bone, etc- my pet peeve with some barbecue). A $7.95 sandwich comes with a huge helping of meat and enough of a side for 2 people. I think I have a new french fry addiction- Jambone fries are skinny like Steak & Shake's, and seasoned with the Byron's Butt Rub. O.M.G.:blink: I couldn't get a big enough handful at a time! Bdarg's jalapeño slaw was crisp and fresh.

The best part? Kate went at her pulled pork like an animal. She made 2 sandwiches out of her kid's plate- I have never seen her go after food like this before. She said "Jambone's is my favorite restaurant!!

Thank you Scott- it was nice to meet you. It looks like you have a success on your hands!

[klauricella]

My absolute favorite thing to order is the salad with beef brisket. The tortilla "croutons", bibb lettuce, and dressing are soo good. I try my hardest, but can never finish that salad.

[MissCritter]

Looks like a few 1/2 price offers for Jambones are still available here:

http://wncv.cumulus-deals.com/index.php?index_type=promo-detail&pid=46259

[sowalgayboi]

There was also a coupon for a BOGO lunch sandwich in the Sun either this week or last week.

[foodie]

did i hear right when i heard they have bbq tofu? anyone tried it?

[nowgirl]

A friend tried the tofu and wasn't impressed....but if you're looking for tofu, do that at home. This was one of the best pulled pork sandwiches in my career and I'm from Memphis.... where barbeque is considered to be on the list of toddler's finger foods. The quality of the product shines thru. After 28 years in SoWal, good barbeque was the only thing that I missed.... the wait is over!

[30A Skunkape]

I also want to heap praise on the hot dogs. I had a Chicago style dog the other night and it was delicious.

[Vandylaw]

...my wife and I went to Jambones. Very glad we did. Probably the best smoked brisket I ever ate, and I've eaten plenty from places all over.

The staff was very friendly and helpful (explained all four sauces etc etc), and Scott (the owner) stopped by the table for a nice chat.

I'll be back...and I'm putting a note in my house here for future guests to be sure and take in Jambones.

[kurt]

http://www.sowal.com/bb/gallery/files/1/080609-jambone-001.jpg

http://www.sowal.com/bb/gallery/files/1/080609-jambone-002.jpg

http://www.sowal.com/bb/gallery/files/1/080609-jambone-004.jpg

http://www.sowal.com/bb/gallery/files/1/080609-jambone-003.jpg

http://www.sowal.com/bb/gallery/files/1/080609-jambone-006.jpg

[elgordoboy]

:lolabove: Is that a "how to" guide for ordering with visual cues only?
1. Follow new "Order Food" sign.
2. Relax and peruse menu.
3. Order at register.
4. Move to drink fountain.
5. Retire to bar and wait for your number to be called.

[Mossy1]

We had take out tonight from Jambone's and must say the experience was not good. We ordered 4 half slabs of ribs, also bought about a pint size of pork and chicken with a pint of beans and a pint of slaw. We ordered 3 brisket plates and 1 shrimp basket. The cost was $174.00. The brisket was very good, tender and good flavor. The ribs, chicken and pork were all cold, (refrigerator cold). We had to come back and heat it up. Maybe this is normal for Florida but in TN when you order BBQ it is all ready to eat (not cold). I expect to pay more on vacation and the price is not the problem, but if I pay this much I do not expect to have to come back to the house and heat the majority of it up.

[elgordoboy]

I like my ribs room temperature, pulled pork for that matter too. I don't eat barbecue chicken enough to say how I prefer it.

[jdarg]

We had take out tonight from Jambone's and must say the experience was not good. We ordered 4 half slabs of ribs, also bought about a pint size of pork and chicken with a pint of beans and a pint of slaw. We ordered 3 brisket plates and 1 shrimp basket. The cost was $174.00. The brisket was very good, tender and good flavor. The ribs, chicken and pork were all cold, (refrigerator cold). We had to come back and heat it up. Maybe this is normal for Florida but in TN when you order BBQ it is all ready to eat (not cold). I expect to pay more on vacation and the price is not the problem, but if I pay this much I do not expect to have to come back to the house and heat the majority of it up.

I noticed that the deli case that had beans, chicken, and pork packaged up to go, so I guess I would not have expected it to be hot. Our 2 favorite places in Louisville would package the food up cold (to go in the fridge) and we would re-heat.

