The only reason I'm not giving them 5 starts is because I would love to see more sides being made. However, I came back two days in a row for the rub dinner. I got 5 big juicy ribs, potato salad and collards. Let me tell you SOMETHING. I tore that food up both days. It's enough food to share, so my mom and I spilt a dinner. The mild sauce actually had a little kick to it and I used it all as a side. The potato salad is plain but delicious. I loved it honestly and personally I put a lil bit o greens on the fork. It came with white bread as well, and a small coleslaw. I may tell them to keep it bc I prefer their potato salad over the slaw. I do want to go back and try their other menu items but those RIBS are a hit for me! I'll be back for sure! read more

Bbq sauce nothing but mumbo sauce the chopped bbq is bland and unseasoned. WAsnt impresser​​

They have not lost anything. The chicken was so good and tender and that sauce!!!! A PLUS is, for years they only took cash, they added credit/debit payment options recently. Sorry I don't eat pork ribs so I can't speak to that! read more

My mom and dad used to go to johnny boys.Since the 70's. All through the eighties, nineties and early two thousands great place for ribs.I would brag about these ribs and put them up against anybody's ribs. Unfortunately, my last visit 2 months ago was very disappointing.The ribs were way overcooked,the fish was tastless . And the fellas working there, please no no no you had six guys back there, three of them were eating. Only two dudes look like they knew what they were doing the dude on fry's look like his first day.. The scale where you could tell how much the ribs you were buying weighed is now broken.You were never able to see what you were getting.But you could tell, by the scale gone, it's broken. And where you put the tip in to get a better selection. Is useless dude pulled out some terrible ribs.If I hadn't already paid my money, I would have walked. I settled. For the best of a bad bunch. The sauce is still good, but it's hit or miss with the ribs. Which is amazing since it's on a rotator system.You really gotta try hard to mess up. Brothers, please get this back together.This place was iconic. Now is just another hit or miss rib joint. If i'm gonna travel to the hood for ribs, they gotta be better than what you offer. Now y'all are just helping me lose weight. read more

We bought some pork ribs, and they were horrible. Unseasoned, meatless, raw, and resembled dried shit on a stick. The sauce was horrible. It was Red Hot hot sauce with what tasted like tomato sauce. Just horrible!! Don't eat here, and certainly don't spend no money here. read more

Been going there for years known for their ribs and chicken I love their greens too! Known for their sauces from very hot to mild have desserts sides and drinks as well. read more

Ribs are immaculate! I don't enjoy the sides too much but the ribs keep me coming back . The staff are very friendly as well. The service is quick and efficient read more

My husband and I decided to drop in after running errands because we heard the food was bomb. We got two slabs of rib, collard greens, potato salad, and fries. They let us pick our ribs through the window and it took about 15 minutes for us to get our food. The staff was friendly and helpful. It's small restaurant and you can tell it's a neighborhood spot. The ribs were very tender and I loved the spicy bbq sauce. I'm definitely going back to try the wings. read more

I found myself on this side of town again so I just HAD to stop by for a rib sandwich. It's not really much to say here. The ribs are some of the best you'll get in the area. I would only suggest adding contactless payments because not everyone carries cash on them. read more

Johnny Boy Carryout - a johnny boy ride - Barbeque Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

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We were searching for some good food for lunch.The ribs were delicious. We also got the fish sandwich which did not disappoint.

The ribs were undercooked and it seemed they changed the recipe and added a bunch of chili powder to it and it was very bad. read more

Johnny Boy Carryout - ribs and tomatoes in a box - Barbeque Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

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Many years ago, used to go here for my moms and she would buy me ribs too. Seemed always good then. Now, if I am in the area I might stop in right quick, never after dark and usually accompanied by somebody. I don't bother with the sides. The ribs and chopped bbq sandwich can be good. The main issues are over salting and to many bones. read more

The area is definitely sketchy however, the food was very delicious. I was told they have been there for years and it was a hit or miss but I have been 3 times. The ribs and smoked chicken were both great. I will be back soon. Pray for my safety lol, the things we do for good food (wink). read more

A good rib, doesn't need sauce, Nothing but the TRUTH. I have been all across the metropolitan area, Hands down they hold the title. And the reviewer that says he got a fatty rib from JB's, "YA LYING"....LMBO Not in 20 years have I had 1 fatty rib from JB's. read more

