Absolutely some of the best BBQ I've had in ages - and I'm a bbq snob from Kansas City! We had the sampler (brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, and one each of the mild and spicy sausages). I fully expected that one or two of the meats would be good and the rest just passable. I was wrong. Every single bite was spectacular. We also had the brisket and queso chips and pig candy - both were really tasty; the chips especially were very fresh and sprinkled with just a touch of bbq rub. We arrived a few minutes before they opened on a warm Saturday and the wait was about 75 minutes or so. Definitely worth standing in line for. There's ample outdoor (but covered) seating and plenty of good music playing, plus cornhole games if you're feeling competitive. Jays will be our go-to for BBQ the next time we're in Abilene! PS - if it's still available when you go, be sure to try the cherry chipotle sauce - it's amazing! read more

I ate at Jay's BBQ Shack and got there about 30 minutes after they opened. The line moved fast and I only waited around 15 minutes, which wasn't bad at all. They had fans going which helped a ton. We ordered Jay's sampler with potato salad, coleslaw, mac and cheese, plus a side of pinto beans and the pig candy. Everything was absolutely delicious. Honestly, this is the best BBQ I've had since moving here in 2023. The brisket was tender and full of flavor, the ribs were incredible, and the sausage was perfect. The potato salad had that mustard kick and reminded me of my grandma's, which is saying a lot. They had several sauces to choose from, the maple was my favorite. The only thing my husband mentioned was that he wished the beans had a little something extra like fat or onion, but that didn't take away from the meal at all. We'll definitely be back. read more

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Outside of the big heavy hitters in major cities, Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ list often leads you to smaller joints you'd never think to visit otherwise. The list brought me three and a half hours north of Austin to try Jay's BBQ Shack in Abilene. My girlfriend and I got in line around 10:40 am, and it was already turning the corner. According to my Yelp research, if you're not early, you're late. The restaurant is in a super cool location. It's a red brick house where all the operations take place, with a huge side patio for seating. There are a lot of cute photo ops and things to look at while you move through the line, like it's a Disneyland queue. My favorite is the alien with a Guns N' Roses shirt, a Michelob, and Doritos shorts. Their menu is expansive. From your traditional meats to your plates, there are also sandwiches, tacos, queso, Frito pie, and more. The line moves at a slow but steady pace. Orders are taken at one window, and pickups happen at the next. We had a pretty sizable meal for the two of us, and it was just around $55, which felt pretty affordable for BBQ. We ordered the Texas Trinity (as I normally do regardless of it being an option or not). I didn't read the menu closely enough to realize it also came with two sides. The one-third pound brisket, sausage link, two ribs, and two sides total $31, which feels like a steal. I will now talk about everything I tried: Brisket: When you try so many all-star places, it feels harsh to call a place's brisket "alright" when compared to a Rudy's, which this is far better than. Compared to other Top 50 joints, though, their brisket was alright. Their fatty cut was good, but their lean was not impressive and a little dry. I hate to say that the lean needed some sauce to save it. Pork Ribs: The best thing on their menu. Their pork ribs are massive and very well-flavored on the bark. I would come back just for the ribs. Each pork rib is $3, and you can add as many additional ribs to your order, which is an awesome feature this joint has. New Mexico Christmas Sausage: It was fun to have "Christmas" sausage, but I wish it actually had the kick it should have had from the green and red peppers and pepper jack cheese. It was good nonetheless, but not impressive. Bread: Their bread is Texas toast, which I have yet to see at another BBQ joint and thought was super cool. Imagine a Raising Cane's toast slice. I do wish we got more for the amount of BBQ we ordered, and I don't know if that's something we were supposed to ask for, but one slice is not enough. Hatch Chile Mac and Cheese: It tastes like a classic cafeteria macaroni and cheese, which feels nostalgic. The panko breadcrumbs don't do much, and the spice is minimal, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Jalapeño Corn: There was really no kick to this corn either. It tasted like canned corn. There'snothing else to say. Pork Candy: The pork candy, or their "Kansas City-Style Bacon Burnt Ends," was really nice. The saucy flavor was impressive. Having had a similar style of bacon before, I enjoyed the fattiness, but the better pieces were definitely the harder and less fatty cuts. Banana Pudding: A very well-done dessert and a great treat to wrap up the meal. There were plenty of BBQ sauces to choose from. Their traditional and mustard BBQ sauces were both good, but their spicy BBQ sauce was honestly terrible. It had this back-of-the-throat kick that didn't taste good. It felt like a hot sauce that didn't care about balancing heat and flavor, focusing instead on seeing what the heat could do. It wasn't significantly spicy, it truly just tasted bad. I think it's cool for Abilene to have a quality BBQ joint like Jay's, and I know it becomes a challenge to compare so many Top 50 spots. I think Jay's is good but not great. I've had better non-Top 50 joints but also worse Top 50 joints. If you're ever in the area, it's worth checking out, but not worth the trip to Abilene alone. On second thought, the alien guy who sits at the bench might be worth the trip alone other than that my girlfriend considered leaving me for him due to his raw beauty. What a jerk. RIYL: Hot Aliens read more

