He died before a catering event and his family didn't give back the deposit. $12,000 gone. It's sad when people die but do they get to keep a $12,000 refundable deposit? read more

Amazing BBQ and exceptional side dishes await you on 4th st sidewalk tables and pickup dining at Big Jim's. Smokey goodness in every bite of brisket, richly sauced ribs and perfectly pulled pork. Full bar, specialty cocktails and craft beers to boot to wet your whistle can be had in a flash of cash or card. I had a tub of brisket gluten free, sans the bun and some delish mac attack n cheese to pair with my Lagunitas in bottle or can to wash it down. Attentive and delightful service is a nice plus during this covid time we live in. Bag yourself some sandos or meals to go and make it a happy day at Big Jim's again n again! read more

See all

Jim is one of the Best BBQ Masters in the Bay Area. If you want a wonderful caterer that will impress your quests with an amazing meal Jim is your man. He is kind, personal and delivers. Thank you Jim read more

amazing I had the brisket n salmon some of the best protein I've ever had the minestrone was great b both salads

Tried Big Jims bbq at the Martinez bbq festival. Ribs were really tough with no smoke flavor and really no seasoning at all that I could determine- really bland without salt even. Basics of bbq were not there. seasoning and smoke. Sauce was bland- ribs were cold. There was really nothing to like about these ribs except that they vaguely resembled bbq ribs in appearance but the time and effort had not been taken to make these ribs even remotely palatable. Bubblegum on bones. read more

Was at the Marin County Fair on July 4th and ordered the beef brisket and pulled pork sandwiches - came out to $42 dollars. Sandwiches were dry, had no taste (bland) and was loaded with coleslaw. It needed seasoning. I ended up getting charged twice with my credit card, so I paid in cash; I was told that the card payment didn't go through even after I showed the cashier my Chase app had both charges as pending. The chef even double checked saying it's paid. After I paid in cash, she responded "that's not how we run our business." I requested the charges be cancelled after paying in cash, and she took a photo of my driver's license and asked for my phone number to call me later - assuring me after that her expert would clear the charges. I never got the call and now I have to dispute both posted charges tomorrow with Chase. Headache/bad experience/bad business. read more

The one star is because there was nothing to see or eat from Big Jim's at the supposed address. Also, (1) the last review here is over a year old and (2) their website mentions only classes and catering. read more

I've never tasted BBQ as good as this. I'm talking pour-me-a-mug-of-that-sauce -- I'd drink it up, with a side of ribs ;-) Speaking of the ribs, tri-tip, and pulled pork -- divine. Yumyumyum. Big Jim's is going to be big! I see Food Network in his future. He's personable, engaging, clever and a god at the grill. So be sure to try his craft before he's so big and famous that you'll only see him on TV. read more

Big Jims BBQ - Caterers Near Me - San Rafael, California

See all

Just had Big Jim's BBQ at the Marin Century. Off the charts delicious. No wonder he doesn't let anyone in his ptep truck, his recipe for the pork and chicken is top aecret and worth its weight in gold! Nice staff too! Thank you Big Jim!...can't wait to have your fare again soon! Nice staff too! Thank you Big Jim!can't wait to have your fare again soon! soon! read more

I took Big Jim's Course in January 2015. I enjoyed the course and I've made every recipe that he showcased. My one huge disappointment was that I paid $15 cash for his cookbook. It is almost July 2015 and I have not received my cookbook. I called Jim and emailed him multiple times, still no cookbook. That has left a very bad taste in my mouth about this course. read more

Big Jims BBQ - Caterers Near Me - San Rafael, California

See all

We took the Competition BBQ class from Big Jim. It was amazing! From the very beginning Jim's Big personality comes out. He makes the learning interesting, understandable and amazingly delicious. He gets a good feel for his audience and can break it down just enough for all levels. Even those with crazy questions. He might look at you weird, but he will make it educational. The hours just fly by as does the delicious food. He hits on brisket, ribs, chicken, salmon, steak, pork shoulder and tri-tips. What more could you ask for? This is like no other class you can find. Oh yeah, let's not forget about eating the meats his cooks. Come hungry, bring some beverages, buy a book and be ready to learn things you never knew. Backyard BBQing will never be the same. read more

See all

Tasty bbq but very expensive and small portions. $20 for a small brisket sandwich, no sides, no sauce, just meat and a hamburger bun and a drink. I'd need two to be full but can't justify $40 for a brown bag lunch even if it tastes good. read more