I asked in the barbershop where I could get some good bbq. I was told to try this place. It was good advice. The measure of good bbq is how it tastes without sauce. What's the point of bbq if you're just going to smother it with sauce? The ribs were tasty and flavorful but a couple were a tad bit salty. I got the sauce on the side and when I tried the sauce it was really good as well. I'd recommend this place if you need a bbq fix. I just gotta take away a star for cash only. It's 2018. I was glad I had just enough cash in me to get something. Everywhere should take cards. read more

Johnny Boy Carryout - Barbeque Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

Cash only best ribs in town been going here for decades great mild bbq sauce Best hot bbq sauce in town. Best potatoes salad and cole slaw I've had in year not to sweet or salty they give u that on the side to make it just rite for ur self read more

Best ribs in DC area,in my opinion.This spot has been in business since 1961,for a reason.Also,when I walk through my door,my dog doesn't greet me,he starts sniffing my ribs! Bastard. read more

It gets one star cause I have to....johny boys use to be good 70s 80s early 90s..now they are some trash...the food is awful, ribs dry, wings small or deformed, fries, chicken, and fish fried in the same rancid grease, and the BBQ sauce is basically ketchup....whoever bought this place from the originals destroyed the tradition of good food and service....And the staff are rude and very unprofessional...I remember now why I stopped going there years ago, but wanted some BBQ today but didn't want to go far....I will go to California for BBQ before I ride 10 minutes to this trash establishment......HOGS ON THE HILL BLADENSBURG RD...SO MUCH BETTER. Heck the ebony inn is better, and that ain't saying much at all. I forgot Asians took over and it's been trash ever since. I see some reviews and ask myself are these people use to eating trash...I mean seriously the food is awful if u like good food. If u eat McDonald's I can see u liking johny boys, it's the same level of trash. read more

Johnny Boy Carryout - Pulled beef BBQ sandwich and yes the bun is soggy - Barbeque Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

I truly appreciate these guy's I been eating here since I was a young child always got the slab of ribs.But them tips are even better I love the ribs don't even need the sauce great place. When i call ahead because I moved they save my rib tips.....i appreciate you guy's city.2chic read more

My Aunt and I are both from the Bronx, NY, but since I've moved down to Maryland, I've been craving a good BBQ rib joint and my aunt recommended this location to me after she lived in the DMV area for over 30 years. Man, when I tell you she ain't LIE about how good these ribs were! I was amazed because when I walked in, the woman taking my order was super polite, and honestly within 3 minutes, my one pound of ribs were ready for pick up. I wasn't even in the restaurant for 5 minutes. Talk about quick customer service! And the restaurant cook was super nice because one pound of ribs is 6 ribs but the cook gave me a total of 8, so 2 extra ribs. I thought that was really sweet. I ate my ribs and there was no meat left on the bones. None! I demolished those ribs and cleaned them like I how I clean my teeth. I mean, just absolutely delicious ribs. The mat was soft and tender, the sauce was tasty and plentiful. I honestly have no complaints about the quality of the food. I gave this review a 4 stars only because the restaurant is in a location where certain people hang near it and "beg" for money, but honestly I loved the BBQ ribs and the beggars didn't bother me. I'm from NYC so I'm highly familiar with beggars and I just spoke my peace and dodged them. Please note that I only bought BBQ ribs from this location. The other food items in my attached image are from different restaurants. read more

Johnny Boy Carryout - BBQ Ribs (other items are NOT from Johnny Boy Carryout). I only bought BBQ ribs from there. - Barbeque Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

