We went on a Friday night, it was busy, but the line to order went quickly and they have an amazing staff which will get you through the line to order and seated in very little time compared to most restaurants. Once seated, the restaurant has a large team of employees seating and getting the next guest ready in no time. The food was great, I was impressed with the flavors of the brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. Smoked with perfection and seasoned just right while still keeping the flavor of the meat. For our sides, We had cheesy jalapeño grits, sweet potatoes with a brown sugar crust and a red slaw (spicy vinegar based). We also had the banana pudding for dessert which was great. read more

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The brisket had a great flavor but was way too tender, it crumbled into very small pieces making it a little hard to eat. The mac and cheese was decent, pretty on par for most bbq spots. The service was friendly. Lots of vintage signs and artwork on the walls. read more

Delicious food and quick service made for an excellent experience. We will definitely be back.

The pork was amazing tender and very flavorful! The service was awesome! Several people asked us if it is our first time and welcomed thanked us for coming! You get in line and get your drink and order your food. Then you pay and they take you to a table. The crunchy sweet potatoes are fantastic! The slaw and Mac and cheese were both very good Although it was very busy the atmosphere is light and positive! I highly recommend you go ahead and give them a try! read more

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I am still thinking about my meal at JDs. It's like an hour from my house but I am going to have to make this a regular place to go. I had a plate with pulled pork, baked beans, and jalapeno cheese gits. So the pulled pork and beans were delicious but those jalapeno grits were out of this world. Some of the best grits I have ever had. What was even better was their mud pudding. I saw it listed but wasn't sure exactly what it was and I am so glad that I asked. It sounded interesting so I got it. It is seriously heaven. I could eat a gallon of it with no regrets. And you just can't beat the price. Can't wait to come back and eat it all again! read more

Good food affordable prices as well so I was happy and my appetite was satisfied. I recommend.

Fabulous food, service and atmosphere. We had the chopped chicken and it was moist and tasteful. All the sides are yummy- green bean casserole, baked beans, sweet potato crunch and the jalapeño grits - all amazing. Service is on point. Definitely would recommend. read more

There are two locations for this BBQ place, one between Morganton and Lenoir, and the other in Rutherford College, just a minute or so off I-40. I actually hit both locations this weekend, the first dining in en route to Morganton and the other ordering for a party of 4 at the drive-through. Both times we ordered the pulled pork plates, very generous servings of the real deal barbecue, which comes with two sides and a yeast roll. The servings we so huge that I was unable to finish and everything I've ever had there was superior. Tasty potato salad, unbeatable baked beans, hot and satisfying Bruswick stew are top-notch. The employees are consistently fantastic, very friendly, super efficient and attentive and helpful getting your order and delivering it to your table. The only entree I ever had here was the chicken fingers and the chopped chicken (a little dry), but their signature barbecue can't be beat. They're only open Thursday-Saturday, so if you go there for lunch in Rutherford College, be ready for a line (it moves quickly, but it's a testimonial to how popular it is. They do a lot of take-out. read more

I travel all over NC and this is one of the best BBQ places in the state. The chopped chicken is excellent. Really, the BBQ pork and brisket are great too. All of the sides are really good. As someone who eats here just about every week, the best compliment I can give is that they are consistent. Food is always good. Service is always good. Understanding from other reviews that everyone has a bad night, I have yet to experience one from JD's. read more

JD's had a pretty strong rating among my Yelp peers, so it seemed like a good choice for dinner for a barbecue fan like myself. My GPS struggled a bit with finding the address, though it got me close; I only had to drive a bit further south to find the smokehouse. There's parking all around the restaurant, which looks as though it could hold quite a few customers. Here's how JD's works. First the patron heads over to join the line leading to the order counter. At that counter, you'll order drinks first then select the rest of your meal. Once you've paid and received your drinks, you take your ticket to a staff member located nearby who guides you to a table or booth. Waitstaff then delivers your food and addresses any needs you have during the meal. All these steps moved very quickly and efficiently during my visit, including the arrival of my food. I ordered a combo plate consisting of pulled pork, brisket, Brunswick stew, red slaw, and a roll. Sauces were provided at the table including a tomato-based option, a vinegar-based sauce, and -- something I didn't expect to see in Lenoir -- a mustard-based concoction. Good brisket needs no sauce in my opinion, so my only sampling of these flavors was a heavy-handed splattering of vinegar-based juice on the pork. And it suited the pork very well. As for the brisket, I noticed a nice ring of pink just beneath the crust, and the meat was cooked well without being too dry. I felt the brisket could have used more seasoning, but otherwise I was reasonably impressed. It ain't Texas quality but it wasn't bad. The Brunswick stew was full of goodies but was still not quite as hearty as I prefer. My first bite of the red slaw seemed a bit disappointing, for I didn't detect much of the pungent flavor I expected...but closer observation gave me some insight. This red slaw was more coarsely chopped than what I normally see in the Piedmont. When I dug to the bottom of the cup, all the "juice" was down there, as it had drained through the cabbage. Periodic stirring gave each subsequent bite of slaw a taste closer to what I'd expected. Service remained consistent, timely, and friendly throughout my stay. These folks know how to treat customers, it seems. So while it wasn't the perfect barbecue destination, I came away impressed by my stop at JD's, and I'd certainly be willing to visit again when I'm in the area. read more

