We drifted off the beaten path to check out this place out traveling between Atlanta and Lexington, VA. It's a fair bit away from the Interstate, but I can tell you that it's worth the trek. When we got here for lunch, there was a line out the door and the smokers out back hard at work told us this was the place to be. We got served pretty quickly and found a table. The place is neat and clean with a decent amount of seating both inside and out. The missus had a brisket sandwich and I got the pulled pork with slaw, pinto beans and mac&cheese for the sides. The servings are HUGE and that smoke ring isn't just for looks. The meat was done perfectly with the smoky flavor and not dried out. I also tried one of their homemade sausages. Absolutely fantastic! Snappy casing with a filling that included creamy cheese hunks and a level of spicy that was just right. We pride ourselves in having high standards when it comes to BBQ, and this joint didn't disappoint! We've been to numerous BBQ joints including the famous award-winning Big Bob Gibsons in Northern Alabama and this place comes in well over that. We visited with the owner (Kelly) and had a great experience. The staff we interfaced with were both friendly and engaging. I would give this place 6 stars if I could. Highly recommended! read more

Mama Jean's - Our meal - Barbeque Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

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Not sure about the food. I know Mama Jean's is considered one of the best, but I was left with a full but unsatisfied feeling. Let's break it down. The daily special was a beef brisket cheesesteak. The sandwich was large, the meat copious, and the cheese was well integrated. I think there was mayo on it, because the sandwich was soggy and runny. I ate one half as a sandwich, one half with a fork. No banana peppers to add to the sandwich. The bread was slightly hard, contained the filling, but not the juices and cheese run-off. Very messy. Coleslaw was just a pile of sliced cabbage. Not much taste. Very disappointed for all the hype. Other than salt, there did not appear to be any seasonings. The meat was definitely brisket, but lost its identity in the cheese and bread. Staff was very nice and helpful when ordering, wait was not long even though there was a huge wave right behind us. Drinks are cans/bottles and you pay per. Would I go back? Not sure, I really didn't get a bbq experience from a bbq joint. I think I will try another joint or two before I go back. read more

The food here is INSANELY good!!! Best brisket I've ever had. Highly recommend trying the white bbq sauce - so tasty! Also for sure top 3 of the best Mac and cheese I've ever had. read more

Mama Jean's - Barbeque Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

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This is some GOOD brisket!!!! Moist, flavorful, flake apart perfection. We also got a side of Mac & cheese ($4) & smoked potato salad ($4) Both were excellent! Next time we hope to sit at he bar & have the wings and ribs. read more

Mama Jean's - Brisket sandwich with side of Mac & cheese and smoked potato salad - Barbeque Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

The bugers are amazing and the service and people are great I will be back the tater salad the best I've had

Visiting from Arizona... best ribs I have ever had. Mac and cheese was creamy, cheesy and delish. Nice variety of sauces. Outdoor seating is also available. Staff was pleasant and attentive. Gonna have to stop in again before we leave Salem. Highly recommend read more

