Reviews of Smokin Woods BBQ Cafe (Restaurant)

Ashley Jenkins

Best barbeque I've had in the Bay Area and glad it's so close to home. Everything is smokey and delicious. Meat is tender and BBQ sauce is very good.

Liam H

The food is consistently well prepared and tasty, staff members provides good service. I love how clean it is and mood. Highly recommended.

Boris Maillard

Excellent place for eating some good meat. Chicken and brisket are really excellent. The staff is caring and friendly, the organization is perfect, the place is clean and big enough to receive some groups. Good experience.

Alex River

Nice bbq joint. Excellent ribs and brisket (even though some slices were a bit dry while others were moist and succulent). Surprised by the nice grilled veggies. Staff super nice. Highly recommended.

Esa Ahmed

Hella expensive for a small portion of beef ribs And slow service

Keyanna Norman

Get the ribs

Marom Lior

Food was ok but soaked with oil, didn't expect that from a BBQ place. Ordering food from main stand and drinks at the bar, not that conviniet, especially not with kids. It was generally not that kid friendly place. Would recommend this place only if you are with no kids, and just want a quick bite.

Chris Johnson

Great food. Professional staff.

Glenda Harris

I went to my nephew Anthony BBQ and the food was excellent. Smoking woods food was delicious. The ribs were good but my favorite was the chicken.

Country Girl

Oh My Goodness, I had ribs, Mac n cheese and mixed veggies. So good!!

Gaudie Campbell

The food is Good and the customer service Great.. I Highly recommend people to try it out..

Rochelle W.

Everything was amazing and their bbq sauce is great

Lynda L Chunhawat

It's ok that's about all I can say nothing special.

abdul rawls

worth the money, great surprise!!

Robert Koncewicz

Best beef ribs I have ever tasted. Saw it o food network chanel and drove from central valley. Definetly worth the drive. Everythig was good but beef short ribs are off the hook. Staff was great also. We will definetly be back!!!!

Raquel Ramsey

The food was great. But everything I originally asked for the restaurant was out of on Valentine's day. That's not cool. Nice atmosphere.

Kimani Crum

Hella good!

Bert Wong

While I liked it, it was disappointing. I had the 3 meat combo, sausage, brisket and ribs, my wife and the ribs and my son had the chicken thigh. All meats are served sauce less. While I understand that's a valid style it's not what I like. I like my sauce cooked onto the meat so it can caramelize and get all sticky and yummy. That said their sauces they had in bottles were good. However their meat was meh. Brisket was dry, sausage grainy, and ribs sparse, decently smoky flavor though. My son loved the chicken but he also loves plain food. I tried it and again decent smoke but overcooked. Oh the sides. I really enjoyed mine but my family did not. I had the BBQ beans and Brussel sprouts, really good. We also got the mac and cheese and the collard greens, neither of which were anything memorable. The restaurant was nice. Clean and trendy, typical sports bar without overdoing it. The TV's were loud though so it wasn't a great place to have a conversation. It would be a great place to watch a game though. Overall about average. If I could give 3.5 I would, but it's not worth a 4 star for sure.

Michele Spagnuolo

Very good beef brisket.

Molly Vikart

Best BBQ around, hands down. Not only that, but they give you a choice of fresh, crunchy cooked veggies as sides, along with traditional sides like baked beans and mac and cheese. The new spot is large and lovely with many tables, and a full bar! I will be making frequent visits, you should too.

Nate Parsons

Fun place with thoughtful and friendly staff. Would BBQ it there again!

Gregory Collins

Food was bomb! It's extremely smokey which added a ton of flavor to my beef brisket.

Alma Susana

The food is so good!!! This place has a huge kitchen and only 4 tables!?!? Need more sitting space. I took my family there from out of town and we had to go somewhere else, no place to sit.... too bad...

Mark Dietrich

Delicious. Great environment. There’s a bar. Best brisket I’ve had in the East Bay. Friendly staff. Attentive. Stellar.

Janna Glaze

Good food and good prices.

Lynn Daye

The brisket was flavorful but dry. I had to drown it in BBQ sauce. The greens were a tab bit salty but flavorful.

