Reviews of Smokin' J's BBQ (Restaurant)

L.R. Cabrera Pantin

We love Baby Back Ribs...but these are simply the best!!!...take out or dive in

Maurice Davis

Not good at all I tried the chicken wings

Derek Restinshore

Amazing Ribs every time! So tender just cooked beautifully

Valera Sahno

it was cooked 2 weeks ago. Not fresh!!!

Kay Stanton

Best BBQ We've ever had. Absolutely awesome.

Kristie M

Quaint place: Good food, fair price, friendly service.

Jack Carey

Been a patron since it's opening. A+

Victoria M

Wow! What a hidden gem. Today I enjoyed my second visit to Smokin J’s, and I’m already dying to eat my leftovers. My husband ordered the “All Our Favorites on One Plate”, and he absolutely devoured it. I enjoyed the mac n cheese, ranch beans, and green beans. As a vegetarian at a BBQ joint, I was thoroughly satisfied with their offerings. My husband’s surprise favorite was the smoked sausage, which had a pleasant kick. The pulled pork was his second fave, but the brisket and ribs were also above expectations. We both loved the Sweet N Sassy pickles so much, we bought a jar to enjoy at home (they will be gone soon)! I had two minor complaints - they were currently unable to serve bloody mary’s, and it was a bit warmer inside than I would prefer. But, the food, customer service, and charm far exceeded any negativity. We will definitely be back again!!

Thomas McKenna

Very fun !! 5$ buckets of beer, Great music

Erin Beliveau

Not even close to as good as it was a year ago. The food used to be great, but after two disappointing meals (pulled chicken and brisket sandwiches) with obviously canned green beans and hard Mac and cheese, we won't be back. Texas BBQ this was not, sorry. The quality of the BBQ has really gone down. $24+ for 2 blah sandwiches and unappealing sides, no drink refill, my dollars will be spent elsewhere. So disappointed I used to brag about this place.

Juliet Vadnais

Chicken wings we're dried out and old'

Shannon Lee

Good was good. Confusing how to get in. Needs better signage directions.

Yves Cedano

Good service and great bbq.

Rich P

I am from out of town and was recommended to go here by a friend. I was not disappointed. This is a family-owned operation that really takes the care and pride in making quality barbecue. The service was great. The food was even better! And definitely try the homemade pickles. They are excellent! I definitely will be back.

Rosie Chittick

My family loves Smokin J's! We're a huge fan of their pulled pork and baked beans, but their BBQ chicken is also delicious and a great deal. It's a nice treat for the family, and a friendly and fun establishment with great food. We usually order quickly at the side window - it's a funny set up, but they have outdoor seating and it adds to the charm.

Chris Petry

This was was phenomenal!!! My wife had a pulled pork sandwich and I had the Brisket Chili Nachos! So good!!!

Juan Lahera

This place is awesome!!! I bring everyone I know to this place. All of the food is really great. We're always get separate entrees, but we always try a rack of ribs to share. They are the best baby back ribs that I have ever had in my life!!

India Johnson

The food was good but the benches to sit on is uncomfortable. The waiter was very nice.

Jon Tsourakis

Excellent Texas style BBQ. The perfect balance of smoke and meat flavor. The staff is always attentive and cheery. As for sides, the coleslaw and potato salad are good. But I'm not a fan of the canned green beans.

Bobber 55

I ordered the family meal to-go. The 3 meats and all the sides tasted fantastic.

David See II

Here to celebrate the 9 anniversary! Limited menu with a beer or tea. The food is amazing!

Alicia Clark

Amazing food with equally amazing service!!!

Jackie Jacobson

The grean beans werr amazing, best thing they have. The mac n cheese, was plain, didn't carry any flavor at all

James Young

Always delicious. Decent portions. This is a destination when I am in St. Petersburg/Gulfport. The pickles are good. All the meats are great. Love the spicy BBQ sauce. The meats are good without sauce. A must try.

Zack Florendo

The barbecue was very good. It came out fast for how much we ordered, they gave good sides and good service with nice people. I recommend the pulled pork sandwich.

Calvin Collvins

Great Smoked BBQ and delicious sides! And there homemade pickles are a perfect blend of sweet beginning with a spicy finish! Defiantly recommend!

Tim Lee

Some of the best BBQ around

Alexandra Ray

I’ve had many different potato salads for 3 years I was trying to find one that tastes closest to my grandmothers and I FINALLY found one!!!

Chris Kieff

Disappointed. I've never in my life has BBQ where the meat was tasteless. Ordered the beef strips and it was simply boring. After adding the sauce it's passable. Won't be going back. Frankly would have expected more in a hospital cafeteria. And they need a real air conditioner, they've taken the rustic idea too far to the, we're just cheap, side of the equation.