Mama Jean's - Barbeque Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

For some time now people lined up in long lines with the hope of getting a taste of Mama Jean's BBQ out of their very popular Food truck. But today, they didn't have to, because the owner's dream of having one day a brick-and-mortar Mama Jean's BBQ Restaurant came true! After being awarded the Yelp NC Triad Squad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, celebrating their contributions and accomplishments throughout the year, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Mama Jean's BBQ Restaurant, in Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. At precisely 11:00AM this morning, the long awaited Mama Jean's BBQ Restaurant finally opened its doors to the public, and I was fortunate enough to be one of the first ones to be there for this momentous occasion. Located at 3404 Brandon Ave in Southwest Roanoke, it occupies the building where Jimmy V's Restaurant used to be, but with a complete renovation that went above my highest expectations. I arrived early at about 10:30AM when people were just starting to arrive and line up on a covered porch surrounding one side of the building. I quickly parked my Lexus in their conveniant parking lot and got in line. A gentleman standing in line next to me from Brent Mountain was planning on getting his Smoked Turkey and gravy, to take to their Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, on Thanksgiving Day. As we waited in line to enter the restaurant, two restaurant's lady employees came around to take alcohol drink orders and credit card payments, and then brought back their drinks so they could drink while waiting. Along the porch, they had these warmers to warm the customers up in the evenings since they now planned to stay open until 7:00PM, The new hours of operation would be Wednesdays through Sunday 11:AM to 7:00PM. Inside, I was very impressed with the simple yet eclectic decor with artworks hanging from the walls which were a combination red bricks and white painted walls. The shiny flores and light treatment made the restaurant stand out. The bar was also decorated in very good taste. The small size of the place just gave it a warm and cozy ambiance in which one could enjoy their food and drinks. Most people were ordering their food by the pound to take out, but a few, like me, ordered ours to dine in and experience Mama Jean's BBQ in the comfort of a brick-and-mortar restaurant. The lady and gentleman, at the ordering counter were very friendly and helpful. When I explained I wanted to dine in and try a couple of BBQ items and sides, the lady suggested that I design my own try with one meat and two sides. Iincreased it to two meats: 1/4 lb of Pulled Pork and 1/4 lb of Brisket, with sides of Coleslaw and Mashed Potatoes. To drink I had a Cherry Coke. When the food was ready a server would call out our name and bring it to our table. On the condiment table they had the plastic silverware, together with the different BBQ sauces. The food was amazingly delicious. Now I knew fist hand what all the hipe was.all about. I would have had one of their banana puddings as dessert but it was getting late for my 12 Noon appointment for my haircut. I highly recommend this brick-and-mortar BBQ restaurant that used to be a Food Truck, and invite you to view my photographs and video clips that accompany this review to get a better sense of the place and the quality of its food. read more

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This was my second time coming to Mama Jeans, and just as expected the food is phenomenal. This time I got the double smash burger and the smoked potato salad (My God is it good) which I didn't even know you could do to potato salad!! I haven't seen a picture of the sauces and their labels yet so I made sure to take one for reference so I don't forget what I choose! I hope it helps yall as well! read more

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In town from NJ visiting my daughter and this place is absolutely fantastic! Food and service I wish I could give this place 10 stars. The ambiance and owner out there on the grills makes this place extra special. read more

The service was served with a smile. The food was delicious and I'll be back to try some of the things they had ran out of.

Very disappointing in that they don't cook BBQ ribs. Their ribs are cooked over charcoal which doesn't taste like true wood fired BBQ. BBQ should be infused with the aroma and flavor of wood, not coal. They know this because they use wood for most of their other foods. read more

My fourth visit to Mama Jean's and they are consistently amazing. Ordered the moist brisket and Brunswick stew. The stew has diced chunks of brisket that make it really unique and tasty. The moist brisket is succulent as it was before. Most places cannot maintain this sort of consistent quality / execution. Really impressed. The staff was super welcoming and helpful! Love the atmosphere of the new dining room / bar! read more

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They're open inside! Be prepared to wait. The line takes a good hour to order. They pause orders a bit when they get too many tickets in the kitchen. But good things come to those who wait and it's always worth it. Got some faves for tomorrow thanksgiving instead of cooking. At noon the line was an hour long so if you're coming out, definitely don't wait. They're sure to run out before the 7pm close time. read more

