Welcome to Baylee Jo’s, where the meat is slowly smoked to perfection in a homemade cherry glaze and the staff is more than happy to serve up the deliciousness! This barbecue joint is located in the heart of the Arcadia Valley—a stone's throw from Johnson Shut Ins and Elephant Rocks State Park. Baylee Jo’s has all you need to quench your hunger and thirst after a day hitting the trails or floating the Black River. All you can eat seafood, freshly smoked ribs, or Baylee Jo’s special sweet pink lemonade with fresh strawberries! You can almost smell the glorious smoke from here!
Owner Jeremy Horton, his wife Jessica, and daughter Lily love serving the community and its hungry tourists. The family purchased Baylee Jo’s five years ago and never looked back. From working in wineries, seafood and BBQ restaurants, Jeremy used his service knowledge to expand and innovate the menu—adding his personal touches to the food that many have come to love at Baylee Jo’s.
...grilled or fried fish with a soft crunching taste, the shrimp perfectly seasoned...
At this family friendly restaurant, no one leaves hungry. The new menu has something for even the pickiest eater. Their Baja Tacos serve a variety including fish, chicken, and shrimp. Or maybe the smoked baby back ribs tickle your fancy—soaked in a mouth-watering dry rub for five full days before being thrown onto their cherry wood smoker for four hours, then cut and served specifically for you! Don't forget to drench the ribs in the Baylee Jo's Cherry Glaze sauce—always plenty on the table.
...smoked baby back ribs—soaked in a mouth-watering dry rub for five full days before being thrown onto a cherry wood smoker for four hours.
...Baja Tacos serve a variety including fish, chicken, and shrimp.
The Cherry Berry Rum Punch and the Blue Hawaiian.
Try one of their refreshing rum cocktails next time you stop in! Get a taste of the Cherry Berry Rum Punch, with just the right amount of spice that mixes all too well with the fruity and tropical taste. Or how about the Blue Hawaiian, delicious rum and pineapple juice to give you that perfect allusion of lying somewhere on a beach!
And now Baylee Jo’s famous specialty sauces are available for sale at the restaurant in many sizes and soon on the shelves at many local grocery stores. Choose from their Hickory BBQ, Cherry BBQ, Spicy BBQ, Cherry Glaze, or even their Italian Salad Dressing. How delicious is that?
The pulled pork waits patiently. :)
Not only are their main dishes to die for but the appetizers and sides are crazy good. From the lightly battered portobello mushrooms served with the savory Baylee's sauce, a mix between sweet and creamy, or the drippings green beans that are soft and bursting with flavor. You could try their peppery house cut coleslaw or crisp/tart cucumbers in a sweet vinegar or the German style chunky potato salad is sooooo good. Any of the sides go great with the smoked chicken, an intensely juicy taste with a hint of cherry will sure to make you more than satisfied. Or the smoked wings in the cherry glaze, with a delectable crust and soft meat.
...the appetizers and sides are crazy good.
...the drippings green beans that are soft and bursting with flavor. Served with the perfect smoked half chicken.
We all love sticky finger wings. THEY ARE GREAT!
The Baylee Jo's tatter is a stand-alone meal
The Hortons establish a welcoming and cozy feel as soon as you step foot through the front door! The tasty smells that hit you as soon as you walk in the joint will have your stomach growling and Jeremy definitely knows how to make every dish look great. Like the grilled or fried fish with a soft crunching taste, the shrimp perfectly seasoned, the monster smoked chop sure to go with every sauce that Jermey has to offer, the brisket served rich and mouthwatering. Or many try one of their famous salads like the refreshing Spring Strawberry Salad served with a sweet dressing and perfectly soft pecans or the Italian House Salad, tossed in an olive oil base and combined with farm fresh vegetables.
The monster pork steak—'nough said.
...Spring Strawberry Salad served with a sweet dressing and perfectly soft pecans pictured with Baylee Jo’s special sweet pink lemonade with fresh strawberries!
...the brisket served rich and mouthwatering—yes, it's tender deliciousness.
Not only does Jeremy excel in food hospitality, but they are also owners of the motel Shepherd Mountain Inn behind Baylee Jo’s. Visiting the Valley couldn’t be easier with the wonderful homemade food but having a nice clean place to stay within a few steps of the restaurant makes it too easy for any weary traveler. And Jeremy is all too willing to tell you all about the wonderful attractions in the area—an avid hiker himself.
If you’re driving through the Valley on your next outing, Baylee Jo’s is your stop for all things delicious and hospitality. Grab a to-go order and head to the park down the road or swing by for a frozen cocktail to take with you to the river—definitely wear something with a little wiggle room.
Located on Highway 21 in Ironton, Missouri across from the new Shepard Mountain Bike Park. This flavorsome BBQ and seafood restaurant also does catering for all your needs, such as weddings and work events. The next time you need delicious food for an event or just really hungry, Jeremy and his sauces have you covered at Baylee Jo’s.
Times a wasting. Pull yourself out of that sunken sofa and live. Do something. Do anything. Follow your passion each and every day, and you will realize your dream sooner than later. If one person can do it, so can you. Now Get Out There!
Words by Lakyn Douglas
Pics by the Supreme Leader
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