Big Jims BBQ - Brisket sandwich, strawberry lemonade - Caterers Near Me - San Rafael, California

I went to marin fair at 4th july, got the trip tip sandwich, the flavor was ok but the meat was pretty dry, wouldn't buy again

I've been wanting to try your BBQ and you happened to be at the Strawberry Festival. I had the tri tip sandwich with potato salad and the tri tip was moist and easy to eat. I kind of wished the bun was a roll of some kind rather than a hamburger bun....but with that said, its all about the meat! Thanks for que-ing! read more

Big Jims BBQ - Big Jim's at the Strawberry Festival! - Caterers Near Me - San Rafael, California

Tried Big Jim's about 8 Thursday night Place wasn't busy service took a while waitress was nice got the sampler pulled pork brisket ribs mac and cheese Wood-Fired veggies went there about a year ago got the same sampler it was good now not so much got it to go so I could doctor It up at home but on the plus side the beer was cold wasn't all bad read more

Mrs. Modesitt showed world class customer service when we enjoyed their delicious pulled pork sandwiches out at the Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch! The pork was juicy and the coleslaw was tangy. I would eat this BBQ 3 days a week! read more

My Fiancee and I were looking for a catering company to cater our 50 person wedding we were planing for September 2013 and after finding Big Jim's BBQ on the internet we contacted them through their website to arrange for a tasting. I submitted a request on their site in mid December and didn't hear back from anyone until mid January. This really wasn't an issue and I assumed they were busy with holiday parties and Mr. Modesitt explained this to me when he emailed me. So after speaking with Jim he went on to explain all the companies he's catered for and all of the awards he's received for his BBQ all which sounded exciting. I asked if he would be available for a tasting and where we could come to do one. He said he would come to our house and provide a tasting for myself my bride to be and a friend. When asked what this would cost he told us, "Nothing, just make a salad and get some beer." He even mentioned he would bring some "Moonshine" (Turned out to be the apple cider cinnamon thing everyone's making these days. Still tasty though") So, Jim arrives for the tasting and the food was GREAT! no complaints there. we even took pictures of it to show friends what he brought. I'm an amateur BBQ cooker myself so I've had some good Q and he does make some good stuff. We asked what it would take to reserve our wedding date for the amount of people we were expecting and he told us about what it would be at 35.00 a plate for one of his options. He said he would need half ($1000.00) of it to book the date and the rest near the day of the reception. So, we wrote him a check for $1000.00 to hold the date. A month and a half later (March) I was hit with a larger than expected tax bill and we decided it best to postpone the wedding until we could more easily afford it. We emailed Jim and asked for our deposit back. We didn't think it would be a big deal since we were giving him 6+ months notice of cancellation and our venue had just refunded our deposit with them with no issues. Jim never replied to the email so I had to call him a couple days later and when speaking with him he told me there was a no cancellation policy. We never signed any contract at all and their website mentioned this no where. He said he would try and get me something by July because he's not the type of person to not give something back. It wasn't who he was he said. So I waited a month or so longer and after not hearing from him I started emailing again and all emails went unanswered as well as all phone calls went unanswered. After months of not hearing from Jim and him holding our 1000.00 deposit I spoke with an attorney and had him draft a demand letter. I also filed a claim with the BBB and reported this to them for assistance. After going back and forth on the BBB with Jim through emails I called Jim again and this time he answered. We both talked for a while about the issue and Jim told me he would hold the date and if he was able to re-book it he would refund my full deposit since I called him. He also agreed both with the BBB and over the phone that if he was unable to re-book the date he would hold it and we could just do an event for the amount of 1000.00 at 35.00 a plate. So I said if he could do that I would close the BBB case (and I did) asking that no further action was required and he and I had come to an agreement. So our date is getting closer and I again stop hearing from Jim. Emails and phone calls all go unanswered. After our reserve date had come and gone I looked on his Facebook page and found a picture of a pig he was preparing to go on the smoker. This was dated 4 days before our event and he stated on the post.... "September 24 at 10:26pm via mobile * Like * 2 *Chef Jim Modesitt I'm slammed this weekend Fri 1,000 person dodge ball tourney Sat lunch 100 dinner 250 Sun 60+ class" So now it looks to me like he rebooked our date and was keeping our deposit. So, I had my attorney draft another demand letter that mentioned judicial recourse and this time Jim called him back. He said he was sending a smaller amount 593.00 and out of that he was charging us for "A Private Dinner" and clerical fees. The samples consisted of a part of a brisket (the rest he took with him when he left) some ribs and chicken and sausage. All were very good but not $231.00 good. It was obvious he was doing this to get back at me. Also 175.00 for clerical fees was deducted. So I had 593.00 back out of the 1000.00 we gave him. I had the small claims case already built and all the forms filled out but my fiancee and I are tired of dealing with this and just wanted it behind us. We decided it wasn't worth the time and effort do drive to San Rafael and file take time off work (all I'm sure he knew would be an issue and is why he refunded less) So in the end. Lesson learned. Jim can cook the hell out of some food but in my opinion his business sense leaves a little to be desired. Caveat emptor read more