Enrique p

Best bbq in the Bay area. No competition. Highly suggest getting the ribs, pork or beef.

Amanda Castro

Very much enjoyed the bbq and good quality meat.

Timothy Ford

So glad they were able to secure a permanent spot they have a full bar service televisions all over outside seating indoor seating cant beat it and of course of foods always great

KT biggafigga

Black owned what can I say bbq is hella good

Tay Datay

Wow oh wow pretty much sums it up me and my wife shared the 4 way... ribs, tri tip, brisket, and I didn't ask but i the think the housemade links. everything was on point as of today this is the best spot in oakland for bbq if you like smoked bar-b-que this is the place we will be back for sure

Terrill Davis

Their beef ribs and links are fire! I'm not really a brisket or tri-tip guy though. Their sides are really good too. Links and ribs are the best thing going since pimping and hoeing!

Andre Smith

OMG !! Today was the first time I came to Smoking Woods , I heard it was good off of Instagram & I had to come see what it do .. Everything was Fire

Kia Xiong

The beef short ribs and mac n cheese here are great!

Ray Albert

Very bland. No flavor in the brisket and the greens

Fredi Moehl

Food was good. Bad service when paying as well as after when needing silverware or a to go box. Don't bother tipping upfront, you won't get anything for it.

latoya Williams

it's a nice place to eat at great BBQ

David Chan

The food was ok, and the sides were fine - I had some great collared greens. Unfortunately, the brisket was a bit dry and the sauce was underwhelming. It was one of the better BBQ places that I've been to in the Bay area, but it seems like Bay area BBQ can't hold a candle to the greats of Austin, Memphis and Kansas City.

Dickie Henshall

Slamming BBQ! Damn man its hard to find so true down home BBQ. This place feels my BBQ void! I wish they were open more but then again I would be in trouble. The staff here is great but make sure you come early because they do run out of food. They also have a full bar in the inside so you can drink and eat some good food. I mean I really can't say anything bad about this place. The brisket was nice and juicy. the ribs are also cooked to perfection. The sides match up well with everything. Definitely a place I visit frequently and so should you.

Marlon Evangelista

It's about time that Uptown got a solid BBQ spot! Loved the ribs, collard greens, and mac and cheese. Tritip was a bit dry but I still cleaned it up!

Andrew Chan

Friends visiting from Singapore and wanted to introduce great Texas BBQ with them (I've lived in Texas for close to six years) Boy oh boy, this place is a bomb! The beef ribs is AMAZING and I love the links and all the sides. I like the fact that they focus on the original flavor of the meat and ingredients without overpowering with too much seasoning. Highly recommended to BBQ lovers!

Brian Hard

When the dust settles from the Great BBQ War of 2018 between Texas and California historians will note that Texan envy over Smokin Woods flavorful smokes and tender meats triggered the whole conflagration. This place has some of my favorite BBQ and I've been to fancy places in Austin and Memphis. The staff is friendly and the facilities spotless. Can I give it six stars?

Herbie Hatman

Delicious.

Pat Bateman

Went for my bf's birthday because he loves BBQ and we haven't found a good place in East Bay yet. We were not dissapointed. We tried the chicken, ribs, links, collared greens, mac and cheese, green beans and bbq beans. We agreed that of all the meats we tried, the ribs were the weakest effort...and then proceeded to eat them all (if that gives you a hint at how good the food is). We LOVED the chicken. So much flavor you dont need sauce! All the sides are delicious as well. The collards greens and mac and cheese were my favorite (mac and cheese was creamy and flavorful). I would recommend this place for a great bbq dinner, but be warned, you will be sleepy after eating here!

Shayla Monique

The food more than exceeded my initial expectation, as it was thoroughly and exceptionally good! And in addition to high quality food, I'd also discovered their customer service to be A1, and that in particular, is something I personally ALWAYS feel is most important!!!! Highly recommended to all!!!!

Moosa Ahmed

Best beef ribs in the bay area!!

Eddie Johnson

Tri tips were good once they arrived. Service could be quicker.

Deborah Brown

What a pleasant surprise! We were just driving down to Half Moon Bay and saw a lot of people waiting in a long line. Perfect everything.

