Based on 25 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.3 stars. Price
Address:
904 N Walnut St, Avoca, IA 51521
Phone: (712) 343-2550
Reviews
janice Golka
Was looking for a place to eat a late lunch and the next town off I-80 was Avoca. Looked up to see eateries and saw that Papa Jake’s had many 5 star reviews so we thought “what the heck….let’s try ’em”. I can see why they have 5 stars! The BBQ was outstanding, the calico beans (which are by far my favorite compared to baked beans) and coleslaw were amazing. My husband and I both had the BBQ brisket sandwich and they weren’t stingy with the beef. The servers were super friendly. They have a few booths and a long table to sit down and eat. The only thing we didn’t know was that the BBQ place is located inside the Shell gas station. We were looking for a diner so drove by it the first time. I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive about the gas station, but it was TOTALLY worth it. It was so good that we have decided it is well worth the 40 minute drive from where we live to go back more often. It’s the best kept BBQ secret in small town Iowa.
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John V
Had to stop for gas, turned the wrong way, ended up going to the gas station a lot further from the expressway. Shell was the same price as the other gas station, so I opted for Shell. As we filled up, my wife noticed a BBQ joint inside, and she was hungry.
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James McIntyre
Great BBQ! We’d been driving for hours on I80 and had worked up quite an appetite so we gave Papa Jakes a try. Best decision I made today. Not sure if it was Papa Jake himself serving us (didn’t catch his name) but he was super nice and I could sense he took pride in the quality of the food. I’ve never seen my fiancée shove food down her gullet so fast.. it was honestly a bit unsettling. About partway through it occurred to me that this changes the way I see her and now I’m pretty certain I’m going to call off our wedding plans once we arrive in Ohio. In summary the BBQ was great but it may have completely altered the course of my life. Thanks Papa Jake!
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Jason Piatt
Okay for Iowa. Don’t expect too much if you’re familiar with BBQ from Texas or Memphis or St Louis. Calico beans are like baked beans but extra sweet with hamburger added. Prices are good.
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Bill & Laura Elkins
Decent bbq for decent prices. Very hard to find though. No sign out front and its located in a gas station, so a sign would help.
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Don Bogler
Kind of a sleeper doesn’t look like much but really good sandwiches . Smoked pulled pork or brisket also ribs
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Eddie Gross
Good BBQ but got a hair in my sandwich yuk !
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Jiří Donát
Very surprised how good the brisket was. Don’t miss this place if you’re in the area
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Brittany Martinez
Expensive for the size of the food. Some items are frozen and have to order ahead. Food was ok
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jacke woolley
O.M.Goodness it’s amazing! You’re gonna love the food here. Homemade goodness!
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