Chef
James "Mad Jack" Jackson
Culinary affiliations
Social
Mad Jack Jackson brings a bold, Texas-rooted approach to barbecue, defined by slow-smoked meats and a deep respect for craft.
James “Mad Jack” Jackson is a pitmaster known for his standout Central Texas–style barbecue, built on patience, fire, and technique. After a decades-long career outside the kitchen, Jackson made an unexpected transition into barbecue, eventually establishing Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbeque at Mountaintop Mercantile in Cloudcroft, New Mexico.
His approach centers on traditional smoking methods and bold, honest flavors, delivering a style of barbecue that feels both authentic and deeply personal. Set against the backdrop of the Lincoln National Forest, his work has earned a reputation for bringing exceptional smoked meats to an unlikely mountain setting.