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I knew this place would be great not just from the reviews, but from the fact that I pulled up to an entirely outdoor venue in Texas with a sign indicating that they either closed at 2:00pm or when they ran out. The smoker had long been turned off by the time I got to the place, and they were out of several of the items I'd wanted to try, but they had brisket and jalapeno creamed corn, so I knew I'd be okay. The ladies were very friendly, taking my order and letting me know where to grab the other items I needed. This kind of outdoor patio wouldn't fly in Houston, but there's something about Abilene that made it work. The covered seating left enough shade that you could eat in peace, I didn't notice any bugs or mosquitos, and there was nowhere near as much humidity as I'm used to when eating outside. The brisket sandwich itself was solid. The meat was well seasoned, with a solid bark, yet moist enough that it fell apart in your mouth without even chewing. I could see exactly why this place made the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ list, even though I had no clue they did before I'd eaten here and then started pulling the place up to write this review. I don't anticipate being back in Abilene anytime soon, but if I ever am, this will be one of my places to go back to, and to bring friends. read more

TLDR: Jay's BBQ Shack in Abilene serves solid brisket and ribs that outshine the average sides and desserts. Friendly vibes, small-town charm, and long lines define the experience. Worth visiting if you're in town, but not a must-have. Overview: Jay's BBQ Shack in Abilene has become one of those places where the line tells you everything you need to know. When I visited, I arrived almost thirty minutes before they opened and found about twenty people already waiting, which says a lot about the reputation they have built. The setup is casual and inviting, with outdoor seating dressed in small-town Texas décor and plenty of shade to make the wait more comfortable. There is no dedicated parking lot, but street parking in the area is easy enough to find. Between the friendly crew and the sense of anticipation in line, the atmosphere is personal and welcoming. Food: Before you even sit down, a wide selection of sauces is ready next to the ordering window, ranging from tangy Carolina hog sauce to a mustard-based option for those who enjoy variety. I went for the Texas Trinity plate at thirty-one dollars, which felt a little high for the setting but still fair considering the quality, portion size, and reputation. The brisket and ribs both delivered on smoke and seasoning, with tender bites and good moisture. They were solid, though not showstoppers you remember for weeks. The sausage special, "New Mexico Christmas," offered a fun mix of chiles and pepper jack cheese. I appreciated the creativity, though it could have been a bit juicier. The sides were a mixed experience. The mac and cheese had too much of an artificial cheese flavor, but the hatch chili kick and breadcrumb topping gave it some personality. The slaw was crisp and fresh, providing a nice balance to the richness of the meats. The pig candy stood out as a highlight: sticky, flavorful, and hard to stop eating. Dessert, however, fell flat. The banana pudding tasted like a basic box mix with bananas and vanilla wafers added in, which may have been the intention, but didn't land with me. Final Thoughts: The meats are the highlight and carry the experience. While the sides and dessert will not blow you away, the atmosphere, energy, and dedication behind Jay's BBQ Shack make it worth a stop if you are in Abilene. Just be prepared for the wait. It deserves its spot on Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ Joints list, though I would not make a special trip across the state for it. read more