Melanie Shelton Vandegrift

If i could give a higher review I would. I love the "all the favorites " . Sausage, ribs, pulled pork, brisket, 2 sides and a roll for $18. It's always amazing and i always have left overs

Heather Donnelly

Their Sweet and Sassy pickles, available by the jar, are the best. I love their pulled pork and my wife's favorite is the brisket. I think they do a great job on the potato salad, too, and I am super picky about potato salad.

Frank Strunk

Been going here for some time now. It's close to my metal shop. Always great food. Nothing fancy on the interior, but the food is first rate. Ribs, sausage, chicken and brisket are on point. Sides are killer.

Jim Nixon

Amazing place. Terrific Pulled Pork and Brisket! My guest had the Chicken and Sausage. Was simply Amazing. We were there for Dining Out For Life and love the give 25% of the check back to charity! Beautiful Restaurant.

Kasey Lynn

Good food, friendly service, enjoyable atmosphere.

Donna Murray

Great food..great people

chauncy Henrissaint

skrayt up best BBQ in GP dats real

Darlene Bennett

Try the homemade vanilla ice cream. It's the real deal and is it ever good

Rick Humes

This place has awesome everything. Ribs, pulled pork, chicken, mac n cheese. Nothing was sub par. Don't let the venue skew your decision to go there.

Erik Nohnso

I had been here handful of times before and it has been consistently amazing. Tonight took the cake since they started selling homemade ice cream. The BBQ was 5 stars as always but the ice cream is just amazing. Vegan mom was even able to get some courtesy of John the owner. He made her night!! Took home filet with honey balls ice cream for the man of the house.

Josiah Jensen

We got the "All the Favorites on One Plate" The ribs and sausage were good, the brisket was great and the pulled pork was amazing. The sides were good for the most part though the potato salad was pretty bland. All and all, great spot for BBQ

Tim claxton

This place has the best Sliced brisket sandwich I have ever eaten and I have eaten a bunch! The meat is always tender and juicy. The brisket chili is the other item that I simply can't get enough of. It has plenty of meat and just enough kick to be out of this world. Seriously if you want great BBQ look no further.

Leah Molatch

Was very pleased with food and service!

Repent or Perish 417

We just ate here for rhe first time. I had the chicken, pork, and sausage sliders and my husband had the chili briskit nachos..... Very juicy and delicious. Good amount of food and priced well. Staff is SUPER sweet and amazing! We will DEFINITELY be back :)

AT0MIC T3D

Great food

Rocky Welch

Excellent BBQ! Friendly staff. Procedures are a bit odd in that you order at the counter, they bring your meal, then you go back to the counter to pay. Great place though!

Christina Faustini

The owner is super friendly. The food was AMAZING. We will definitely be back.

Charlie Boyte

Great BBQ in Gulfport. I am very picky and this establishment meets my required quality. I have only used the take-out menu because it is incredibly convenient.

Rob B

Great and consistent bbq. Pulled pork and brisket sandwiches are awesome. Plus sweet and sassy pickles!

Kathleen McDonough

Smokin' J's, is just that! SMOKING! The brisket is off the chain crazy delicious, the pulled pork I didn't even get a taste of because my wife devoured it in under 7 minutes. Highly recommend these wonderful people!

Drew

Very good food.

Andrea W

The staff was all really friendly but the food wasn’t all that spectacular. I had the pulled pork with the macaroni and cheese. The macaroni and cheese sucked. The pork was ok. I did like their sauce a lot but overall the BBQ was not that great.

Summer Benger

Best potato salad and very good pulled chicken

Talice Sanford

The food is good but I don't like the changes they made to the menus. I miss the other sandwich choices and I don't like the sliders.

Cheryl Reed

Food was wonderful!

Rod Stein

Excellent every time we go there no one else even compares

Kim Thompson

Yummy brisket. Comfy casual place.

Suzanne King

True community spirit!

Erik Sheronas

After 3 times eating here I'm sold. For being around the corner, it's a great option for BBQ. Mac n Cheese - Amazing Potato Salad - Fantastic Brisket - It can be a little dry, super flavorful Ribs - Dank Pulled Pork - Savory and Juicy. Interesting curb appeal, drive-up and take out is nice, staff has always been friendly.

shawn kent

Just not that great. I had high hopes that fell way short.

Nate Richmond

This place is absolutely amazing. I just stopped in for lunch and picked up a Texas Beef Brisket sandwich. I've had a lot of "Texas beef Brisket" and this was the best I've ever had. WOW! I'm going back tomorrow.

Ryan Steiger

This place is amazing! Down right great staff surving up some good bbq. Ribs you will die for! Military friendly and proud Americans. I also recommend the chili, sweet and sassy pickles and cornbread. Good on the wallet and quick service. Easy access just off the road.

Angello Castro

First time with my then fiance, next year on our two year anniversary. Great food and great service.

Frank Lastname

The seats were very very uncomfortable

heidi Mcdonald

Best bbq ever!! Don't miss this place...very casual..

Kathryn ONeil

Absolutely delicious, purchased the family pack! First time here and definitely will be back!

