Wednesday, January 30, 2013

C&J Barbeque


COLLEGE STATION: C&J Barbeque
4304 Harvey Rd.
College Station, TX 77845
979-776-8969
Open M-Thur 10:30-8:30, F-Sat 10:30-9, Sun 11-3
www.cjbbq.com


C&J is a mini-chain around the Bryan/College Station area that gets plenty of love from the locals. I'd been told the best brisket in town could be found here, so I had to check it out. Service was in the classic cafeteria style with meats being cut on a back counter that was still in view. That allowed me to get some good lean slices and a few fatty chunks as well.


The lean brisket had plenty going for it. The slices looked great with a good crust and thick smokering. They were moist, nicely tender, and somehow they were almost flavorless. It just tasted like a mass of wet, unseasoned beef. The fatty chunks had at least a hint of smoke, but the fat was poorly rendered and still chewy. At least the sides of loaded mashed potatoes and a vinegar-heavy slaw were interesting.


The ribs were a step up. They also looked great, and this time the seasoning came through. A nice bark and tender meat beneath made for a great texture, but the smoke was just too hard to discern. I guess they must rely too much on the gas assist in that gas smoker. A few more sticks of wood could have made this some above average barbecue.

Rating **

3 comments:

Quinn said...

did you manage to sneak in some Fargo's when passing through Bryan?

BBQ Snob said...

I hit Fargo's the day before C&J. Always great.

Wood Fired Oven Pro said...

We love the C&J brisket, we visit once a year when visiting relatives and always order it. Great service and friendly crowd, always a good time!

DISCLAIMER:

Each joint is judged on the essence of Texas 'cue...sliced brisket and pork ribs. Sausage is only considered if house made. Sauce is good, but good meat needs no adornment to satisfy. Each review can only be based on specific cuts of meat on that particular day. Finally, if the place fries up catfish or serves a caesar salad, then chances are they aren't paying enough attention to the pits, so we mostly steered clear.

-THE PROPHETS OF SMOKED MEAT