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There's an alien drinkin' a Michelob and I'm about to eat ribs. Welcome to Abilene. TL;DR: Jay's BBQ Shack is slingin' meats worthy of a West Texas pilgrimage. I braved the line, ordered half the menu, and left with my belt in one hand and banana pudding in the other. The ribs barked. The pig candy purred. The sausage had hatch chile swagger. A must-stop for meatheads, saucy sidekicks, and extraterrestrial beer enthusiasts. I rolled into Abilene on a Friday at high noon, hungry enough to gnaw through a picnic table. The line at Jay's BBQ Shack stretched like a summer afternoon, but I wasn't deterred. When folks are waiting in the Texas heat just for a plate of meat, you know the smoke here ain't just for show. By 12:30, I hit the window and unleashed the order of a man on a mission: * Brisket: thick, smoky, with a bark that don't bluff * Turkey: juicy enough to earn a seat at Thanksgiving * New Mexico Christmas sausage: a pepper jack-laced, hatch chile miracle in link form * Pork ribs: tender, seasoned like they got a GED from Meat College * Pig candy: sticky, sweet bacon burnt ends that whispered sweet nothings to my cholesterol * Jalapeño corn: corn with a kick that said "howdy" and "hang on" The seating area? Classic Texas: picnic tables, tunes in the air, and an alien in a GNR shirt sipping a cold one like he'd just hit the bbq lottery. I sat under the shade, swapping rib tips and tall tales with locals like I was born there. Of course, I snagged some banana pudding to bring home to my Side Dish Queen. She inspected it like a food judge at the county fair, then gave me the nod of approval. That pudding had soft wafers, whipped topping peaks, and enough vanilla truth to make her momentarily forgive me for not sharing the pig candy. Stamp #28 collected. 22 more to go. Jay's isn't a shack. It's a temple. And the pig candy? It's the gospel. Final Dad Line: If brisket had a prom, Jay's would be voted "Most Likely to Ruin Your Shirt." read more

Jays BBQ Shack - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

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Excellent que! Loved all the food we had. Great service! Fun and comfortable ambiance.

Waited 90 minutes in line, but well worth it. Excellent bbq. Great smoke. Good sauces but not really needed the meat was so flavorful. Sides were good too. read more

Jays BBQ Shack - Meat Sweats sandwich with an extra rib. - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

The best ribs on the planet! Great folks- outdoor dining, music, smell of the grill. Like a party every time. One of Texas Top 50! Home boy and his beauty have worked hard! I love their hatch Mac n cheese, their elote, but my go to are the ribs! read more

Great BBQ! It's like an ice house. Friendly & Fun! I'd just add that they could send an employee out to get drink orders while waiting in line. read more

Didn't get to try it after driving from Waxahachie! Arrived at 1pm today (Sat) and not a soul in site. Didn't even get a whiff of smoke. Giving three stars based on reputation only. Really need to consider making a little more so you can stay open later and take advantage of that Texas top 50 rating. read more

Stellar! I got here right before closing and they were running short oh lots of main stays but settled on the meat sweats sammich. This was a good sampling of various meats. I went at this with a fork and knife. It offered a good variety of all that this little bbq joint has to give. Service was spectacular, although they had run out of several items, staff was helpful in assisting what best selections were available. Lots of covered patio tables to chose from, which gave a nice community style dining experience. I even saw Jay himself come out and talk to some tables! read more

Jays BBQ Shack - You can ask for a half link - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

OMG, this place is amazing! Best bbq I've had in a long time. Burnt ends are great and do not miss the elote. Get there early because they were running out when we left. read more

Officially trying Jays! We've tried their Mac & cheese while visiting with family and instantly knew we had to officially make this our next meal. The line is long, but they provide plenty of shade to stand under. Plenty of seating and an area to play corn hole. They offer a free non-alcoholic drink for students with a student id. Casual and relaxed atmosphere that's all outdoors no indoor seating! This is a true authentic BBQ joint. Food comes out fast! It felt like a happy wholesome family bbq on a summer day here with the flavor, food, and atmosphere! read more

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The food! Probably thr best BBQ in Abilene! I wish they weren't closed at 2 daily but that's the only drawback.