I had a maddening customer service experience trying to register for Big Jim's BBQ Class. Instead of eating barbecue, we've eaten the money we paid instead. The short version: despite the fact I sent several emails (1) with the original voucher for the class (2) emails between Big Jim and my wife proving the original purchase, (3) recent emails from Big Jim showing I was allowed to use the voucher a few days after expiration and (4) my suggesting to resolve by phone, some other person responding to his emails kept saying my voucher number was invalid. Big Jim or this other person will probably respond denying or attempting to spin all of this, so below is the email thread (full names, phone numbers and email addresses redacted). --- On Dec 20, 2013, at 12:21 PM, Dan wrote: I received a gift of a BBQ class from my wife a little over a year ago (see your email with her below). I'd like to go ahead and book the class for January 18. If that works, can you tell me where it is located and the times? --- On Jan 9, 2014, at 9:02 PM, "Jim" wrote: If you would like to join January 18th's class just let me know and I will add you to our list. It will be at the Elk's Club in San Rafael from 11-4pm. --- On Jan 15, 2014, at 6:34 PM, Dan wrote: Thanks for getting back to me. In between the time I contacted you and you responded, I scheduled something for January 18, so I can't make the class on that date. I do see on your website that you are also doing class on Saturday January 25. Could I attend that class instead? --- On Jan 23, 2014, at 9:11 PM, "Jim" wrote: In order to attend class you will need a voucher number or you can pay $112.00 Sent from my iPhone --- On Jan 24, 2014, at 7:13 PM, Dan wrote: Left you a voice mail. Voucher number is 017. Can you confirm that I can attend tomorrow's class (sat 1/25)? -- On Jan 24, 2014, at 7:15 PM, "Jim" wrote: You need to send your voucher number On email Sent from my iPhone ---- On Jan 24, 2014, at 7:53 PM, Dan wrote: Voucher is number 017 ---- On Jan 24, 2014, at 10:48 PM, "Jim" wrote: That is not a voucher we accept Sent from my iPhone ----- On Jan 24, 2014, at 11:08 PM, Dan wrote: I'd really like to take your class, but there seems to be some confusion about my voucher. Attached is the actual voucher I've been referring to (017). Below you can see the email you sent my wife with the voucher, it was a gift from her. The expiration date is December 15, 2013. I could not attend class last year due to surgery, but you recently said you would honor it. I know you have a lot going on and a lot of students, so I just forwarded those emails to you to jog your memory. At this late hour, I can't make arrangements for tomorrow's January 25 session. I'm disappointed, but I'm hoping we can get this squared away and I can get into the very next session. If you have changed your mind and still won't accept the voucher, please let me and I'll just take the loss. ----- On Jan 25, 2014, at 9:51 AM, "Jim" wrote: We still need to confirm voutcher Sent from my iPhone ----- On Jan 26, 2014, at 8:16 PM, Dan wrote: Let's give this one more try. If this doesn't work, I'm going to have to give up - I don't want to waste your time or mine. I think I've made a strong effort here to work this out with you. I feel the best way to work this out will be to do it by phone, as it seems like we're not communicating well over email (am I talking to one person or more here?). Please call me at XXX-XXX-XXX. As far as using your website to register, no new dates are listed past January 25. There is also no place to attach a voucher. All your website does is take my email address and text message and email that to you, which is no different than emailing you directly. I will go ahead and send you this same information through your website anyway. I'll try again to give you the information: 1. You were willing to register me for January 18 (which you did but too late). I've sent you recent emails proving you did register me. I don't know why it was OK a couple of weeks ago and now it isn't. 2. I have sent the voucher several times now, I am attaching it once again in two different formats, including Adobe Acrobat/PDF. I suggest you read this email on your computer rather than your iPhone so you can correctly see your attachments. 3. I don't know why the voucher number 017 is invalid, but that's what it says on the voucher. I've also provided the emails you yourself sent to deliver the voucher. Once again, a call would probably save us both a lot of time and hassle. ----- On Jan 26, 2014, at 10:16 PM, "Jim" wrote: 017 is not a valid number where did u buy this from ? Which is a good start Sent from my iPhone -- On Jan 27, 2014, at 7:06 AM, Dan wrote: You really need to read my emails. I'm done repeating myself. At this point, I'm just heading over to Yelp to post this entire interaction, including your responses, and leave one star. read more

