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John Brown BBQ

27-20 40th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
$$
American, BBQ
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ZipPicks Awards

Best American in Long Island City Best BBQ in Long Island City Best BBQ Ribs in Long Island City

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

John Brown BBQ 8.2
Sunnyside
Vibes: Comfort Food Classics Outdoor Dining Oasis Group Dining Gatherings Sports Bar Central
A counter-service BBQ stop built around smoked-meat satisfaction and a backyard hangout vibe that works especially well for groups. Order with focus—two signature meats plus one standout side—so the meal stays punchy and balanced instead of repetitive.
Must-Try Dishes: Brisket burnt ends, Beef brisket, Pork ribs
Scores:
Value: 8.1 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 7.6 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Kansas City–style BBQ with a backyard setup that fits groups.
Who should go: BBQ cravings, groups, and game-day diners
When to visit: Weekday dinner or weekend lunch for best pacing
What to order: Burnt ends, brisket, ribs
Insider tip: Go two meats plus one side—don’t over-stack the tray.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Dutch Kills is usually manageable, especially on weekdays; weekends and game days can be tighter, but there’s no valet.
Dress code: Casual and practical — jeans, sneakers, and BBQ-friendly clothes are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — easy to talk at the table, but the room gets louder during peak hours and sports games.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours; faster if you arrive earlier or go off-peak.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — mostly sides like mac & cheese, slaw, beans, and fries.
Vegan options: Very limited — a few sides may work, but this is not a vegan-focused stop.
Gluten-free options: Some meats are gluten-free by default, but cross-contamination is possible; sides vary.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first date than a polished one — great if you both like BBQ and don’t mind getting a little messy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with open seating, so tables usually turn quickly even when it’s busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual setup, outdoor space, and simple food make it easy with kids, especially during daytime visits.
Best For
Better for: Laid-back group BBQ hangs, game-day energy, and smoked-meat focus without a long sit-down commitment.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet date-night spot, vegetarian-friendly dining, or a refined BBQ tasting experience.