JDs Smokehouse - Combo plate: pork and brisket, red slaw, Brunswick stew. - Barbeque Near Me - Lenoir, North Carolina

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Food was unbelievable!! Some of the best BBQ I've ever had. Staff was super nice and very very friendly. It was as if they were family. I would definitely have to make a detour here again if I ever get that way back down that way. read more

Their food is delicious with large portions. I love their pork BBQ. Come hungry! Easy to get to from I40!

We went to JDs back in April. I thought I had done a review but apparently did not!!! We were driving to Boone from Asheville and I was looking some a place to have lunch. JDs has great reviews and we love bbq so we had lunch there. From the moment we walked in we were in love!! I love the scent of smoke in the air!! The staff are all so extremely nice and welcoming!!! They guided us through the menu and the process. Our waitress was attentive and just really nice!!! From my pics it looks like we had ribs, a side of beans and the sweet potatoes!! All I know is that we are planning to visit the area again in December and this was the first place I want to go and eat!!!! That should tell you a lot!!! I'm a food lover and I LOVED this place!! Cannot wait for December!!! read more

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Got ribs were pretty good, food comes out pretty quickly from the kitchen Will try again read more

I honestly cannot say enough about JD's. It's absolutely amazing. The food, the character, the service, the prices - all on point. The counter-service staff are happy to answer questions and give recommendations. Servers keep drinks filled. Everything on the menu is delicious. JDs is a favorite! You will love the ambiance - feels how what an old barbecue restaurant should - full of cozy, country character. There is plenty of seating as well. read more

JDs Smokehouse - Pork pulled barbecue plate with jalapeño cheese grits, okra, and slaw - Barbeque Near Me - Lenoir, North Carolina

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Hey took a large group of 18 to J.D.'S BBQ in Lenoir. It was a very good choice! The service was fast and the food was delicious! The BBQ can 't be beat. The sides are all homemade. You gotta give them a try! The staff so kind and attentive to our needs. Very good service. Everyone looking forward to going back! read more

We purchased a place in Gamewell last year and have been anxiously waiting for JDs to open! Having been to their other location and seen how great it was I was ready to grab my tool box and show up to help them get it open asap. Anyways a year later the wait has been worth it! If you have been to their other location the food is just as good. It's probably the best BBQ I've had in the area by far. I have had their ribs, brisket and pork and they have all been great. All of their sides are also fantastic. I especially like their green bean and their potato casserole. The only down side is they switch up their sides, so unfortunately you can't always get your favorite, although I think they have a couple which are always there. Anyways food is awesome, the service is great and everyone is super nice. The new location is also much bigger and nicer than the old location. We will definitely keep coming back! read more

JDs Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Lenoir, North Carolina

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Super friendly service, large enough establishment to seat a large group. Food is amazing! Staff always around refills on drinks and requests very quick. Must try this restaurant read more

Best BBQ restaurant I've ever been to! The red Cole slaw was spectacular and the ribs were fall off the bone GREAT! read more

The food is great I love the brisket it is my absolute favorite! Service is good even when it's busy, it's always busy though because of how great they are! read more

Great food. Place was jam packed and the wait wasn't bad at all. I didn't care for their smoked chicken. Very, very little smoke flavor at all, tasted more like it was baked. That might just be a preference thing for me because it was cooked perfectly fine, I just didn't enjoy it. Everything else was excellent. read more

On our way home to Atlanta, we wanted some BBQ, and JD's popped up on our search. On the approach, we found a log cabin vibe. We came early, so that we could beat the dinner crowd. Boy, did we luck up! It's some of the best BBQ I've ever had. I had the chopped pork plate with jalapeño cheese grits and red spicy vinegar slaw. The pork was moist with just the right amount of smoke. The dreamy, creamy grits were the best I've ever had. The slaw had a nice zip(as a heads up, they also offer a mild, mayo based for those less adventurous types). As a treat, Hubs and I split the sweet potato crunch as dessert. Yum! Hubs had the brisket and ribs, red slaw and grits. He was mightily impressed. On top of all this, they had a swift operation with a very helpful and friendly staff. This establishment easily earns all five stars in every way! If you are passing through, or happen to live in the vicinity of the Lenoir area, stop by for a real treat! read more

