Barbecue with Big Jake has been a beloved Texas tradition for over four decades. Since opening its doors in 1975, Big Jake’s BBQ has been serving up delicious, slow-smoked meats, homemade sides, and down-home hospitality to generations of guests.
A Humble Beginning
Big Jake’s got its start in the small town of Driftwood, just outside Austin, Texas. Founder Jake Magee was a native Texan through and through, raised on big family BBQs and the state’s rich barbecue culture. Though he’d always dreamed of opening his own barbecue joint, Jake started out small – just a little roadside stand serving smoked brisket sandwiches.
Word of mouth about Jake’s melt-in-your-mouth brisket and sweet, tangy sauce spread quickly. Before long, the stand’s small dirt parking lot was packed with hungry guests every weekend. Jake decided it was time to expand his operation. In 1975, he opened the first Big Jake’s Bar-B-Q restaurant in Driftwood.
Growing a Texas Tradition
From the start, Big Jake’s focused on real, traditional Texas barbecue. Jake used time-honored smoking methods, cooking all meats low and slow over Texas Post Oak. His sauce was based on a recipe perfected by generations of Jake’s ancestors. And the restaurant embodied all the best parts of Texas BBQ joints – the smokey aroma, butcher paper-lined tables, fun memorabilia on the walls, and most importantly, incredible barbecue.
As Big Jake’s reputation grew, so did the number of locations. Today, there are over 20 Big Jake’s restaurants across Central Texas and beyond. Jake’s sons and grandsons are now involved in the family business, working to carry on his BBQ legacy. Though the operation has grown considerably since the days of Jake’s roadside brisket stand, the emphasis on Texas tradition, hospitality, and amazing barbecue has stayed the same.
Still Smokin’ After All These Years
In 2023, Big Jake’s will celebrate its 48th year serving up Real Texas Bar-B-Q. Nearly five decades after Jake fired up those first briskets, the original Driftwood restaurant still anchors the operation. Guests continue to flock here for the big beef ribs, juicy pulled pork, spicy sausage, and other smoked meats. The sauce recipe remains unchanged, and diners still line up out the door on weekends for a taste of Texas barbecue history.
Part of what makes Big Jake’s so special is that it feels timeless. From the creaky screen doors to the kitschy decor, eating here is like taking a step back to an authentic, old-fashioned BBQ joint. Third and fourth generations of families now visit Big Jake’s, sharing their love of barbecue across generations – just like Jake intended.
While so much has changed over the past 48 years, Big Jake’s commitment to incredible barbecue, Texas hospitality, and preserving barbecue traditions has stayed constant. For longtime guests, Big Jake’s will always be the place for that perfectly smoke-kissed brisket, mouthwatering ribs, and a big helping of BBQ nostalgia. As more fans discover Big Jake’s every year, the future looks bright for many more decades of barbecue with Big Jake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Jake’s BBQ
Here are some common questions about this beloved Texas barbecue restaurant:
What are Big Jake’s specialties?
Big Jake’s is renowned for incredible beef brisket, giant beef ribs, spicy sausages, and pulled pork. Their slow-smoking technique gives all meats a perfect pink smoke ring and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What makes their barbecue sauce so good?
The original sauce recipe comes from Jake’s family BBQ traditions, featuring the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy. It coats the meat flawlessly without overpowering the natural smoked flavor.
Which Big Jake’s location is the original?
The first Big Jake’s opened in the small town of Driftwood, TX in 1975. This original restaurant is still open today and retains the nostalgic, old-school BBQ joint atmosphere.
How can I get Big Jake’s BBQ shipped?
Big Jake’s ships certain smoked meats, sauces, rubs, and merchandise nationwide through their online store. Brisket and ribs ship the best.
Does Big Jake’s cater events?
Yes, Big Jake’s offers full-service catering for events of all sizes. Their huge barbecue pits allow them to smoke up plenty of meat for big groups.
Is Big Jake’s BBQ pet friendly?
Most Big Jake’s locations have pet-friendly outdoor patio seating. Some may even have treats behind the counter for four-legged guests!
The Legacy Lives On
Almost 50 years since it first fired up the pits, Big Jake’s Bar-B-Q remains the quintessential Texas barbecue joint. Jake’s commitment to incredible smoked meats, down-home sides, and genuine warm hospitality are still the hallmarks of the business today. New guests continue discovering the magic of Big Jake’s BBQ every year, drawn by the legendary flavors and time-honored traditions. Here’s to many more decades of great barbecue memories in the making at Big Jake’s!