Alchemy, Texas

Seems like the place gets hit or miss reviews. Taking into account the suggestions here, I went early on a Saturday afternoon, an hour after they opened. I ordered a ½lbs of brisket and a pound of pork ribs which equals about 4 largish ribs. First the brisket. Ridiculously awesome! Juicy throughout, fatty, and amazing crust. My gf and I devoured these first. Some of the best I’ve had. With a very small dab of the tangy, vinegary bottle of bbq, the taste is perfect. The pork ribs were tasty as well. You can easily rip the meat off the bone. A bit on the spicy side, bit I love spicy so not an issue for me. Theirs is not saucy ribs, which I prefer, it’s all about the rub. This is an excellent addition to the Queens scene. BTW, they do run out of food. By the time we left, all sides were sold out and from reports, once the brisket is gone, it’s done for the night. All in all, I will be returning.

The Alchemy, Texas experiment is over. Apparently, they closed in early September according to their Facebook page and as reported by Eater and Grub Street.
One final comment on Alchemy, Texas. While I love to support the local guy, I am a little disappointed by the operator’s comment of «were just kind of having fun» and «I think of this as a place for doing experiments.»
At the prices the operator was charging $ 25 to $ 28 a pound, I expect a finish product. A product that is of high quality and the best work of the BBQ chef. Having me pay for an «experiment» in BBQ is just not right. I enjoy an operator who pushes the culinary edge, but don’t have me pay my hard earn dollar on your «fun or experiment.» Please fine tune your «experiment» before you present it for service.
Alchemy, Texas had a lot of potential. It had the history of previous smokehouses, but something was missing. It is very easy to be a Monday morning QB now, but I will say that opportunities were not addressed and fixed on a timely matter. I hate to see any restaurant close: jobs loss, taxes not paid, but with failure comes lessons learn. I wish Alchemy, Texas a quick comeback.

They did not live up the previous owners reputation. 1. The food was extremely over priced. 2. The food was ok at best, way too much peppercorn. 3. they cut the menu in half 4. The environment sucked. If it wasn’t the owner talking to his friends about the club the night before, it was listening to him hit on the girl at the register. Highly inappropriate and unprofessional.

You know that rib joint in House of Cards that you wish you could go to?
I love bbq… I love old man bars… this is is the place for me. Been here a couple of times now and I love the changing menu — the soft shell crabs were amazing… worth the trip for this alone if they have it. the duck was interesting, but not my favorite. The brisket is out of this world. I am not even a big brisket fan, but this is so good. I wish I could have the flavor of the crispy ends in my mouth all of the time.
The beef and short ribs are much better than the pork ribs (which are a little disappointing) but still good. the chicken was much better than I expects — moist and flavorful. And the sides have all been pretty good — nice fresh coleslaw
This place is not a fancy place. This place is not a polished chain, or a hipster enclave. This is a place to go for some fantastic food and to skip the pretense.
I shouldn’t even write this review — I want you all to leave this place for me. But they also deserve to be successful.
Next time I try the frogs legs

Disappointing. Thought we were ordering from Rangers. The woman on the phone said that they were a new BBQ restuarant and they now deliver. Great on the delivery part. We ordered pork shoulder and brisket. the woman taking the order never told us they don’t have pork shoulder and just took the order. When the delivery came there was a pound of brisket rather than ½ pound and no pork shoulder. My bf doesn’t eat cow so having a pound of brisket was WAY TOO Much! Why didn’t they call us when they realized they didn’t have the item we ordered? Why would they double the brisket without calling first? Total FAIL! Hope they get it together. Rangers creamed spinach with truffle oil was so much better!

I find it funny how I can wear different hats based on location.
When I’m in NYC and I’m with my family, Hill Country BBQ or Wildwood is very welcoming.
When I’m in Brooklyn, I’m expecting good food and some hipster funkiness.
When I’m in Queens for BBQ? It makes me laugh, good food but Queens is. Queens!
Oh yeah *CASH ONLY* At this place, I had to go to the pizza place for moohla.
So, I call ahead. is there parking available? Nope, park anywhere on the street.
Then, I walk into a bar. A bar with Queens people. Not hipsters but drunky loud customers. I hear some drunk guy yell: Hey, F-​head! Howya doing! (This wouldn’t happen in NYC at Blue Smoke)
I sit at a table and find out there is no waitress. You have to go to the back and place your order. Want a beer? Go to the bar and place your order.
You can order ¼ pound, ½ pound, ¾ pound and 1 pound of their different meats.
I ordered:
¼ short rib
¼ brisket
2 beef ribs
Baked beans
Everything was really good but add the loud customer at the bar and $ 30 bucks for the meat? Its was good but expensive don’t you agree?
I’m not sure if I’m coming back with my family. Your call on this place, 3 ½ stars from me tonight, I’ll round up

