Pok-e-Jo's BBQ began with a simple Texas challenge...after a disappointing barbecue dinner in the 1970s, a group of friends decided they could do it better. What started as a joke about the name "Porky-Jo's" eventually became Pok-e-Jo's, and in 1979 the first restaurant opened on North Burnet Road with a mission to serve authentic, satisfying Texas barbecue. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and unpretentious, with the kind of comfort that comes from a place focused more on barbecue. The menu covers all the Texas staples...brisket, ribs, sausage, and pulled pork...served in generous portions alongside traditional sides like potato salad, mac and cheese, fried okra, and baked potato casserole. Since our trip is close, we decided not to cook to avoid leftovers. We ordered ribs and chicken that were flavorful and tender. Our sides included potato salad (a bit bland), broccoli salad (delicious), fruit (fresh), blonde brownies with nuts and chocolate chips (excellent). The meal also came with Texas toast. The Pok-e-Jo's staff was friendly and helpful. It has been a minute since we have eaten at Pok-e-Jo's BBQ. Good experience...we will keep them in mind in the future. read more

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With me being in Texas I also had to make sure to try some Texas BBQ. This place was nearby and definitely didn't disappoint. The deal you get with this meal is a drawing point as well. For this being my first time having Texas BBQ, I was not disappointed at all. I liked the sort of heat the BBQ had and how different it is to what I'm used to on the East Coast. The service here also was pretty good, as all of the workers were consistently ready to help out. read more

Pok-e-Jo's - Parmer - Texas fries - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Great Food and even better service, you will not find better BBQ in Central TX then add in their amazing choice of sides. I suggest everyone try the chef salad you will not be disappointed. read more

If I HAVE to add sauce, it's not good ! The service was fine and everyone was polite. But the food is a no. I got a two meat plate. I did double brisket, broccoli salad, and Mac& cheese. I also got a peach cobbler on the side. The toast had more flavor than the brisket. My brisket was juicy and flavorless! I had to add sauce to every single piece I ate. The sauce wasn't THAT good. The broccoli salad situation was okay. The Mac& cheese was just cheese and pasta! The brisket was so flavorless until I was in disbelief. I looked around to see if people really enjoying it because how is that possible.! Yea I won't go again. The brisket at HEB is even better than this !. read more

Pok-e-Jo's - Parmer - Two meat plate with dessert - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

Good bbq, lots of choices for sides and a nice condiment bar. You get friendly quick service and generous portions. This is a great location for a quick filling meal. read more

Pok-e-Jo's is one of the most consistent barbecue establishments I visit. The staff is always helpful and welcoming. The most important part is the food. The brisket is top notch and the sides are always fresh. It's not a boutique barbecue spot, it's a good spot to stop for lunch with no waiting. They serve Coke products here along with tea and very good homemade lemonade. They have a fixings bar with everything else you need. I would definitely recommend this location! read more

I've been barbecuing for over 55 years and have eaten it all across the country--from Kansas and Oklahoma to Mississippi and the Carolinas. I learned the craft when I was 13, and real barbecuing is about tending the meat and knowing how to cook it right, not just leaving it to sit in smoke or drowning it in sauce. What I was served at Pok-e-Jo's was downright atrocious. ​I ordered the pork ribs and sausage. While the sausage was decent, the pork ribs were the most disgusting ribs I've ever put in my mouth. They had absolutely no real flavor and were so bone-dry it was like eating beef jerky, tasting like they'd been sitting in a warmer for a week. ​ I once ate at Bill Miller's, threw the food in the trash, and walked out--and honestly, Bill Miller's is better than this. It seems like people in the Austin area don't even know what real Texas barbecue is supposed to taste like anymore. If you want actual, high-quality, flavorful barbecue that doesn't rely on gimmicks or sauce to hide the quality, avoid this place at all costs. read more

