J Bird Smoked Meats

We just relocated from Palm Springs, CA to Keego Harbor and stopped in here for dinner. The place was clean and staff were friendly with a nice atmosphere. My only question is why they don't cook requested well done?? Our waiter told us the chef can't cook to order he only does rare to medium rare. Anyone else have this experience? We changed one of our dinner choices to avoid rare cooked meat. My burnt ends were really good as was our other sandwich. Would love to try a burger but only well done. I hope the mgmt replies to my review and helps me understand the rare to well done issue.

We saw all the mixed reviews and still decided to give this place a try. I'll start off with the good: Bf really enjoyed his burger and fries -- he's very critical about burgers. Although they didn't ask how he wanted his burger cooked, it was cooked well done and he still enjoyed it.It was a sunny hot day and they opened up all their doors so the inside of the restaurant was very stuffy and hot, with no fans or anything. Not a very pleasant atmosphere for eating. We actually considered walking out upon arrival, turns out we should have. Lol I ordered the meat sampler. Pulled pork was extremely dry and overcooked. Even when I drenched it in the bbq sauce, it was hard to chew. Initially, we inquired about our food because it was taking awhile and our nice server told us it takes anywhere from 20-25 minutes. It would've been nice to have been informed about that beforehand. So in my head I was expecting a big bone-in chicken breast but it was just an overcooked, dry, small skinless boneless chicken breast. On their menu they state more than once that the Nashville chicken is non-returnable if it's too spicy but fail to mention that it's cooked to order and will take at least 20 minutes. Priorities! LolBaby back Ribs were OK.Brussel sprouts were barely cooked. The server said they're Al dente but they were definitely not even cooked until Al dente, and I'm a cook myself! Returned those and asked for baked beans.*Baked beans were the highlight of my meal.*Server was very nice, but the place seemed short staffed. No upbeat energy. Too many iron skillets and needed as many ceiling fans to help with air circulation. Curious-What's the deal with the fish and coral decor?I was so disappointed with my meal I immediately left because I just wanted the whole experience to be over. When my bf discussed the dry meats with the server, the chef only offered a $1.50 discount... lol unreal. Even the server questioned that amount too. $50 tab and 5% off the meal when 2 of the 3 meats were inedible. MyMeat sample meal was $30 and I barely finished it. $1.50 discount is an insult and meaningless. I highly suggest the chef tastes what he puts out there. And if he does, that's abominable. I genuinely wish this establishment the best of luck because I have no clue how they're still in business. Cheers

Had a very good brisket, cornbread and onion ring combo. Smoky flavor adds a nice compliment to savory meat. This is our go to restaurant when we desire a savory and smoky blend. Onion rings are very good.

There was a lot to like. I am torn on my review of J Bird Smoked Meats. I gave it 3 because I came for the ribs. I ordered the baby back ribs with the glaze. I thought they were fatty (for baby backs ?) and the glaze was ok. I am picky on ribs, so factor that in. My disappointment colored the whole meal. I had a taste for them.My son and I had the Family meal for 2. It was a lot of food. We got our money's worth. My son can eat some food, and he had enough to eat. It was a good deal for BBQ. Made for good leftovers that all were eaten the next day.Continuing with the breakdown (The family meal comes with a bunch of choices)- The brisket was very good.- Salmon was ok - Fried chicken, excellent. Crispy and juicy- Mac-N-Cheese, excellent. Some of the best I have had.- Baked Beans, excellent.- Sweet potato fries, very good (and I am not a fan)- Onion Rings, excellentEverything had a unique spin, which I appreciate.I really like the atmosphere. Feels like a BBQ place.Our service was great. We were seated promptly. The waitress was attendant, and suggested a few things off the menu.I will be back to find my way through the menu.

I wish i could give them a million stars!! they are awesome. The blueberry lemonade and the mac and cheese are the best! definitely recommend

Ordered door dash: not recommended, probably won't go there either. Overall: wow this was an epic disappointment for the amount it cost (just shy of a Benjamin for 2 meals). To be fair, I've never had their food before but considering how bad the first impression was, we probably won't try it again. Sorry chall, I'm not a fan of neg reviews but this one was compelling enough share. My 3 meat combo-brisket: not good-pulled pork: pretty good-sausage: not my thing at all-fries: good prob in restaurant -bacon beans: pretty good-sauces: pretty good***I ordered lean meat and they gave it to me which was very awesome of them but it was still the worst meat I've had in a while. The brisket had slinky fat/tendon when pulling apart which made it chewy. I'm a yid and love bbq so I'm no stranger to good brisket. The extra sauce containers we paid for had less than a quarter inch of sauce in them so I thought they might be used or something which was disconcerting. Wife's food-chicken: spice flavor is good but wouldn't order again-bun: soggy and inedible-chili: she wouldn't eat it, was greasy and looked like it had all the old pieces of meat off the cutting board-corn bread: good-mustard sauce: she liked a lot-other sauces: she didn't like-overall: she was mad at me for putting her thorough this

Best BBQ in Oakland County. We've been coming here for a few years now several times each month. The fried chicken and burnt ends are our favorite and helped us survive the pandemic as one of our top carry out picks. The gumbo is also among the best I've had.Unfortunately service is often hit and miss. The kitchen seems to have major problems producing food quickly even when the restaurant is empty.

Food was very good; service was a bit slow, (which was surprising) given it was a slow night.

Amazing, I love this place. The ribs were a little salty, but very meaty. This is Big Papa approved

This place is a hidden gem. I do not believe any of three star reviews or below. I've driven by 1000 times stopped in for the first time and was extremely impressed! Great atmosphere and even better food!