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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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

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

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

We had stopped into the Harley dealer for the obligatory t-shirt and asked where we should have lunch. We were pointed in the direction of Jays. I have to say that I've had Q all over the country, enjoyed some and some not so much. This place was kind of in the middle. It's not the best I've had, not the worst. We ordered the 2 meat platter with potato salad and the mac & cheese. We got the brisket and pulled pork with 2 ribs on the side. We waited in line for about 45 minutes but once we ordered we got our food fast. Let me start with the good, the brisket was tender with nice ribbons of fat but not too much. The pulled pork had a good flavor with good bark. The ribs were a bit dry, in my opinion. It was a good flavor and bite, but dry. The potato salad was nice and creamy with a nice bite to the potatoes, so it was not overcooked. The best part of the meal was by far the mac & cheese, its a gouda mac with hatch chilies in it. It was nice and creamy with toasted bread crumbs on top. Overall, it was a good meal, but I wanted more in the flavor department with the meats. read more

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

The food and service were excellent! This was the best barbecue I've ever had! When you're from Texas, that definitely means a lot. There are fans everywhere and plenty of seating! I highly recommend stopping by if you're passing through. I have a gluten allergy, and there were plenty of yummy options! read more

Holy moly! This place is amazing! Brisket on point, ribs were delicious, sausage was amazing - but the stand out was the bacon burnt ends! Unlike anything I've had before! We will definitely be back! read more

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When I say this is the best hidden gem in Abilene I mean it! The Meat Sweats sandwich is a must try, along with their Brisket Queso and Pig Candy. Be warned there will be a line, but the food is WELL worth the wait, plus there is plenty of seating and shade along the way to the order window. If you haven't already you really have to try this place out!! read more

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

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Phenomenal. Brisket, sausage, ribs, beans and mac!!! Cherry Habanero sauce with a bottle of Big Red..

I've lived in Abilene for 7 years and have never heard of Jays. A friend told me about it last week then he decided that he wanted to have lunch there this week. I may be late to the Jays party, but it's definitely better late than never. I love the outside seating area. The brisket and ribs were really good. I will be going back to try more of their noms. read more

I was recently visiting Abilene and we decided on BBQ for lunch. We were told about Jays BBQ Shack. The food here is incredible! The service was fast! And the outside seating with the cooling fans and misters were perfect for a BBQ place! They also have some outside games to enjoy, if you can move after eating. I recommend the turkey, the brisket, the sausage, the jalapeño corn, the potato salad and the banana pudding. You won't be disappointed. read more

Food was exceptionally good. I've had Austin and Dallas barbecue and this might top it. read more

Jays BBQ Shack - 2 meat plate - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

This place was downright amazing. The brisket was juicy and fall apart good. Some of the best marbled brisket I've ever had! The cheddar sausage was pretty good. The cream corn was to die for! Service was quick and food hot! The line wasn't long at 1:00 for us but they look like they get busy real fast. This was a good representation of Texas bbq for me. read more

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This is a true gem. Great outdoor patio vibes, traffic not too bad. A good enough line to let you know it's good, not too long to piss you off. Got brisket and ribs with jalapeño corn and potato salad. Three different sauces. Reasonably priced. Brisket was the star but ribs were a very close 2nd. read more

So I finally made it to Jay's. The reviews have been great so expectations are high. Last day of the $10 rib plate special. Four ribs, poblano Mac and cheese and pinto beans. The ribs were not fall off the bone tender and that's a good thing. To me, too tender is cooked too long. These ribs had some body to them, which I liked. Very tasty. I will definitely get the Mac and cheese again. Beans were ok. I did try the quail jalapeño poppers. They were good, but small at $3 apiece. I'll pass on those next time. He threw in a couple of pieces of ghost pepper sausage for me to try. Hot and delicious! Second trip, I got what I really wanted to try, the Shackanator! A brisket sandwich with ghost pepper sausage and ghost pepper BBQ sauce. Hell yes! I was warned to go easy on the sauce, so I drizzled rather than poured. Good idea! Yes, the sandwich was pretty warm, but it was delicious! I will definitely get it again. Jay's has great food, so you need to give them a try. See you there! read more