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Let's see, we have been wanting to try this place for quite some time. And I am what you would call a barbecue connoisseur. First, they opened an eleven a m on saturday.We arrived around a quarter till and good thing.We did because the lines started. About 5 minutes before they open, they came out. And posted the daily menu which have you followed their Facebook. They posted every single day a few hours before they opened that day. When you walk in, it's a communal seating arrangement.They have tables a few.Were you could be a little more private?But most of em sit with friends become friends, it's worth it. When you walk in, you order off the menus that are on the wall behind you. You just tell Em how much you want, Annie? Anne? Exactly what you want.You pay and you have a seat. They , yall your name and they bring it to you. I got everything off the menu other than the chile sausage the pinto beans and pulled pork. We got 1/2 lb of each Brisket smoked turkey, smoked fried chicken wings, 1 boudain, a chili.Dog 1 double cheeseburger, we got the out of this world. Brussels sprouts, amazing collar greens best dare.I say potato salad i've ever had. Tomatoes, cucumbers and onions and a pretty darn.Good macaroni and cheese. It came with sauces that you grab on your own. And we got both desserts, offered banana pudding and what they called a vinegar pie, which wow. If you couldn't tell by what I've said. This place is absolutely a gem. The food was unreal, and I can't wait to go back. read more

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The brisket was excellent. The collard greens were tasty, but fell far short in preparation - left too many large stems. Could've been trimmed better before cooking. read more

I'm never on this side of town but I've been hearing that this place is the crème de la creme of BBQ and has even won very prestigious awards so I made a point to stop for a quick to go sandwich when I found myself in the neighborhood. It was noon and busy with several people waiting for to go food. The wait was short. The dining room is small and has communal seating which I liked. I would be nervous coming at peak times to dine in as it might be difficult finding a spot at a table if you have children or a larger party. I ordered a brisket sandwich and a side of coleslaw and a drink-$24 with a small tip. Way over and beyond lunch break prices. They handed over the sandwich wrapped in foil in a small paper sack. By the time I got home the bun was mushy but I was shocked at the portion-it was a huge sandwich. Three 1/2" slices of brisket high. Unfortunately one whole slice was nothing but fat and had to be tossed in the trash. After fingering through the remaining meat and re-constructing the sandwich and adding the sweet bbq sauce I had instant flash backs to Arby's roast beef sandwiches as a child when Arby's wasn't as terrible as it is today. The sauce tastes just like Arby's sauce. The sandwich was good and the brisket was flavorful and moist but the tiny (like 4 ounce) slaw was flavorless. For $24 I was expecting to be BBQ bedazzled and that just didn't happen this time. I'd give it another go though. read more

Brisket, pulled pork, chicken wings, collard greens, & boudin balls. ALL delicious! Worth the wait in line. Atmosphere is super cute & welcoming . read more

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Out on the road, I visit a lot of restaurants, because let's be honest, on the road, there's not much better than a good piece of meat. Consequently, I end up at a lot of BBQ joints. On New Years Day, 2026, I found myself at a new BBQ hotspot in Roanoke, VA. Welcome to Mama Jean's. They started as a food truck, 2018. In 2025, they moved into a building. It reminds me of every BBQ joint in Alabama or Mississippi. If they have any problems right now, it's not enough seating. The menu glowed with all the BBQ mainstays, brisket, pulled pork... And then I hit something I don't recognize, baudin balls. This Louisiana specialty is a ball of pork and brisket and fried like a hushpuppy. For a BBQ lover, like myself, it is perfection. But I am distracted, let's keep going. The ambiance of this place is pure southern hospitality. Everyone knows your name and works together to make sure no one leaves this place unsatisfied. My own experience was brought to me by a lovely lady who will from this moment forward be known as, her Majesty, Queen Daphne. She took the time to make sure I understood what I needed and was pleased with the experience. This team understands customer service! And finally, the highlight of Mama Jean's BBQ, the meal! I ordered, well, everything. Brisket, pork, some ribs. Heck, I even bought the hat... From the moment I took my first bite of the brisket, I knew every cent I spent was well given. I mean do the kids need a college education? Maybe. Do I need this brisket? Definitely. It melted in my mouth. I took the whole sausage, not all at once mind you. You have to build up to that. You ladies understand. Make sure you don't forget the balls, baudin balls. Served five at a time, they are the perfect side dish for that moment when the flavor of the sausage veritably explodes in your mouth. Ah, Mama Jean, I will be coming back to Roanoke if for nothing more than your meat... Follow on note, this is a family friendly restaurant... ;-) read more

This place is amazing!! Daphanie is the best!! Must try the boudin!! Great atmosphere and people running the place!!

The food and service here was amazing! I was ordering to take back home to my friend. Amanda shared with the customer in front of me how you could share the tables even if they were full and maybe make a new friend. I knew I was in the right place. Got the smashburger, brisket and oh so many sides. It was all very delicious and that brisket had the perfect smoke. The potato salad was surprisingly better than I imagined. Also the banana pudding. Please be sure to get one per person. No sharing would have happened haha! It was all so delicious. I'll be back! read more

Best damn BBQ you'll find in this area, hands down. I've tried several different things and they were all delicious. There's a reason there's always a line there. read more

Mama Jean's - Barbeque Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

This place is off the charts!! If could give it more stars I would!!! Everyone on our Crew loves walking in and ordering with Daphne or Daphnie sorry I'm not sure how she spells her name she is the best! Best Smoked wings I have ever had, Greens were great! read more

Well, I finally tried Mama Jean's today...and I must say it was ...disappointing. I tried their pulled pork which was way shy on smoke and taste in general...'world class' it is not. The pepper vinegar sauce, a basic Eastern Carolia sauce for pulled pork, was a weak point, too. I went there on a Wed. afternoon - the first day they are open each week - expecting to get fresh pork. What I took home was a bit greasy and looked a tad gray...almost left-over in appearance. Not sure what bbq the other reviewers here have experienced. May I suggest they try a trip to Lexington, NC to Lexington BBQ aka Monk's Too bad Canale's is not still open...never disappointed by George and his pork!  Not sure I'll go back.  If a bbq joint can't do basic pulled pork...well...no sense in trying the other items on their bill of fare. Jus' sayin'.... read more

WOW. Just WOW. As a general rule, I stay away from food trucks, but Mama Jean's is my new favorite Roanoke eating spot! The food is unbelievably good! I've tried the meatloaf sandwich, the smash burger, the pork/rice balls, Brussel sprouts, potato salad & the tomato/cuke/onion salad. All were devine! The M&C & pintos were both good, but not as outstanding as the aforementioned. read more

I've been smoking BBQ for decades and have never found a brisket as good as mine. Until I tried Mama Jeans. Their brisket is actually better than mine. I mean, so much so that I haven't opened my pit for brisket since trying theirs. I've been back several times, and every single time the brisket is juicy, perfectly smoked and just tender as a mother's love! Now the chicken, well to get a better piece of chicken, you'd have to be a rooster! Oh my word, the chicken is amazing. Their sausage is tremendous and their sides are just amazing. I'm not saying I eat here a lot but when I started eating at mama jeans I only weighed 185 pounds! I can tell you these 262 pounds of happy man highly recommends Mama Jeans! It's Blues Man approved! Looking forward to the remodel to be done, this place will be BBQ Mecca! read more

The ribs, brisket and pulled pork were fantastic! Service was fast for the crowd. We easily had a table. I loved the greens and tomato/cucumber salad! Wish they had homemade sweet tea and lemonade. Shouldn't have bottled sweet tea at a bbq place. Really need a variety of cobblers too. Apple pie . But we will go back!! read more

We stopped in a few days ago as we were excited to try this new BBQ establishment. The place was packed when we drove by the first time, so we stopped on our way home. I had the smoked wings that were pretty good. They were certainly larger than most wings offered in this area, but that was the only thing our meal had going for it. The Mac and cheese was cold and the gumbo looked like old pond water. The drinks are all bottled so you have to buy additional ones if you are thirsty We weren't the only ones whose expectations weren't met as the couple who sat next to us were also disappointed with their food as well (brisket that was supposed to be served hot but was cold instead) Will we try this place again? Maybe, but no time soon. Too many other places that offer plenty of hot, identifiable food all day long. read more

