With Monroe being conveniently placed on the way to several major hikes out towards the cascades, stopping by J & L BBQ on the way back from a long day of hiking is extremely rewarding. Not only was the place welcoming on the inside and outside, but the place was clean and homey just like any other barbeque barn, yet this one happened to be in the middle of a shopping center. The ordering process was simple and easy, with you picking out what kind, and how much meat you wanted. Then they would slice up the meat right in front of you and serve with several different kinds of sides and sauces. The ribs that day were especially delicious, with the meat falling of the bone. The brisket is tender and not too salty, and the jalapeno and cheese sausages were very juicy and flavorful. I would extremely recommend visiting sometime, as their Texas born owner is super nice and a fun conversationalist. Enjoy having great barbeque in the middle of a bustling city! read more

See all

The pulled pork was top notch and the brisket was very good. The cowboy caviar was good, and the macaroni and cheese and cornbread were okay--they were definitely not house made, which was a bummer. Service was quick and friendly, and the place was clean. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 thanks to good service and that pulled pork. read more

J & L BBQ - 2 meats and 2 sides - Barbeque Near Me - Monroe, Washington

Such a nice experience we had here. We got the three meat meal, which came with three sides. The food was fall off the bone delicious. My favorites were the ribs and the brisket. My husband really liked the tri tip. We sat there for about an hour all enjoying our food. My kids loved the Mac and cheese, potato's salad and Cole slaw. I think my absolute fav was their corn bread with cinnamon honey butter. It was perfection. The dinning area was clean and the person helping us was so beyond nice and kind. You rarely find that kind of hospitality and kindness these days at a restaurant. Carol helped us in giving us recommendations and knew exactly which foods had allergens that my kid couldn't eat. We had a grand time here. We would love to come back again. read more

Well, we visited this place again (after such good food from their delivery at an event we had last June). Everything was delicious, as before! I am a BBQ fanatic, and their sauce is to die for. Again, fabulous Cowboy Cavier (which I'm not always a fan of). Also, the guy who served us was really nice, and speedy! We will be back, even though we live 45 mins. away. read more

Southern BBQ. The owner is so kind and a joy to talk to. Seating is limited and parking even more so. However, this is our favorite BBQ spot in the area. It never disappoints. We usually get the ribs and brisket with cowboy caviar and greens. The BBQ sauce choices are good too. I love the smell of the meat on the smoker. Freshly made BBQ at its best. read more

This was my first time at J&L BBQ. I was helped by the efficient and practical Denise (wearing a custom apron with her name on it). Like most good BBQ places, it smells great when entering. A real good smoky scent. I learned from Denise that this Monroe location is the 3rd store in this locally owned business. The one in Everett makes the sides, the one in Snohomish smokes the meats and this location just serves it all. Thereby in Monroe the meats are kept in a warmer but that makes it no less tasty! Before ordering, I used Yelp to see what is popular here and the Tri Tip jumped out immediately so I ordered it as a sandwich and it came with one small side. My default choice is Mac n cheese so I ordered that. The Mac N Cheese was very creamy and complimented my sandwich fully. While preparing my sandwich, Denise expertly cut the Tri Tip thinly in front of me and even gave me the ends that would've likely been thrown out. The sandwich is simply served on a warmed bun and you can add BBQ sauce as needed. There is a note that pickles and onions are available but I saw the sign too late. I loved the Tri Tip as it was very tender and full of smoky flavor. Very good! Now I want to try the Snohomish location and see/smell the smoking meats! read more

See all

Oh, hi! It's been a little warm in Washington as of late. Which means; people are going to get a little testy. My family and I visited J&L BBQ because, who doesn't like a good BBQ after a tour of a "farmers market" in an old logging town like Monroe. With one person running the counter, slinging meat like a pro, it looked promising as we entered the establishment. But soon realized, after waiting in line for twenty two minutes, that, not only did the six-foot blonde, Karen Wannabe, (most likely born and raised in Orange County, California) showcase her attitude that would send any burnt end back on the grill but her inability to annunciate through her raspy smokers voice and failing to pay attention to detail ... sort of ruined the experience. It's crazy to think that these Californians can migrate to the Pacific Northwest to escape the dreadful high taxes and expensive living of California just to mask themselves as born and bred Texans all the while bringing their dried out pulled pork and overcooked briskets with them. At least the potato salad was good- but that's hard to mess up. Just keep adding mayonnaise until it's just right. Or just buy it from Costco, which I'm pretty sure the potato salad they sell is from Costco- Kirkland Signature Brand. If you're looking for good BBQ, this ain't it, folks! If you're looking for dried out meat with a side of Costco, look no further! Maybe Karen had her pony tail pulled too tight! Californians, I tell ya'! read more

Go here the most when I crave brisket. Not the best I've had but pretty damn good!....mac is great too!