Ribs great. Brisket solid. Sausage good. Burnt ends good. Mac and cheese and potato salad good

I've eaten at almost all of Texas Monthly BBQ places in Texas. Jay's is no where close to the top 50 and is really just middle of the road BBQ in my opinion I have eaten a lot worse and have eaten a whole lot better The brisket is NOT worth the long wait I got a pound of brisket, 1/2 marbled and 1/2 lean. The marbled was much better than the lean The lean was not good, way too dried out. It will be a long time before I come back read more

Once you've eaten at Jays a few times, it has this addictive quality about it that calls to you long after you've gone home and eaten the leftovers. Not only is the food fantastic, but the vibe is super cool as well. It's one of those places that makes you feel like you got to participate in a special food experience. From the outdoor seating to the music and enjoying a beer while you're standing in line deciding what to order. It is truly one of our favorite places to go in Abilene. The brisket mac and cheese is not always on the menu, but you can guarantee that it's always delicious. I usually get a rib and brisket combo plate with beans and the poblano mac. Wash it down with a can of lone star beer, and you'll be doing the happy dance all the way back to your house. read more

Jays BBQ Shack - Smorgasbord - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

Such an amazing place that you have to visit if you are in Abiline, The BBQ is amazing a great selection of sauces for the tasty MEAT they give. The service was quick and everyone is nice, Either take it home or Enjoy it in the outdoor eating area which had a nice look to it. Would highly recommend read more

The food IS TO DIE FOR. It is some of the best brisket I've ever had. The service does take a while since it's super popular but it's worth it. The ambiance is chill it's also outdoors. read more

By far the best bbq I've ever had. Ribs, brisket AMAAAAAAAAZING. Love this place. Mac and cheese and jalapeño corn again... AMAAAAAAAAZING. Service is friendly and fast. Eat outside not too bad with good weather. Great menu read more

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Took a special day trip up to Abilene to see what Jay's barbecue shack was about. I'm definitely glad that I did. Got in town, hungry and really got after the brisket, which was moist and wonderful. I hope they keep that cherry habanero barbecue sauce on the menu. It was astounding. A real Jim part of the meal. Also, the Kansas City style bacon burn ends, called pig candy were absolutely incredible. I had a little bit of trouble finding sides that I was a big fan of. But, that shouldn't change your mind on going here. The jalapeño corn was perfectly acceptable, but I was looking for something just a little bit more. I really enjoyed the jalapeño hush puppies as well. They paired excellent with the cherry habanero sauce. My visit to Jay's has me looking into reasons why I need to go from Miamisburg, Ohio to Abilene, Texas. Guess I'm going to have to make an excuse after this visit. read more

First time in Abilene and we were craving BBQ. Saw this place on Yelp and boy we were not disappointed! Jay's was celebrating their anniversary. Austin vibes without the population. Awesome music and amazing bbq. We ordered the 1/2 lb brisket, ribs and sausage. Amazing y'all!!! The marbled brisket was melt in your mouth deliciousness. The ribs and sausage were delicious too. My son had the Mac n cheese and he said it was so good. The atmosphere and staff were so welcoming and nice. Loved it here and so will you!!! read more

Jays BBQ Shack - Brisket & sausage - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

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The best turkey I have had in Abilene. The ribs were cold, but I know they would have been delicious if they had been at the correct temperature. The cashier was a little bit rude, but everything else was great. read more

Jays BBQ Shack - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

Beat brisket in town! My wife and I love this place. We were turned on to it by some friends who grew up in the area. Get there early to beat the line and ensure that you get what you want before it sells out. Amazing side dishes, cool atmosphere, and the best brisket you can find! read more

To put it mildly, we would consider this restaurant not only worthy of a place in the vaunted Texas Monthly Magazine top fifty, but in the top thirty. It is that good-- and it was our 97th BBQ stop in Texas, and the 392nd in a nationwide BBQ pilgrimage. $49.25 purchased a meal that was stellar from start to finish. Outstanding "pig candy" (pork belly burnt ends) leads the way. A one meat (fatty brisket), two side (pinto beans, Hatch chile mac n' cheese) plate followed, with a pair of ribs and a jalapeno cheddar sausage complementing. The buttery smooth brisket featured good smoke and great flavor packed into the traditional central Texas rub. The sausage is superb. The tasty ribs, which were perfectly prepared, adhering to the bone while separating cleanly at the bite, were among the few that we have eaten in Texas that would hold their own in KC or Memphis. The pinto beans and mac 'n cheese were both top notch. We saved a pint of brisket elote and a banana pudding for the road, along with a bottle of the house made Cherry Chipotle sauce, which went well with the ribs, and will pair wonderfully with pulled pork. You really need to sample it. The brisket elote was interesting-- the peppery corn, with its hint of jalapeno, offering a second look at the brisket. The two worked well together. In turn, the pudding proved to be nice and light, and not excessively sweet. If you are dining in, it will make a pleasant finish. This is "destination 'cue" at its finest. read more

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When in Rome! Be sure to check this place out early! Food was fantastic and quick! Cute setup and laid back. read more

Jays BBQ Shack - Turkey platter with beans and corn! - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

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Excellent service delicious food wonderful atmosphere barbecue sauce is amazing Best barbecue place in Abilene.