Just got back from Big Jim's BBQ class... I read a few reviews just before writing this, but only a handful and I will respond to a few comments. First, this is billed as a "competition level class", and in it he will tell you what judges will look for etc. But it is also a good basic class on how to BBQ several items. Some said that "Jim is full of Jim", and I can see why they said that, but I did not feel he was overly cocky or anything. He is proud and confident and I think anyone that enters competitions such as he does probably gets a bit of an ego, just as many chefs do... So yes he likes himself, but I and I think most of my classmates thoroughly enjoyed him as a teacher. There was Jim along with a primary "indoor / classroom" assistant and 3 or so folks out side (in view through the glass walls) manning the BBQ's. smokers, etc. All were very friendly and professional. The class started off with each of giving our name and what type of BBQ we have or are thinking about getting and our goals for the class. there were about 40 of us, so it took about 20 minutes to go through that, not bad. Our results showed that about 80% of us have gas grills, which is counter to his methods, but we adjusted his class some to give us info on how we would "do this on a gas grill" and such. He also spent about 15 minutes in front of a gas grill showing us how to use wood chips, meat placement, etc. on it. Jim taught us and demonstrating making: Ribs (pork) Brisket Pulled Pork Chicken Salmon BBQ Pineapple He does have a cookbook for sale, $10, he admits that it does not take you through the cooking process and apologizes for that, it is more of a recipe book, less the actual BBQ methods You are encouraged to bring a notepad.... that is a must... he lists the steps and will answer your questions, but you better take good notes or else you are going to forget a lot.. there is a lot covered in this class. I would rate myself as someone who is good at BBQ Brisket and well, that is it. having taken this class I am a lot more confident and am wanting to get out there and try some many things,especially the brisket... I love a good brisket! If you are interested in improving your BBQ skills I strongly recommend this class. And just an FYI, but I would say 1/4 of the class were women and they were enjoying this too! We tasted everything made, lots of "small plates" and we were also fed a Tri-tip lunch with sides. I was not left hungry. For the curious the class is taught inside of Barbeque Galore, there was no hard sale or even much of a 'sale' push to buy something there. You are seated inside for a demostration type class with Jim standing in front of you, he does walk around and tells you to "come on up and take a look" any time you want. You do go outside every once in a while when he adds meet to the smoker, etc, and he talks about the equipment used.... read more

Very disappointed. My corporate company puts on client events all over the world, and we frequently rely on Yelp to help us find the right venues and businesses for these events. We were kind of misled with Big Jim's BBQ in San Rafael. We're hosting a client event in San Jose and had secured Big Jim to provide lunch. Throughout our interaction with him, he seemed to be "very busy" and just "too slammed" to sign contracts or deal with any financial aspects of our agreement, but we wanted to stick with him because of the great reviews. Today, 4 weeks from the event, when asked for a tax form with his tax id number on it so that we could cut the $3000 check, he advised that this "sounds like a hassle" and that we should find another catering option for the event. We're trying to give you business and it sounds like a hassle? So sorry, Big Jim...we'll take our money elsewhere and won't bother you anymore. read more

