JC's been around forever. It's a tasty form of BBQ that's actually more closely related to the stuff I got out in West Texas than the Memphis or Carolina-style I tend to find emulated out here. The sauce is really good. It's just a bang-on saucy-sauce-sauce and it's sometimes over-powering if you don't come in figuring that. I've often asked for light sauce with extra on the side. The ribs is. That's right. They just is. I loves them so much, I lose my grammaticisms and have to do talk like in strange wavements and motionary sayitude. Whew...I'm better now. The beef ribs, big and meaty, are so damn tasty, though unless you've mastered the caveman technique of getting all the meat off of them, you're bound to leave some on the bone. The pork ribs are really tasty and might be slightly easier on the eating. The chicken's the weakest link. I've had it a few times and it's been decent, but compared to the rest of the stuff they serve, it's the coal in the stocking. The sides are another reason to come. The beans are spicy and delicious and hold up well with the rest of the meal. The salad is just there to amuse you and remind you that there's meat to eat and you better down the salad as your personal hairshirt to lead to forgiveness for what you are about to do! read more

Mediocre at best. The 'hotlink' was a hotdog. Debating whether this is Texas or Memphis style bbq is soo beside the point: its not really authentic bbq to begin with; the ingredients are just off . Not bad eating; just not a real bbq joint. read more

Had JC's BBQ for the first time with my husband. We ordered take out. I had the beef ribs and hot link special which is offered Mon-Fri but they did it for us even though it was Sat. My husband had the special of the day which was chicken, beef ribs, and a hot link with two sides and garlic bread. The ribs were super good and were actually really tender. I had a bite of my husbands chicken and prayed that it wasn't dry and surprisingly it wasn't. The BBQ sauce is what I think makes the meal. It is tangy and a little spicy and so so so flavorful!!! They pile it on so make sure you have plenty of napkins! The two side that we shared were baked beans and potato salad. Both of which were not good in my opinion. The garlic bread was decent. I've come to the conclusion that when we go back (which we will!!) we will just order a la carte and just get meat and then have our own sides at home! read more

Yesterday for lunch, I came to JC's with some co-workers. When I asked where we were going for lunch they said "JCs". What's that?!? Apparently it's an Asian owned BBQ joint. It sounded gross when they explained it, but I agreed to go because I didn't want to seem like I was being a "high maintenance diva". I ordered the 2 meats lunch special. You can choose from pork ribs, chicken or links. You also get to choose a side of either potato salad or green salad. The meal comes with 1 slice of garlic bread. For my meal I doubled up on the BBQ chicken and potato salad. I figured, there's no sense of trying to be healthy by ordering a green salad so I went for the potato salad. This was a pretty hearty, flavorful meal for lunch. The BBQ sauce was pretty tasty. Everything else wasn't so memorable. The lunch plate was between $7 - 8 which is reasonably priced. I probably shouldn't have ate all that food, but I did because the sauce was good. If my co-workers weren't there I may have considered licking the plate. JC's soda is $1. They had grape and strawberry soda! I'm not a big soda fan, but I do remember that grape, strawberry, and rootbeer soda were pretty tasty as a child! The decor is nothing special.. just reminds me of a picnic table, kinda country old fashioned place. Just picture a hospital cafeteria decorated in red and white picnic table covers.... Overall, I think JC's is ok. Armadillo Willy's has more variety, but it's also much more expensive. I might be biased because I lived in Texas for a few months while I worked on a project out there... I tried real Texas BBQ. That's hard to beat. read more

After passing by so many times, I just had to give this place a try. I had the lunch special to-go: chicken and hotlinks with baked beans and garlic bread. The garlic bread wasn't too bad. The bread is actually very soft and tasted really fresh and moist. When I opened the box I was a bit turned off by the portion size being a few items in an empty box. The single hot link was cut up and barely noticeable and I got two chicken thighs. -The hot link was good and I like the amount of heat and flavor in it. -The chicken thighs were good as they weren't dry. -The sauce smelled very good and really tasty. -The beans were okay. Like many other raters, I didn't expect the beans to be so loose, but they didn't taste bad. You just gotta get used to it. PRO: taste was good, but not the best like those big scale restaurants. CON: Small portions for the price. I'll go back to try out the ribs hoping that they're not too fatty. This place is fortunate that they don't have a competing bbq restaurant nearby, otherwise they wouldn't make it. But I'm happy that I got to support a small business. read more

Only been here once.....had the pulled BBQ chicken sandwich which was awesome. Boyfriend had the rib and link dinner special......ribs were tasty, sauce was great. Even though it is a little whole in the wall....it was great BBQ. I still have yet to try the other great BBQ's in the area....so I don't have much to compare to. read more

