★★★★★
Brisket was tender and smoky, exactly what you want. The burnt ends sold out before I could order seconds. Live band Friday night made the whole thing feel like an event.
BBQ · Lakewood · Jacksonville
Mojo Bar-B-Que, A Southern
Blues Kitchen
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The place
Mojo Bar-B-Que, A Southern Blues Kitchen is a Texas-style barbecue restaurant in the Lakewood neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida, at 1607 University Blvd W. The kitchen smokes brisket, St. Louis-cut ribs, pulled pork, and burnt ends in-house daily. Southern sides include mac and cheese, collard greens, Brunswick stew, and cornbread. It is the original location of the Jacksonville-founded Mojo restaurant group and operates as a casual, family-friendly dining room with a full bar and frequent live blues performances. Mojo Bar-B-Que offers dine-in, takeout, catering, and third-party delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats. The restaurant holds 4.4 stars on Google across roughly 990 reviews. Walk-ins are welcomed and reservations are typically not required.
Tucked along University Boulevard West in Jacksonville's Lakewood neighborhood, Mojo Bar-B-Que was the original Mojo location and remains the funky, blues-soaked heart of the small Jacksonville-grown BBQ group. The dining room is wood-paneled, low-lit, and decorated with vintage music memorabilia, with live blues acts on the calendar and a long bar pouring local drafts and bourbon.
The kitchen smokes Texas-style brisket low and slow, and the sliced moist brisket and burnt ends are the dishes most often called out in reviews. Round it out with St. Louis-cut ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey, and a side of mac and cheese, collard greens, or Brunswick stew. Save room for banana pudding — Mojo's version is a perennial favorite.
Mojo Bar-B-Que is largely a walk-in operation; large groups should call ahead. There is a free dedicated lot off University Boulevard with easy parking. Takeout is available at the counter, and delivery is offered through DoorDash and Uber Eats. The full bar and weekend live music make the wait easy.
Texas-style brisket smoked in-house daily
Burnt ends and St. Louis-cut ribs
Live blues and jazz performances
Full bar with bourbon and craft beer
What to expect
Expect a casual, music-driven BBQ joint with a no-frills order-at-the-counter feel during off-peak hours and table service when the live music kicks in. Plates come piled with smoked meats and classic Southern sides, portions are generous, and the bar program leans bourbon and craft beer. Plan for 45–60 minutes on weekend nights when live blues draws a full house.
Then come for the photos
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The shop, in frames
Sponsored · Florida Hidden Spots
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What people are saying
★★★★★
Best ribs in this part of Jacksonville. Sides are honest — the mac and cheese and collards are a must. Service is friendly and the banana pudding is dangerous.
★★★★★
Great spot for a casual BBQ night. The pulled pork sandwich is huge and the bar pours are generous. Live blues on weekends sets it apart from other Jax BBQ spots.
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Frequently asked
Does Mojo Bar-B-Que take reservations?
Mojo Bar-B-Que is primarily walk-in and counter-order; reservations are not standard, but large groups can call ahead at (904) 732-7200.
Is Mojo Bar-B-Que dog/pet friendly?
Service animals are welcome inside; well-behaved leashed pets are typically permitted in the outdoor patio area, weather permitting.
Where do I park near Mojo Bar-B-Que?
There is free on-site parking in the dedicated lot off University Boulevard West, with additional street parking on nearby side streets.
What are the most popular dishes at Mojo Bar-B-Que?
Sliced brisket, burnt ends, St. Louis-cut ribs, and pulled pork are the most-mentioned dishes in Google reviews, with banana pudding as the standout dessert.
What are Mojo Bar-B-Que's hours?
Mojo Bar-B-Que is generally open 11am–9pm Sunday through Thursday and 11am–10pm Friday and Saturday; confirm directly before holidays.
Does Mojo Bar-B-Que offer takeout or delivery?
Yes — takeout is available at the counter, and delivery is offered through DoorDash and Uber Eats. Catering is also available for events.
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Closest spots by distance
Other places to fold into the same trip — measured straight-line from Mojo Bar-B-Que, A Southern Blues Kitchen.
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