This weekend, JD's Smokehouse of Rutherford College catered the rehearsal dinner for my son and his bride-to-be. We do not live in that area, so everything was planned by email correspondence with their catering director, Tiffany White. I cannot praise Tiffany enough. She was prompt and extremely helpful with all of her responses. The whole process was seamless. On the day of the event, she and her co-worker Carla were wonderful as they worked together to provide full-service catering for us. They were pleasant and ever so helpful. The food was delicious; the guests all went away full and commenting about how special the meal was. I highly recommend JD's catering services and food! You won't be disappointed. read more

We've been eating at JDs for years. We used to live near the one in Rutherford College, now we live near the one in Gamewell. Both are great. Both have quality ingredients, friendly servers, quick ordering, and food to your table. They smoke their meat start to finish and give you huge portions. The wait staff keeps your drinks filled, are attentive, and really care about their customers. The owners are committed to making your dining experience wonderful. They are open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for lunch and dinner. They take cash and cards. read more

Oh my gosh this place is delicious!! They are only open Thursday through Saturday so make sure you don't try to go on other days. The jalapeño cheddar grits are a little spicy but so good. The fried okra is amazing and the pork sandwich was so good. I can't wait to go back. read more

JDs Smokehouse - Fried Okra - Barbeque Near Me - Lenoir, North Carolina

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Great food ppl are very nice n sweet i will be going back here ............................................:....... read more

Delicious every time. They have great food and sides that are wonderful. It's a family friendly atmosphere. And my service has always been top notch. read more

This BBQ is exceptional! It is just simply the best! It is juicy and never dry. I love the pork BBQ as well as the chicken and my husband is a huge fan of the brisket. I have never once been disappointed in an order here! Come early or prepare to wait! The drive in is preorder ONLY, so you can't just cruise on in! lol The drive thru ladies are always really nice and I've never had an order wrong! The sides are OUT OF THIS WORLD!! Try the sweet potatoes if you want something on the sweet and amazing side, the green bean casserole is really good, their cobbler is fantastic, the mud pie, and the jalapeño grits are creamy and amazing! This is a great place and a wonderful addition to Lenoir!! read more

Amazing spot for BBQ on the way to Boone. Wife got the smoked chicken and I the combo of ribs and Q. Everything including the sides were great. read more

The food is amazing, brisket super tender and moist, delicious rub on the ribs and fried corn with some good sauces to chose from. Plus the waiters are incredibly nice and welcoming! Great bbq! read more

JDs Smokehouse - Ribs, Mac and cheese, brisket, pork rinds - Barbeque Near Me - Lenoir, North Carolina

We had the pork plates with baked beans, coleslaw and jalapeno cheese grits with a roll. EVERYTHING was good! Service quick and friendly.

Unexciting basic Carolina bbq dropped on a cheap mushy Walmart hamburger bun, slopped on a cold metal tray like prison food. The pork shoulder was tasteless and oddly dry. The brisket was quite good and the sauces ok except every bottle was sticky from prior use ( super gross). Servers more concerned with filling cups rather than getting things asked for like silverware etc. no beer? Seriously no beer? They would have so much more business and higher check and tips for the staff that only gets hours 3 days a week? If my car broke down in front of the place I might go in and eat but otherwise the cheezy hee haw, down home, we are a family business so no beer, careless barnyard feeding trough is not me. Might as well be another dreadful junk food drive through read more

I only get to go orders out of the window. It's close to my house so I can eat and crash. I have eaten Pulled Pork, brisket, smoked chicken, jalapeño grits and other sides. Loved them all. Good portions and friendly service. read more

JD's is an enigma to me. It is extremely popular with locals and even has people travel from further off to eat here..... but I can't figure out why. I've had some great BBQ in different states and JD's doesn't really hold a candle to them but it's not even the best BBQ in our area in my eyes. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad BBQ but it's just not great BBQ either. I've tried all the main courses over time and in my eyes the ribs are the best thing they have. Everything else is just, well it's decent BBQ food. Their fried okra is really good and always my go to with their jalapeño grits. I do appreciate that they have all the regions different BBQ sauces on the table and they're all good. But don't let them fool you with the hot bbq sauce, it's not remotely hot at all. If you get there before the rush you won't have long if a wait and don't let the like fool you if you didn't beat the rush. The line tends to move pretty fast and once you're seated the service has always been great. If you're in the area and this is the closest BBQ restaurant, it will do fine. But if you can travel about fifteen to twenty minutes away you can find two other restaurants that have better food all around. read more

The ordering system is a little different. I would prefer to order at the table. Fast quick service.

Great Barbecue and sides. You will love everything. Service is quick and they treat you like family.

Delicious food and in my opinion best bbq spot around! Sides are all wonderful too with great friendly staff.

We happened upon this place while passing thru. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, food was delicious! Relaxed atmosphere! Highly recommend!! read more

Awesome food, service and ambience. Nice to have this place to go to. Bbq is great!

Very good food friendly staff barbecue off the hook. I love the jalapeño cheese grits and the chopped barbecue love their sauces. Loved it so good I got the T-shirt lol thank you J D's BBQ. read more