All of the food was old. Clearly none of it was cooked today. The ribs were jerky on some portions. The cheesy mashed potato in a skin and disguised as a twice baked was offensively salty -- then microwaved to insult it further. The rolls are practically duck feed. These are what is typically served in jails and prisons. And then there was the shredded cabbage in a cup. (?) I wanted to like it. Honestly. I was really hoping to have a neighborhood spot to brag on. To be fair, the ribs are nicely seasoned. The flavor profile is there, but it's all lost in the lack of care in how they're served. read more

Ribs in the oven with some sauce is not Barbecue. There's never been a stick of hickory anywhere near their meats.

Read all the five reviews & then believe everyone of them. Great people selling great food at great prices! Ya can't get better then that!

After rising from the ashes of my (seemingly) weeks long battle with the flu, I was hungry. And I wanted BBQ. Sure, I hadn't eaten a real meal in at least a week (do wings from Papa John's even count?) but I was reeeeady for some action. I thought we'd have to drive to Rudolph's (which is about as far as I was willing to let the man drive/wait - do you think I was going out looking like I did? Hells naw) so imagine how AWESOME it was to find Scott Ja-Mama's. Ok, so we live like, 5 minutes from the place and I've sat in enough traffic right in front of it to know it's there, it's just so tiny that I never remember it. He told us when the food would be ready and he wasn't a minute late. The place is the size of a closet, the guy was super nice, the prices are incredibly cheap and the ribs? Holy lord, I ate until my "eatin' pants" (aka sweat pants) were uncomfortable. The chicken was a little dry but the sides made up for it. Who am I kidding? I ate the chicken, too. I can't even remember the time when I was a vegan/vegetarian. Is that bad? (Oh, and they are only open 3 or 4 days out of the week, so call first.) read more

I have to say that the sauce here should be sold by the gallon. I would put it in my shower and wash my hair with it. We got a rack of ribs, and 6 or so pork sammies. The ribs were a little dry, but I was so distracted by the twice baked potato, the sauce and the bourbon that I almost forgot. And they deliver sometimes, if you ask nice and you live in the neighborhood. And if they have the staff and food. Honestly, I think if the city hydrants were to spit out the sauce at Scott Ja Mama's, as a kid I would jack open the little red squat fire hydrant and run and scream naked through it on the hottest of summer days, then I would grow up to be a fireman, and use it to douse flaming buildings, and lure kittens from trees. read more

People over use the term "hole in the wall." They will call any old place byt this title. But really, Scott-Ja-Mama's in the first place I have ever been that should actually be called a "hole in the wall." Why? Because you can barely breathe in there, much less eat. I suggest eating your food on the sidewalk outside. Bring a blanket. You don't want to be driving home with this barbecue wafting through your car. Make sure you look for the Holiday gas station and Auntie Em's, or you will never find Scott Ja Mama's. You always know you are in a great place when the menu is very limited and appears to never have changed. We got ribs, and they threw in a 1/4 Chicken, which I thought was pretty awesome. Mmmm.. read more

They have the best BBQ in the twin cities by far! Their beans, potatoes, and cole slaw are simply amazing! I've been eating here for most of my life. The people are so friendly and nice, and you always get to meet new people when you share the two tables :) read more

I do go here. I like the twice-baked potato, preferring that to fries or jojo's. I don't care for beans that are portioned out in a small styrofoam cup and then heated in a microwave, which starts to melt the cup. Compared to most other places, the ribs are small and have less meat on them. The chicken is good, as is the sauce. The portion size of the beans and coleslaw are a bit too small. It's good that they have a couple of tables and the daily paper, which I appreciate. The food is okay but understand one thing. It is NOT BBQ. BBQ is smoked 'low & slow' as the saying goes. I get the sense that many of the reviewers here have a real narrow comfort zone and don't go to other joints other than perhaps some of the chains. As at least one other reviewer has pointed out, Ted Cook's is one of the best (or the best) for BBQ in the Twin Cities. I've had ribs around the country, east, west and south, and Ted's is one of the top five that I've been to. read more

Great food, and great people! Very friendly. Check their hours as they are not open every day. You also can't realistically dine in, so takeout and delivery are your best bets. read more