FYI- a good way to re-heat ribs is to sprinkle a bit of apple juice on them, wrap tightly in tin foil, and pop 'em in the warm oven.

[Mossy1]

I noticed that the deli case that had beans, chicken, and pork packaged up to go, so I guess I would not have expected it to be hot. Our 2 favorite places in Louisville would package the food up cold (to go in the fridge) and we would re-heat.

FYI- a good way to re-heat ribs is to sprinkle a bit of apple juice on them, wrap tightly in tin foil, and pop 'em in the warm oven.


I just placed the order. They never told me anything about the items being cold. If they had of I would have ordered something else. If I am going to have to use the oven on vacation I might as well cook the entire meal.

[sowalgayboi]

We had take out tonight from Jambone's and must say the experience was not good. We ordered 4 half slabs of ribs, also bought about a pint size of pork and chicken with a pint of beans and a pint of slaw. We ordered 3 brisket plates and 1 shrimp basket. The cost was $174.00. The brisket was very good, tender and good flavor. The ribs, chicken and pork were all cold, (refrigerator cold). We had to come back and heat it up. Maybe this is normal for Florida but in TN when you order BBQ it is all ready to eat (not cold). I expect to pay more on vacation and the price is not the problem, but if I pay this much I do not expect to have to come back to the house and heat the majority of it up.

Give them a second chance, try eating at the restaurant, it is worth it. I'm just curious and not accusing, but how far did you go (time wise) when you left the restaurant or was it handed out cold?

[Mossy1]

Give them a second chance, try eating at the restaurant, it is worth it. I'm just curious and not accusing, but how far did you go (time wise) when you left the restaurant or was it handed out cold?


We only went to Segrove. The stuff that was cold was just like it came out of a refrigerator, the rest of the stuff was warm. I just think with take out they should tell you up front if it is cold. Maybe staff assumed I would know, people have bad days I know. Maybe a sign would help.

[JamBone]

hey mossy 1

i am so sorry for the confusion and mix up with your take out order at jambone. we do have two ways that you can buy food here. the deli case is fully stocked with all of our offerings for you to take away immediately with no waiting and it is for you to reheat at home. the portions are double the size that you would receive if you bought a "plate hot" to go or to dine in. the cold is 1 pound and a hot plate with two side is 8 oz of meat. an 8oz hot bbq plate with two choices of beans, slaw or fries is 10.95. the one pound of cold deli packs is 12.95 and in my opinion can easily serve 3. i am sorry that our cashiers didn't make everything more clear for you and please allow us the opportunity to serve you again and this time hopefully under more satisfying circumstances.

please ask for me next time you are and i hope that you do - my name i scott and i will assure you a great experience. if i am not available then please ask for either michael gutierrez or david klaeger my two managers. if you have further kitchen questions you can also ask to see kevin shields or doug dunnigan my two sous chefs.

an unsatisfied guest is the worst feeling in the world for folks like us who's singular goal is the 180 degree exact opposite - an again i am sincerely sorry for the mix up.

thanks mossy1 and we hope to win you back soon.

[tolynne]

We will be in Blue Mtn Beach this week and cannot wait to try the Jambones Q. We are from north Alabama and have tried all the Bar-b Q offerings here, most of the resturants (Golden Rule, Dads) are becoming "chains" and the food is not what it used to be. i miss the stand alone joints and Jambones sounds like a place to hang out get good food that is not a chain resturant. I have close friends that opened the Oxford Golden Rule, the food is excellent and great service but the atmosphere is not like it used to be in the 70's and 80's. I miss those stand alone Q joints.

[Miss Kitty]

Mr. JamBone...you are one cool cat! :clap:

[JamBone]

you are - miss kitty!!

