John Brown BBQ Introduce
Introduction / Overview
For New Yorkers in search of an authentic barbecue experience, John Brown BBQ in Astoria is a destination that delivers a genuine taste of the American heartland. Since 2011, this restaurant has established itself as the premier purveyor of Kansas City-style BBQ in New York City, a style known for its low-and-slow smoking process and delicious dry rubs. Unlike many other BBQ joints, John Brown BBQ is committed to this specific tradition, ensuring that every piece of meat, from the brisket to the pulled pork, is cooked to perfection in a wood smoker. The result is a menu of tender, flavorful, and deeply satisfying smoked meats that truly stand out. Beyond the food, the establishment offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The space is known for its spacious interior and a particularly popular outdoor backyard area, making it a great spot for both solo dining and large gatherings. It's a place where the focus is on good food, good company, and a shared appreciation for the art of barbecue. John Brown BBQ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a tribute to Kansas City's culinary heritage, and it has become a local favorite for those who appreciate honest, well-crafted smoked meats and a friendly, unpretentious dining environment. Its reputation for quality and its cozy ambiance make it a true gem in the Queens dining scene.
Location and Accessibility
John Brown BBQ is located at 27-20 40th Ave, Astoria, NY 11101. Situated in a slightly more industrial part of Astoria, its location gives it a unique, off-the-beaten-path feel that adds to its authentic charm. While a review notes it may be more convenient for those with a car due to its location, the restaurant's reputation for high-quality food makes it well worth the journey for barbecue enthusiasts. Its address places it near Queens Plaza, a major transportation hub, which provides access for those using public transit. The business also offers delivery, which extends its reach to a wider audience, bringing the taste of Kansas City BBQ to your doorstep. The combination of a destination-worthy physical location and convenient delivery options makes John Brown BBQ accessible to a large portion of the New York City population. The venue's spacious layout, including a large outdoor area, also adds to its appeal, providing a unique and comfortable setting that is a perfect escape from the city's usual cramped dining spaces.
Services Offered
- Dine-in: The restaurant provides a comfortable and casual dine-in experience, featuring both an indoor dining room and a large outdoor backyard seating area.
- Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their barbecue at home, John Brown BBQ offers convenient takeout and delivery services.
- Catering and Events: The establishment provides catering services for private events such as weddings and birthday parties, with booking prices that can be arranged by contacting the restaurant directly.
- Online Ordering: Customers can easily place orders for both pickup and delivery through their online ordering system, streamlining the process for maximum convenience.
Features / Highlights
- Authentic Kansas City-Style BBQ: John Brown BBQ is renowned for its commitment to Kansas City-style smoking techniques, which results in deeply flavorful, tender meats. The menu features classic BBQ staples like brisket, pulled pork, and pork ribs, all prepared with an authentic touch.
- Legendary Burnt Ends: A standout feature of the menu is the burnt ends, which have earned a reputation for their perfectly caramelized crust and tender interior. They are a must-try for any first-time visitor.
- Spacious Outdoor Area: The restaurant boasts a large, charming backyard area with ample seating. This outdoor space is a major highlight, perfect for enjoying a meal on a nice day or for hosting larger groups.
- Sports Bar Atmosphere: The interior is decorated with Kansas City sports memorabilia, and the presence of TVs makes it a popular spot for watching games, especially those of the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Delicious Sides: The side dishes are just as much a star as the meat. Customer reviews highlight the cornbread as a surprising favorite, and other classic sides like mac and cheese and collard greens are also praised for their quality and flavor.
- Friendly and Attentive Service: Patrons consistently mention the friendly and welcoming staff, noting the excellent service that adds to the overall pleasant dining experience.
Contact Information
Address: 27-20 40th Ave, Astoria, NY 11101
Phone: (347) 617-1120
What is worth choosing
What is truly worth choosing at John Brown BBQ is the restaurant’s steadfast commitment to authentic, high-quality barbecue. In a city with countless dining options, it’s a rare find to discover a place that so passionately focuses on a single culinary tradition. The food is the main attraction; the brisket is tender and juicy, and the burnt ends are a smoky, decadent treat that are arguably some of the best in the city. The generous portions and variety of smoked meats and sides ensure that every visit is a deeply satisfying meal. Beyond the food, the ambiance is a significant draw. The combination of a cozy, welcoming interior and the expansive outdoor seating area makes it an ideal spot for any occasion, from a casual lunch to a group dinner. It’s a place that feels both like a neighborhood secret and a lively communal space. By choosing John Brown BBQ, you are not just getting a meal; you are getting a genuine barbecue experience, complete with the smoky aromas, savory flavors, and friendly service that define the very best of American comfort food. It's a reliable, delicious, and enjoyable destination that truly brings the best of Kansas City to the heart of Astoria, making it a valuable and well-loved institution in the Queens food scene.
John Brown BBQ Photos










John Brown BBQ Location
John Brown BBQ Reviews
This place was bomb. Spacious inside and a super cute outdoor area in the back. The service was so friendly and helpful. Food was pretty legit too. The cornbread was a surprising star of our meal. The burnt ends were a bit too fatty but everything else slapped.
September 01 · Carly PisarriThis restaurant offers an authentic Texas BBQ style experience with a great selection of drinks. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with a spacious backyard area that can accommodate large groups. There are TVs available for watching games, making it a perfect spot for gatherings and celebrations. The food is delicious — everything we ordered was excellent. I visited on a Thursday, and the service was outstanding. A lovely Bangladeshi auntie took great care of all the customers, making the experience even more enjoyable. The only downside is that the location is a bit out of the way, so it’s more convenient for those who have a car. Overall, it’s a fantastic place and definitely worth a visit!
April 27 · Nitiphum S.What can I say? It‘s just perfect. Perfectly smoked meat, exceptional taste and quality. Everything we had was just perfect and you just feel great and will have the best time there.Absolutely stunning how good the service was. All in all? 10/10!!!
May 04 · Gianluca MeliWe had a pleasant experience at John Brown. All of the meat we ordered was tender. The sausage was beautifully spiced. Thumps up for the BBQ sauces. The friendliness and attentive nature of their staff members added to our wonderful experience. We were also lucky to secure the outdoor seating on a perfect weather day. Def could see how John Brown holds a popular place among its fans. Will stop by again if we are ever in the area.
April 27 · Yaninee NachomI’ve eaten at John Brown’s several times. I’ve always really enjoyed their food. Food tastes great, big portions, tasty sides and their Mac and Cheese is amazing. Nice ice cold beers as well. You’ll love this little gem of a place.
August 30 · Steve Lokey
More restaurants near me

548 Main St, New York, NY 10044, USA

455 Main St, New York, NY 10044, USA

425 Main St, New York, NY 10044, USA

503 Main St, New York, NY 10044, USA

513 Main St, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044, USA

549 Main St, New York, NY 10044, USA

455 Main St, New York, NY 10044, USA

568 Main St, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044, USA

559 Main St, New York, NY 10044, USA

579 Main St, New York, NY 10044, USA

455 Main St, New York, NY 10044, USA

609 Main St, New York, NY 10044, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Dining Insights Posts





