Welcome to Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack - Iowa City
Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack in Iowa City is a beloved BBQ destination located at 1940 Lower Muscatine Rd. With an array of fall-off-the-bone ribs, tender brisket, and flavorful pulled pork, it consistently impresses diners. Customers rave about the variety of house-made sauces, including popular choices like Cowboy and Carolina Vinegar, which complement the meats beautifully. The inviting atmosphere and friendly service make every visit enjoyable. Notably, their crispy fries and rich cornbread are standout sides. With monthly specials and sauces available for purchase, Jimmy Jack's is not just a meal; it’s an experience that keeps patrons returning for more.
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1940 Lower Muscatine Rd, Iowa City, IA 52240, United States Hotline: +1 319-354-7427
If you find yourself in Iowa City craving authentic barbecue, look no further than Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack. Tucked away at 1940 Lower Muscatine Rd, this gem has earned a reputation as a must-visit for barbecue enthusiasts and casual diners alike. Known for their delightful array of smoked meats, including tender ribs that practically fall off the bone and a variety of flavorful sauces, this spot promises to tantalize your palate.
One of the highlights of Jimmy Jack's is undoubtedly their signature ribs, which have garnered rave reviews for their tenderness and depth of flavor. While some diners have noted that the meat can be a touch on the dry side, it's the house barbecue sauce that really saves the day, drenching each bite in a delicious, tangy goodness. The diverse selection of sauces—including the popular Cowboy version—ensures that every BBQ lover can find a flavor that resonates with their taste buds.
But the magic doesn’t end there. Customers rave about the various smoked proteins offered, including pulled pork, brisket, and smoked sausage, each with distinct flavor profiles that cater to various preferences. The sides are a treat themselves; from crispy, well-seasoned fries to rich and creamy mac and cheese, you’ll find something addictive to accompany your meal. The honey cornbread and zesty coleslaw also stand out, often enhancing the dining experience with their delightful combinations of sweet and savory.
The atmosphere at Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack is welcoming, with friendly staff who make every customer feel at home, creating a relaxed environment perfect for enjoying great food. Even if you're coming in towards closing time, like some customers have noted, the quality and service remain consistently high, ensuring a great experience no matter when you visit.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack isn’t just a restaurant; it's a destination for anyone in search of some of Iowa City's best BBQ. Don’t forget to stock up on their bottled sauces to take the delicious flavors home with you. With every bite, you’ll understand why this spot has earned such loyal fans and positive buzz. Come hungry and leave happy—you won’t regret stopping by.
Absolutely delicious ribs, which had a ton of fall-off-the-bone meat. My main complaint was that the meat was a bit dry, but their great house barbecue sauce was a great remedy. They also had a pickle bar.
Really great BBQ. Tried Pulled pork, sliced chicken, brisket, fatty brisket, and smoked sausage. All of them were fantastic. They each have their own smoke profile, so if you like a little, a lot, or in between they have it all. The Sauces were good, Cowboy was the tables favorite. Sides we tried Coleslaw, Cornbread, mac and cheese, and fries. All of them were very good. The fries stood out for the crispiness, and seasoning. Definitely would come back, and recommend as a good place to stop at.
JIMMY JACK'S IS GREAT! It was a last-minute decision for dinner. We were also the last customers for the night, and the staff still treated us awesomely. Everything we ordered was still available and amazing. I highly recommend the Original, Cowboy, Chicago and Carolina Vinegar for sauces. I added some of the Carolina to the coleslaw, and it was even better with some of the cornbread. The brisket was great, and they offer skinny (lean) and fatty... (fatty) depending on your tastes. The yardbird (chicken) was sculant, smoky, and juicy. The ribs were finger pull apart, tinder and fall off the bone delicious. My son had the pulled pork sandwich. (And he's kind of a picky eater. He devoured it. All the sides we had were perfect. Plus, the fries my son had actually made it home with some of my 3 meat plate. Usually fries loose desirability once they go into the fridge. NOT THESE! I ate them while watching TV back at home. I highly recommend it! We will be going back!
Jimmy Jack's is one of our favorite spots - we eat here pretty often! Great BBQ with alternating monthly specials. I'm a big fan of the crispy chicken sandwich and my husband loves the fatty beef brisket. They make really good BBQ sauces too! We have a few bottles at home in the fridge. All the sides are yummy!! The corn bread is great and their mac and cheese my fave!! 10/10 recommend! Anything you get will be delicious! :)
Great food. Fast and friendly service. We first visited Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack many years ago. The variety of delicious sauces is amazing. It's actually worth a trip just to try the sauces because you can also buy nice bottles of your favorites. These are great to take home and also for giving as gifts. Many years ago we would drive across town to purchase the sauces in to-go containers. We were really pleased when they began bottling the sauces, and now they are available at Hy-Vee and other stores. We still stop in at Jimmy Jacks's for food and to buy sauces there.
The ribs are top tier, if you never had a tenderloin sandwich run there you will not be disappointed. I was here visiting from down south I had no idea I was about to eat the best BBQ I ever had in my life.
Hands down the best bbq restaurant in the Iowa City area. There's a reason that you can get their food shipped on Gold Belly and purchase their sauces in local grocery stores. I've never had a disappointing meal from Jimmy Jack's and would say it's a must stop for anyone visiting the Iowa City area.
Just stopped for my first time and it will not be my last. The honey cornbread and coleslaw was absolutely delicious! The supreme 3 meat sandwich was very good. I look forward to next time, I will get the ribs and chicken.