BBQ Baked Potato .... Bring your appetite! It's delicious. The service was friendly and she went the extra mile to make sure it was a great experience. read more

It was alright, food wise. Definitely feel like the meat was overly fatty and very unseasoned, though. The woman behind the counter seemed overworked and frustrated. Everyone in line was patient and no one was getting upset, but it was an exceptionally long wait for..... Chopping up ribs? Putting pre-portioned cups of beans into a bag? I mean, the stuff is already prepped so if they just had literally 1 other person helping it would make everything a lot better. The price was absurd, though. Food was, again, just okay. I don't care how proud you are of BBQ, this food doesn't need to be that much. Prices across the board are up everywhere, but my wage certainly hasn't gone up. So sadly, I need to make a choice here and I'm not gonna buy food out that is "just okay". Get the food quality up and I'll be back. read more

Had a lovely visit here! The food was very good and the service too. We were greeted right away when we walked in and served a sample of brisket. The team clearly was passionate about their food. We ordered a sandwich with brisket and one with tri-tip. If you have to get one do the brisket. We also tried Mac and cheese and cowboy caviar. Both great sides. The inside of the place was pretty quiet and we sat as people mostly got orders to go. read more

J & L BBQ - We got the brisket sandwich with a jalepeno cheese sausage on it as recommended by the staff. - Barbeque Near Me - Monroe, Washington

I really love this Texas style BBQ place. I get my haircut in Monroe about every six weeks and after my appointment I treat myself to a tri tip sandwich meal. A little pricey but the meat is premium quality and their smoking technique just gives it great flavor. The baked beans and Mac n cheese sides are my faves. Just a great experience all around and worth the couple of extra bucks. read more

We tried the beef tri tip, jalapeno and cheddar sausage and the chicken thighs. Our sides were mac and cheese, cowboy caviar and beans. The tri tip and the mac and cheese were my absolute favorite. My husband loved the tri tip as well and the cowboy caviar. The chicken thighs and beans were nothing special but everything else was good read more

J & L BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Monroe, Washington

Can't recommend anymore. Pork ribs are not trimmed so you get the fatty and bony ends. He doesn't even bother to take off the silver skin. Ribs are $17/lbs so a full rake is $51! I mean, come on. It's just dumb. Never again! Coleslaw is a bit thin on dressing and has pineapple? That's one way to do it I guess. Baked beans? Meh. I added crisp bacon when I got home and that was a big improvement. read more

We got a J&L bbq smoked turkey this year for Thanksgiving and it the soooooo tasty and moist. This is a new family tradition!

Great BBQ! Portions are big. The tri-tip sandwich was fabulous and make sure you,pick cornbread as a side. Great service and quick. Perfect stop on your way through Monroe. read more

Wow! I danced while eating this. Huge BBQ fan & this place was awesome start to finish. Unassuming building, but the service was phenomenal and THE FOOD. We got tri-tip, pulled pork, Mac and cheese & beans. "Scrape your plate & lick your fingers" kinda good. Meat was tender, perfectly seasoned, so juicy!! Yummy! read more

Our go-to BBQ place when we are in the area. This place can get pretty busy so I advise you to call in your order beforehand. Lunch today on the Sunday before Memorial Day was a hour wait! The poor owner was working by herself today. The owners BTW are super nice! We got the brisket and ribs with the corn bread and collard greens, and the baked beans as well. I always judge a BBQ place by it's brisket- whether it's dry or not. This place has brisket so moist you don't need a knife. Smoked flavor is just right. The ribs are also tender and nicely smoked. The collard greens were soft and done up with meat so it took on the smoked flavor and wasn't stringy like some I've had at other BBq places. The corn bread is homemade and served with a honey cinnamon butter-yum!! Hubby loves the baked beans which have a little kick to it. Two plates are ample enough to be shared 4 ways ( we're not large eaters). Happy tummies! read more

J & L BBQ - Brisket, ribs, cornbread, baked beans, collard greens - Barbeque Near Me - Monroe, Washington

We got a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and brisket sandwich with mac and cheese to go. Sandwiches were tasty and very filling. Mac and cheese was just ok. We were not a fan of the coleslaw. There were pineapple pieces and halved grapes in it. read more