Cindy Fernandez

Keeped calling and couldn't even get a answer on reservations. No customer service! Really upset because I wanted to at least try it.

DJ B Bailey

Some of the best Oakland bbq!

Cornell mcneil

Let's see.. this place was recommended to me by a coworker who knows I moved here from Texas and wanted good brisket. I wasnt impressed at all! The brisket was a bit tough, the mac n cheese and greens that my friend had lacked flavor, and her ribs were tough. The highlights for me was the potato salad and the brussel sprouts that were charred to perfection. I also had the beef link that has a bit of spice to it that was pretty good. This is a good establishment and I encourage others to try it, but it just didn't meet or exceed my expectations.

Andrew Soliz

It's okay but price a bit high.

Brian Brown

This BBQ place is my spot. Good smokey flavor no need for sauce since the meat is packed with flavor. I have tried most of the sides and they're all very tasty. The place is clean and the staff is friendly there is even an outdoor seating area for the nice days. A+++

Randy Ervig

Food came fast. The meat was smokey and warm, often BBQ places have cold meat and I hate it.

Noray-Ann Spradling

I really loved their brisket and asparagus. This is a good place for a fast early lunch.

Leticia Javier

Service could be better, bad food. The tri-tip sandwich was bad. Dry, cold, flavorless meat tasted like cardboard. Soaking it in Bbq sauce did not help. The Safeway bun was wrinkly. Must have been a bad day idk.

M TYNER

Great food wouldn't mind larger portions especially with today's prices.

Maurice Matthews

Service was just OK but the food was fantastic. I had the brisket with collard greens and Mac n Cheese. I'm definitely coming back for the ribs. Juicy and their sauce was lit.

Xtian Jax

I give these brothers (2) thumbs up for bringing back Q the way it should be done. Having only been around for year, there off to a great start and will improve in time. In addition, they deliver "Slap Your Mama" Mac & Cheese...

ron sparks

Very good short rib. On the pricey side but more than worth it when you want to get your bbq on. Didn't get offered or see any kind of sauce. It was juicy, tender. Well flavored, but still missing some kind of light sauce.

Ashley B

The food here is awesome and the staff is great. I had to show this place some Minnesota love thank you for your service and food

Porsha B

Nice atmosphere. Delicious tender fall off the bone smoked BBQ

Clint Carter

BBQ done right! We had the Beef Short rib and Brisket plate. First off they have the flavor of their smoke and rub dialed in. I was born and raised in Texas and now days it’s hard to find a real pit-master, most places just throw some sauce on some grilled meat and call it BBQ. The Beef Rib was one of the best I’ve ever had it was so tender with amazing flavor. The Brisket has the same great flavor.

Audra Montgomery

Food was excellent

Jasmine N

I had them cater my mom's 60th birthday and they were all the rage. We had a few hiccups in the planning process but they eventually came through and it was perfect. Everyone definitely took a plate home and could not stop talking about how amazing the food was. If I do another Oakland event I'm going to have them cater it again. The food is so damn good

Patricia Wright Lambert

Can't get any Better!!...... Great Food.You Must try the the beef brisket it will melt in your mouth, the sauce is unbelievably good. All that I can say is, you must go try this BBQ for yourself.

David Duriesmith

Without a doubt the best BBQ I have ever had. Stop what your doing and eat here. We has tri-tip, brisket and pork ribs. All were smokey, juicy and tasted amazing.

Riquel Neal

Food was very flavorful, seasoned. Could add a couple pieaces, but good food. Great atmosphere.

Lyn Ignatowski

Amazing food and service

dru junio

The brisket is bomb. I am definitely coming back to try the limited beef ribs that come out on Fridays. Collard greens was good. Mac n cheese moist. Green beans we're good as well. Their homemade sauce is delicious too. If you are in the area and you're tired of Korean BBQ, get yourself some bomb BBQ while they last.

Diema

Pleasant atmosphere. Great staff. Everything was delicious. Even the vegetables were treated with love and attention.

christian berumen

Mac and cheese was great, bbq was on point. Overall great

carl temple

Nice people, even better bbq!

