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Au Jus
ZipPicks Awards
Best BBQ Ribs in Upper West Side
Best BBQ in Upper West Side
Master Critic Review
Au Jus
8.1
An Oklahoma-style barbecue spot that leans into smoked meats and old-school sides without trying to cosplay Texas. The smart move is to order like a meat counter: pick one smoked protein you care about, add one standout side, and let the smoke do the work instead of overbuilding the tray.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot links sandwich, Sooners-style pork ribs, Smoked bologna sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Oklahoma-style barbecue with smoked links, ribs, and offbeat cuts like bologna.
Who should go: BBQ cravings, meat-and-sides people
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fastest trays
What to order: Hot links, ribs, smoked bologna
Insider tip: Pick one signature meat and one side—skip the sampler sprawl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; manageable during weekday lunch, tight evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, BBQ-friendly clothes encouraged.
Noise level: Moderate—lively counter energy, fine for conversation but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours; faster if ordering takeout.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—mostly sides like mac and cheese, slaw, or beans.
Vegan options: Minimal—some sides may work but not designed for vegan dining.
Gluten-free options: Partially—smoked meats without sauce are generally gluten-free; confirm sides individually.
Best For
Better for: Straightforward smoked meats, unique cuts like bologna, and a no-frills neighborhood BBQ experience.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, extensive sauces, or strong vegetarian/vegan options.