Welcome, Joey's
Monday will bring us a new barbecue restaurant in town: Joey's. This joint already has locations in Pomona, Upland and Chino. It'll be the fifth eatery dedicated to barbecue, following Red Hill, Lucille's, Dickey's and Famous Dave's. (Am I missing any?)Five barbecue restaurants, with three new ones in the last year ... that's impressive. It's like the new frozen yogurt.
Joey's, on Foothill Boulevard near Klusman, sits on what I believe to be a stretch with the best restaurants in the city. Victoria Gardens fans might vehemently object, but Route 66 between Vineyard and Archibald is home to some pretty awesome restaurants, especially if you're like me, constantly hungry and poor. Coffee Klatch, In & Out, Pho Ha, Taco Hut, The Deli and Felipe's are all outstanding. Maybe Joey's can soon join that list.
I thought I'd copy & paste my comment from dine 909 here:
There's a place named "Spices" on the SW corner of Lemon and Haven, where Tio's and Dominoes are located; I haven't been there, but I've heard they've got awesome side dishes.
There's also a place on East and Baseline, next to the 15 fwy overpass, by Roller City; it looks like a take-out place and to enter that part of the shopping center, you need to turn right on East, then left into the parking lot. Very confusing. Again, I've never been there!
Then there's The Pit, which was always outstanding, but I haven't been there in quite some time; I don't know if the same family still operate it.
These are all low-key places w/out the bells and whistles of places like Lucille's and Famous Daves, but I've eaten at both of those places (because of their proximity to movie theaters) and I always come away feeling like I've overpaid. Maybe one of these smaller joints is worth a shot when one doesn't feel like cooking dinner?
Thanks for the suggestions, EALA. I wasn't aware of those places.
Joey's is still under construction -- seems like any restaurant opening takes longer than the operators expect -- but may open June 22, an employee said when I dropped by today.
The place on East and Baseline is called "Up In Smoke" BBQ. It is basically in the plaza with the roller skating rink. Can see it from 15 frwy when getting off northbound, on Baseline. You have to enter off EAST or park in center on Foothill and walk next door. This is a hidden gem for BBQ. Chef is Cajun, open for lunch and dinner. Nice intimate dining room, with JAZZ decor and music! Ribs, tri tip, red beans and rice are fantastic. Rib tip platter my favorrite with choice of homemade sides. Tangy sauce with abit of a kick. Lots of Southern faire on menu. Also take out! BTW if you attend some of the jazz festivals around town during the year, you will often find their "Up In Smoke, booth". That's how I learned about it. Something unusual, they have a dominoes tournament on Thursday nights. I stop by every few weeks when out in that part of town. Check it out, it's great BBQ but not the price of bigger name joints in the high rent districts. Family run, staff is very friendly and attentive to customers.
That sounds crazy good. Are you for real, UP?
I'm for real Wendy. When posting my initial response, I wondered if anyone would think I was assocated with the UIS restuarant. I'm not, just sharing a tip on good local business. They can be hard to find. HEY, I appreciate your columns and also Dave's humor, I try some of the places you guys write about. A big thanks! The local reporting is reason I have stuck with D Bulletin for past 25 years since residing in western I.E.. Really enjoy trying the smaller restuarants, festivals, etc. offering just about any type ethnic food, drink, music or unique experience.
I agree, the locally owned ethnic businesses are the best. And I'll venture out to Foncho some time to try Up in Smoke.
Foncho? Thats a new one for me and I like it! So what's the borders, Foothill to the north and Citrus to the west border?