JR's Barbeque

JR's Barbecue is a little place on South La Cienega, right where Fairfax dead ends. But don't be fooled by its size, for JR's (which stands for Jeanie Jackson and her son Robert Johnson, who together are the chef-owners) may be small, but it is mighty. Since 1998, they've been smoking pork and beef ribs, pork shoulder, brisket, chicken and more, all in the classic dry-rub Memphis style over mesquite, white oak and pecan woods. The result is incredible, full of juicy flavor and a fair amount of heat. They even warn you about their secret recipe barbecue sauces – the hot is HOT. And there's more, with comfort-food sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, collard greens and cornbread. Save room for Jeanie's decadent desserts, too. Her cobbler is a work of art and the 7UP Cake has to be tasted to be understood.