J&T Smokehouse Review: Great Barbecue Hiding in Leesburg

Photos from my J&T Smokehouse visit on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.

J&T Smokehouse in Leesburg doesn’t look like much from the road. It’s a small storefront in a strip mall on U.S. Highway 441, and it’s easy to drive right past. But the barbecue inside is excellent, and judging by the crowd, plenty of Villagers have already found it.

Finding J&T Smokehouse

J&T is on U.S. 441 in Leesburg, near Lake Square Mall and Lake-Sumter State College. Getting there takes a little planning, though. If you’re coming from the opposite side of 441, the strip mall isn’t easy to reach directly. The trick is to drive through the Taco Bell parking lot next door.

Here’s the location on Google Maps.

A Steady Line and Plenty of Villagers

Inside, there was a steady line of people ordering at the counter and picking up takeout the whole time we were there.

It felt like a Villages crowd, too. A couple of tables were filled with residents from Shadybrook, DeLuna and Monarch Grove.

The Ribs and Brisket

The ribs came out with a dark, caramelized crust, served over slices of white bread with a side of slaw.

The brisket was sliced thick and piled on toast, with a clear smoke ring.

Which was better? Hard to say. We loved the brisket, and the ribs were just as good. You can’t go wrong with either.

Friday Means Smoked Lamb Chops

On Fridays, J&T also smokes lamb chops. One of us ordered them, and they were excellent. If you want to try the smoked lamb chops, plan for Friday.

Two Sauces, and Why I Mix Them

There are two house sauces: a standard sweet barbecue sauce and a slightly spicier mustard-based sauce. Both were great. Personally, I like to mix them.

J&T Smokehouse Menu and Prices

Here are some of the prices from the menu during my visit:

• Meals with two sides: ribs or brisket $17, chopped pork $13, rib and brisket combo $28
• Sandwiches: $7 to $13
• Slab of ribs: $24
• Whole chicken: $18
• Family meals: $25 to $77
• Sides: Regular sides $2.50; large sides $3.50. Choices include mac and cheese, collard greens, coleslaw, baked beans and potato salad
• Sweets: $4 for pound cake, lemon cake or banana pudding cups

Extra sauce is 25 cents, and they also sell whole cakes for $40.

Is J&T Smokehouse Worth the Trip?

Yes. It’s unassuming and a little tricky to get to, but the food was excellent, and the steady line says I’m not the only one who thinks so. For another casual spot with generous portions, see our R.J. Gator’s review.

One tip: they close at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, or earlier if they sell out, so don’t wait too long. And they’re only open Wednesday through Saturday.