Ok so my pictures don't do this spot the justice it deserves. Most of us that are from D.C. and the area, know about this establishment. We've been there several times and we probably get the same thing at #johnnyboyribs !!! Located at 4125 Southern Ave, Capitol Heights Maryland, you'll find this spot with a bright yellow awning inviting you in (don't pay attention to the other stores next to it ). I didn't get to Johnny's until I was a young adult. There are a plethora of folks I know that grew up on it. Some say the quality of food has changed from back in the day...I tend to believe them, however...the food is still delicious to me. They have a simple menu...ribs, chicken, fish, burgers, minced sandwiches...but I've only ever ordered their half of a chicken bbq platter with a side (pictured $8.25). I always get their hot bbq sauce on my chicken ( you have an option get sauce or not on the side), and proceeded to dip into the chicken like there's no tomorrow!! So, honestly, this spot can be rough to walk into. It's a lot going on outside of you don't understand people!! It would behoove you to know what you want when you walk in...customer service has the plausibility to be monotonous if you're not prepared for them. Parking is tricky too...that lot can be filled quick with cars not comply it with the vague parking lines in the pothole riddled lot. But you know what...all that makes for the full Johnny Boys experience!! It is what it is there...That's it. #bbq #chicken #ribs #deliciousness #collardgreens #fries #capitolheightsmd #nostaligic #cheapeats #southernavenue #musthave #bigschlimsreviews #classic #funfood #burgers #friedfish #mincedmeat #chickenwings #iloveus read more

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Mid At Best.... Went with a whole food plan ( you know imma try this this some of that and definitely this) well none of the stuff I wanted was actually available so I called am audible... Omaha!!!! Got the Rib Dinner.. I'm not sure what the actual goal was here.. the Ribs were super fatty and had the flavor of a sauced Loafer. The side's actually saved this place.. but not enough to go back.. if you looking for Mid BBQ.. here is your spot!! read more

First discovered Johnny Boy's when I lived in Fairfax Village Condos back in the 80's. Moved to VA and would still drive to Johnny Boys. Moved to California, Seattle, Miami and Dallas and everytime I would visit DC I would go to Johnny Boy's. Pay attn youngsters. My go to was 1/2 chicken, slab of ribs and a cheesesteak sandwich to go. With a 40 Oz of Colt 45 (There was a liquor store up the street). Try it before you come for me. Your welcome. When I retire I will be there every Friday just like when I was in my 20's. read more

4.5 stars for the ribs. Honestly, that's all I ever get. I think I might have had the collard greens one time and they were solid. But back to the main attraction: the ribs. Unbeatable price for seriously delicious ribs. I couldn't give 5 stars because the ribs aren't *always* 5 star good. But for the price, they're consistent enough. The place used to be cash-only, but now they accept cards. read more

I love this place! Every time I come home it's a MUST to go here. I took off a combined star for service and the cash only. It's getting ready to be 2019, they need to get with the times. As for service, the cooks and server were great but the cashier?!? She acted like she had been beaten and tortured by me in order to service my order. I mean she was awful. Otherwise check it out you won't regret it. Pray the same cashier isn't on duty and you won't be disappointed. read more

Food here is very good and cheap. The sides are good. They let you pick out what slab of ribs you want. I love the spicy bbq sauce. I'm not the biggest fan of bbq sauce, but there's is great with a kick, they also have mild and regular sauce. It's cash only place so heads up. They do not accept credit cards. Extra bbq sauce is $.50 each read more

Johnny Boy Carryout - Barbeque Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

Used to be the BOMB. Changed over the years. Had some ribs last week. Not as good as they used to be. And the sauce tastes different now. Disappointed. Tasted like mostly ketchup. read more

I finally found a Rib place that's pretty decent but very limited on sides I'm use to. Plus I wish I had more on my plate to talk about. I'm willing to try one mo time. Wish me Luck on my 2nd visit because when I give places a 2nd chance It's never a 3rd time. Let's pray they can stand up to the challenge. read more

Johnny Boy Carryout - Limited Choices of Sides - Barbeque Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

no credit card = no business. it's 2020. also, no full menu on a Sunday? And the menu posted has no price. next, read more

The ribs are the best I've eaten outside of my own. You have to have cash only. Reasonably priced.

A DC Staple..some of the best ribs smoked and made with soul..A must try with their mild/hot sauce.Grab some seafood salad too!!!