Walked in, smelled great, expecting real BBQ. Looking for the smoker... Hmm Where is it? Well I guess a few minutes later I find out that they are cooking or reheating it on a grill. Looks parboiled, yep it is. :( Definitely disappointed. Overall the meat was ok, had the pork spare ribs. They don't have Baby Backs. The sauce was probably the best part. Nothing fancy or homemade. Probably the same sauce you can get at Costco, but hey, at least it tasted good. Not sure if I would go again, maybe on someone elses dime. read more

We picked this place because we wanted BBQ on a hot day. One of the best finds. The potato salad was one of the best we have had. The ribs and the chicken were fall off the bone. The flavor was amazing. The portions were generous. Give them a try. read more

- If you like your ribs boiled, then grilled as a measure just to heat the food rather than to comprise the completeness of the BBQ experience, this is the place for you. - If you prefer your 'Tato's served to you in a dirty old wooden bowl, this is the place for you. - If you like to tread on surfaces that crackle as you lift the sole of your shoe from the sticky uncleaned floor as you walk, this place is for you. - If you find chewing on your fine leather belt to be the proper consistency that meat should be cooked to, this place is for you. Sorry, but decent BBQ sauce lathered onto non-raw meat does not make BBQ. It does however work for Chicken McNuggets. But even McDonald's who is bold enough to call a textured lump of meat sandwiched between a bun a "McRib" isn't so brave to call that staple of their menu BBQ chicken. And neither should you. read more

This place is a local favorite and one of the best bar be que of San Jose. The sauce is extremely tangy.

Due to COVID-19, I haven't been to this restaurant for 7 months. Finally, I have stopped by today & ordered 4 pcs. beef ribs with potato salad. This place always provides excellent BBQ! I would recommend this place to friends & family. Hopefully, they can let us dine in soon...... They provide the best casseroles!! read more

Medicore BBQ here. I use the term BBQ loosely. From what I can tell everything thing is just grilled, nothing is truley BBQ'd, slow cooked, wood fired, smoked, etc. It's just BBQ sauce out of a big store bought jug and grilled. The hot links are good, since they cooking method here works for those but the ribs are lacking. Then why have a been back 5 or so times? Because it's close to home, and easy for take out. I wouldn't go there to dine in, it's pretty funky inside. But for take out it is convenient, and mediocre bbq is still better than most fast food around here. read more

About thirty years ago, I had a jones for some Southern BBQ. There was a place in East San Jose called Rickabys that had unbelievable pork ribs. and that is where I had planed to eat. Then, without warning, I was forced to work West San Jose, which ruined all my plans. While whining to a co-worker, he quickly recommended I try JC's. I'd never heard of the place. That first visit didn't work out so well. I walked in, saw a bunch of Koreans behind the counter and quickly walked out. Later that night, my co-worker asked how I liked the food. When I told him I walked out, he quickly inquired, "Why?" I'm a purist.. If I want good Mexican food, I go to a Mexican. Same thing with Italian, Greek, Chinese, etc. and if I want great BBQ, I go to a Black man. Fair enough? Shocked, my buddy said, "Look, go try the food. If you don't like it, I will reimburse you.? Now that is what I call a guarantee. So the next day, my day off, I went went and tried the food. I ordered the beef ribs. They were boiled to soften the meat and then grilled with BBQ sauce slathered all over. The meal came with BBQ red beans, a side of potato salad, and a simple garden salad with Thousand Island dressing. Everything was perfect. But it's the sauce that's boss! As I sat there munching on a huge beef rib, a Korean kid walked over to my table and asked me how I liked the food. I guess I looked pleased. I remember telling him, "Great food.. How long ago did you guys buy this place?" I was figuring they bought the place and recipes from a Black family. To my surprise, he said, "My mom and dad started this place." So my next question was, "Alright, what Black family did you guys rip off for the sauce?" Again he surprised me by saying, "Dude, these are my parent's recipes." Unconvinced, I said, "OK wise guy, then how do you explain the name JC's BBQ?" The kid shrugged his shoulders, raised both palms upwards and replied, "Joe Changs." I about died laughing and have been going there ever since. The combo rib sandwich is a must try. But the beef ribs are the best in town. If you enjoy true Black folk BBQ I don't recommend the pork ribs But that may just be me. Definitely try the beef ribs. The Gut Buster if you are real hungry. If you like measured portions, go to Armadillo Willys. If you like excellent BBQ with sauce that gets all over your face.. Go to JC's. I never tire of the place. read more

One of the few places that has Beef ribs! Only thing wrong you don't get much for what you pay for. read more

Maybe we came at a bad time but everything was pretty awful. We got pork and beef ribs and they were all basically fat. The salad was drowning in dressing. The BBQ sauce was alright, but it's hard to fill up on that. Pork tips were the best. read more