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My friend from out of town told me about this place. He kept asking me did you go yet? Finally he came into town and we went. The line was long. My friend ordered for me and I got turkey and brisket with potato salad and Mac n cheese. It was DELICIOUS. The turkey was juicy and so friggin good. The brisket was good too. Mac and cheese was amazing. Also some people can mess up potato salad but these guys got it right! I think the only thing that was a con for me was they didn't have sweet tea. They had some moonshine kind of sweet tea. I wasn't a fan of it. And I really didn't want to get back in line for a drink. Next time I'll get something else. But I'll be heading back to this place it sells damn good food! read more

We selected this spot to have lunch on a trip though the area. There was a long line of people forming on a weekday morning at 11:30 because It is a locals favorite according to the folks in line with us. According to these locals the award winning pit master / proprietor got his start constructing custom BBQ pits for people, and that led to starting his BBQ shack to sell plates to the public. The line moves fast because the friendly crew is on the ball. The wait was with well worth it because the food was excellent. The brisket was top drawer. The smoked spicy cheese sausage was also the best I have ever had. I would have tried the ribs that everyone says are good but they sold out before I got to the window. Our side dishes were fantastic - jalapeño corn and coleslaw were outstanding. All seating is at picnic tables outside but under shade and they have large fans to help keep everyone comfortable. I don't write many reviews but this spot deserves it ! read more

I had been hearing about Jay's BBQ shack since I moved to Abilene this past August. I arrived this past Saturday, a beautiful morning after taking my dog Archie to the park to chase squirrels. Upon arrival I noticed the long line of guests waiting their turn and I thought to myself...this is gonna be good! As we slowly approached the order window, I reviewed the offerings and was pleasantly surprised at all of the options, especially the smoked chicken thighs. Usually when I order from a BBQ joint its always a half chicken, some ribs, sliced turkey, brisket and sausage. I also grab a pint of the sides, like potato salad, slaw, and beans. I call this a "cheater meal prep" visit since its just me at home. Just before my turn at the order window a voice over the loud speaker announces that there is no more chicken! I proceed to order 1/2 pound of brisket, 1/2 pound of turkey, a sausage link of their choice , the brisket queso, and 3 sides. (Slaw, beans, potato salad) I said "yes" to pickles (house made) onions (sliced red-o's) and bread slices (potato bread). I could not wait to get home and try all of the goods. Jay's BBQ Shack has the most beautifully prepared BBQ I have ever tasted in my entire eating and cooking career. My parents are from Luling, Texas and our family was brought up on the hand crafted BBQ from City Market, especially for special occasions and the like. The smoked turkey was visually succulent and moist, the "marbled" brisket was sublime (never order the lean, because fat equals flavor). Every bite of every single thing I ordered was superb. Ranch beans, epic! Potato Salad wow! You could experience the attention to detail in every bite. I wish more restaurants were more "chef/technique" driven. Kudos to everyone involved at Jay's BBQ shack, you all should be very proud. I know why you guys have 3 days of rest!! read more

The bbq is awesome. Brisket and ribs are perfect. Corn was also good with a nice pop of heat.

Jays BBQ Shack was amazing. Recommend by a friend and it did not disappoint. I had the meat sweats sandwich and I wish I had another already. read more

Put my faith back in abilene BBQ I cannot recommend anything because it is all impressive and they are constantly improving any issues they may come across, good job guys making brisket great again! #saucegameisstrong read more

Hands down the best BBQ I've ever had. Their brisket is perfect. Recommend trying brisket tacos, brisket frito pie, and brisket queso. Love that they have creative plates instead of just two or three meat combos. Their bbq sauce is amazing and so is their home made mustard! Just get there early because they usually start running out of food around 1 pm. read more

Brisket tacos are amazing. Place has a great outdoor vibe with good music. Catch this place on a weekday when temps are in the 70s and you're in for treat. Great food and right behind The Shed in BBQ quality. However, what they dominate the shed in is the outdoor atmosphere and vibe. They would be great with live music. read more

Great BBQ food truck. I highly recommend the Mac and cheese and spicy bbq sauce! Worth a stop. read more