See all

Yum! my fav was Brisket. Cornbread is amazing. Tri tip was well cooked. Never had collard greens before, and loved them here. the meal is enough for 2 people, some left overs too. read more

J & L BBQ - Sausage, Tri tip, Brisket left overs! - Barbeque Near Me - Monroe, Washington

Have been frequenting this business for a couple years. It used to be great - but our last two visits within the past 2 months - not so much. The staff used to be super friendly, smiling and greeting us as we walked in but the last two times, the woman at the counter (it seemed like there was only one working) appeared unhappy to even be there. Didn't even greet us - just waited until we got to counter and asked - what do you want'. Her attitude never improved, even after other customers came in. And, unfortunately, the quality of the food has gone down as the prices have gone up. I don't fault a business for raising prices but when it also equates to the lesser quality of the product, that isn't a winning combination. The last two times we were in, the brisket was very dry and tough, and the pulled pork was dry as well. I mean, I do realize that we have to add our own sauces however, in the past the meat was tender and juicy before putting sauce on. Sides wise, the coleslaw was runny, the beans were lacking the flavor they used to have and the mac/cheese was lukewarm at best- more like room temp. A couple of friends who live in Monroe (I live about 30-40 min away) say they have noticed a steady decline in quality over the past year as well. Hate to say this, but given the price of going out now a days, this will not be somewhere we will be returning and is no longer a place I can recommend. read more

Fast, excellent service, and great food. We ordered brisket, slaw, cornbread, and potato salad. All was very good and they use fresh quality ingredients. read more

I was offered the most juicy buttery cut as a snack as my plate was being made right in front of me. AMAZING. It made me realize that my love for bbq goes as far as to accept meat handed to me from a gloved hand and I'll eat it no problem right with my fingers. It was a NICE piece too! It came right out of the smoker and my plate had the most DELICIOUS cuts of outer burnt crispy pieces and tender red inner slices that had the perfect pink to them. We chose the option for two which is around $21 and comes with two types of meat, and two sides. For our sides we chose Mac and cheese and corn bread. Their Mac and cheese is now made with a white cheddar and it was so good! Like creamy Alfredo with your steak but much cheesier. I never tried their old recipe but I'm a fan of this one! You also get your choice of sauces and I chose spicy bbq. They were very kind and threw in some extra which keep in the fridge for up to a month and you'll definitely want this bbq on hand! The corn bread came with a side of some sort of buttery cinnamon frosting. Oof it was so good! As you can see everything is above and beyond here. I had wanted to visit the Snohomish location but when I saw this one pop up I decided to make a quick pit stop and I am so glad I did! read more

Pretty good food, lady working the counter was nice. *Dear Yelp, here are a few more sentences for the people who enjoy reading reviews rather than getting outside & experiencing what this world has to offer. Remember what life was like before yelp? We just went places 'cause they looked cool, tried restaurants 'cause they looked nice or someone recommended it... but now, most of us go on Yelp. Why? To read novel length reviews from wannabe journalists? Or are you like me: I just want to look at the menu before hand, check out the prices, & know if I'll get food poisoning or not. Either way, you read this long rant, thanks, I hope I made you laugh :) Oh and thanks Covid for making me lose my Elite status read more

Disgusting. The food was horrible. The brisket was so fatty it was almost inedible. Yes that cut of meat is fatty but you can trim it off. Gross. The pulled pork was so dry. The baked beans were gross too. Literally didn't like anything we ordered. read more

This is like a subway counter except with meat and carbs! So glad our friends reminded us of how good this place is! The $23.50 with 2 meat and 2 sides is a popular choice that's what most people get for one and have leftovers the next day. Ask for two sets of bbq sauce. One for each day. Love their tri-tip 5/5!, pork ribs, chicken thighs, hot link sausage 5/5!. Dunk it in their spicy bbq sauce. Favorite sides are their reds and gravy 5/5! (like good mashed potato and white gravy), corn bread with honey butter (tip: microwave slightly), potato salad, baked beans, mac and cheese. The lady who work there was so hospitable. It was close to 7 and she made sure we were enjoying everything and gave us extra to go sauces. She offered extra freebie cornbread with honey butter too and we were all for free food! If they are busy, don't rattle off everything you want all at once. Tell them what sides you want when they are ready to serve sides. It's just two people running the show but for good food, it's worth waiting for even if they are swamped during their dinner rush. They ran out of ribs when we got there a little after 6. They close at 7. I would call if it's late in the day and you are not up for substitution. So glad there's an awesome bbq place in Monroe! read more