I must say that Pok-e-Jo's and I go back a long way. It was my first real BBQ when I came to Texas after college. I tried it and I was like "Yep, this is it. This will be my July 4th, some holidays, and when my family comes to visit." So, I'm back in Austin after 10 years away, and the first thing I do is swing by my favorite place. Now, this might sound crazy, but they are even better than before, and that's hard to say, because they were already so good. I come, and of course, I get the three-meat place, string beans casserole, and beans. I can't make up my mind if I want my brisket moist because no matter how you get it, the taste is perfect, but the guy behind the counter suggested I try both since it's been a while. We did that, and next, he grabbed a slab of rib; the meat was falling off the bones as he chopped away. Next, he's slicing my sausage. I started to change my mind and eat there. It's such a nice place to kick back and relax. But since it's been a while, the guy asked a staff member to show me the area where you get all the sauces, pickles, peppers, and more. He said, just in case I forgot! Ha, I didn't forget! I could never forget! I actually think this is another reason why people keep coming back. It's not a regular area; it has all the trimmings you will need for barbecue, more than just their sauces. One more thing, their desserts are top-notch, too. read more

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Consistently great neighborhood bbq. Plenty of parking. Very friendly staff. Thanks!!!

They suck for a sandwich plus meat no taste like leather. Rudys is the place. Like it was an old Cow. Never again brisket was horrible.

Came by for a casual dinner and the staff was so friendly. We had a coupon since we just moved to the area but the prices were reasonable and they also have weekday deals which were great. The ambience is rustic and welcoming and it's nice to feel transported out of the city. In terms of the food, I wouldn't say it's the best, richest barbecue but it's solid for when you're craving some and want to stay in the neighborhood. The potato salad and the various pickles in the condiment bar were great. My beef sandwich had a lot of meat but I think it would've been more worth it to just get the sliced beef and get toast since it didn't have anything else in it. read more

Pok-e-Jo's - Parmer - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I picked up a family meal and a rack of ribs that were on sale. The food was delicious! Everyone in the family loved it. The staff was friendly and helpful. Thank you for making my Sunday! read more

Extremely mediocre and the food did not live up to expectations while reading reviews. I ordered a 2 Meat plate with banana pudding, with the plate consisting of mac n cheese, potato casserole, burnt ends and the jalapeño cheese sausage. The sides weren't that bad and the bbq sauce were solid. What really left a bad taste in my mouth is the lack of portion and quality of the burnt ends and banana pudding. The burnt ends didn't even fill out a portion of the box and not only that, they were hard as rocks and way too overcooked, not tender in the slightest. The banana pudding lacks any authenticity as it lacks banana flavoring and tastes like a tub of pillsbury icing with banana chunks and coloring thrown in. read more

Pok-e-Jo's - Parmer - rock hard burnt ends - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

Brisket is dry and the 3 ribs I got had the tiniest morsel of meat on them. Sides were not great either. For a $22 plate of food it was pretty disappointing. read more

Been here twice in the last few months, and it is a solid mid bbq joint. The first time was for an event so I got to try lots of items from a buffet, and I was like yeah, This isn't bad. Today I got a spud with the fatty brisket on a tater with butter, sour cream and cheese, and some green bean casserole bc I felt like a needed a veggie. The spud and meat was solid, everything was hot and fresh and my potato was nice and soft. Green bean casserole tasted like the chef forgot the salt. Super bland, and even with salt it still wasn't right... not sure if it's some weird low fat version or what's happening but I did not love it even a little. Afterwards we went and got "new to me"ice cream bars from the European market next door, and that was delish. That store is fabulous. Highly recommend checking it out if you like food you've not seen before. I want it all. It's not La Bbq. But it's an inexpensive decent bbq option. Good for what it is. read more

Pok-e-Jo's - Parmer - Spud with fatty brisket and green bean casserole - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

I want to say thank you for all The extra help for the my residents. I know it was a lot. We have like 13 residents in wheelchairs and lot families member, but your staff went above and beyond serving us and helping them. We have a great time. At times you check on us because our bus was officially late picking us up. Thank you. read more