Jays BBQ Shack - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

Texas Craft BBQ has a new star in Abilene, Texas: Jay's BBQ Shack. There are lines every time they are open and for good reason. You'll find some of the best Texas Brisket at Jay's as well as pork spareribs, bacon burnt ends, pulled pork, sausage, chicken, and turkey. They also have a few sauces that are great but aren't necessary as the meat is tasty, tender, and juicy. Sides like Poblano Mac N Cheese, Jalapeño Creamed Corn, and potato salad, cole slaw, and cowboy beans give you plenty to choose from and you can finish off your meal with some great banana pudding. They have a wide variety of canned and bottled drinks including beer. Enjoy the breeze as you eat outside and enjoy Texas Country, Blues, and Rock. Hospitality here is cranked on high. Jay, Diana, and their staff are ready to serve you and give you a Central Texas Hill Country experience right here in Abilene. Check out my YouTube video for more: https://youtu.be/DulFYJxX-po read more

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By far the best bbq in town and some of the best in Tx. I've tried the brisket, sandwich with brisket and ghost pepper sausage, and the brisket frito pie and all was insanely good. They have all kinds of specials where they make something not on the menu but those have always sold out before I showed up. read more

Hands down this is the best brisket I've ever had. Can't wait to go back. The only bad thing about this place is that it's 3.5 hours away from my house. I'm looking forward to going out of town again. read more

Great BBQ, if you're in Abilene for lunch Wed-Saturday give Jays a try. We ate sausage, brisket and ribs. Did not disappoint!

We've eaten BBQ all around Texas, and Jay's never disappoints! We love the brisket and weekly specials. Customer service is great as well!

The best bbq place in Abilene! I definitely recommend every one to go here if they aren't from here. There's not 1 thing that Isn't hold on menu! read more

Was on my way to the ranch and stopped by to grab a plate to go. The line was outside the covered walkway and the wait was worth it. Just good BBQ and the sides were awesome. Planning my next flight in around another stop for some more of the good stuff. read more

This and the Shed are the best BBQ joints in Abilene, and I think there's a pretty wide consensus in Abilene on that. If it's your first time here, give the Meat Sweats sandwich a try--a great blend of meats for a great price! And I'm sure it's been mentioned by many reviewers, but the bacon burnt ends make this place truly stand out. More BBQ restaurants need to give that menu item a try because it's divine! Wonderful brisket, but I'd say I slightly prefer the Shed. read more

Amazing food! I ordered the el Rey and so good. The Queso had so much favor. Highly recommend this place

We've driven to Jays BBQ shack on 4 different occasions in the month of January and they've been closed. The last time was today January 23 and they are closed even though Yelp says they will be open for 45 more minutes. What's up Jay? read more

The ghost sausage and jalapeno and cheese sausage are both excellent. Ask for the ghost pepper sauce if you like it extra spicy. Service is fast and friendly. Both sausages 10 out of 10 Pablano Mac and cheese 8 out of 10 Beans 3 out of 10 BBQ sauces and ghost sauce 10 out of 10 Service 10 out of 10 Will be back again! :) read more

For our first trip here we were expecting great things. Being almost first in line, everything should have been very fresh. The mac and cheese was thick and not creamy at all. Seemed leftover, really. The sausage and brisket were good, but the brisket had a lot of fat on it. We really hate paying almost $30 for stuff we can't eat. The pulled pork sandwich had very bland big pieces of meat that pulled the whole thing apart when attempting to bite it. The sauce was not very good either. The beans were pretty bad and bland and the corn was not that good either. Sharon's meat, corn and sauce are much better. The Shed has great meat and delicious sauce. Their sides are lacking however. Hard green beans, weird potato salad. But we would take either of those places over Jay's. read more

The pork shoulder sandwich, poblano mac n cheese, and bacon ends were amazing!!! Awesome staff! One more day in town. Well be back tomorrow ! read more

Jays BBQ Shack - Southern Near Me - Abilene, Texas

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This was one of the best BBQ places I've had in my life. I stopped here and a road trip and never forgot it.

Best Texas Bar-B-Q ever! I'll be dreaming about that brisket for a while! Nice outdoor seating and a clean bathroom! Worth the drive!