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.