Definitely better than the Shed. Great sides, super tender brisket, and friendly staff. Good location. Chicken was crazy juicy. Mac and cheese was outstanding. read more

Jays BBQ Shack - Finally made it. - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

Very good BBQ, definitely worthy of Texas Top 50. Meats are top notch and sides are very good. Variety of foods keeps it interesting. Generally has a weekly special..... read more

Heard rave reviews from friends, so had to hit up. Got to Jays at 11:45 and stood in line for 38 minutes. Once I received service, they were great! All said and done, finally got my BBQ at 12:37 and it was a let down. Don't get me wrong, it was tasty - but not the best I've ever, nor better than my own. Save yourself the trouble and just go to The Shed. read more

Jays BBQ Shack - Brisket & Spicy Sausage. Side of Mac&Cheese and Potato Salad - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

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I got there at 11:20 and the line was long but was totally expected. I knew I should wait as long as I needed too. It was well worth the wait. Ribs were smoked to perfection! The chicken breast was delicious, corn was great and the Mac & Cheese was good too. I even bought a TShirt. They had shade covers, and gigantic fans to help with the heat. This was the best part of my Trip to Texas. Salute to Jays for making this trip worth it. read more

Jays BBQ Shack - Ribs Plate with Mac & Cheese, corn and I added a chicken breast. With a Coors on the side. Amazingly delicious meal. - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

hands down, best bbq in town get the brisket & ribs or order whatever their special is read more

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First off I took my Ohio buddy who has discovered man love for Tx BBQ. He's an Austin BBQ Lover who doesn't like to venture too far from Austin. I coerced him to make a trip to Abilene. Neither of us had been there and were we pleasantly surprise! The BBQ was worth the drive. I had missed going by a day a few months earlier....But we did it right this time. The brisket was nice & moist. On a whim we got the bacon burnt ends.....WOW! It's the nectar of the meat gods! I'm getting that if I get to heaven! BBQ brisket shouldn't have sauce, but we tried the cherry habanero....Again WOW! We met and talked w/ Jay & his wife, as it was near closing time, good people! I told his wife about what I thought about their magnificent habanero sauce....they laughed about what I said, but it was all complimentary. Over all it was well worth the trip, I defiantly will return. I just want to get a bottle of that sauce to take back! read more

Jays BBQ Shack - brisket and sausage; 2 meat plate - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

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Great food and great vibes!! Get there early to get in line before they sell out of things! read more

Jays BBQ Shack - Hatch Mac and cheese, Jalopeano corn - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

WOW!! Food is awesome. Had the brisket and rib combo plate both were cooked to perfection. Had the jalapeño Mac and cheese and coleslaw for sides and a nanner puddin' that I'll eat later. Service was outstanding. The eating area was clean and trash bins were overflowing. This now our go to place for BBQ. read more

Jays BBQ Shack - My kinda dinner - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

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Service was great, food was amazing and the wait was pretty quick. I would recommend this BBQ place to everyone I know.

Jay's is absolutely awesome! I love his BBQ and his creativity. The service is friendly and the food is always on point!

Delicious BBQ and different options on how to eat it (tacos, sandwiches, plates, frito pie) their spicy BBQ sauce was really good and we loved the ribs & sides. There's craft beers and regular coke products. Their banana pudding was delicious too. And the space is so cute. There's corn hole to play, cute sign to take pictures and just an all around nice experience our family had there so we'll be going back soon. read more

Jays BBQ Shack - Menu - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

Fantastic bbq! Some of the best in the state to be exact! Long line, be prepared. Lots of flavorful bbq sauces to try as well. Love the brisket and the ribs! read more