[Mossy1]

hey mossy 1

i am so sorry for the confusion and mix up with your take out order at jambone. we do have two ways that you can buy food here. the deli case is fully stocked with all of our offerings for you to take away immediately with no waiting and it is for you to reheat at home. the portions are double the size that you would receive if you bought a "plate hot" to go or to dine in. the cold is 1 pound and a hot plate with two side is 8 oz of meat. an 8oz hot bbq plate with two choices of beans, slaw or fries is 10.95. the one pound of cold deli packs is 12.95 and in my opinion can easily serve 3. i am sorry that our cashiers didn't make everything more clear for you and please allow us the opportunity to serve you again and this time hopefully under more satisfying circumstances.

please ask for me next time you are and i hope that you do - my name i scott and i will assure you a great experience. if i am not available then please ask for either michael gutierrez or david klaeger my two managers. if you have further kitchen questions you can also ask to see kevin shields or doug dunnigan my two sous chefs.

an unsatisfied guest is the worst feeling in the world for folks like us who's singular goal is the 180 degree exact opposite - an again i am sincerely sorry for the mix up.

thanks mossy1 and we hope to win you back soon.

Thanks for the reply Scott. I am not trying to slam your place. The food was good and I know you are relying on your cashiers and servers to represent you. I just was not expecting to have to recook part of the food when we got back to the house. Thanks again for replying.

[JamBone]

roger that mossy1

jambone standin by

[Miss Kitty]

Mr. JamBone...do you allow dancing? :wave:

[JamBone]

miss kitty that is twice this year that i have been asked that question and the first was by my insurance adjuster dude and i was perplexed by the question. there must be some places on the planet that DON"T allow dancing. i think there should be a law against NOT dancing LOL!!!!

yes ma'am we allow dancing and we even have a great dj night for straight up for real shake your money maker booty jive hooha yoyo whatwhat uh uh uh git it git it.. you get the picture.

please feel free to dance yourself silly anytime you want here at the bone miss kitty - have you been boned yet!!??

[jdarg]

Jambone has table top shuffleboard. I think we should have a SoWal.com shuffle board tournament.:clap:

[Miss Kitty]

miss kitty that is twice this year that i have been asked that question and the first was by my insurance adjuster dude and i was perplexed by the question. there must be some places on the planet that DON"T allow dancing. i think there should be a law against NOT dancing LOL!!!!

yes ma'am we allow dancing and we even have a great dj night for straight up for real shake your money maker booty jive hooha yoyo whatwhat uh uh uh git it git it.. you get the picture.

please feel free to dance yourself silly anytime you want here at the bone miss kitty - have you been boned yet!!??

:floor: Gem of the day! (3:00 am) I am FOOTLOOSE! Polish up that floor...I hit town first weekend in October. I am from Texas and have a Daddy and a Mr. K that cook a mean BBQ! So excited to come to see you and your crew! :clap:

P.S. do you have mixed drinks with straws?

[Miss Kitty]

Jambone has table top shuffleboard. I think we should have a SoWal.com shuffle board tournament.:clap:

Further explanation, please.

[Beach Bimmer]

Three of the Fired Up Crew enjoyed brisket last night at Jambone. Third time we've eaten there, and all three times it was the best BBQ we've ever eaten. Eaten Memphis BBQ, plowed through Alabama BBQ, even had Cajun years ago near NOLA, but Jambone absolutely, positively tops them all.

As JDarg mentioned, the quality of the meat makes Jambone shine above all the other BBQ joints and chain places in NW Florida.

Scott, ya'll have ROCKED the BBQ world!

Jim & Stacy
Fired Up Paint-Your-Own Pottery
Seaside, Florida

[jdarg]

Further explanation, please.

Google "table top shuffleboard".

[JamBone]

yes miss kitty all of our mixed drinks come with straws.

shuffleboard is a classic northern bar game - all them northers come up with great bar games cause is so dang cold all the time they spend so much time indoors and drinkin!!

it looks like a long wooden bowling lane on legs with scoring lines on each end. opponents take turn sliding heavy weighted metal hockey puck looking things down towards the scoring lines. the pucks slide along smoothly across the wooden lane that also has granulated wax sprinkled all about that looks like sand or saw dust. teams try to get the furthest down the lane for the most points while also trying to knock each other off the table.

addictive and challenging and FUN! we have several groups of die hard players and we are about to have the Jambone Open World Championships!

My good friend rick clark from the Red Door Saloon in nashville is opening a Red Door in PCB next month and he will have a table as he does in nashville and my other pal jack mctighe (founder of mellow mushroom pizza) who is opening his new pizza pub on 30-a soon will also have a table and we intend to start some wicked cross county/regional/neighborhood challenges - its gonna be a great fall ya'll - football and shuffleboard!

see ya soon miss kitty and your bbq litter!