1. Phil's BBQ in the San Diego airport is beyond your bbq also, don't weigh the meat! Makes you look like a cheap ass! I can only imagine the employees pay checks. Cmon man....Use fresh green beans... not canned. Pay one more person to clean and prep fresh green beans. The Mac and Cheese...buy quality. Cook it fresh, not canned. It would go so far if you start thinking FRESH!!!!! Meats ok. Phil's bbq in California blows your restaurant out of the water They use FRESH ingredients read more

Absolutely incredible food, always! My new favorite local restaurant. Never ever been disappointed

This was my first visit to pok e Jo's and it was amazing!! At first I was sticker shocked. 1 meat (1/2 lb) 2 sides and a drink was $20. but the food came fast and it was good. we got pulled pork, broccoli salad and fried okra. Everything was great. they freshly fry the okra when you order so it is crispy when it comes out. the broccoli salad has some acidity to it which balances out the sweetness of the pulled pork. there is plenty of seating and service is solid. Overall, a great meal. would recommend read more

Pok-e-Jo's - Parmer - service charge for credit card usage. They don't discount, they add on charges - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

Boy oh boy, do we miss Pok-e-Jo's on Great Hills Trail. We love everything from pok e Jo's , decided to just call and have it delivered. OMG the brisket, pork ribs, burnt ends, everything was just as delicious as we remember getting out large family packs from the Great Hills Trail.......oh course got the beans, slaw, and potato salad and the sauce. Oh we also got the sausage. Oh and also the peach cobbler ....... With so many places in Austin to buy BBQ , with my gang we tried them all but this is still the best ever. Everyone has their favorites ,ours is Pok e Jo's. Oh always loved the fried okra but forgot to order it. Next time. Thanks for listening... read more

$12 for a baked potato that was cold. Had chopped brisket and that was cold too. $14.95 for a pulled pork sandwich, fries, and tea. The pulled pork was dry and stringy and just tasted like bbq sauce. Cashier asked "cash or card?" I said card and was charged an 85 cent convenience fee. I said "You never did that before" and she just barked out "There's a sign on the door." Sure enough, there's a small sign on the right side of one door (see photo). Says they're giving a discount to cash paying customers by hiking the prices up to everyone else. Just telling you you're getting price gouged before you go in. Look closely or you'll miss it. Goodbye Pok-e-Joes. Never again. Esther was the cashier. I took care if it by leaving the big $0.00 instead of my usual 20% tip. And I'm calling the health dept. about the dangerous holding temperature of the prepared food. read more

For a long time we have ordered a pound of turkey and cobbler, and sometimes more sides for delivery. Tonight, the turkey was tough, had tough pieces in it you couldn't cut through; what a disappointment(not even to mention the cost). Had to go in the trash. What has happened to this once great BBQ restaurant? read more

Nasty, greasy, flavor lacking. Unfortunately had to attend several company Christmas parties there. Boring service, overall decor and experience never recommend this place. Actively protest any discussion about any future parties. read more

I've been looking for a good local place to get some down right good barbecue! I finally found it, Pok-e-Jo's lives up to my standards, and exceeded my expectations by a mile. Reminds me of a place I used to go to when I was a kid, just on a smaller scale. You walk in, and a smoked aroma slaps you in the face, you can't help but consciously drool about all the things that you could possibly get, stacked up on a platter. Then run over to your table, and stuff yourself full of smoked goodies. Everybody was super nice here, I always appreciate good customer service. You walk up pick out what you want, or if you want to get some specific Combo plate that's on the menu. I've never been one to pick out a combo or anything like that, so I just buy a pound of brisket a sausage link, a couple pork ribs.... They weigh it out, and they'll charge accordingly. Everything was absolutely amazing, I cannot possibly put it in words. You're just gonna have to trust it, go in, and try it for yourself. The brisket was moist and flavorful, perfectly smoked. The sausage not greasy at all, had a good flavor to it, went well with everything. I've been craving pork ribs, and man did I get what I came for! Smothered in barbecue sauce, it was pure goodness that fell off the bone. I had barbecue sauce all in my beard, but I could not care less, I was in complete heaven. Better yet, I got to wash it all down with some beer, and an ice cold water. It would've better if we had a couple more people to share this with, but we were in no mood to care about our wallets. That being said we split the cost, and still had a great dinner. If you're smart you'll bring a couple people with you, that way you can get a little bit of everything you want, share it amongst the table, and not break the bank. read more