Back in my favorite city and had a chance to make it to Scott Ja-Mamas and the stars are all well deserved. It's a tiny family run spot with the sons and nephew of the owner running a really delicious BBQ spot. I stopped in for lunch. They were out of the pulled pork because of big catering orders earlier (smart move) so I went with the half rack of ribs with the hot sauce. It wasn't too hot and it was all kinds of delicious. Did I finish the whole half rack and the twice baked potato and the potato salad? Yes. I have no regrets. Excited to make it back here. Great local spot here since 1991. Let's keep it here for a few more decades. read more

Best barbecue I've ever had! This place is exceptional and tastes just like Memphis barbecue without having to go all the way to Tennessee. The owner (Scott) is the nicest man ever and always offers us free cold drinks while we wait to get our homemade fresh cooked meal. Super cheap food with amazing sauce, and If you bring your own jar the owner will let you fill it up with his famous sauce. Highly recommend this place to anyone who loves BBQ. read more

Scott Ja-Mamas - Interior - Barbeque Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

What do I say, having eat BBQ all over the country, Scott's is better than everywhere else in the Twin Cities area. The ribs are killers! Moist and juicy, flavorful ribs tasted heavenly. The twice baked potato are so buttery that if you eat one bite, you would want another one. Most importantly, Scott is super friendly!!! I can't tell you enough how interesting he is and how delicious his ribs are. My husband and I are his fans! Will come back... read more

Maybe its because I'm not the biggest fan of bbq but this place really didn't excite my taste buds or maybe I just had too high of hopes for it to be great in my views. Went here on a tip from a customer of mine and when he said it was a hole in the wall he wasn't lying. Theres tons of knick knacks all over the place and old newspaper reviews of the restaurant it really is meant just for takeout. They do CASH ONLY. And if you want the beans you need to call ahead because if not don't expect to get any they sell out quick. The owners are super friendly and the portions are nice. The seasoning was alright the spicy is enough to give you a sting but not too bad where you can't eat anymore after a single bite. Only thing that would have brought my 3 to a 4 is if I hadn't gotten so many burnt pieces in my meal which consisted of ribs and chicken plus bread and a side of twice baked potato (which was BOMB in a goodway). I'll stop back in the neighborhood to pick up another order hopefully this time around my beans will be available and the pieces aren't so burnt. read more

I walked in and it was like they knew I was coming and I was their best friend. Maybe one of the friendliest places I've been to in a while (and not overly friendly). Now on to the food: It is the right amount of BBQ for the right amount of mouth. Not too spicy (and I love spice) and not too sweet, but it great mix of sauce on the chicken that I proceeded to devour. Thought Scott Ja-Mamas is a hidden place in south mpls, it's worth it. Plus, everyone on here says, "I love visiting local businesses and supporting local" well, here ya go, this should be #1 on your next local food (and #2). read more

By far one of the nicest owner operator joints. And the food is great to boot! Ordered the ribs as well a rib and chicken combo, and enjoyed our meal immensely. I like the combo because it seems to be the best of both. The order arrived quickly, and again can't rave enough how friendly the service was. Definitely be back! read more

I'm a huge fan of Scott Jamama's. This little spot delivers. Best steak sandwich in town..and everything else you might try is really good!. If you like bbq sauce with a kick, this is it. Maybe there's some horseradish in it... Scott is a great guy and fun to talk to. He's got sports memorabilia including baseball players pro wrestlers photos from the 60's, weird games, and great stories. Not much as far as places to sit...but its mainly takeout. read more

Just had my first taste of Minnesota barbecue and I don't see how it is going to get any better. This place normally does carry out and delivery but they do have one table inside. We sat inside and had a wonderful conversation with the owners. The company was just as good as the food. The sauce is a family recipe and makes everything amazing. read more

