JJ’s Meat Shak- Buena Vista

Reviews

• Becky B.

  star star star star star 17 June 2026

  We have been thru here so many times, but have never stopped to eat. But tonight the timing was right. The parking lot was full as we pulled in (always a good sign).  We quickly got up to the window to order. Meat platters, sandwiches, and burgers all look good. I had the pulled pork meat platter with Granny's Tater salad and hush puppies. YUM! With several sauces at the condiment bar to chose from, your fav style of bbq sauce- sweet or vinegar or mustard- is easy to add. Younger son had the Pitt beef (not a sliver left) and older son had the pulled pork sandwich (it was devoured!). Hubs also had the pork platter but had the delicious  mac n cheese on the side.
  
  The atmosphere is fun and staff is very friendly. I highly recommended and we will be back ourselves.

• Jay T.

  star star star star star_border 1 June 2026

  When I was a kid, my nickname was "JJ." So how could I not stop at a barbecue joint called "JJ's Meat Shak?!?"
  
  We came in at 6:30 on a Tuesday night. Their signature wood fired Pizza is only available Wednesday through Saturday. The nice lady at the counter greeted us with "we're out of burgers. And hush puppies." I almost left! Who ever heard of a barbecue place with no hush puppies?!? It ain't natural. But it smelled too good to walk, and then Darling Bride noticed the sign advertising Nightingale Ice Cream sandwiches. That was it- ever since she met the guy who makes them while she was presenting at a food conference, she talks about them whenever ice cream sandwiches come up. Which is more often than you might think. I checked in on Yelp! for the 10% discount, which was news to the cashier. She honoured it, but photographed my phone screen in case the manager asked.
  
  My Son and Heir ordered the Famous Hog Pen- a two-pound mass of fries, pulled pork, and cheese.
  
  Darling Bride and I each got a Pitt Beef Sandwich with lettuce and tomatoes. Sandwiches come by themselves, so we made combos by adding drinks, and sides of fries. We both got Farm Boy fries- big ole planks of potato, seasoned and fried crisp on the outside, fluffy in the middle. The brisket was cooked well- nicely rare as we requested- and comes unsauced so you can take advantage of the house options. I tried the Boss Sauce- sweet and spicy. The sandwich honestly didn't need the help; I ate half of it without any sauce, then tried it. I thoroughly enjoyed it both ways. If I had a complaint at all, it was only that the sweet tea wasn't very good.
  
  My Son and Heir didn't say a word for most of the meal- he just kept shoveling like Casey Jones' fireman.
  
  Supper for the three of us was $25! Then we went back for dessert...
  I got the Coconut Pineapple ice cream sandwich, DB got the Peaches and Cinnamon, and the Kid got the Fat Banana. They each cost $3.75, and if you can think of a more delicious way to spend that money, then we need to talk! So $12.53 for dessert. That's like, 1.35 calories per penny, and a bargain at the price!
  
  If I am ever in the neighborhood of Buena Vista (it's pronounced "byoona") again, JJs will be my first choice for food!

• Meredith S.

  star star star star star_border 26 May 2026

  Wow! I went to school in this town 33 years ago and the town itself hasn't really changed. But never would I have imagined a little gem like this one here!
  
  First it's super cute. The decor is all rustic BBQ joint. We were lucky to eat lunch here on a beautiful day, so the windows were open and a light breeze was blowing through. It made for a great atmosphere! Add to that a friendly staff and we had the makings of a terrific lunch!
  
  One kid had a burger which was cooked well and was nice and juicy.  He was happy! The other kid had a pulled pork sandwich (slaw on top of course) and Mac and cheese and loved it. The Mac and cheese is baked and tastes homemade, as I am sure it is. Hubby enjoyed his meatball sub (a special today) - lots of ooey gooey cheese and the meatballs were not over cooked. I got the 2 meat platter (pit beef and pulled pork) with slaw and baked beans. We all ate communally since everything looked so good. I wasn't a fan of the pit beef (I like mine wetter), but Hubby loved the flavor. The baked beans were really really good. Not as sweet as expected, they had a bit of tang to them. The real star was the pulled pork! Tender and flavorful, and I LOVE the choices of sauce.
  
  This is definitely worth the trip off 81!

• David H.

  star star star star_border star_border 26 May 2026

  During our "Wild Hogs" bike trip through the area, we saw 2 BBQ joints and turned around to hit the one with the most bikes. Looks like 2 buildings, but we'd learned the one opens for dinner and serves seafood while the other is for lunch. They have outdoor seating as well as indoor. You order at the counter and they call you back to pick up, but also will bring to your table. With the Yelp check-in, I was able to get 10% off the order.
  They claim they only have ribs for dinner which is what I was looking for. Instead I had the pulled pork sandwich. It was OK, but not spectacular.

• Blaise C.

  star star star star star 22 May 2026

  Their brisket is unbelievable. Their sauces are super flavorful. The ribs fall off the bone. The staff is friendly. I'm so glad I don't live near here or I would be way fatter than I already am.