See all

I mainly get my BarBQ from the Snohomish location, where all the cooking is done. The meat falls off the bone and the sauces are good. The smoked turkey at Thanksgiving is well worth the expense. read more

Very good! The brisket and pulled pork were fall-apart tender, and the chicken thighs were terrific. Mac and cheese is tasty; nothing special. The potato salad is excellent. Baked beans are good; not exceptional, but tasty. The 3/3 mix and match was plenty of food for two adults, a teenage boy and a preteen boy. The testosterone tribe was satisfied, which made this mama happy. read more

Service was good. Meat has no flavor. Taste watery and have to add bbq sauce for any flavor. The meats should have its own flavor didn't even have a Smokey taste. Tri-tip was super tough. Over priced for what you get in quality. Has been my 4th visit to this location since it opened and sadly always disappointed. read more

First visit to J&L BBQ. I had the 2 meat plate (ribs, sausage, collards and potato salad). I tend to judge bbq places by their ribs. All I can tell you is they do bbq the right way. Their dry rub ribs were absofreakinglutely awesome. Truth be told everything on that plate was awesome. J&L makes the must stop list when we're back in the area. Great job, manager. read more

Pretty dang good bbq!!! The gal that has worked there forever (I think her name is Deb) is very nice and gives great service

Service: 5 stars Brisket: 3 stars Tri-tip: 5 stars Sides: 5 stars Overall: 4.5 stars Ordered 2 meat & 2 sides with: - Brisket - Tri-tip - Mac & cheese - Cornbread We were greeted almost immediately upon entering, the dining area was clean & welcoming, and service was prompt. We had high hopes for the brisket, and although it had the smoke ring but it was dry and under seasoned. The tri-tip, however, was the star of the show - super tender and well-seasoned. Also, it's worth mentioning that the spicy BBQ sauce is *chef's kiss* - SO GOOD. Cornbread, which can be dry, was so moist and was served with a delicious cinnamon butter... Mac and cheese was tasty and buttery, but didn't have a ton of flavor - but it was on par or better than what I expect at a BBQ joint. Best BBQ we've had in the PNW after living in the southeast for 7 years, but that ain't saying much. HOWEVER, definitely above average and worth checking out if you're in the area! read more

J & L BBQ - 2 meat, 2 sides - brisket, tri-tip, mac & cheese, cornbread, and spicy BBQ sauce - Barbeque Near Me - Monroe, Washington

The restaurant's ambiance and decor took me right into a Texas BBQ smokehouse. The employee was extremely knowledgeable and so nice as I tried to choose from all the choices. Brisket pulls apart and is really moist. I tried three sides. I love the beans. Three bean that is not too sweet and has a great flavor. The greens are cooked well with a hint of smoke to them. The potato salad is fresh and tastes homemade. J&L is a gem for sure! read more

Love, love, love everything about this place! The staff are awesome! Super personal, very community based. Their BBQ chicken sandwich is my absolute favorite thing on the menu! So simple and yet SOOOO delicious . Great Mac n Cheese (especially when you add the beans or the bbq sauce!), and their beans with bits of brisket in them, omg... so good. Highly reccomend! read more

Awesome BBQ and friendly service! Found out this restaurant had two other locations. Food: Smoked meats were flavorful, tender, and delicious. Our favorite was the Tritip and Brisket! Portions were enough to share. Sides were hearty and goes well with the meats. Service: New space, very clean and everything in single use containers. Very friendly service. We were driving through but will be back next time or visit another location. read more

See all

Best brisket in all of Washington state by far hands down. I wish I took a picture I gobbled up the sandwich with the sausage on the side. Couldn't have enjoyed it anymore definitely will be back and the owner was so sweet and knowledgeable! read more

Everything here is delicious and the brisket...oh my gosh the brisket! It's the best BBQ brisket I've ever had and the main reason I go there to eat. (Great crust, tender, and the right amount of fat...drools) Super solid BBQ/sides and the best (imo) BBQ on the eastside. :) read more

