Everett & Jones, back on the upswing?

When C & I were in escrow on our place in Jack London Square, one of the things that kept us sane through the process was the knowledge that Everett & Jones Barbeque would be right down the street from us.

Sadly, not long after we moved in, quality and service went downhill--WAY downhill. The brisket was frequently overcooked, and the ribs were more gristle than meat. Everything was drowning in sauce, and heaven help you if you needed your waitron. Once the food was unceremoniously dropped on your table, you weren't likely to see him or her again.

The incident that broke the camel's back happened about a year ago. C & his best friend went in on a Friday night for a pretty early dinner. A meal that should have taken an hour or so was drawn out... and out... until 2.5 hours after they'd been seated, they finally asked for their check. It never came. 30 minutes later, they got up and walked out.

But lately, the rumor mill has been buzzing with word that E & J had cleaned up their act. That they'd lost more that just these two regulars, and that the family was getting more involved again. Still, could we risk a sit-down dinner? One more really bad experience, and we might be put off forever. Could we afford that?

So last night, we ordered our usual "Combo #9" ($19.55) for take-out.

Ribs, Links & Brisket, dry. Medium sauce on the side. Cornbread, Greens & Macaroni Salad. Come to mama, sugar.

As we walked home, a pink elephant followed us. Would it be good? We didn't dare discuss it. Instead, we held out hope that Bogart's drooling and amazing ability to keep one eye on the bag as he avoided the gutter were a good sign. He is a French Bulldog after all--they have impeccable taste.

Oh, mama... it was good. Really good. Like, Biggles-would-approve good.

The ribs had a beautiful char on the outside, crisp and delicious, protecting the moist, tender meat beneath. And meat there was. Lots of it. All tender.

The brisket was juicy, with a proper pink ring from the smoking process. A few fatty pieces, but nothing to complain about. And the links... spicy, flavorful goodness.

The greens were fine--less smoky than I would have liked, but just fine. The macaroni salad was freaking amazing. A little more mustardy than I'm used to, which I LOVED. It was so good, in fact, that I only got two bites. The next time I moved my fork in that direction, the container was EMPTY!

Ladies and Gentlemen, it appears that Everett & Jones is back on track.

Oakland 'cue-noisseurs may love Flint's for their arguably superior meat, but I like knowing that E & J will be open when I need them to be, and I like being able to sit down and enjoy my meal without concern for the health inspector barging in.

Everett & Jones Barbeque
126 Broadway (@ 2nd St.)
Jack London Square, Oakland
510.663.2350

Technorati Tags: Food | Food & Drink | BBQ | Oakland | San Francisco | Everett & Jones

Comments

[Dr. Biggles]

Well, this sounds good. I'd like to know what, if anything has happened to the service. As you probably remember, we did a crawl earlier this year and I slammed them pretty hard, at least for me anyway. It was well deserved and it was mostly due to the service. I know some day I will return, cause I'm bound by Food Blogger's Ethic 12-B, Thou shalt return to said nasty food to try again, sez us.
Funny story to relate. Soon after I put up the review of the 3 BBQ Joints, Chilebrown met the PR Manager for E&J's at a Raider game. Chilebrown mentioned our crawl and Meathenge's review. Unfortunately, ol' CB didn't mention to the guy it wasn't a favorable review. So, as far as I know, if he read MH, he was blindsided. Oh well.

Biggles

[shuna]

12-B? This is very important, to give them another chance. Sometimes it's not so easy to do. but them sometimes it's really really worth it.

[Amy]

Now if they only delivered, it would be perfect!

[Karletta]

I loved the meal my husband and I enjoyed there two years ago before a show at Yoshi's. I had lunch there last month and it was a big disappointment. Service was so slow and the chicken on the salad was really dry. I will, however, give them another chance in a few months. But only if you say so!

Try the fried chicken and turkey tails at Housewive's Market. A great indulgent treat.

[The Corkdork]

If you ever want suburban Q, come to Lafayette to Bo's BBQ. Not only does it have great BBQ it also has about 10 Belgian brews and lots of great bottles of wine.

CD

[Passionate Eater]

Episode 2 of "Check Please, Bay Area!" reviewed Everett & Jones BBQ, and it was interesting to see the conflicting experiences of the three reviewers. You should check it out if you have an opportunity! It is at http://blogs.kqed.org/food/?p=19

[Antonio May]

On Mother's Day, I decided to pickup two rib dinners, one for me, the other for my brother who is currently a patient in the V.A. Hospital.

My brother and I opened the dinners and I was profoundly insulted, offended and just plain angry. First, the meat was not fully cooked and there was 6 small bones in each dinner, a portion a child could have consumed and still remained hungry. The side of greens consisted of approximately two tablespoons of straggly, unrecognizable green stuff with mostly juice. All of this for approximately $19.00 per dinner.

I have patronized Everett and Jones for years, but no more. What a rip off.

Over the years, I have referred countless friends and acquaintances to what has become one sorry joint. Never again will I sit foot in their establishment, nor refer a dog there.