Oh mama...let me explain why Big Jim's BBQ is easily the best in Marin, if not the Bay Area. First, my credentials: I travel all over the country for business. In each city I go, I seek out the BBQ. Austin? Deal me in. Nashville? Check. Birmingham? Double Check. The list goes on. I am a BBQ fanatic: sauce or rub, smoked or seared...I'm in. Big Jim can hold his own with any of them.. Let's start with presentation. You'll find Jim at fairs, festivals, and catering events. He has created the ultimate BBQ setup: smokers the size of small power plants. Grills the size of Rhode Island. Savory sides that practically beg you for attention on their own. All in gleaming polished diamondplate chrome and blackened iron and steel. This is serious BBQ, folks. Ok, the meat selection. Jim knows tri-tip. It practically bursts with moisture and flavor, folds like fine silk, and is as tender as filet Mignon. Chicken and pork line up in the hopes of offering themselves to his BBQ altar. But where Jim really excels is fish: you have never experienced anything like his BBQ salmon. My friends, as a lifelong meat eater, I could never even consider giving meat up for anything...except Jim's salmon. It is a culinary experience like no other. Holds up like fine steak; rich flavor complemented by the most intense yet not overpowering sauce; melts like butter. Spreads rich savory flavor across your palate in an almost obscene way. And his smoked sturgeon? Oh my stars...I can't believe I am waxing poetic for BBQ and talking about fish! THAT is how good it is. Whether it's fish or fowl, meat or magnificence, Big Jim's BBQ is absolutely out of this world. Big Jim himself is a Marin legend: born and raised, and the most gregarious, friendly man you will ever meet. Bring this bear of a man a cigar, and watch him prepare a plate that you will never forget. It has become the standard I measure every other BBQ by. read more

I took Big Jim's BBQ class just a week ago and had a great time. I was lucky enough to receive a coupon from a family member for a discounted rate for Christmas and wanted to bring a friend, so they were nice enough to extend my friend the discounted rate as well. At first I thought this might mean they were desperate for students to fill out the class, but when I saw how many people were in attendance upon our arrival (including couples and several other women - not just a good ol' boy class) and the fact that the classes routinely sell out, I realized that they certainly didn't need the business, it was just good customer service on their part. The class was pretty full and we arrived just before it started, so we had to sit in the back, but still had no problems hearing what was being said. Jim was also good about holding things up and bringing things around to show everyone up close what he was discussing. The class focuses quite a bit on smoking techniques, which was good because I consider myself a pretty good cook on a grill, but have almost no experience smoking foods. During the class, he demonstrated his techniques for preparing Kansas City Style Brisket (first time I've ever had it, but will be having it again soon!), pulled pork, chicken, salmon, pineapple, and of course some amazing pork spare ribs. They also provided a tri-tip lunch with sides, which almost seemed like overkill for the amount of food we had already consumed and still had more to eat after lunch. This is a good class for beginners as well as more seasoned grillers. Jim makes it understandable for even novice BBQ cooks, but doesn't spend too much time going over the very basics unless someone asks a question, in which case he is happy to explain whatever. There is no pressure to buy anything during or after class, and you will definitely not leave hungry. He also explains how you can duplicate his results on home charcoal or gas grills, so you can prepare these dishes yourself without having to spend $$$ on a new grill or smoker. Jim and his staff kept things moving along so everything was covered but still ended on time. You will want to bring a note pad and pen to take notes, as he goes over a LOT of techniques. I also recommend bringing a cooler to enjoy a cold beverage with lunch. Then make sure your schedule is clear on your next few free days, because I am sure you will be fired up to go out and do some BBQing yourself! read more

I had Big Jim's BBQ for the first time this weekend and it was excellent. I tried the pulled pork, Brisket and tri tip. I am still thinking about how good it was. The staff was friendly and Big Jim was so nice. I'm looking forward eating their food again. read more

I had a great time at Jim's BBQ class today. I'm a suburban mom and somewhat experienced BBQer but I'm no "pitmaster". I learned some tips and techniques today that will help me kick my BBQ up a notch and cleared up a lot of confusion I had from getting BBQ directions from so many different sources. I think I will just stick with Jim's award winning techniques and forget about the rest. Would definitely recommend this class. Note to others interested in the class: if you know NOTHING about bbq and are coming just to drink beer, party with your friends, ask stupid questions and really have no serious interest in learning, please stay home so jim doesn't have to waste his/our time on you. We had a whole row of jackasses who actually left for a while to watch the Giants game at one point! Many of us were really there to learn and they were distracting the entire time. Jim has the patience of a saint. Thanks again Jim! read more

Summary: Great BBQ class, very informative, able to try different foods, friendly staff. My fiancee bought me a gift certificate off of a daily deals site for the class. It was fun, with friendly staff, food and samples, and education. It was more of a listen, ask questions, and take notes class, than hands-on instruction. There were probably about 50 people in the class when I went. I walked in with knowledge about cooking but not much about BBQ, and walked out excited to try my hand at smoking meats, so the class is certainly sufficiently beginner friendly. Would recommend for anyone looking to learn more about BBQ in a friendly, interactive (but not hands-on) environment. (As an aside, this review is obviously more for the class, not the food, but the food I had was really good, especially the ribs and chicken.) read more

