I tried Janet's with high expectations. My son had a basketball game in town, so I asked around. Everyone I talked to said it was wonderful. I found it subpar, but I guess for a really small town, it will do.
I ordered the one meat plate with sliced brisket, fried okra, coleslaw, and toast.
The brisket did not seem fresh and was not tender. I saw them pull it out of a fridge (inside a ziplock bag), peel the slices apart, and put them in hot water to reheat. The brisket seemed to be commercially bought and not homemade smoked. I could be wrong though. The highlight of BBQ should be the meat, but I was thoroughly disappointed. The meat was flavorless, and I had to pour sauce all over the meat. They only had one type of sauce that I am aware of, and it was a little too spicy for my taste, but I have a wimpy mouth.
The fried okra was PERFECTLY fried. My only complaint... They didn't salt it. I got it to go and didn't have salt with me.
The coleslaw was home made and pleasantly delicious, however it was really soupy with too much sauce. It possibly because it was the last serving they had for the day. Still, it was delicious.
If you order to go, make sure to ask for plasticware as I had to go back in to get forks.
The staff are very friendly, and the restaurant had lots of regular customers.
I didn't try them, but I got to observe Janet making hamburgers. Hand shaped and placed on the griddle. Upon flipping, she smashed them super thin. Some people like them like that, but that usually makes all the juices cook out. I have no clue what they taste like though.
My son got the chicken fingers with fries. Chicken tenders appeared to be hand battered, and I watched them being put in the fryer coated with the wet batter. I got to snatch a small taste, and they were pretty good and way better than frozen commercial tenders a lot of restaurants use. Fries were average, and I have no clue if they were home cut, frozen, etc.
If you look at their website, the prices are WRONG. They raised the prices but never bothered to update their site.
The building had NO signage. I wasn't sure I was in the right place until I saw a menu. It's dimly lit with only a lighted "open" sign in the window.
If you are in Boswell, your options are limited. Janet's is safe enough, but don't expect the best BBQ of your life.
WARNING!!!! Cash or check only. They DO NOT take cards! read more