Big Joe’s Chicken & Ribs has become more than just a local eatery; it’s a gathering place where comfort food meets culinary flair. Known for its signature slow-cooked ribs and juicy, golden fried chicken, Big Joe’s menu offers a mouthwatering blend of classic American barbecue and modern twists.
The intoxicating aroma of smoked meat and freshly baked cornbread greets guests at the door, promising an experience that’s as much about community as it is about cuisine. Whether you’re a longtime regular or a newcomer eager to discover what makes this spot a favorite, the menu at Big Joe’s is designed to satisfy every craving and suit every occasion.
From generous family platters to inventive sides and decadent desserts, each dish reflects a commitment to quality and tradition. Big Joe’s sources only the finest ingredients, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Portions are hearty, the service is warm, and the atmosphere is unpretentious—making it the perfect place for family dinners, friendly get-togethers, or solo indulgence. With a menu that balances old-school favorites and seasonal specialties, Big Joe’s Chicken & Ribs continues to set the standard for comfort food in the community.
It’s not just about the food, but the memories created over shared tables and full plates.
Signature Chicken Selections
The chicken offerings at Big Joe’s are the heart of the menu, drawing crowds with their irresistible aroma and crisp, golden finish. Each piece is prepared with a secret blend of spices and fried to perfection, creating a crunchy exterior that gives way to moist, tender meat.
Whether you prefer classic fried chicken or something with a spicy kick, there’s a selection to suit every palate.
Big Joe’s takes pride in using fresh, never frozen, poultry sourced from trusted farms. The chicken is marinated overnight, allowing the spices to infuse deep into the meat for maximum flavor.
This careful preparation ensures that each bite is juicy, flavorful, and satisfying. Guests can choose from an array of preparations, from bone-in pieces to boneless strips and even grilled options for a lighter take.
For those seeking variety, the menu features combination platters that pair fried chicken with wings, tenders, or even ribs. Each plate is served with a choice of house-made sauces, ranging from tangy barbecue to spicy buffalo and creamy ranch.
It’s this attention to detail that sets Big Joe’s apart from the competition.
- Classic Fried Chicken – Crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor
- Spicy Nashville Hot – A fiery Southern favorite for heat lovers
- Grilled Herb Chicken – Marinated and flame-grilled for a healthier option
- Boneless Strips – Perfect for dipping and sharing
“The fried chicken at Big Joe’s is the best I’ve ever tasted—perfectly crispy on the outside and unbelievably juicy on the inside.”
Legendary Ribs and Barbecue
Ribs are the star attraction at Big Joe’s, renowned for their smoky flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Each rack is slow-cooked over hickory wood, ensuring a deep, savory taste and a caramelized crust that barbecue aficionados crave.
The menu boasts several rib styles, from classic dry-rub to saucy St. Louis cut, each with its own devoted following.
The secret lies in the meticulous cooking process. Ribs are first dry-rubbed with a proprietary blend of spices, then slow-smoked for hours to develop their signature flavor.
After smoking, they’re finished on the grill with a generous brush of Big Joe’s house-made barbecue sauce, which strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and smoky.
Guests can choose from hearty half-rack or full-rack portions, or opt for a sampler platter that includes ribs, pulled pork, and smoked sausage. Sides like cornbread, baked beans, and slaw round out the meal, making it a true Southern feast.
Comparing Rib Styles
| Style | Flavor Profile | Texture |
| Dry-Rub | Bold, Spicy, Smoky | Firm with a caramelized crust |
| St. Louis | Sweet, Tangy, Saucy | Succulent, fall-off-the-bone |
| Honey Glazed | Sweet, Mild, Sticky | Tender, slightly sticky |
- Half Rack Platter – Ideal for lighter appetites
- Full Rack Feast – Perfect for sharing or hearty appetites
- Combo Plates – Mix ribs with chicken or pulled pork
“Big Joe’s ribs are legendary—smoky, succulent, and packed with flavor in every bite.”
Hearty Sides and Add-Ons
No meal at Big Joe’s is complete without a selection of their beloved sides. Each one is crafted to complement the main dishes, adding layers of flavor and texture to every plate.
The sides menu borrows from both Southern traditions and modern tastes, offering something for everyone.
From creamy mac and cheese to tangy coleslaw, every side is made fresh daily using high-quality ingredients. The portions are generous, encouraging guests to sample several with each meal.