First and foremost -- the food, just good old fashioned BBQ. There are no-frills, just simple, yummy food, and if you are real nice when you pick-up your order Scott will throw in a free soda or two amd I have heard a rumor that when he is feeling particularly frisky he will throw (and that is litterally) a Twinkie at you:) The ambience, Scott's boasts only one table (a refurbished industrial "spool" from a twine manufacturing company ... it is functional and green!) While most folks get their food "to-go" there is an endless feast of amusement for your eyes ... a random hodge-podge of Jesus and Moses action figures, the Three Stooges, sports hero's (wrestling and hockey!) newspaper clippings, pig figurines (it is a rib "joint" after all) and a little bit of Wizard of Oz memorabilia thrown in for good measure. Scott himself is a character, and the rest of the staff is very friendly. I am pretty sure that my son Jacob would eat his weight in the twice baked potatoes if we let him. Good portions, Good Food, Good Prices! read more

Scott's pulled pork sandwich is amazing! It has to be ordered with the twice baked potato. I have brought several friends here and they all loved it. read more

The place was amazing, filled with memories and stories. The chicken sandwhich was very very delicious! Tempted to get more. Scott is one of the nicest gentleman I've had the pleasure of talking to. Everything about this place is authentic. Hope to see you again in the near future! read more

The BBQ is excellent, but what puts this place over-the-top is the amazing potatoes and other sides. We often bring in SJM for catering parties, etc. and it's a real crowd pleaser. read more

Okay folks, this place isn't good. I usually try local joints out twice before writing them off, but I have no desire to go back to Scott Ja-Mama's. The ribs ARE dry, and it doesn't smell good in there. Why? Because the FOOD doesn't smell good. One reviewer said to eat it on the sidewalk, because you don't want to eat it in the restaurant and you don't want that smell in your car. Well, they didn't mean to say that you don't want your car to smell like BBQ: they meant that you don't want your car smelling like feet. Cash only, gruff cashiers, blah bbq at best. read more

We LOVE this restaurant and have ordered delivery and pickup numerous times and have had a positive experience every single time. They don't have much of a dining area, so dining in isn't really an option, but the food is what makes this place stand out. Yummy, tender ribs and pulled pork sandwiches! The staff is always friendly, too. read more

We were in Minneapolis for a brief visit and my wife ordered take out barbecue from this place. I wish I had tried the stuff before paying $60 for it because it was so dried out it was gross. We tried to eat it but it was so unappetizing that we dumped it in the garbage. The ribs had almost no meat on them and what there was was cooked down, dried out and tasteless. The chicken breasts were dried to the consistency of cellulose sponge with no flavor left. We won't be back. It amazes me that this place has gotten so many favorable reviews and that was why we tried it. How much can barbecued food vary from day to day, after all? Perhaps the positive reviews were bogus postings. read more

When Mama Don't Want to Cook We've been ordering the half rack of ribs about once a week for years. We love the rub Scott uses so always order without sauce. Also love the twice backed potato and slaw. Scott's is our go-to for barbeque. read more

Whoever is giving this place good reviews does NOT know good Q at all. The only smoke flavor you will find in this place comes from a bottle of liquid smoke. They do not bbq their meat. They boil it and then cook it in an oven. Ask them the next time you are there to see their bbq pit and they will tell you they don't actually bbq their meat. Skip this place all together and go get yourself some real BBQ. read more

Fantastic hole in the wall BBQ spot. So cheap too! Not dine in, and the presentation won't impress anyone, but man is it good simple BBQ! And ditto what others have said about Scott - so friendly and anyways tells you to get a free beverage from the fridge. read more

This is a hole in the wall, it's hidden almost from the street and for good reason. It's SO GOOD! Went there today and got the combo, but when I arrived he told me that he had mistakenly dropped my quarter chicken. I told him it wasn't an issue at all, but he had already made me a few fresh new chicken breast and only charged me for the ribs!!! Super friendly and caring even during this pandemic. read more

Amazing sauce and great customer service!! I felt like I stepped back into a cute 70's joint . There isn't much seating (7 chairs & 2 tables) but the prices are dirt cheap. The owner felt bad that the previous customer purchased all of his cooked ribs so he gave me free potatoes and a little discount. He was very polite and other customers who strolled in seemed to have a high respect for him in the neighborhood. Good food & friendly people, a dying trend in America but you can still get it here for cheap. Chicken with medium BBQ sauce was excellent. read more