Best Ribs in DC. It's something about the rub and the sauce. I could probably eat it every day. Only draw back is it's cash only. read more

Johnny Boy Carryout - Barbeque Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

I started going to JBC decades ago with my father. Food was always good. Coming back, I got a whiting sandwich, fries, wings, and two BBQ subs. Why 3 stars? BB meat was good, but was less meat than expected. The wings were insanely small and fries were soft...not crispy at all. Love the nostalgia, but not sure it's worth driving cross town to try it again. read more

Johnny Boy Carryout has been around since '61 and offers slow- and low-grilled pork BBQ ribs. They offer in slab-form, 1lb, 1.5lb, and 3/4lbs, in sandwich form, combos, as well as other items such as BBQ chicken, fish dinners, sandwiches, subs, fried wings, sides, and homemade pies/cakes. The hubs and I came here and we ordered the 1lb rib, a side of collared greens, a side of potato salad, and a side of hot and mild sauce. The ribs reminded me of pork tenderloin with bone-in; it definitely had a nice little seasoned exterior, and the sauces were unnecessary as it was flavorful enough. Definitely a different kind of 'BBQ ribs' I'm used to! The sides were both forgettable, as they were just way too bland and had no flavor to them. I wasn't a fan of the sauces, as the hot sauce was a bit too vinegary/tangy for my taste, and the mild sauce tasted more like a tangier version of sweet & sour. To wash it all down, we tried their half homemade lemonade and half iced tea - it was sweeter and had a slight tang, but still refreshing. The place is carry-out only, and they only accept cash. Staff were friendly, and it only took about 5-10 minutes to get our order. There's limited free parking in the shared plaza lot. I'm not sure if I'd go out of my way for Johnny Boy's ribs, but if in the area, their take on ribs is worth a try! +slow- and low-grilled ribs (no sauce needed) +forgettable sides +friendly staff +cash only +free parking in shared plaza lot read more

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Women are often referred to as the better half, and in my case, that definitely holds true. What makes my wife so awesome? Well, the theory I subscribe to says that she was formed from a rib, and since ribs are my favorite food, how can she not be awesome? And just as I can't get enough of my wife, I can't get enough ribs, and even a day without her/them is a sad, sad day. For example, I just knocked off one of my longest standing bookmarks: Johnny Boy's in La Plata, MD and dropped nearly $50 for some BBQ on Saturday. Today (Mon), I wanted to try Johnny Boy carryout b/c 1) I can eat ribs everyday, that is until my doctor says, "Stop," at which point I'll get a new doctor and 2) I wanted to compare the two Johnny Boy's. As far as the ribs, sides, and sauce, I'd give the nod to Johnny Boy's in La Plata. For value and not having to drive 50 miles, I'll say Johnny Boy Carryout wins. As far as local competition (Fat Face and Rosebud's), JBC easily beats out Fat Face, but the competition with Rosebud's is very close. Location - The first thing I noticed about this place is that the small parking lot in front was full of cars with people waiting for the place to open. As the name would suggest, this place is carryout only and the bulletproof glass should give a fair indication as to what type of neighborhood you are in. There's a counter where you order your food at and there's a separate counter where you order drinks, desserts, and seafood salad. Note: Cash only! They're also open relatively late for a BBQ joint: 11pm M-Th and midnight F-Sa. Food - I ordered the rib platter ($11), which comes with cole slaw and a choice of fries and potato salad - I chose the potato salad. Since everyone in front of me made their way to the other counter and ordered the seafood salad, I did the same. As I eagerly waited for my order, I heard a guy working behind the glass shout, "#42!" When I glanced over, I wasn't sure what I had just seen since it happened so fast, but I felt like I was watching Super Bowl XXXVIII when Janet's breast was momentarily shown on screen. But unlike Janet's boob, the dude said, "Alright. How about this one?" He held up another succulent slab, and the lady nodded in approval. Apparently, for full slab orders, they hold up the rib and ask for your approval. What a novel--and naughty if you like food pron--proposition. As I eagerly hopped back in my car and drove back to the office, I almost gnawed my nondriving hand off as the smell was intoxicating. When I finally got back to the office, I immediately dug in and thoroughly enjoyed my meal. The ribs were a tad dry, especially at the tops, but the meat on the bone was rather tender. The platter comes with 5 bones, which is a smaller portion than you would receive at Rosebud's. The meat was not as smoky (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/lldOIWZnjUg1xuj2h8xy9Q?select=Ptg_HpK2binVcdU-iWStMg) but the rub added a nice flavor. The sides were the type of salads I enjoy, i.e., they consist primarily of mayonnaise. The seafood salad was great - elbow macaroni with little pieces of imitation crabmeat, shrimpy shrimp, and old bay. The cole slaw was also good - not as good as Johnny Boy's, but still good. The potato salad on the other hand, tasted like it's parts rather than the sum of it's parts, and wasn't very enjoyable. By that, I mean on certain bites, I tasted straight potato, straight egg on others, and on others, straight mayonnaise. I'll go with the french fries next time. As any good carryout in MD should, Johnny Boy also provides fried chicken wings (roughly $1 each) and fried fish ($8 for 4 pieces). Minced BBQ sandwiches are reasonably priced at $4.50. Sauce - I'm not sure what it is about Capitol Heights, but all the BBQ sauce reminds me of the kind you find at Cluck U, so some of you BBQ aficionados may not consider this true BBQ sauce, but I like it. The mild sauce (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/lldOIWZnjUg1xuj2h8xy9Q?select=C7yUOhK3d5Azkd3vGWmINw, in the back), has a neon hue to it and was excellent. The hot sauce however, wasn't as good as I had hoped after reading the reviews here. In fact, it tasted much like the mild just with tons of black pepper added to it. That's not to say it's not good, but it didn't elevate the ribs as I had hoped. Service - efficient and friendly, as any BBQ joint should be. I'm gonna give the guy working behind the glass even more props b/c he doesn't cut the spareribs, he chops it, a la a Peruvian chicken place, and he is deadly accurate. To wield a meat cleaver with that type of accuracy makes you pretty awesome in my book. So on my search for good BBQ near me, I think I've found another winner in Johnny Boy Carryout. Good ribs and you get a good amount of food for the $ (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/lldOIWZnjUg1xuj2h8xy9Q?select=3JgcaZf9MLt4Q5hbZ6Pwxw). I'll still say Johnny Boy's in La Plata is my favorite BBQ place thus far, but if I'm in the mood for BBQ in a pinch, I'll head to Rosebud's or JBC. read more