NOVELLA ELLIS

Very Great Food!! Always Great Food. We Come From Brentwood Ca For Smokin Woods BBQ. Thanks for great customer service

Daniel Medynski

Finally I had a chance to drop by Smokin Woods BBQ on Telegraph@43rd St in Oakland. I had already tasted their great pork ribs last summer at the Eat Real Food Fest in Jack London Sq., and that's what peeked my interest. I ordered a 3 combo today, and selected pork ribs, brisket, and chicken. I was lucky it was only about 4:30 PM on a Saturday, so it was not too busy, and the service was friendly and prompt (about 5-8 minutes between ordering and food served at the table). Comments on food: pork ribs: juicy, flavorful and excellent; chicken: very good; brisket: just OK, on the dry side, but still had a nice smokey flavor. The brisket could have been a lot better. The sauce for these items was very tasty. I will definitely be back to enjoy more! UPDATE: I returned 2 weeks later and had another 3 combo plate, this time beef hot links, tri-tip beef, and again brisket. All three were fantastic! The brisket was much improved over my previous visit, so I am changing my vote to 5 stars! One disappointment though: I had returned this time to try a slab of beef short ribs. But the gal at the ordering area told me they sell-out within the first 2 hours, every business day. So I was out of luck.

Kelvin Session

There meats are seasoned well and very tender. There sides are 2nd to none. There vegetables are fresh and made to ordered. There staff is very friendly.

Josh Aycock

This place is legit.

Kendall Howse

This joint is hands down my favorite barbecue in the Bay Area. Their ribs, brisket, mac & cheese, and BBQ sweet beans kill me. They are so good. Whether we decide to eat-in and have a few drinks or order online for delivery we always know we won't be disappointed.

Fred Rodgers

We had James and his crew perform their Smokin magic for our daughters wedding. He brought out his rig to Mills College and started cooking. Ribs, chicken and tri-tip were perfection. The green beans were fresh, and the mac & cheese got several compliments. If you are thinking of holding an BBQ event, these are the people to call. The best BBQ in Oakland, period.

Julia Ortiz Guerra

The pork ribs are to die for !

Diana High

We have a usual spot we really like and wanted to try something new today. I liked the vibe and atsmophere of the restaurant. I got tri tip and brisket along with Cole slaw and potato salad. Potato salad blew me away! The little bread bun they give you was so doughy and amazing

Kenneth Reid

Friendly charming place decent food

S Crawford

Every damn thing I've had at this place has been an explosion of flavor. 1st let's discuss that beef rib. Huge with the perfect blend of fatty, savory and salty OMG - that beef rib. That's about all I order nowadays and that lasts me through lunch and dinner. But don't forget those side dishes. My favorite thus far: macaroni and cheese and their buttery sweet asparagus. But you can't go wrong with anything here. The service is stellar as well. They are there to please and they show it. Thank you James for allowing us to sample the perfection that is Smokin Woods.

Ardavan Pedram

The Ribs that we went there for were sold out. The rest of menu is not up par with a good quality BBQ. The brisket was not tender and the tri tip was hard to chew. The sausage was mediocre. The locations looks nice but food at best 2 stars. Owner grants me that I am entitled to my opinion. What he does not realize is that I am customer or he would give himself 5 stars. You can always buy top quality ingredients but how do you prepare them makes the difference. I lived 7 years in Austin and I know what is good BBQ and this place I came to check beef ribs because of the show I saw online. Unfortunately I paid 50$ only to give half of my food to the homeless people across the street.

dana graves

Great people making great food! They had their smoker trailer on site at a venue where I assist w event coordination. Yum!!! I couldn't ask for more organization and an over all smooth process from a vendor. You gotta try the food, it speaks for itself! James and team provided a world class experience. I highly recommend!

East Oakland

This place will have my support 4x a week they are that good

Michael Valeriani

Excellent BBQ! The brisket was some of the best I've ever tasted. The staff were nice, but the food took way too long to come out. We were waiting for about 40min.

E Merriweather

You'll get some real barbecue here, flavor to the bone, but pricey. Have a sit-down bar.

Benny R

Best short ribs in the country, period.

Francis

The food is pretty good for the price!

