Iowa Park’s Rafter J BBQ to be featured on America’s Best Restaurants

A popular Iowa Park eatery is getting a visit soon from the America’s Best Restaurants roadshow.

On September 12, the crew will be onsite at Rafter J BBQ & Cajun Eats to film an episode, which will play on multiple social media channels at a later date.

More: Follow your nose to the smoky goodness of Rafter J in Iowa Park

America’s Best Restaurants is a national media and marketing brand company that travels the country in search of the best, locally owned restaurants in the United States. They have more than 900 filmed episodes.

They will show several of the most popular Rafter J dishes along with an interview with owner Jeremiah Stevens and his father, Jim, about the restaurant and its special place in the community.

More: Ribs, pork and a bit of cajun at Rafter J BBQ and Cajun Eats in Iowa Park

Some popular items include the brisket (the top seller), grilled oysters, gumbo, and the BBQ platter.

The restaurant was opened in 2004, however Stevens said he realized he was “in over his head,” and delayed a re-opening until 2010, when his dad joined him in the venture. The original idea was to have a food truck, but the team quickly realized they’d need a bigger space.

And what a space it is – Rafter J is filled with unique décor including taxidermy animals, local historic photos and memorabilia, neon signs and other art from Stevens’ grandfather, Jack Stevens, who is also the inspiration for the restaurant’s name.

Jack Stevens’ cattle brand for his business, Rafter J, began in 1961, and was inspired by his wife and two sons – whose names also all begin with the letter “J.”

Jerimiah describes the places as a sports bar with a country style and said lots of love, time and effort go into all the food they make.

“This is one of THE places to get great Texas BBQ and a little Cajun flair,” he said.

Restaurants are chosen for the show by customer nominations or by the restaurant applying to be on an episode.

The release date of the Rafter J episode will be announced on the America’s Best Restaurants' Facebook page and their website, http://www.americasbestrestaurants.com

Rafter J is open Tuesday through Sunday and is located at 507 SW Access Rd., Iowa Park. Their number is 940-592-4913. Their website is at https://www.rafterjbbq.com.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Iowa Park’s Rafter J BBQ to be featured on America’s Best Restaurants