Since it opened, I had been hearing and reading mixed reviews about the new BBQ shop in the back of Legends, so I wanted to try it a bunch of times before offering my two cents. Last night was my 5^th visit, and confirmed for me that this place is THE TRUTH.
To put it plainly, I haven’t had a bad bite of food from this place. I’ve had the brisket almost every time (last night they sold out early), and the peppery bark is to die for. The pork ribs are perfectly tender, the sausage is juicy, and the duck, one of their specials (on Saturdays, I think) is perfect. I’ve also tried the prime rib, beef rib, and chicken — all delicious (especially the prime rib). The rubs on all the meats are perfectly sweet and salty with the right amount of kick, and the meats are all perfectly smoked. I’m sure the sauce is fine, but I haven’t touched it, as it’s not needed; the meat stands alone.
The sides, of which there are usually two, are all solid additions to the meal. I particularly like the cole slaw, which is a simple vinegar and cabbage slaw that helps cut the pepperiness of the meat and balances out the plate (tray).
The service at the BBQ counter is slow but friendly, and the bartenders at the front are all very pleasant. After our second visit, we found that we were always recognized and greeted warmly. Can’t ask for much more than that.
I have tried BBQ at just about every place worth trying in NYC… I’ve waited on Briskettown’s lines and at Hill Country’s crowded bar. I’ve made the trek up to Dino and down to Fette Sau. Since Alchemy opened, I don’t see a need to revisit any of those mentioned. The best BBQ in NYC is, luckily, also the closest to home.

Straight outta Queens– this throwback to original Pearsons BBQ, also in this bar. How Dejavu! Alchemy is in this bar in deep Queens– Jackson Heights to be exact, but worth the trip and yes this is a John Brown Smokehouse spinoff.
The smoker is hidden behind a door and most food is too… pity because the meats are so good and some unusual stuff. Friendly Queens folks give us a brisket sample and the caramelized ends are orgasmic.
Ate:
BBQued frogs legs
Brisket
Prime Rib
Andouille Sausage
Creamed Spinach
Boston Baked beans
Potato salad
You could have your meats by the pound or half or quarter. The brisket rocks out, more interesting than the lean at Hill Country, with spicy BBQ sauce. The frog legs were «interesting.» Enjoyed the sausage, and not too creamy spinach and lovely sweet Boston Baked Beans. The experience reminded me of the trek here years ago and took out some Prime Rib which was not quite smoked yet. Fun food excursion!
P.S The Prime Rib is TDF and hard to find smoked. The sauce is slightly spicy here.

For everyone that needs a good BBQ fix– this is the place.
John Brown Smokehouse is about a mile thataway, and this place is a mile thisaway, so we flipped a coin and found ourselves in Jackson Heights.
A few chairs and some sparse tables at the back of a bar– being from Texas– this is where good BBQ resides. And yes, it IS good BBQ. We had the Ribs and the Pulled Pork, heavy on the spice (peppercorns ahoy) but the sauce gives it a really balanced smoky touch. Good for sticking to the ribs.
You’re going to want to come earlier– because they will run out of items. But it’s definitely worth the trek.

New management, the previous Legends BBQ had a menu. Now you can only get $ 28 per pound ribs??? You gotta be kidding me. I’d like to have tried the food but not enough selection for our party to enjoy (Put a burger on the menu). Bathrooms dirty (fly infested urinal). Might check back in awhile if I see some positive reviews.

RIP — Ranger Texas BBQ.
Hello — Alchemy, Texas BBQ. For all you John Brown Smokehouse fans, you should come visit Alchemy, Texas. Service is confusing and disorganized… but hey, I’m there for the BBQ and beer.
We tried their Pork Ribs and their Brisket. I personally thought the Pork Ribs were a little too spicy (too much peppercorns). Their Brisket was good but some cuts were a little bit too tough for my tastes.
There will be some growing pains since they are still in their SOFT OPENING. I’m glad because this is definitely a welcome addition to the Jackson Heights neighborhood.
Pics:
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Village Voice article:
I would like to go back and try their homemade Beef-​Pork Sausage!
ENJOY!

As semi-​regular patrons of the previous BBQ joint at this location, we were excited to try Alchemy Texas. Went there on 4÷5÷13. Spatially, everything looks the same as it did before (back-​of-​a-​bar simplicity, sauce on every table, old tables and chairs). But hey, that’s what it is. No judgement there.
Food-​wise, we were very happy. I had the chicken, my husband had ribs and duck (!) and we shared beans and coleslaw. The meal also came with bread. BBQ sauce was DELISH as was all of the rest of our meats and sides. We definitely noted a sophistication to this BBQ as compared to the previous owner’s food.
That being said, yes, some kinks need to be worked out, but in due time I’m certain they will be. More sides (cornbread! creamed spinach! mac & cheese?!?) would be great.
Will definitely return soon.

This is the real deal for BBQ. Alchemy is an apt name as there is some experimentation going on and they are a new restaurant — kinks and all that means.
Family ate there yesterday and it was so fine. Savoring the flavors like a really memorable meal. We live close by so will go slow with the menu. I only know west texas BBQ and a little of Memphis but this was something to plan on as special and different. Keep trying lot’s of choices and give them the reason to experiment mightily as they are doing and you will find your pics.
We are ecstatic to have them here in Jackson Heights!