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J&D’s BBQ (at SPARK Social)
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
J&D’s BBQ (at SPARK Social)
7.9
Long-running SF food truck serving classic pork ribs with generous portions at the SPARK Social food park. It’s the casual, family-friendly rib stop with combo plates, sweet-leaning sauces, and easy picnic-table seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Ribs + 2 Sides, 3-Meat Combo (ribs, brisket, hot links), Fully Loaded Baked Potato with BBQ
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Classic rib plates from a veteran SF BBQ truck.
Who should go: Casual groups craving ribs outdoors
When to visit: Early evening before peak truck lines
What to order: Ribs + 2 sides; brisket; hot links
Insider tip: Check SPARK’s daily lineup and order ahead to skip waits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: SPARK Social has a small paid parking lot on site, with additional metered street parking nearby on Mission Bay Boulevard. It fills quickly during peak meal hours and events.
Dress code: Casual and weather-appropriate. Most guests wear jeans or shorts and light layers for the outdoor picnic tables.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—expect background music and family chatter, but you can still hold a casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on SPARK event crowds; can spike to 30+ on game nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick service from the truck.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Minimal—coleslaw, mac and cheese, and fries are available but no mains.
Vegan options: Limited—sides only; no plant-based proteins offered.
Gluten-free options: Some meats and sides are gluten-free, but there’s no dedicated prep area, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into casual food truck vibes—fun but messy ribs and picnic seating make it more low-key than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, seating at SPARK Social is first-come-first-served. Arrive before peak dinner hours for the best picnic table spots.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—SPARK Social is built for families, with open picnic areas, food variety, and nearby restrooms. Kids love the outdoor setup.
Best For
Better for: Casual, outdoor rib feasts with family or groups who want affordable BBQ without a sit-down commitment.
Skip if: You’re looking for refined plating, indoor comfort, or craft cocktail pairings—opt for a full-service BBQ restaurant instead.
J&D’s BBQ (at SPARK Social)
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family Friendly Favorites
Rotating food-truck barbecue serving straightforward ribs, pulled-pork sandwiches, and smoked chicken at SPARK Social. It’s a budget-friendly stop with fast handoffs and plenty of communal outdoor seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork ribs, Pulled-pork sandwich, Smoked chicken plate
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Reliable, wallet-friendly barbecue from a regular SPARK Social truck.
Who should go: Casual groups and families on a budget
When to visit: Early evening before peak SPARK crowds
What to order: Half-rack pork ribs; pulled-pork sandwich; smoked chicken
Insider tip: Check the truck’s schedule—weekend lunch and dinner are most consistent.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid lots and limited street parking nearby; SPARK Social also offers a small on-site lot that fills quickly during peak hours.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are in shorts, tees, or ballpark gear.
Noise level: Moderate to lively depending on event timing; music and crowd chatter but still manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak SPARK hours, depending on the lineup of trucks.
Weekday lunch: No significant wait; service is typically fast with short queues.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—sides like mac and cheese or coleslaw are available but mains are meat-heavy.
Vegan options: Minimal options; may find fries or sides suitable but no dedicated dishes.
Gluten-free options: Some meats and sides are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible due to the food-truck setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it casual—great for a laid-back bite or outdoor event hang, but not for a romantic dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—SPARK Social seating is first come, first served with plenty of communal picnic tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—SPARK Social welcomes families, offers open seating, and has room for strollers or young kids to move around safely.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable barbecue in an open-air food park environment with easy group seating.
Skip if: You’re seeking slow-smoked craft barbecue or a sit-down meal with table service.