Smokey J BBQ - Berkeley

Pretty good Q! Burnt ends are on point! And you cant find burnt ends at most places. I recommend for the overall taste of the meat and greens. Also the brisket... read more Pretty good Q! Burnt ends are on point! And you cant find burnt ends at most places. I recommend for the overall taste of the meat and greens. Also the brisket is sliced like deli meat, but it has a very good taste as well. You will be pleasantly surprised as a change of pace from the most popular Q place in the area. Drawbacks Limited sides and the Q sauce needs help!!

So bomb. Can't believe I've never been here. Great staff and incredible bbq. The hot links are a treat. read more So bomb. Can't believe I've never been here. Great staff and incredible bbq. The hot links are a treat.

Now closed, the short life span of this place is a cautionary tale for anyone wanting to open a food business. Apparently, the initial first had all rave review... read more Now closed, the short life span of this place is a cautionary tale for anyone wanting to open a food business. Apparently, the initial first had all rave reviews, but as time went on, (Or so I am told) reviews plummeted, and business suffered, culminating with the loss of their lease on that prime Emerson and Shattuck location where 'The Omnivore ' once operated. (The following was written when they were still open and highly regarded) Classic top grade BBQ, loved by the locals, (especially little old ladies) who like me, were once loyal to flints. Portions generous, ingredients fresh, staff cool, what 's not to like. sauces: YUM. NOTE: Try the brisket sandwich before you do anything else.

Pretty good. The spicy sauce was not that spicy... but that might be me. I got a ribs which were delicious. A few sides. The so-so side were potatoes because th... read more Pretty good. The spicy sauce was not that spicy... but that might be me. I got a ribs which were delicious. A few sides. The so-so side were potatoes because they were too oily. Would be great if they serve beer!

I got the 1/2 slab dinner with collards and potato salad plus a drumstick and medium BBQ sauce. All were excellent: good quality meat and other ingredients(prod... read more I got the 1/2 slab dinner with collards and potato salad plus a drumstick and medium BBQ sauce. All were excellent: good quality meat and other ingredients(produce is from Berkeley Bowl) and the flavors were hauntingly good. The medium sauce is hot enoughI used an Amazon local voucher which saved some money(the above would have cost $20), but even at regular price, this is a good value for the best ribs and sides I've had in the Bay area. For those of you who can remember Flint's BBQ, grieve no more!