Mama Jean's is hands down one of the best barbecue spots we've tried! The ribs stole the show, perfectly cooked and full of flavor, followed closely by a tie between the brisket and pulled pork. The sides and sauces complemented everything beautifully--the mac & cheese was creamy and delicious, the potato salad was hearty, and the pickled onions with cucumber added the perfect tangy crunch. We arrived early on a Saturday (doors open at 11, and we were first in line by 10:30), but by the time we left the line was very long! The food is excellent, prices are reasonable, the staff is incredibly friendly, and the service was wonderful. Mama Jean's is absolutely a spot we'll be making a tradition! Awesome atmosphere! read more

Holy smokes! What a wonderful surprise! My wife got the brisket sandwich and I got the pork platter. Great. Hearty and the pickles and pickled onions were a nice touch. Great site and it was busy early afternoon. Gotta check this place out! read more

Dynamite!!! Best BBQ IN TOWN!! Yea the line may be long but the wait is sooo worth it!

Went there on a drizzly evening Sat. Jan. 3, 2026 arriving 5:10 & relative meeting us there at 5:30. Sat closes @ 7pm, & parking lot packed. Since I hv a handicap placard, parking not a prob. There was no line out the door, but ppl were blocking the front door. Very small place. No paper menus, just a chalkboard menu & very cramped to see it as the bar area is right near it, & one must ask the bar patron could you step in front of him to see the menu. There is a small bench inside front door, & there are abt 6 4-top tables, all full. Ppl are crowding around the one order taker, & then standing in front of the counter to await food as no place to sit, & more ppl coming in. You can see from the pics the menu, size containers, & food. I ordered the pint of Brunswick stew, collard greens, mac & cheese & banana pudding. Husb. ordered the smoked brisket cheesesteak, mac&cheese, banana pudding, coke & relative ordered pulled pork w side of slaw. Water is complimentary w ice in a cooler & small clear cups nearby. I had my own electrolyte drink. It was so busy, we initially asked order to go, but eventually a table opened up & we grabbed it. There is a protocol you can't go to a table until after you order if a table happens to empty. My husband loved his brisket cheesesteak, mac & cheese. My relative said his sandwich was good & the slaw came in a small plastic container that restaurants usually put salad dressing in. Orders are called out & a nice guy brought them out on one tray. I had asked for crackers when ordering for stew, & they were placed on the tray, not individually wrapped. On the tray were toppings for my relative's pulled pork which were laid on the tray & were marinated purple onions & sliced cucumbers. They were delicious. There are also bottles of the various sauces you could choose from, but our relative said so good plain, none needed. The nice guy came & said the collard greens were all out & handled the refund as the model is you pay beford hand. My Brunswick stew came in a Pint container. I asked the order taker what was in it meat wise, & it's just pork. Everything the Brunswick stew had in it was legit, sort of bland other than a metric ton of HEAT! I'm a fan of Brunswick Stew, order it in various states like PA, NC, etc., buy it at church Fall Festivals. Never had I experienced such massive spiciness, & I couldn't make out where it had come from by looking at it. First time ever I've had this stew loaded w heat like a chili recipe would call for, & I can tolerate a lot of heat! Thank goodness for the crackers! Even w those, I just couldn't eat but abt less than 1/2 pint. The mac & cheese was served in one of those red/white/checked paper bowls & you get plenty enough to share, plus take home. Nice & creamy white cheese base w I think grated cheddar on top. If you're a good cook, & grew up w good cooks in your family, you will be disappointed in the BP. The "pudding" seemed instant. The Nilla wafers were fresh & crisp, but where were the bananas? Halfway through, I found one slice, & then I tasted another piece. The container it was in had some kind of white Coolwhip that was more dominant than the pudding part. Miss the old school way my mom made it, never any whipped cream in it, or even on top. I would wait to go to this place more towards late Spring & Fall, when temps are warm enough to sit outside at the many inviting picnic tables clad in red & white gingham tablecloths, & the chaos of a new restaurant has worn off. Gave 2 stars for friendly, courteous staff, the vibe. Minus 3 stars for the wait to order & waiting for the food, running out of the collards, the weak banana pudding & the worst, that bizzarre hot spiciness heat in the Brunswick Stew. I also felt the way the crackers & toppings for pulled pork could hv been more hygienically placed, like the onions & cucumbers in a dish/paper bowl, & the crackers individually wrapped packs. Please note: I took the menu board photos after we had eaten & heading out of the door. The chalkboard listing the sides had not been marked through with blue lines upon giving our orders. read more

