Uncle Joe's BBQ, St. John, USVI - May 6, 2007
Uncle Joe's BBQ
North Shore Road, Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI
Danna's friend and former colleague Christina suggested we find Uncle Joe's BBQ. The operative word being 'find'. We were told its near the post office but that didn't help much. Fortunately there was a little information hut across the street from the post office. We asked. He smiled, looked at the door behind him and said "This door leads to the kitchen". Easy enough.
Uncle Joe's is tiny. It has five two-tops that share a space of maybe 150 sq. feet. There's a kitchen but the reheating/grilling is done on a small grill facing the street, situated in the dining "room". There are only two walls to the joint and both of them are actually the exterior walls of other buildings.
We ordered combo platters which included chicken breasts and pork ribs. Both were incredible though the chicken was slightly dry (but not too dry - might have to do with the chicken itself). It was served with ample portions of two of the following: potato salad, cole slaw, pasta salad or rice and beans. We tried them all - the cole slaw and potato salad being the winners. The meat, as it should, fell off the bone easily and was coated in a vinegar-based sauced that had some notes of tropical fruit too. Not terribly hot - in either the spice or temperature categories - and as good as I've ever had. Makes me wonder why people even bother at the too-inconsistent-to-be-trusted Blue Smoke. It's not rocket science people. Just add the love! Uncle Joe's certainly has a lot of love in his 'cue. A must visit when on St. John.
posted by Michael Mahle at 11:16 AM
6 Comments:
lived in st. john for a while. joe's bbq. best ive ever had. damn. i need some now.
Good words.
have been going to st. john every year for the last 10 years and ALWAYS eat at uncle joe's at least once during the trip - delicious, inexpensive and an authentic local dining experience.
stayed on st. thomas last year and made two day trips to St. John - after the first trip to Uncle Joe's, we couldn't resist going again! We'll be on st. john this april and cannot wait to chow on the bbq - and we're CRAVING Jerome's hot sauce for our meals at home. only got one bottle at St. John Spice and will be buying a case this time around.. haha!
Whaddaya mean you had to ask directions? All you have to do is go into Cruz Bay and take a whiff. you can Smell Uncle joe's from across Frank Bay on a good night!
We were clearig customs in a boat and could smell it then. It drove me crazy to be so close and not be able to get some to take home! ... Its the best ever!... and Uncle Joe is sweet, jolly and a great cook!!
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