Nicky Plank

A bit too smokey flavor for me.

Paul Muttsu

Beef rib is brazy. Highly recommend Smokin Woods!!!

Clarice Baldwin

Fabulous brisket

Cash Simpson

I've tried every type of bbq from all over. New York to Texas to California and this place beats them all!!! The time and attention that they put into this meat you can taste. The brisket melts in your mouth, the ribs are so meaty and delicious, the tri-tip is unmatched in its tenderness! This gem of a joint is the best little secret in bbq! If you are in the area, you are truly throwing an opportunity to discover what true BBQ genius is about!

Terresa John

It's very expensive the portions are too too small for what they charge expect to leave hungry..We where a party of 6 this is the 3rd time we needed to be sure portions too small.

Jeremy Leo

The food was excellent but the music was a little loud and not really appropriate for young children.

Rosa Gaxiola

Very good food , as soon as I went in the girl welcomed me in , very great food I got the 3 meat combo and it is great I’m eating it now , brisket, ribs , tri-tip, Mac and cheese and asapargus and the biscuit as well ❣️

Ian Monroe

Closed on Monday despite hours posted here

Viet Vo

Dry

Eddie Santos

Came here with high hopes, but had pretty negative experience. First of all, after we'd paid, we were told food would take about 30 minutes. Surprising because the place was only half-way full, but decided with a beer that wouldn't be so bad. Food however took about an hour, and some other guests I believe ended up just getting a refund and leaving. The food itself was mixed. The pork ribs were pretty decent, but the brisket was terrible -- really dry and tasteless. The sides were also mixed -- mac and cheese was okay, beans good, coleslaw terrible. I did get stomach sickness shortly after eating here, and woke up in the middle of the night feeling like someone had punched me in the stomach. All in all I can't recommend it. It was a pretty negative experience, particularly around the wait and the food quality. I hope my experience was a fluke, it does seem like a nice place to enjoy BBQ and beer (hence 2 stars instead of 1), but I definitely don't see enough to come back.

keith420l

Best brisket in the bay or anywhere probably.

MARGOT RODRIGUEZ

Great BBQ and service is great as well

Rob Scribner

If you enjoy lean ribs that are dry rubbed and perfectly smoked, this is the place for you. Great atmosphere and everything on the menu is delicious.

Pamela Martinez

Great food and customer service awesome. Catered our family reunion for 120 folks. Everyone loved the food. Chef James offered great suggestions and was able to accommodate various food requests from our vegans/vegetarians. Would absolutely use again.

CEE MULA

Ordered the ribs and Brisket, was really good.

Adolphus Turner Jr.

Great food!!!!

Seda Unal

Long wait, long, long, long wait. We were told that there was gonna be a wait, for like 30minutes. We were hungry, so we said why not. After 1 hour, literally, one whole hour, the waitress came and asked for our receipt. A little after that she brought our food. I must say that we ate most of the food, their sides are delicious, can't really say the same for the brisket though. It was a little too dry, obviously overcooked.

papaslick83

Great food good price great service

Ryan Gaunt

The location is awesome. The decor is very comfortable for BBQ. They have a good couple choices on tap, a good selection of whiskey. Their Beef rib plus two side was $30. Beer $7.50. Kind of pricey. Nothing close to real Texas BBQ quality, but delicious none the less. Sides were okay, but nothing to get excited about. Service was acomadating, but rather lack luster. I didn't get the feeling that this is a hangout spot, but simply a good BBQ joint.

Hervie Valore Martin III

The most authentic BBQ and soul food sides I've had from a restaurant! Everything was amazing (except the peach cobbler). I had to check the chef to see if he had the Grilling Jesus Sandles on

Jerry Guevara

The brisket is the

Delores Hill

I ordered the 3 way - ribs, brisket, beef links and all the meat was awesome! I love the smoky flavor and the meat was seasoned well, not too salty. My sides dishes were Asparagus, baked beans and mac n cheese. I really enjoyed everything and called several friends to tell them that there is a new Bbq King in town. I can't wait to go back to try the short rib on that "Flintstone Bone".

Queen Bee

Food was delicious

Jaymes White

Good foods very friendly

Bryan Alberstat

Yes!