DON'T BUY THE COOKBOOK - It's a SCAM ! Took Big Jim's Competition BBQ Class in Dec 2014, offered on GroupOn. After the class, purchased in cash, conveniently no receipts could be issued, and they only took cash, the infamous cookbook, paid $10 or $15. My son took the class in March 2015 and also duped into purchasing in cash their promised cookbook. Neither of us, as with other posters, have received the paid-for and promised cookbook. I have emailed, left phone messages, and messaged via Facebook this merchant without acknowledgement of my communiques. They just don't respond back. On a side note, the class was fabulous, that's why we put our trust into paying for something promised. DON'T be FOOLED! Product in hand or don't dole out the cash. Makes you wonder how you can trust them as a catering business! I would recommend the Treasure Island BBQ Class. Their BBQ class was also fantastic, but they give out their recipes for FREE as part of the class, and they have a fantastic store to purchase and take away great, quality BBQ tools, equipment and supplies. They also teach BBQ of things other than meat, like vegetables! read more

I hired Big Jim's BBQ to carter an event. Jim came with his pleasant staff hours before the event began to make sure he was ready to start at the time the event started. His food was amazing. Very polite staff. I would hire Jim and his team any day for any kind of event. Best BBQ out there. read more

I hired Big Jim to cater my company's annual Holiday Party and was not disappointed. He rolled up with his BBQ hours before the party to start the BBQing and prepping everything. There was a chance of rain so he came prepared with multiple EZ-up tents just in case which made it so I didnt have to go rent a bunch from a party company. The food was excellent (I recommend the Tri-Tip), the presentation was great and Big Jim & Amy (his assistant) were easy gong but on top of everything. There were so many great foods to choose from, I will definitely be hiring them again next year! read more

The claim: "During five-hour Competition BBQ Cooking classes....the chef takes students through the basics of cooking meats in grills and barbecue smokers, helping them to master firing up embers with wood, charcoal, and bottle rockets. Pupils learn to how to flavor protein cuts with injections, dry rubs, sauces, and marinades before digging in to their finished products, which may include baby-back ribs, pulled pork, and shrimp." In other words, a "hands-on experience" in which students "fire up embers...flavor protein cuts...and dig into their finished products." The reality: you're an audience member, not a student; it's a performance, not a class. You will not fire up any embers. You will not flavor anyting. You will not create any "finished products." If you enjoy drinking "adult beverages" and listen to an egomaniac bloviate about ability to make $17K a day while dispensing morsels of advice and meats...and have at least $80 (the Group On discounted price) to toss at his feet...Big Jim's BBQ class is for you. read more

Took Big Jim's BBQ class today at the Marin Rod & Gun Club. I've never taken a cooking class before so didn't know what to expect. It was a LOT of info to take in...But Jim and his assistants answered all questions and kept things interesting. Lots of food...You need to come to this class hungry! The brisket and ribs were crazy good! Loved the pulled pork too. Looking forward to taking his class on turkey and prime rib! read more

What can I say that has not been said in past reviews. Big Jim's BBQ is AMAZING! It has been a few weeks since our party and people are still talking about the food. We have a big ribs group and delicious ribs were served but the brisket was EPIC! My favorite = habanero shrimp Husbands fave = brisket Father-in-law fave = ribs The collard greens and baked beans were also AWESOME! Also, Jim and his team and very nice and professional. All of our guests loved chatting with them. I can't wait to have them do another party. The ONLY CON: no place to get their food on a daily basis :( read more

I love barbecue and this place was catering after a 100 mile bike ride I finished in Marin. I was super hungry and excited for food and politely asked the staff if any of the barbecue was cooked with butter since I have an anaphylactic shock allergy response to milk products. The woman running the establishment snapped at me and told me she would not feed me because I was a liability. Not only was this super rude but it's also illegal. Would not recommend this place to anyone with food allergies, or frankly any decent human. read more

I have worked with and enjoyed Big Jim and the output of his 'Smoker' at many events...Jim is as big in producing great flavors as his HUGE personality...as well as a true professional that takes pride in what he does and how he does it. His laughter and energy spills into the streets at an event. He is very fair as well to non-profits...he does not cut corners (unless necessary)! Give him a try anytime. read more

