The first thing you'll probably notice walking into Jaymer-Que BBQ in Brandon is that it's nice. Well, nicer than most hole-in-the-wall type barbecue restaurants. Big smokers, metal steam trays, corroded brick walls; they're nowhere to be seen, replaced by a once-Quiznos interior lined with down home trinkets on the walls, huge windows, and a clean, tiled dining room.
Does their food match up to the cozy, homestyle atmosphere they've built? Somewhat.
Jaymer specializes in all the barbecue classics including smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket, sausage, and chicken. In addition, the menu comes padded with additional burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more.
The bread and butter of any barbecue restaurant is their smoked meats. Jaymer's has a variety, each an interesting case in their own.
Pulled pork comes warm and fork tender, yet lacks a lot of that classic smoky flavor burrowed in every bite of the meat. Smothered in their sweet sauce, it's hard to tell, but alone it lacks a tad.
Jamer's sausage comes sliced in huge chunks and is absolutely succulent. The skin snaps as you bite into a menagerie of fat bits, spices, and smoky pork all melded together. Definitely no sauce needed.
Their smoked chicken fares just as well, if not better. These uber-tender slices of moist, smoky chicken make for some of the best barbecued chicken in memory. Combined with a nice dose of Jaymer's sweet sauce, the chicken is a knockout meal on its own.
Brisket came out a little underwhelming. Dry to the point of flaking off in chips when prodded with my plastic fork, the brisket tasted fantastic, but boasted a dry texture that even a heaping pool of barbecue sauce couldn't save.
Jaymer-Que BBQ also offers a variety of sides to accompany the meats. Spicy pasta salad sounded incredibly intriguing until I dove into what felt like more of a spicy pea and carrot salad with pasta than a spicy pasta salad. Good, just a bit deceptive.
Collared green were just as good as any I've tried before and came generously portioned to accompany the meal.
Overall, Jaymer-Que BBQ in Brandon is one of a ton of barbecue restaurants in the Tampa Bay area. If you want good barbecue, they'll definitely do you solid. If you want great barbecue, there are probably some greener (and tastier) pastures out there.
