Jim's Famous BBQ

Last weekend, the 'Que Gang decided to try another 'que joint in Chapel Hill. We went to a relative newcomer, Jim's Famous BBQ, which is located in Village Plaza on S. Elliott Rd. Local readers may remember that this location used to house another barbeque restaurant, Red Hot & Blue, which is a Memphis-style 'que chain. Jim's is new to this location, but has been around the Triangle for quite a while, as its list of awards testifies.

The thing about that list of awards that gets me is that several of them are for chili or ribs. Indeed, the Jim's homepage says "Jim's Famous Ribs" on the title bar, though not on the page itself. So, I have been a bit skeptical about the quality of the NC 'que at Jim's, given this seeming lack of focus in the kitchen.

As it turned out, my skepticism did not appear unfounded following our meal. I ordered a combination plate so that I could sample both ribs and Carolina 'que. The menu, which was very nice, allows you to choose your sauce and your type of ribs or 'que. So, I chose St. Louis-style ribs, half with dry rub and half with the standard sauce, and chopped barbeque. The plate also comes with baked beans and slaw.


As you can see, the portions were generous, especially when it came to the 'que. Of course, this meal cost quite a bit more than I usually pay for 'que. First, the ribs. Regardless of the sauce, they were small, dry, and fatty. The dry rub was fine, and the sauce did not make much of an impression on me either way. But if I want to go out for ribs, Jim's won't be my first choice.

Next, the que. It was rather dry for my taste, kind of like Bullock's, but probably a little less. The flavor didn't move me, but it was okay. I tried adding the vinegar sauce that was on the table, but still wasn't quite satisfied. This opened up a discussion at our table about the fact that I like my Eastern NC 'que wet when I get it, while Jennifer and David don't mind it being drier and adding lots of sauce themselves.

Finally, the sides. The beans were sweet and good, and I really liked the slaw, which was a bit chilled. I should also mention that the sweet tea was quite good--clearly homemade, sweetened with honey, and not too sweet. I didn't get dessert, but Jennifer did, so she can tell you about that.

Overall, I enjoyed the experience more than the food. As you can see from the photo below, there were some hijinks at this meal.


As for my rating, I give Jim's:

--Sarah