JW Hayes BBQ

JW Hayes BBQ is everything I hoped it would be--and more! I'd been wanting to try this place after seeing it all over social media, and the fact that it's located inside a liquor store and only open on Saturdays just made it even more intriguing. Usually, the best barbecue spots have limited hours because they focus on quality over quantity, so I had high expectations going in.When we arrived, there was already a line, which only reassured me that we were in for something special. The prices were very reasonable, and the service was fast and friendly. We ordered ¾ lb of brisket and ¼ lb of tri-tip just to sample it, and to our surprise, it came with Hawaiian rolls, sauce, and coleslaw--such a nice touch!We didn't even wait to take it home; we ate right outside the liquor store, and wow--this BBQ did not disappoint. The brisket was insanely tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor. It immediately took me back to authentic Texas barbecue, which I've missed so much. The tri-tip was just as incredible--super tender and flavorful. I even made a little brisket and tri-tip sandwich with the rolls, and it was absolute perfection.Yes, they're only open on Saturdays, but that's exactly why the barbecue is so fresh. You know you're getting the best quality every single time. If you love barbecue, JW Hayes BBQ is a must-try. I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

Arriving just after 10:30 A.M., I waited in line about 20 minutes to place my order at the counter. On this 1st visit, I ordered 1/2 pound of each of their Pork Spare Ribs (3 ribs), Beef Brisket (2 slices), and Pulled Pork. In addition, I ordered sides (8 oz. each) of Smoked Mac & Cheese and Smoked Sweet Corn. Orders came with complimentary Hawaiian sweet rolls, a small cup of coleslaw, pickle slices, and barbecue sauce. it's a good thing I opted to select a 3rd meat, as our order generously fed 2 of usAll 3 meats were tender and full of smoky flavors -- our favorites were the beef brisket and pulled pork! We enjoyed the sides, as well. The young, energetic crew was personable and incredibly efficient! Expensive, especially for the quantity received. Parking is limited (a few additional spaces are in the back of the building). Glad to have experienced this little place!

updating the review, nov2024 (non holiday weekend)930, first in line945, second person arrives1000, sixthby 1030, a good dozen people or so, give or takethat's significantly shorter than the last time i came, and i feel like they have a lot more people working so the line moves faster too -- all big pluses for a place that was already great with a pretty long waitthen of course, ended up not ordering enough/eating it all myself like an idiot + came back at 1130 and there's probably just 8 some odd groups ahead of me. much better than i've grown accustomed todouble cut pork chops and chicken breast were the only things sold out when i got back, and i've never tried them so they're probably worth a shot. otherwise, fantastic brisket, every single time. thank you guys for the great bbq!

We went on a Saturday at about 11:30 AM. There was a line, but it wasn't too long. I posted a picture of the menu and items that were available. We got pulled pork, pork, ribs, brisket. We got a few sides as well. I wasn't too excited about the sides, they were pretty standard. The pulled pork was our favorite, the brisket was good but fatty. My husband said the ribs were exactly how they're supposed to be very tender but Had some chew. The good thing is that it's excellent barbecue that you don't have to wait in a two hour line to get like heritage, but the sides leave something to be desired.

I'm grateful and appreciative of those who are passionate about their craft, and BBQ pit-masters are no exclusion. I'm a fan of TX BBQ in general and have tried the best of the best in Texas, so trying any new BBQ place (regardless of which State), I go in with an open mind and no pre-expectations. When my husband said he heard of a Texas Style BBQ spot in Newport Beach (that is only open on Saturdays), we decided to give it a try. They set up shop inside a corner store called, Minute King Market. Arrived early thinking they opened at 10am, but actually they open the counter and start selling at 10:30. Kudos btw, to the gentleman working in the Minute King Market who did a great job directing the foot traffic inside. NOTE: My review is soley based on their beef brisket, of which we ordered 1 lb. We had equal parts of the point and flats, which in my humble opinion, were legit with perfect tenderness and chew! The smoke ring and flavor of the brisket were spot on for our liking, which certainly did not disappoint. Our order came with 8 pieces of King's Hawaiian rolls, 2 small sides of 'slaw, 2 small sides of pickles, and 2 courtesy sides of sauce, which his brisket certainly does not need at all. Thank you Mr. Hayes for your dedication and passion to your craft. Your beef brisket certainly did not disappoint, and we enjoyed it wholeheartedly. Happy eating y'all...till next time!

The BBQ was just average to me. The brisket was good and passed the fold test. The turkey was juicy to bad they included a slice of skin. It was like rubber. The pork ribs had no real defined bone. I was picking the meat through the cartridge. Definitely not worth the money. The Mac and cheese was very good though. It was nice to get Kings Hawaiian Rolls with the meal. This is a one and done for me. I'm sticking with my favorite place in Orange

10/10, hands down. Dare I say it? The best smoked bbq joint in the OC. Better than Heritage in San Juan Capistrano? 100%!I came around 1pm and they still had dino (beef) ribs. So tender with a nice smoke ring. Can share amongst 3 people. Very juicy. Brisket, tender, flavorful, and juicy. I forgot to ask for the fatty aka "juicy" piece but they ended giving me my prefered slice. Got a slice of tri tip to try and they gave it to me on the house. They didnt have to do that, so sweet of them. Smokey and delicious! Coleslaw: the perfect crunch and not too "mayo-y"Pickles: very refreshing and helped cut through the fattiness of the meatsWould come back, no questions asked.

We finally made it in! We tried the pork ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket,Mac n cheese, and Cole slaw. It was all excellent. The seasoning is perfect on the ribs. All the meats were tender. It is a bit pricey but we will come in again and recommend to others who want great bbq. The service was fast and friendly.

Place to be 1st thing Saturday morning. JW Hayes BBQ won't disappoint however BBQ is OC can be $$$ so be prepared to pay. Brisket, beans, chili, (mix the chili and beans together) delish. Line moves fast and make sure to support the liquor store - he is a gem!

Good barbecue in a kitschy location, open 1 day of the week at an atrocious price. Pay about $60 per person to get your fill while seated outside a googie-era liquor store at the takeoff end of the JohnWayneAirport, getting your eardrums torn to smithereens and lunch seasoned with fine elements of commercial jetfuel and exhaust. You cant even see the damn planes because of the cantilever roofs.I used to live in Crenshaw;Any black church on a Sunday will have a guy manning a smoker out front and do you just as much for a third of the price, without a snaking line through a liquor store. If you'll sit through his rant about food safety officers, he might even throw in an extra link.