For those looking to indulge, the loaded fries topped with cheese, bacon, and scallions are a must-try.
Vegetarian options are also abundant, including roasted vegetables and fresh salads. This attention to inclusivity ensures that even non-meat eaters can find something satisfying.
Sides can be ordered à la carte or as part of a combo, making it easy to customize your meal.
Customer Favorites
- Mac and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust
- Cornbread – Sweet and moist, served warm with honey butter
- Baked Beans – Slow-cooked with smoky bacon and a touch of brown sugar
- Coleslaw – Crisp and tangy, the perfect palate cleanser
“No one does sides like Big Joe’s. The cornbread and mac and cheese alone are worth the trip.”
Appetizers and Small Plates
Big Joe’s appetizers set the stage for a memorable meal, offering a range of bite-sized delights that are perfect for sharing. These starters reflect the restaurant’s playful approach to comfort food, blending classic flavors with inventive twists.
The menu features everything from crispy chicken wings tossed in signature sauces to loaded nachos piled high with smoked meat and melted cheese. Fried pickles and onion rings provide a satisfying crunch, while the house-made dips add a burst of flavor.
For guests looking for lighter fare, salads and veggie platters are available, featuring fresh, seasonal produce. The appetizers menu is designed to encourage sharing and experimentation, making it ideal for groups or those who love to sample a little bit of everything.
- Chicken Wings – Available in barbecue, buffalo, and honey mustard
- Loaded Nachos – Topped with smoked chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and salsa
- Fried Pickles – Served with zesty ranch dipping sauce
- Onion Rings – Thick-cut and battered for maximum crunch
“Start with the wings and fried pickles—you won’t regret it!”
Family Platters and Group Meals
Big Joe’s excels at bringing people together, and nowhere is that more evident than in their family platters and group meals. Designed for sharing, these options offer a little bit of everything, making them perfect for celebrations, parties, or family dinners.
Each platter is thoughtfully assembled to ensure variety and balance. Guests can expect a generous assortment of chicken, ribs, sides, and sauces, all served family-style.
The platters are customizable, allowing groups to choose their favorite combinations and quantities.
Group meals come with all the fixings, including fresh-baked cornbread, salads, and a selection of dipping sauces. The aim is to create a communal dining experience where everyone can dig in and enjoy together.
It’s a testament to the restaurant’s philosophy that food is best when shared.
Sample Family Platter Options
- The Big Joe Sampler – Includes fried chicken, ribs, pulled pork, and a trio of sides
- Southern Comfort Platter – Focuses on chicken and classic sides like mac and cheese and green beans
- BBQ Feast – Ribs, smoked sausage, baked beans, and cornbread
“Our family always orders the Big Joe Sampler—it’s the best way to taste everything and nobody leaves hungry.”
| Platter Name | Serves | Main Features |
| Big Joe Sampler | 4-6 | Chicken, Ribs, Pulled Pork, 3 Sides |
| Southern Comfort | 3-5 | Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Sides |
| BBQ Feast | 6-8 | Ribs, Sausage, Baked Beans, Cornbread |
House-Made Sauces and Seasonings
A hallmark of Big Joe’s is the array of house-made sauces and seasonings that elevate every dish. These sauces are crafted on-site in small batches, using a blend of traditional recipes and modern techniques.
Each sauce is designed to complement specific menu items, enhancing flavors without overwhelming them.
The barbecue sauce is a standout, striking a balance between sweetness, tang, and smokiness. For those who crave heat, the spicy buffalo sauce delivers a robust kick, while the creamy ranch and honey mustard offer cooling counterpoints.
Guests are encouraged to mix and match, discovering their own favorite pairings.
Seasonings are equally important, with Big Joe’s proprietary dry rub lending depth to both chicken and ribs. The blend includes paprika, garlic, black pepper, and a hint of brown sugar, resulting in a complex, mouthwatering crust.
These seasonings are available for purchase, so fans can recreate the Big Joe’s experience at home.