My family has been coming here for 25 years. The food is consistent - ribs saucy and tasty, potato salad has good flavors, the green salad is cold and crisp, and the dressing is out of this world. I wish I had the recipe, but I do purchase a 1/2 pint of the dressing to take home for the week. Although some say it't not "real BBQ", it's consistent, good and reasonably priced. read more

Great place for ribs this is the only place to order beef ribs in 50 mile radius north east west and south that I know price is good and they are big loaded in bbq sauce. Delicious bbq awsomness. read more

Been going here for a while, Good bbq only wish the bathroom was easier to access after you eat so you can wash your hands., But no complaints about the food.. read more

JC’S BBQ - Daily special 2 pork ribs 2 chicken and hot link with potato salad - Barbeque Near Me - San Jose, California

Not a bad BBQ place. Not great, just decent. I suggest going there during lunch. Prices are cheaper during this time of day. It's one of those places where you cant go everyday. You gotta get a craving for it. read more

This place is good!! Try the rib or combo sandwich!!!! I recommend no lettuce because it throws off the bbq taste. The sauce they make there is amazing.. ask for extra because you'll need it half way through read more

Had the chicken and ribs combo with green salad and beans. Portions are large, and food is good, but not outstanding. It is, however, great value for the money. Definitely will go here again next time I want BBQ. read more

I discovered this place about six months ago. Can't believe I always passed by without even acknowledging that this restaurant existed on Saratoga Ave. Well this little BBQ joint only holds about five tables, very small in size, but very big on flavor. I'm not a huge fan of meat, but these ribs are very tender and never dry. This place is known for their special bbq sauce which has been a 30 some yr. recipe. They've also been in the newspaper reviews saying it's a special place and should be tried at least once. Their menus are very simple. Once you order any dinner entree, it's served with salad, choice of beans or potato salad (their potato salad is a better choice), and your choice of ribs (beef or pork), hot links, or chicken (these are available in combos too). The best part is that the bbq sauce isn't too heavily sweet or tangy in flavor. Maybe that's why it fits my taste. I feel comfortable when I go there for some reason, maybe it's because the owners are Korean? feels like another home-cooked meal? The owners are Korean too. So if you're around saratoga and you're craving some ribs, try it out. Hope you like it! read more

Jcs piggie special has gone from 10 ribs to 6 ribs,, 6 ribs is definitively not 2/3 slab. I was appalled when I got home and could not feed three people on a quart of beans, 5 pork ribs and 4 beef ribs. Never again will I go to JCsBbq. It's a ripoff joint.. read more

JC’S BBQ - I paid $35.00 for this,,, what a ripoff - Barbeque Near Me - San Jose, California

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Ok so i read about this jc's famous bbq here on yelp. Decided to give it a shoot. Order was pretty fast since i was like the only customer in there at 12:45pm for lunch. But any how i order the BBQ beef (rib eye) sandwich taste alright. I also order 1/4 chicken the dinner so not worth the price, some people may like that whole BBQ sauce. but not for me. I'm not sure but these BBQ or reheated on a BBQ grill. Cuz i surely didn't see anyone BBQing at all. "Till next time my food lover.. till next time." read more

JC’S BBQ - 1/4 chicken dinner.. - Barbeque Near Me - San Jose, California

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Auspiciously crested in the Maple Leaf Plaza Shopping Center - between a jewelry store and a nail salon - is where you'll find JC's Famous BBQ. Why is it auspicious - you may ask - because if you're looking for the triple threat combination of buying some bling, getting your nails did, and slopping down some finger-licking-good BBQ, afterwards, you found the right spot. This, however, is not particuliarly for me. Although, I think that I am due for a nice mani and pedi since my cuticles are lacking their lustrous shine; and my lymph flow has been stymied as of late. Unfortunately, pulling the trigger on such a feminine form of felicity would expel a bullet that would be the death of me; figuratively speaking, of course. You might as well take me in to the local veterinary clinic and get me neutered, as well. As far as jewlery goes - besides watches, which I have an absolute fetish for - I'm just not that kind of guy. Wristlets, anklets, ear rings, etc - just not my style. In the dinosaur world, I'm more of a Carnivore, like a T-Rex or any member of the Theropod ancestory. Men that wear too much jewelry, not so much. They are more like a member of the metro Herbivore ancestory; in fact, cavemen referred to them as Megasaurasses. *clicky* www.instantrimshot.com Sorry. Epic fail. Now, back to JC's BBQ. If you are a Carnivore this place will not disappoint. The pork and beef ribs are killer: moist, succulent, and will leave a ring around your mouth - similar to a starving Velociraptor that just got done tearing into a Brachiosaurus found fresh and dead in the forest. Now there is one down-side, IMO. JC's side dishes leave a lot to be desired; the salad is small and bland; beans are decent; and the potato salad tastes store bought. Garlic bread, on the otherhand, does mesh quite well with the sensational barbecue sauce that is heavily drenched on their ribs. Overall, JC's is well worth it... Just make sure you get your mani after eating there. read more