I went to Jim's Class at BBQ Galore last weekend and had a wonderful time and learned a lot. I thought that I had tasted great Brisket until he cooked us some here. I never had any interest in slow cooking until taking this class. If you do attend this class do not eat before coming. I would recommend bringing a folding chair. You will stand for about half the time and sit the rest. His pork shoulder was awesome. The only problem I had was trying to keep up with all the fantastic tips and experience he has to share. He was "Spilling His Guts" with great info. I go to cook offs and those guys never tell anything, But Jim is more than willing to share. What most people do not realize when taking the class you will be eating everything he BBQ's.!! All in all a great way to spend a Sunday and well worth the price. Russ read more

Big Jim is the most professional, friendly and talented person I've come across in a very long time. From the minute I requested a quote for our 300 person event, within hours I got a response back from him. He worked with me tirelessly on budget and menu selection until we got it just right. A little background - we hosted 300 very hungry construction workers at one of our job sites to say thank you for all their hard work. The guys were so impressed with the absolutely DELICIOUS food and couldn't believe this was all for them. Everyone in my company was very impressed as well. I will continue to recommend Big Jim to anyone I know seeking top-notch, grade A quality BBQ, service and food with a smile! read more

I arrived to an empty parking lot across the way from the Marin gun range, off a utility road. If it weren't for the large shades and filled rows of seats, I would not have expected this to be the right place. Big Jim advises from the beginning to take notes; I urge future, aspiring BBQers to heed this advice. Over the span of 5 hours, he showed us how to prep pork ribs St. Louis style, make pulled pork from pork shoulder, prepare beef brisket, smoked chicken and smoked salmon. I was less of a fan of the chicken and salmon. For the chicken, he used a soybean oil based injector called cajun butter. I didn't like the mouthfeel or artificial moistness that the cajun butter imparted on the meat. The salmon also came out with a very soft texture from being smoked, and had an almost steamed quality to it. Very moist, but a little mealy. I would have preferred something that had dried through more thoroughly. The upsides of this for me were the beef brisket and the St. Louis style ribs. He goes through pain-staking detail about his methods and offers shortcuts for home cooks along the way for anyone not interested in BBQing for competition. The class is worthwhile if you want to learn how to smoke foods. I came away feeling confident about reproducing the dishes myself; my biggest problem now is finding a local source for applewood and white oak and buying a smoker. read more

Took Big Jim's BBQ class yesterday and boy let me tell you it was "FUN". Learn so much more about cooking BBQ and even competition BBQ. I recommend you come with a empty stomach, cause eat lots of great BBQ that jim and his friendly staff cook for you. Thanks you Jim for everything!! read more

I took the competition BBQ Class today and loved it. I was really impressed with how much knowledge Jim has. He presented the information in a fun way and to top it off the food was amazing! I recommend this for anyone interested in being a BBQ backyard pit master. read more

See all

My daughter purchased a class for me at at Big Jim's BBQ as a Christmas gift and I was excited. The excitement ended when I tried to register for a class. I registered for a class in February on the website http://www.bigjimbbq.com/ but never received a confirmation. In January: I emailed Chef Jim at the email provided class@bigjimbbq.com but never received a confirmation. I called Chef Jim at the number provided (415) 203-4744 and left a voicemail with my contact info. In February: I emailed Chef Jim at the email provided class@bigjimbbq.com but never received a confirmation. I called Chef Jim at the number provided (415) 203-4744 and left a voicemail with my contact info. In March: I emailed Chef Jim at the email provided class@bigjimbbq.com and chefjim@bigjimbbq.com but never received a confirmation. I called Chef Jim at the number provided (415) 203-4744 and left a voicemail with my contact info. I have been so disgusted with this guy I have not taken the time to tell this story. however, others should not be scammed so I sat down this morning to WARN others. At this point, I just want my daughter to receive a refund for gift she purchased that Chef Jim has not delivered on. I would AVOID THIS GUY as he seems motivated to accept fees but not provide classes. I will be reaching out to the BBB too. read more

Chef Jim was super awesome. I went to this class with my husband and he definitely enjoyed the class (i was a bit distracted...kept eyeing the TJ Maxx right next to the class) :). After the first hour, you'll continually eat/taste something new every hour and Chef Jim gave pretty darn useful tips throughout the class. read more

See all