Jazzy's Barbecue

Four out of six piggies on Jan, 2009.

Overall Impression...
Yumbo!

Meats...
All the meats are nicely smoky. The chicken is tender, juicy and delicious. The beef ribs are not bad, but I couldn't really judge the flavor because all the meats came drowned in sauce. Many restaurants serve the meats already slathered with sauce by default, so you have to tell them twice or they'll forget. The pork ribs are tender, with the meat not quite falling off the bone, and have a delicious bark. If you like heat, you won't be disappointed by the hot links. They're quite a spicy blast, perfectly cooked, and so very tasty! At the time of my visit, the brisket was sold out. Smoked chicken salad and pulled pork is also available. Note: Jazzy's is very busy Friday night so there's not much meat left Saturday at lunch!

Sides...
The beans are, unfortunately, out of a can. The bland mixed greens are apparently frozen, not fresh, are quite stemmy, and only boiled, not sauteed. Where those sides fail, the corn bread muffins rejoice. The first thing you will notice is the heavenly aroma, followed by the lovely golden brown & delicious tops. The texture is perfect, not oily, not too dry, and not too moist. It's slightly sweet, and honey is available. Kudos. Red beans and rice, mac & cheese, potato salad, coleslaw, macaroni salad, dinner salad, and corn on the cob are also available, as well as bread baked fresh daily.

Sauces...
Jazzy's has two wonderfully successful sauces. The mild is just a little sweet, a little spicy, and just enough acid to balance. The hot sauce is less sweet and spicier, but not hot enough to overwhelm the meats, and still well balanced.

Portions...
Good portion sizes.

Service...
A bit lax, at least at the time of my visit. The restaurant was almost empty, but the server/chef/owner (?) was more interested in watching the large screen TV than worrying about me.

Cost...
Moderate. Sandwiches are $7 and include 1 side. Lunch plates are $8 to $10 and come with 1 side, plus corn muffin or bread. Dinner plates are $11 to $16 and come with 2 sides, plus corn muffin or bread.

Atmosphere...
Casual. The meals come in a plastic basket with a paper liner. There is a large glass front that lets in indirect light. The bottom half is covered by a tasteful valance on wooden rods. Jazz posters and memorabilia decorate the walls, which are an appetite-stimulating deep red with deep blue trim. Recessed lighting, playful pendant lighting, and the very dark blue ceiling provide a comfortable feel. The decoration extends into the bathrooms, as well. Half-height wooden partitions divide the restaurant into small seating areas with comfortable wooden chairs. It's both open and intimate at the same time. There is only so much one can do with rented space in a strip mall. Jazzy's deserves credit for making the most of it.

Pros...
Yummy barbecue meats, comfortable atmosphere. Heavenly corn bread muffins. Long list of sides.

Cons...
Inattentive service, at least on my one visit. Some of the sides need improvement.

Jazzy's Barbecue
4259 SE 182nd Ave
Gresham, OR 97030
(503)491-8631

See menu here: