Putt-Putt, Planes, and Picnic Food
By Angie Theado |
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American barbecue culture is hard to find here in town; however, longstanding Columbus barbecue traditions are not.
J.P.'s originated 45 years ago in downtown Columbus from a little three-wheeled scooter wagon with tasty ribs and sandwiches for sale. Developing his recipes, J.P. mastered the craft of barbecue, while nurturing his two daughters in his culinary vision. Now, many years and numerous awards later, his daughters are operating two store locations (1072 E Main St. and 2000 Norton Rd.) based on the lust for ribs and barbecue that was established by J.P. himself. Carol Makar operates the J.P.'s at Bolton Field and continues in her father's life duties and delights. Carol has a passion that seems to resonate among her staff and patrons, while keeping quality high and prices prudent and fair.
Photo: Michael Newman
This rib and chicken shop is where all of your barbecue dreams come true. The slow-oven roasted ribs are impressive, and have won the rib fest a time or two. Finished on the grill, then topped with a slightly tangy and sweet sauce that enhances the heartiness of the ribs. If you can finish a whole rib dinner you get to join the "bonehead" wall of fame. Whether you want pulled pork, a half-chicken, or their signature chili dog (known as the "fat daddy"), there's something for nearly everyone. The house-made baked beans possess that old-fashioned smokehouse tang, which made our Mid-western palates salivate. You can get a 12-14 bone count rack of ribs and watch small planes take-off and land, or play sand volleyball, horseshoes, and miniature golf. It is truly a smorgasbord of Americana, an awesome picnic you don't have to clean up. With all the ingredients on site for a perfect barbecue, you really get your dollars' worth.
Photo: Michael Newman
J.P.'s even has a 5,000-square-foot party house that can comfortably accommodate up to 1,500 people, and also can be transformed into an outdoor facility to house all those special occasions, catering included. You can also visit them at the State Fair for their famous $1.50 lemon shakes - and, naturally, grab some barbecue on the side.
If that is not enough for you then there is always the Capital City Jet Center right next door where you can learn how to fly the friendly skies. With pilots dining in often, it is no wonder that J.P.'s is featured in The $100 Hamburger- A Guide to Pilot's Favorite Fly-In Restaurants and in March's issue of Plane and Pilot, a national publication, as one of the best airport eateries in the central region of America.
"We feed the people" is their motto; it is their mission, and they do it well. Go see Carol and the gang, indulge in the barbecue and the entertainment. J.P.'s will treat you, your hunger, and your wallet just right.
Originally Published: June 1, 2009