If you read this review and are thinking of going here, just a heads up. I'm going to start off by saying the food is very good. I've never had a bad meal here and I've tried just about everything. I've been here many times and never disappointed with the grub. They are not cheap however. At $7.50 per rib, yes 1 rib, it can add up fast. I know meat is not cheap, but damn. $51.00 plus for a rack of ribs? That's NOT why I am posting this review however? I went to J & L BBQ at the Monroe location last night 12/6/2024 as me and my son were hungry for that delicious brisket and Mac & cheese. We walked in and there were 2 other parties in the shop eating. As we approached the counter we were NOT greeted very kindly, and the 2 ladies working there had sour looks on their faces. Oh well, I'm not here for them. I'm here for the food? Well, it got worse . Before I was done ordering I was asked if I planned on taking my food to go as they planned on closing at 7pm. I was kind of taken aback as I looked at the clock and it said 6:18pm? That's 42 minutes til closing? I said no, we planned on eating at the restaurant. The sour face turned to pissy and we were pretty much told we would need to hurry up. I was ready to just say forget it and leave without the food but decided to stay and eat. I even tipped them $10.00 on a $44.00 order which I shouldn't have? After we sat to eat, a few more folks came in to order. The family right after us was a group of 5 and were asked if they were planning on taking their thier order to go? They said no as well and in response were told they were lucky and cutting it close but would be the last folks to be allowed to eat in house. . I was bothered by this, as it says they close at 7pm and it's 6:30pm? As a couple more folks come thru the door, the older gal of the 2 people working runs around the counter into the seating area as quickly as possible and start putting chairs upside down on the tables indicating that they are not seating anymore and trying to close up shop. It now like 6:35pm. There are now 2 parties eating in the restaurant. Me and my son, and the family right after us. There are like 6 tables in the restaurant and of course we occupied 2 of them, so the other 4 were getting chairs put I'm on top of them. People that were coming in with intentions to eat in house were kind of looking around like what's this? Looking at their watch etc,,,? The couple ordered and were told they would have to take it to go as they were done seating for the night. I about fell over in my chair when they took their bag of to go food over to a table and pulled the chairs down and sat down to eat. I even stopped to talk with them on the way out to tell them how great I thought that was as to not let them run you out cause they want to be doing something else on a Friday night? At $25-$30.00 for a meal & $51.00 + for a rack of ribs, they should not be trying to run you out the door and making you wish you went somewhere else? I'm sorry, but I'm NOT going to spend that much on a rack of ribs to take home? I'm just not. Anyway, I was watching the ladies that worked there for their expressions and they were pissed. This was a major bummer for me to have to see. I am a small business owner and I am actually the lead guy on my crew. I work had to keep my reputation up and that is why I'm on every job I take on. To see that my customers are nothing but happy and would use my company again. I've been going to J & L bbq for years. It started off I believe in snohomish where I've eaten many times and now has a place in Everett and Monroe. The owner has a good thing going however he had better watch it or it could go the other way real quick? I know for a fact that those 2 ladies working that Friday night rubbed wrong at the very least 12 customers, and I got to sit and watch all of it? Very disappointing? I believe if you are open until 7pm in Washington state that you need to allow patrons to be able to use the restaurant freely until 7pm. That includes sitting down to eat? Not making them feel 40 minutes before closing that they should have to leave? Or putting chairs up, mopping under my feet while I'm eating, etc.... If the ladies don't want the hours and don't like working there, then replace them. Again, I'm sorry to have to post this, however I truly think this is something that people need to be aware of as many were caught off guard ? If the establishment closes at 7, then close at 7, NOT 6:20? The food was great, but the experience sucked? Still wondering if I will go back or NOT? Regards 4 1/2 stars for the food 0 stars for the experience. I have to put 1 star up so I will, because you have to go thru the experience to get to the food, so that is how I will rate this place. If it was just for the food, it would get a great ratting! read more

Best bbq! We hired them to cater our wedding and I was SO IMPRESSED. they even packaged up all of our leftovers for us. Which were SUCH a blessing. We visit often and they're always so sweet and such good people. Try the brisket and tip; get lots of napkins! read more

Wow ! Let's first start there! Food: delicious, tasty, hits your tastebuds and an explosion of goodness over flows. The coleslaw is so tasty they put their own spin on it by adding raisins and pineapple. The Mac N' Cheese super cheesy and yummy! The brisket sammy packed full of hearty meat and flavor! Their BBQ sauce they slap their label on it but it's actually sweet baby rays, haha not mad at that, just wished they were upfront about it! My partner had the loaded potato and that was actually surprisingly packed full of incredible flavors! That all seem to work together! Service: went to the Monroe location for these photos below, and last night went to the snoho location. Both had incredible welcoming and friendly service. We appreciate that! A bit uncomfortable with the customers around us, but that was for different political differences. We acknowledge it takes many different people though to make the world. So nothing against the business itself here. No matter their political beliefs either. Ambiance: like you're sitting down eating with friends in their back yard bbq. It's awesome the owner is from a snohomish and has put his own spin on southern comfort dishes! Proud snohomish resident here. :) read more

See all