Signature Sauces
- Original Barbecue – Sweet, tangy, and smoky
- Spicy Buffalo – Bold heat with a touch of vinegar
- Honey Mustard – Creamy and sweet, ideal for chicken strips
- Ranch – Cool, herby, and versatile
“The house barbecue sauce is unforgettable—a perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy.”
| Sauce | Flavor Notes | Best Pairings |
| Original Barbecue | Sweet, Smoky, Tangy | Ribs, Chicken, Pulled Pork |
| Spicy Buffalo | Hot, Vinegary, Bold | Wings, Boneless Strips |
| Honey Mustard | Creamy, Sweet, Mild | Chicken Tenders, Fries |
| Ranch | Herby, Cool, Subtle | Veggies, Fried Pickles, Wings |
Decadent Desserts and Sweet Treats
Big Joe’s doesn’t stop at savory fare—the dessert menu is just as enticing. Each dessert is made in-house, providing a sweet finish to your meal.
Classic Southern favorites share the spotlight with inventive new creations, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth.
The warm, gooey bread pudding is a perennial favorite, served with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For chocolate lovers, the double-fudge brownies offer rich, indulgent satisfaction.
Seasonal fruit cobblers and hand-spun milkshakes round out the selection.
Guests can also indulge in lighter options like fresh fruit cups or yogurt parfaits. No matter your preference, the desserts at Big Joe’s are crafted with the same attention to quality and detail as the rest of the menu.
- Bread Pudding – Served warm with caramel and vanilla ice cream
- Double-Fudge Brownies – Rich, chocolatey, and perfectly gooey
- Seasonal Fruit Cobbler – Made with local, fresh-picked fruit
- Hand-Spun Milkshakes – Classic flavors and seasonal specials
“Don’t skip dessert—the bread pudding is the perfect ending to a hearty meal.”
Beverage Selection and Pairings
To complement the rich flavors of the menu, Big Joe’s offers a thoughtfully curated beverage selection. Guests can choose from a variety of soft drinks, craft sodas, freshly brewed iced teas, and a growing list of local beers and wines.
Each beverage is selected to enhance the dining experience and pair seamlessly with the food.
House-made lemonade is a standout, featuring fresh-squeezed citrus and just the right amount of sweetness. For those seeking something bolder, the rotating selection of local brews offers flavors that match well with smoky ribs and spicy wings.
Wine lovers will appreciate the carefully chosen reds and whites, which bring out the complexity of Big Joe’s barbecue.
Non-alcoholic options cater to all ages, including creative mocktails and flavored sparkling waters. The staff is always happy to recommend pairings, ensuring guests find the perfect match for their meal.
Recommended Pairings
- Classic Fried Chicken – Pairs well with sweet tea or sparkling lemonade
- Smoky Ribs – Best enjoyed with a robust local IPA or a bold red wine
- Spicy Wings – Balanced by a crisp pilsner or chilled citrus soda
| Beverage | Flavor Profile | Suggested Pairing |
| House Lemonade | Sweet, Tart, Refreshing | Fried Chicken, Grilled Chicken |
| Local IPA | Bitter, Hoppy, Robust | Ribs, Pulled Pork |
| Sweet Tea | Sweet, Smooth, Cooling | Fried Chicken, Mac and Cheese |
| Chardonnay | Dry, Fruity, Light | Chicken, Grilled Veggies |
“The staff recommended a local IPA with my ribs—it was the perfect pairing to bring out the smoky flavors.”
Conclusion: The Big Joe’s Experience
Big Joe’s Chicken & Ribs is more than just a place to eat; it’s a celebration of food, family, and community. Every dish on the menu—from the crispy fried chicken and smoky ribs to the creamy mac and cheese and decadent desserts—reflects a commitment to quality and authenticity.
The atmosphere is welcoming, the portions are generous, and the flavors are unforgettable.
Dining at Big Joe’s is an experience meant to be shared, whether you’re enjoying a family-style platter with loved ones or savoring a solo plate of your favorites. The menu’s diversity ensures there’s something for everyone, while thoughtful touches like house-made sauces and fresh-baked sides set it apart from ordinary barbecue joints.
The friendly staff and inviting setting make every meal feel special, turning first-time visitors into lifelong fans.
If you’re searching for a place where traditional comfort food meets innovative flavors, Big Joe’s Chicken & Ribs offers the best of both worlds. It’s a destination where memories are made, cravings are satisfied, and every guest leaves looking forward to their next visit.
The next time you’re hungry for a taste of home, pull up a chair at Big Joe’s—you’ll be glad you did.