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This is one of the best BBQ's I have been to.the brisket is perfect pulled pork was truly good. The smoked potato salad is the best I have ever tasted. Great experience well worth the wait even in the rain on father's day. Great crowd in line. Met a lot of nice appreciative people waiting for exceptional BBQ. We will visit again. read more

We tried Mama Jean's for the first time today. We stood out in the rain for 1 1/2 hours and it was so worth it! When you see a line like that and no one is leaving because of the rain, you know its going to be good and they did not disappoint! read more

Mama Jean's - The line today at Mama Jean's - Barbeque Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

Awesome.. we know bbq...had the best bbq here.. gotta look for it but it's definitely worth it... read more

Mama Jean's - Barbeque Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

Mama Jean's BBQ is bbq perfection. I'm surprised I haven't reviewed them sooner, but here it goes. Chef and Pitmaster Madison is a wizard with all of his culinary creations. His standard pulled pork is the smokey and savory food of dreams. And if that's not enough, Mama Jean's BBQ serves the best Double Smash Burger in town. It is so delicious that you better arrive between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM on the days they offer it, or you risk them selling out before you get to try one. On some days, you can order the cajun Boudin Sausage. Simply put, their food is super exciting. As a tip, check their Facebook page to see what they will be serving before you arrive. As for their service, there is such a wonderful charm to their family-run operation. The seating is enjoyable with their large picnic tables and umbrellas for shade. Lastly, the prices are not bad even with current inflation being high. Their food is worth every penny spent. Support a local family-run business and try the best bbq around at Mama Jean's BBQ in Salem, VA. read more

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The best barbecue I have ever had. They consistently produce food that leaves their competitors in the proverbial dust and the staff are all top notch and a pleasure to do business with. All the various menu items are absolutely fantastic, I must point out that my particular favorites would be the smash burgers, smoked meatloaf, sandwiches, the sausage, ribs, and the best brisket you will find in this area. I always look forward to eating there! read more

Mama Jean's is one of the most delicious barbecue places I've been in a long time, my only complaint is that they sell out so fast! The menu changes slightly each day, but generally includes pulled pork, brisket, birria tacos, and more. Since the brisket was sold out by the time I came, I opted for the birria tacos and the pork flautas--both were excellent! Once I ordered, my food came out quickly, and I can hardly wait to dig in. Everything was flavorful and their sauces were all excellent as well--special mentions to the Carolina Red and Sweet Virginia Heat. overall, I left very satisfied and can't wait to come back again when they open to try the brisket. If you like barbecue, Mama Jean's is a must try. read more

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my son bought my meal.he his fiance eat regulary there.best barbeque wow awesome.prices nice.options.a family from florida came in they visiting here just were amazed..i recommend you give it a try.this taste was similar to south carolinas barbeque..you gotta go.can take out also. read more

I can't overstate how good this bbq is. I'm a sucker for specials and they have never not let me down. They smoked meatloaf sandwich, the smash burger, a spare rib that was buffalo sauces and a gorgeous Gorgonzola crema sauce will live in my mind til I die I love it. Sides are solid, the banana pudding is even more solid best you can buy. read more

Their food is so good. We get 2 pounds of brisket bit tub of baked potato salad and I always get 2 banana puddings. We are creatures of habit. The food is well worth the wait in line they are a bit pricey but the food is well worth the price. And their sauces are delicious too. read more