I've been here a few times with my husband (who's been coming for over 30 years and always loved it BUT) not for me today. The combination plate chicken and ribs was so small and over priced and not alot of flavor. What has happened? ??? I won't be back. read more

We got a family bucket and added hot links. The ribs were fantastic, the hot links were amazing, and the chicken was good but a bit dry. Potato salad and beans were very good! Excellent deal for the price and we have leftovers for days! This little whole in the wall was worth trying - we will definite be back! read more

Pretty standard and nothing to rave about. They make a hearty meal so if you're looking to get full, it will do the job. Not a fan of the salad that comes with the family meal so I get it substituted. It is A-OK read more

I was surprised to see the harshly negative comments but luckily there are more good reviews. Well, except for the $20 bill story...I wouldn't come back either without an apology. I've been coming here for 35 years (time flies) and my comment is that everyone has different taste preferences and different taste experiences. Also, there are many legitimate ways of cooking bbq. Since I've been coming here, JCs has been sold maybe 3 times. While the latest owner is not quite living up to their predecessors flavor quality, I still like it. And I've had bbq from all the bbq centers in the US as well as cook ribs, pulled pork, and brisket on a real bbq (not a grill). You can't really get any great bbq in the south bay. I would only rate 1 or 2 with 4 stars. Not sure about Oakland.For 5 stars, I've got to go to Texas, Memphis, St. Louis, South Carolina or Chicago. But after all is said and done, I'm going there tonight... read more

The ribs are tough, chewy and sour. Think about that. Not a single one of those descriptions is what you look for in ribs... The sauce is poured on top, not cooked in and it tastes like a lunch lady's invention from my middle school cafeteria. Do yourself a favor and avoid this place. read more

Is it fair to rate a place if you've only tried one thing on the menu? I can never get myself to deviate from JC's pork tip lunch because it's just oh-so-good. So what that the owners look more Seoul than Soul. They can still make one helluva bbq sauce. read more

My favorite BBQ spot, been coming here since I was kid. Do yourself a favor and order the beef ribs, so good!.

Solid clean place. They sell some big a$$ ribs, and have a decent $10 lunch special. The one drawback is that the meat seems to be boiled, then lathered with sauce before being served. read more

The portions are HUGE, the ribs are delicious, the chicken is juicy and the potato salad is fantastic. this is THE only BBQ place i will eat at other then Famous Dave's. read more

I really like this homestyle joint. I've tried their entire menu and prefer the beef ribs. Always amazing, the sauce is just right, a little sweet and not too spicy. When family and friends visit we go to JC's! read more

I tried the premier pork baby back ribs and it was amazing. The ribs are bbq'd with charcoal and it adds to the flavor. It came with potato salad and green salad. The meat was tender and the bbq sauce was perfect. Generous portions. I would highly recommend read more

The food here is so amazing. My mouth is watering just writing about it. I'm going to be honest, I don't know much about the details about it's prepared... I notice some people have complained about the fact the meat is boiled first before it is BBQ'd. The thing is, the ribs come out a-maz-ing. Whatever strange things they may do to prepare it works like a charm. I can't stress enough how awesome the pork ribs are. The meat just falls off the bone when you bite in, and the sauce is like nothing I've ever had. It has a very unique tanginess to it, but still has the classic BBQ flavor you probably are used to. I am also a big fan of the hot links. Perfect amount of spiceness, and again the sauce just tops it off to perfection. The side salad dressing is delicious. People have complained that the lettuce is watery, but I feel like they leave the lettuce like that on purpose. When you stir in the dressing the water helps thin it out. If you order your plate to dine-in, you may have to request extra dressing to really douse it enough. The potato salad for some reason is the best I've ever had. They have some secret recipe that the world has yet to find out about, because I have never had such tasty potato salad. It's very sticky, and rich with flavor... rather than the more runny types you see elsewere. Prices are good, especially if you're buying for a few people. Go with the buckets or the family dinner. The lunch specials are also good deals. But I find myself constantly going and dropping $10,75 for a full dinner special pork rib/hot link combo. So so good. Family owned by a very nice Korean family. You get your food quick, and you'll devour it quick. Enjoy! read more

My family ordered the bucket from here for Mother's Day Lunch to go and we are never disappointed with their BBQ chicken or beef. Always get the same thing from here and love it. I do ask for extra bbq sauce but the owner said he will charge me extra next time. read more

saw this place while driving... made a u-turn to check it out... had the rib-eye sandwich.... pretty damn good... i will try out other items.... regardless of the other postings on here... read more

My favorite BBq place in San Jose. It is just a hole in the wall with no frills but the food is excellent. The ribs are tender and fall off the bone and the flavor is great. I highly recomend the pork ribs and the hot link sandwich is also one of my favorites. read more