There is no dining room. There is no fancy signage. Jay Bee’s Bar-B-Que in Gardena, California operates out of what can only be described as a shack on the median of South Avalon Boulevard — and it has been one of the most respected BBQ operations in Los Angeles for decades. It appeared in Season 2, Episode 6 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives — “Real Deal BBQ,” aired November 5, 2007 — and that episode title could not have been more accurate. No frills and all flavor. The kind of place that earns a detour.
Quick Facts
Restaurant: Jay Bee’s Bar-B-Que
City: Gardena, California
Cuisine: BBQ
DDD Season: 2
DDD Episode: 6
Episode Title: Real Deal BBQ
Original Air Date: November 5, 2007
Address: 15911 S. Avalon Blvd., Gardena, CA 90247
Phone: 310-532-1064
Status: Open
About Jay Bee’s Bar-B-Que
The setup at Jay Bee’s is as stripped down as it gets: a small structure on a median strip, a walk-up window with a glass partition, a handful of outdoor picnic tables, and a smoker doing the real work out back. You can smell it before you see it. Beverly Neely ran the counter for years with a combination of warmth and no-nonsense efficiency that made every visit memorable. Her closing line on the DDD episode — “now that’s a wrap” — became the most quoted thing anyone associated with Jay Bee’s ever said on television.
What to Eat at Jay Bee’s Bar-B-Que
The Pork Ribs are the centerpiece — fall-off-the-bone tender, with a sauce that comes in medium and hot. The Pulled Pork Sandwich is the other standout. Sides include Collard Greens, BBQ Baked Beans, Potato Salad, and Coleslaw. Get extra napkins.
If you’re a BBQ fan planning to fire up the backyard after this, Guy Fieri’s Carolina BBQ Sauce and his Flavortown Dry Rub and Seasoning Variety Pack are worth adding to the arsenal.
Plan Your Visit
Jay Bee’s is open Monday through Saturday, 11:00 AM to approximately 8:45 PM. Closed Sundays. Most orders are taken to go.
Address: 15911 S. Avalon Blvd., Gardena, CA 90247
Phone: 310-532-1064
Status: Open
Flavortown Approved
Real deal BBQ deserves real deal seasoning. Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Dry Rub Variety Pack covers everything from brisket to chicken. Pair it with Guy’s Carolina BBQ Sauce and you’re set.
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Jay Bee’s Bar-B-Que appeared in Season 2, Episode 6 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “Real Deal BBQ,” originally aired November 5, 2007.