Smokin J’s BBQ

Smokin J's took over a century-old Gaslamp building that last housed Suckerfree Southern Plate & Bar, redoing the 3,800-square-foot space with exposed brick and wood-plank ceilings to match its original Poway location. Brothers Jeremy and Joshua George run the family operation Jeremy started with a single smoker in 2016; Joshua, a Paralympic medalist in wheelchair racing, joined a few years later. Slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork and ribs anchor the kitchen, alongside sandwiches and tacos, backed by 18 taps of local beer and cider.