Okay... so the premise of this blog is to review restaurants that I've never been to more than once, if at all. I wasn't going to write a blog until I've been to that place twice, however, I felt I absolutely must write about Jethro's.
First, let me say that I LOVE BBQ. If I were on Death Row, my Last Meal would be a smorgasbord of BBQ fixins. It's probably the only All-American food. It has so many varieties and styles, I can't imagine anyone who doesn't just love it. You know, 'cept those veggies.
Anyway, I went to Jethro's 'n Jakes in Altoona. First thing, there were SO MANY cars in the parking lot, I though we'd be waiting for at least a few minutes. Nope. Walked in (though we had to wait for a large exiting party, as there is only one door), was greeted, and sat down. It was SO dark and loud. I wished immediately that I'd asked to be sat on the patio.
I also noticed how many families there were there, which either meant that the food is so bland that even a picky child would eat it, or that it's so amazing that even a picky child would eat it.
I have to stop here, and give props to the family who sat next to us with three kids. Those little girls were incredibly well behaved, while at least three other kids were running around the dining room completely unattended. Way to win at parenting, bros.
We ordered the BBQ for 2, figured it would be a way to try a lot of things the first time out. We chose a half rack of ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. For sides, mashed potatoes, waffle fries, mac and cheese, and hot slaw. We also ordered a bit of pit ham.
The ribs: Seriously the best ribs I've ever had. Better without sauce, but not to knock on the sauces (which I'll discuss later). A faintly sweet rub and tender, but not over cooked. Just awesome.
The brisket was too dry, even with the sauce. Pulled pork was heavenly. Amazing. The ham seemed like it was one of those "hams with water". It wasn't very good.
Sides: I didn't like the slaw, personally. The mac and cheese tasted as if the roux wasn't cooked enough. The waffle fries... Jeez the waffle fries. Even good as leftovers from the oven the next day.
But the Mashed Potatoes (yes, they deserve to be capitalized) are Panacea. Better than Grandma's (and if you're reading this Grandma, I'm sorry, but you'd totally agree). Just lumpy and creamy and covered in gravy that I could drown in. Redonk.
The sauces: Jethro's - great, standard.
Georgia: I was not previously a fan of Georgia style, but I put this bitch on my pulled pork and it was game over. Awesome.
Carolina: Good for Carolina, but it's too thin and vinegary for my taste.
Alabama White? Lemme say that it sounds like a female Country singer, and it tastes like thin, flavorless Ranch dressing. Eh.
Overall, amazing.
My waitress, however, asked us before we even had a minute to look at the menu what we wanted. Then came to "check on us" about two minutes after the food arrived, not even having time to eat anything yet. Didn't refill my water glass once.
No pictures, sorry. I'll post them from the second time I visit, as there will absolutely be a second visit.
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