Elite barbecue in the TC scene. The chicken is stupendous, the sauces (I get MOT: mild and hot mixed) are amazing, and the twice-baked potato is a killer side. I like the little dry ribs alot. Both ribs and chicken are very well caramelized and thus the meat can be somewhat dry, though the chicken breast is certainly moist enough. The dryness doesn't really bother me, though I typically enjoy juicier barbecue better. I think this is the best place to get barbecue chicken that I've found in the area. The ribs are great but I prefer Baker's Ribs in Eden Prairie. read more

Easily the best Pulled Pork Sandwich around. Excellent beans. The coleslaw is great. Ribs are fantastic with or without sauce. Prices are good and the service is superb. Best BBQ spot in mpls read more

I'm a bit of a BBQ snob. I've traveled all over the world and had some pretty amazing Q (Carsons, Rendezvous, etc.), so I'm tough to impress. After reading several good Yelp reviews of this tiny place I decided to give it a try while in town for a trade show. My girlfriend and I had a pulled pork sandwich with medium spicy sauce and the ribs. The taste is unique and not quite Texas nor Carolina style. The very nice owner called it South Minneapolis style--fair enough. The lunch-sized sandwich was only $5 and a delicious bargain. The ribs were "proper" meaning they DON'T fall off the bone. They use excellent quality baby backs and were cooked just right. The (only) 2 tables mean there is little seating available but it keeps costs down which is great. Only the mediocre sides keep this from being a 5 star, but we will certainly come back next time we're in town. read more

Great BBQ!!!! I love every kind of meat they sell. My absolute fave is the chicken. Their potatoes are also out of this world. This is a REALLY tiny place. I recommend getting it for take out. We get it often for family events. You can't go wrong with Scott JaMamas. read more

Scott is such a nice guy and serves up some awesome baby back ribs. You can get them in a half or full rack...comes with a yummy twice baked potato, Cole slaw and a roll. Choice of mild, medium or hot BBQ sauce. He also offers BBQ chicken, pork sandwiches and a steak sandwich. There's only one table so call ahead for your take out order. Also no credit cards but there is an ATM across the street at the Holiday station. Frequently Scott'll tell ya to grab a can of soda outta the fridge on the house. I've been coming here for the better part of a decade and have yet to be disappointed! Somehow these little hole in the wall places just do it right! read more

Hard to top the other reviews on this one - especially the treatise on BBQ sauce fire hydrants. It's rare to find a place like this anymore - at least in a big city - just some chill guys making BBQ like you were in their living room. "Sure, go ahead," Scott says, "help yourself to whatever's in the fridge." The food is top notch, the service and ambience can't be beat. I almost don't want to spread the word about this place because I'm selfish and want it all to myself. So you're welcome. read more

This might be the BEST bar b que sandwich on the planet, especially when you factor in value. Personally, I order my sauce "Mot" (1/2 medium and 1/2 hot) - Woo Hoo! Where else do they throw in a can of soda when the mood strikes? Plan on a take out, because the dining room is intimate, to say the least. It's hard to find, but worth the look. "Do not pass Go, Do not collect $200-Go directly to 54th & Nicollet and prove us all correct-a-mundo. read more

Best bbq in the Twin Cities. Pork sandwich, coleslaw, twice baked potatoes. Don't expect to pick this one up either.

I think people like this place because it has that serious "hole-in-the-wall" vibe and the staff are friendly. Frankly, though, the BBQ is average at best. Maybe I need to go when they have just done a fresh batch, but the ribs I've had were not great cuts and only prepared so/so, and the pulled pork is drenched in sauce....what in the meat do they need to hide? for BBQ in mpls, I think Ted Cooks is alot better. If you are willing to drive 30 mins, Tonka BBQ in Spring park is excellent too. read more

First time and I love it the place is tiny but you will love there fooooooooood I sure going to come back with family and friends

Planning a party? Scott Ja Mama's chicken or pork for sandwiches is delicious. It 's perfect for graduations or family gatherings. They are great about helping to order the correct amount of meat- for 20 people or 100. Add a pan of their awesome cheesy potatoes, their spicy beans and you are set! Such a fun place to see- check it out. read more