[JamBone]

Three of the Fired Up Crew enjoyed brisket last night at Jambone. Third time we've eaten there, and all three times it was the best BBQ we've ever eaten. Eaten Memphis BBQ, plowed through Alabama BBQ, even had Cajun years ago near NOLA, but Jambone absolutely, positively tops them all.

As JDarg mentioned, the quality of the meat makes Jambone shine above all the other BBQ joints and chain places in NW Florida.

Scott, ya'll have ROCKED the BBQ world!

Jim & Stacy
Fired Up Paint-Your-Own Pottery
Seaside, Florida

thanks so much jim and stacy - i appreciate your comments, it means a lot and my crew is working their butts off (hahahaha) and the guest satisfaction is what makes this whole crazy restaurant career worth the effort!

peace

[scooterbug44]

I finally ate at Jambone! Holy crap, that is good barbeque! :drool:

Good food, good beer, good prices, good music, nice staff, and clean bathrooms. :clap:

Except for almost breaking axles on the parking lot potholes, perfection!

[JamBone]

ya scooterbug my parking lots sucks bad! it might possibly be the worst stretch of paved space in the western hemisphere! very sorry about that. the only saving grace that i have is i drive a beat up old 74 bronco with big tires!

[truluv]

I'm sure your landlord doesn't care about your parking lot, and I loved your bbq the two times I ate there, but sorry, I'm not coming there til you get it fixed, I know it's not your problem, then again, it is. Seems like that lot has been that way for a while...

[sowalgayboi]

ya scooterbug my parking lots sucks bad! it might possibly be the worst stretch of paved space in the western hemisphere! very sorry about that. the only saving grace that i have is i drive a beat up old 74 bronco with big tires!

I'm sure your landlord doesn't care about your parking lot, and I loved your bbq the two times I ate there, but sorry, I'm not coming there til you get it fixed, I know it's not your problem, then again, it is. Seems like that lot has been that way for a while...

I hear there's a bay front location available. :D

[Here4Good]

Out of town landlord, who doesn't seem to have any trouble leasing the space with the parking lot the way it is.

It isn't THAT bad. I mean, we all park in gravel to eat at Stinky's (or park on 30A and hope we don't get sideswiped).

I can't remember every going to a really, really good BBQ place that had a lovely parking lot.

[hnooe]

Id like to see Jambone II on the Eastern end of 30A.. (my side:roll:) ..hint, hint...hope u get that big someday!

[Beachlover2]

I hear there's a bay front location available. :D


Please Jambone don't move - it didn't seem to work out well for Balls Out and we don't want to lose you.

[scooterbug44]

It's not that we want/expect a pristine parking lot with a perfect smooth surface - it's that EVERYONE in our party hit a massive pothole and was appalled.

The scootermobile has gone on many adventures and has probably been off paved roads more than most SUVs in this country! :biggrin:

[JamBone]

well to all you lovers of the emerald coast plaza parking lot -

it is being patched this week and the complex manager has been ordered by the owner to get quotes for a total repave.

i will be glad to post when it is patched so those of you who won't return until it's done will immediately know so i can have you back at my place.

until then-

the smoker still burns

[Miss Kitty]

well to all you lovers of the emerald coast plaza parking lot -

it is being patched this week and the complex manager has been ordered by the owner to get quotes for a total repave.

i will be glad to post when it is patched so those of you who won't return until it's done will immediately know so i can have you back at my place.

until then-

the smoker still burns

:clap:...what a sport! you never let the whiners get you down! i can't wait to meet you!

[truluv]

Maybe I'll take my bbq loving fat behind and put it on a bicycle seat and dodge them holes cause I could sure use a smoke break right now!

[Firefly07]

I like the location and relaxed atmosphere at Jambone's. The BBQ is absolutely the BEST!! The bands rock and there is lots of room to dance.

[JamBone]

they patched paradise and put up a parking lot!!!

the bone yard has been patched ya'll so bring in the cruisers for a smooth ride and pull up for some pig!!

i really like the mottled look of the 17 different generations of patch jobs on my parking lot - its becoming a piece of interactive artwork.

[TreeFrog]

Jambone has table top shuffleboard. I think we should have a SoWal.com shuffle board tournament.:clap:

Anytime. Just say when. I'm ready.