Anne Branagh

They have catered several events at our JBL Home Ranch and the food was amazing! The meat is so fantastic and our customers rave about the ribs.

Tiyanna George

Love this place. Service is great. Kid-friendly atmosphere. Great prices. Great location with reasonable parking. Food: baked beans, mac n cheese, asparagus are the sides I've tried so far. Delicious. I've had the beef links, which adds a sublte punch of spice. Short Ribs are huge. Plus: I didn't need to use the bbq sauce because the meat is so flavorful.

Cory Robinson

Great food, great service! Got to have the brisket and chicken! All the sides are

tonya hill

Great food and service will definitely be going back

Manesha

Parking was horrible, but the food was so good it completely made up for it. Definitely recommend.

DIANE KENNEDY

I love this place. The staff's super friendly. The food is great! Wish they were closer with better parking. Overall, well worth it!

Brian Witt

good food. place is tucked away so may be easy to miss. parking is really tough, theres no lot and the street is narrow.

A. Weaver Photography

Smokin Woods BBQ has the best ribs I have ever tasted! Smokin Woods BBQ has catered several of my events and all my friends and family leave happy and full talking about how delicious the food was. Smokin Woods always has friendly, professional and accommodating service. Most importantly the food is always delicious.

arthue campbell

Damm good bbq a good place to go and get some good ass bbq

Ross N

Best BBQ in Oakland

Rodeo R Die

The best BBQ restaurant in California. It's as good as you can get in Oakland

Frank Morgan

The ribs were good , sausage link was kinda of dry , greens were salty, mac and cheese was decent. I feel if you pay a good price you should get good quality. Although good but not great. I will come back and give another try , then may edit my review ,the food is good.

Mercedes Mabon

The flavor of the bbq...the flavor of the sauce...this guy gets it. Not everyone gets it but this guy got it RIGHT! The mac and cheese and potato salad are stars. They were just as perfect as I could imagine them being. Definitely will return one Sunday or Monday. Someone get this guy his own shop asapolis

Sean Ekman

Pro tip, order EVERYTHING, it’s worth it!

Michael Boardman

I love this place. I really want to try the Beef ribs and brisket though.

Gregg Hogard

Best BBQ

Rebecca Cooper

Best Brisket I have EVER had. I quit eating red meat 15 years ago and I can't wait for them to open the doors. Don't forget the Ribs , youmust try the side dishes. I see why and food wine magazine rated them the Best in the Bay area. Please open 7 days a week.

Janelle Evans

Great food and friendly people. I use them at least 3-4 times a month for my construction lunch BBQ.

Said Hassan

Finally have some very good barbecue in Oakland with good customer service

Gregory Andrew Pearson MA

Good BBQ, excellent brisket, good sides and excellent beer choices. Good service, as well.

chuktaylor2

Good service, great food.

Janice Cooper

Best BBQ I've had in a long time.

Cami E

Best BBQ❣❣❣ Sold Sunday & Monday afternoons.

Nicholas Pun

Some really solid BBQ. Their meat is flavourful and very well made. Their "everything smoking" dish is a great plate to share with a group of 3. They also have a decent amount of beer on tap (along with other drinks). Great place to eat at for your daily protein intake!

Khaled Turkmani

Not as expected based on their review. I got my food cold and customers allowed to get their dogs into the restaurant and hangout :(

Jack Naglieri

Super disappointed. Ordered the short rib to only wait 25 minutes for them to tell me it was sold out. Waited another 30 for my second order that never came. Really wanted to give this place a chance but the customer service was really not there.

Rose Sawyer

Yummy

David Chernay

Pretty good BBQ. I'll go back!

Arthur Perley

Excellent BBQ! Some of the best I've had ion the West Coast. Startup kitchen is very small (10 seats) and they a lot of takeout.

Josh Greenwalt

Really good food. Great sides.

Ming-hui Hsu

The best bbq I had so far in terms of taste portion n value. It takes a while for the food to get ready but it certainly worth the wait.

Katrena’s Gifts and Such

Bartender looked like she didn't want to be at work. Leaning against bar and on her phone. Her service was a 4 out of 10.