Pok-e-Jo's - Parmer - Entrance - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Our favorite BBQ chain in Austin. There are several choices, although the one we frequented years ago at the Arboretum is closed. We like it because of the variety of meats and sides. We have no interest in the Q Joints that use big-city marketing to convince tourists that there is only one place in Austin worth considering. This Pok-y-Jos on Parmer is now our choice, and the service, Zach's personal attention, and the meats are outstanding. Forget the hype in the travel magazines and visit a place that has a long history in Austin because the locals know it's good. read more

The food was fair. Pork ribs didn't have a lot of meat but were still tasty. Brisket was kind of dry, but the sauce made up for it. The sides were ten out of ten! Toast was nice and buttery. Their service was fast and friendly. Offered samples with no hesitation. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Party rooms are available along with jumbo televisions. read more

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Went for lunch today. Delicious as always and finger licken BBQ chicken. Ample sides and a great condiments bar. Staff are super nice and helpful. Keep up the good work. read more

I was pleasantly surprised at how good this place was. I was wanting to go to the typical more popular barbeque places in Austin that everyone knows of, but this place was recommended by the store that we were shopping at so we gave it a try. The sausage was amazing, brisket great, beans and potato salad on the same level, service was friendly, and the place was clean. They checked every box and we'll be back when we're in town again! read more

Pok-e-Jo's - Parmer - Brisket sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Solid BBQ place. Good brisket with a nice smoke ring. The potato was cooked just right, but the "fixings" were a little on the lean side. Service was friendly & the restaurant was clean. I've been to the Georgetown location, and this one is consistent with that location. For a good lunch or dinner, check them out! read more

Pok-e-Jo's - Parmer - Super spud! - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

I've been getting BBQ from this location for years, and the food is pretty good. I stopped in tonight for a family pack, and the staff behind the counter were clearly stressed out and arguing with each other in raised voices. I blew it off and reassured the guy cutting the meat that I worked in the industry for years, it's the holidays, and that I understood stressful situations. That said, the next guy that was scooping up the sides was really rude. I asked him what the bbq sauces were and only heard "peach habeñero", so I asked him again. His response was, "I done told you three times already!" I tried to be understanding at first, but I was so taken aback I left my order on the counter and walked out. I'm likely done with this location. read more

Brisket is always nice and moist, and the chicken tender. And both consistently seasoned perfectly.  I find the potato salad to taste great, but often there are pieces of potato that really should have been cut smaller.  We also enjoy the mac and cheese. Our only disappointment is the peach cobbler.  From what I read in the reviews, it's not supposed to be typical cobbler.  If that's the case--it should say so on the menu. Texans know their cobblers, and this version doesn't meet the standard. read more

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To be fair, it's really difficult to mess up bbq Showed up hungry one day, and left satisfied. Nothing to wow about the brisket, but it hit the spot! read more

From out of town and looking for some BBQ near by the hotel and this place at first seemed empty but it was not. The food and service was great for a family of 5 and the price reasonable for the food we got. read more

Great Food, illegally Charging Customers for using a credit card Would had tipped but this is a horrible business practice, will not return read more

Pok-e-Jo's - Parmer - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

Visiting ATX for the first time and yelp recommended this place with great reviews so why not try it out right? Right! Such a great choice. They have bbq meat options and delicious sides. Quite a few TVs inside and tons of parking outside. I'll be back Pok-e-jo! read more

Pok-e-Jo's - Parmer - hot & spicy pulled pork w/habanero peach bbq, pork ribs, broccoli salad and fried okra Mac & cheese and brisket is also delicious. - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