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Johnny Boys.. Please get some reallll collard grens and not those nasty CAN greens!! And please stop being stingy on the ribs get some bigger one and a better COOK!! read more

One Rib Eatin' Johnny I've been here twice now and this is a solid rib place that I'd recommend. These ribs are trimmed very well and have some good char on certain parts. They aren't exactly "fall" off the bone, but they come off the bone easily. I've gotten mine with the spicy sauce and it gets the nose running and you can sop it up with that good ol soggy white bread. As for sides, I've had the fries, greens, and potato salad. The fries are default carryout fries. The greens were normal, but executed well. I was recommended the potato salad by a coworker and unimpressed (Probably because my father was a potato salad master). It had a good consistency, but lacked in flavor. Nothing fancy. In and out service and cash only. It has 4 star potential if I can get the sides right. read more

Johnny Boy Carryout - Spicy - Barbeque Near Me - Capitol Heights, Maryland

So excited to find a restaurant open after 8pm. Drove to the spot to find out that its closed. False advertisment that this location is open. Left hangrier. read more

Yoooooooooooooooooooo this place is in the hood. Like most people wouldn't know this is about 6 miles from the US Capitol Building. Is it safe...I don't know. I went two days in a row and didn't fear for my life. Then again I blend in well with the element. Now on the scale of hoodiness I'd give this area a 7/10. It's not like Southside Chicago. Now I will say this ain't the place you want to bring your peak-a-poo or a Pikachu. Just being cash because this place doesn't take credit cards. Now the first time I went I saw a stray cat and he looked up and me and said "you see the rib bone I'm chewing on? Get the ribs dog." So that's exactly what I did! Now I don't know if the place is black owned or not but one thing I noticed and overhead was that they hire the residents of the neighborhood, which is great. You also can see them prepare the ribs and they pile on the rub...I knew it was gonna be good. So I'm giving them 5 stars for the ribs and the ribs alone. These are the best ribs I've had in the DC area. Well seasoned, meaty, has the right pull and is not too fall off the bone. If you buy a slab you can pick the slab you want. What I got initially was a chopped BBQ sandwich, 1/2 chicken, and ribs. I could care less about the sandwich. The chicken and ribs were awesome. The sauce is ok, but you can get it without sauce and put on your favorite sauce at home. Chef N.D. Approved! read more

Ribs are good but sides can go 2hell. It's cheaper to buy fresh collards. The Mac and cheese is atrocious! The can vegetables doesn't make good for the ribs. Please make fresh vegetables. You have enough older folks working there that should know the can veggies Sucks! read more