The food and service were amazing! So many choices in Austin, and I was not disappointed. They even got fresh brisket out and made sure I got the pieces I wanted. I was surprised it wasn't more busy. read more

Pok-e-Jo's - Parmer - Premium Brisket Sandwich, Texas fries, Peach Cobbler - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

Well we'll finally got a chance to check out retail bbq joint and boy it was exactly what I expected Let's start with the brisket I way to fatty and need more time to render down... 2/10 Ribs were surprisingly not that bad still not great but for quick meal your not going to run out the door 5/10 I opted for the jalapeño sausage definitely bad choice.... No flavor what so ever and over cooked 2/10 Sides Coleslaw was dry as a bone.... Lol And the Mashed Casserole wasn't something I'd come back to get just mash potatoes with cheese on top 2/10 Over all I would give my experience 2/10 If your looking for good bbq go esle where but if your looking for quick meal that will give you some calories... go ahead... read more

Pok-e-Jo's - Parmer - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

Went for a quick and easy BBQ dinner with the hubby! Let's talk FEWDS! Feel- Very Covid friendly set up and all fixings prepackaged and ready to go for you. Nice local feel to it. Great for a quick bite or for to go orders. EATS- I got the Friday special which is the half chickenplate comes with two sides. I really liked the chicken it was very moist and tender *tigger words sorry*. I got the peach habanero bbq sauce to go with it and it was tasty! For sides i tried to keep it healthy side salad and their broccoli salad. Broccoli salad was actually really good! Was dressed in their Italian style dressing. Probs will get a double portion next time. My husband got the two meat plate (brisket and pork ribs) we love their pork ribs flavor and the brisket is pretty tender too. He got it topped with spicy bbq sauce. For his sides, he got the cornbread casserole and potato salad. I really liked the potato salad a lot! Has a bit of mustard flavor to it which i like ! Cornbread casserole was okay but fell flat for me. Take it or leave it. Worth- I'd say it's good size portions And decent quality food. However after tip i spend about $40 on two meals. Kinda feels a bit much for me. Drinks- self serve soft drinks, water, tea sweet and unsweet! Service - greeted quickly upon walking in and a bunch friendly guys working there! I'd say their customer service is top notch. Quick to recommend things but always make you feel like you made the best choice no matter what you get! We definitely like coming here for a quick bbq fix and recommend our neighbors give it a try too! Also they do catering, which we almost highly contemplated for our wedding before Covid hit! read more

Pok-e-Jo's - Parmer - Half Chicken Plate w/ side salad and broccoli salad - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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We are trying BBQ all over Austin on our vacation here. We came here because it was late and we didn't want another corporate restaurant serving BBQ. So we searched out a local place. The PokeJo on Palmer is a neighborhood restaurant that just feels like home. The pulled pork sandwich was exquisite - my wife really liked it. I had the brisket, sausage and chicken plate and both could sample four main meats. I was amazed that none of the meats were over-salted - the smoke was the predominant flavor that we tasted. The bbq chicken was gently seasoned and the smoke was really impressive. Two thumbs up. The brisket was simple and not over seasoned nor overcooked. The quality of the meat shined through and let the smokiness shine. Sides were the okra and broccoli salad. The okra was NOT overbreaded and came out hot. The broccoli salad was simple and had a good vinegary base. The banana pudding was not as good as the meats but is serviceable. We met Sherman while he was cleaning. Maybe the manager on duty, and still cleaned the front. Very nice guy, seemed personable. All of the staff we met had a good attitude. Maybe that's why we enjoyed it so much. Price was acceptable for good BBQ in Austin. Not cheap but one of the more affordable meals that we had in Austin. Very pleased. read more

Never had a Pok E Joe's run out of green bean casserole before. No wonder your place is empty. Your staff was pretty glib about it as well and then told different stories as to why. Understanding that standards post pandemic have fallen, a once treasured old school Austin establishment can't run effective inventory or hire staff with any reasonable customer service skills. It's a sad day for old school regulars. There are a lot of choices for BBQ these days. read more