Michelle Fitzgerald

If you are looking for a great BBQ place, this is it. Fantastic flavor, perfectly cooked meat & a really great price! The trifecta of BBQ!!!

Jamie Spinello

This is by far the best BBQ in the area! If you want authentic BBQ, slow pit smoked then this is where it's at! The prices are amazing, the portions are on spot and you'll be licking your fingers for more! Don't forget to pick up a jar of their homemade spiced pickles!

Joseph Jagodzinski

I've been here a handful of times now. Ribs are spot on, everytime. Pulled pork is fantastic. Beef brisket is usually a bit dry and a little lacking in seasoning, but not bad by any means. For sure a visit from me when I'm down in this area.

Kelli Anne montgomery

Best pickles I have ever had

Betty Duffey

Smoking J's was awesome.

Nelia Berry

All I have to say is wow. We went here while we were in the area this afternoon for the first time. Ron was such a great help explaining menu items and helping us order! The food was so so yummy. Haven't had bbq this good in the Tampa area ever:) also the homemade ice cream is amazing!! You MUST try the salted pretzel brownie!! Next time I am on this area me and my husband will definitely be back. Thank you for a local eatery and such friendly staff!

Emil Whittle

I will give 3 stars because of how I was treated today. The food is fantastic. I love it. But today as I Ordered my food to go in a Dallas Cowboys shirt I was asked what happened to my Cowboys and was told my rack or ribs would have cowboys lost written in them in bbq sauce. I didn’t say anything about the game. Nor my fandom. I almost just left but I speak to the owner on several occasions and respect kept me in check. However. I am a Cowboys fan good or bad. I’d tell this guy he may want to work on mouth shut a little more often. Not professional. Oh FYI my to go order was a $64.00 purchase.

D Bonanni

We love this place. Not really a dine in place. Pull into their parking lot and place your order at the outside window. If you're new, try the combo platters. Once you've sampled them all, next time order by the pound/rack. Don't forget the brisket chili with cheese and mac & cheese sides. Chili's kind of spicy, so try mixing it with the mac & cheese. Wow!

ashley rotholz

Really liked Smokin' J's BBQ! Tried a little bit of everything (brisket, chicken, ribs, mixture of sides) and the bbq sauce. The ribs were the best thing we had!! Definitely worth checking out! Best bbq in Florida!

Mike Newton

I'm a bit of a BBQ critic and I like to try local joints when I travel. With that said, I tried the combo plate and was mostly pleased. The sausage was well smoked and flavorful. The ribs were really tender and moist, but lacked a little flavor. The pulled pork again was tender and moist but lacked the smoky intensity I look for. I liked the brisket, I'm not usually a brisket fan. The potato salad was decent, my wife gave it a thumbs up. My wife liked the chicken. The baked beans were fair. It seemed to be canned beans from the grocery store with a few pieces of burnt ends added for flavor. Overall, I liked it. The smoke flavor was a little on the light side for my tastes, but it was well cooked and I think would be well received by most people.

Robert Chamberlain

Best BBQ in the area. I'll miss them. They closed :-(

Milo Rodriguez

Best hot wings I ever had..you order hot wing cause there spicy and hot right? Well these wings will blow your mind..all the perfect spices and smoke too...gotta try for yourself....your nose will run...!

Nicole Howard

Great food... large portions..reasonable price! The staff was very friendly! We live in Illinois but will definitely be back on our next trip.

Mark Broome

Okay so there is only one other place that I have come across in the nine years that I have been in St Petersburg that does barbecue like North Carolina and it is Big Storm Brewing Company and now Smokin J's BBQ

Nicole Ferguson

Food was great! Pickles were amazing! Service was great!! Definitely will be back! Exactly what we were looking for! Kids finished everything and MIL in visiting was impressed!!

Joseph Alai

Friendly staff. The property itself feels like a Texas Hill Country BBQ joint. The main road its on diatracts from that feel though. So after a moment of Texas excitement it was clear, its just a roadside bbq joint trying to be Texas in feel. As for the food. The 'que here, just okay. The Ribs were not as tender as they should be. Way too chewy and slightly in the dry side. Also the sausage just dis not have that Elgin Texas Sausage kick. Standard white bread is how they roll in Texas, but here they roll with a roll. The sides were the best part. Beans were simple, but worked. Slaw and potato salad was quite good once adding a sprinkle of black pepper. Conclusion. Lets say you can take the BBQ out of Texas, but you can not put the Texas back in the BBQ unless you execute with perfection. This is an okay place, but its not the Texas Hill Country BBQ I hoped to find...

Viktor Kelley

Priced high, meat was tough, packaging was wasteful. Overall meh

Frances Carlson

Absolutely delicious food and fantastic service. Our server was really good and courteous. We will absolutely be back soon with my friends.

Jeremy Branby

The service was excellent, very friendly and food was amazing!

Debora Stephens

Love the food and friendly staff

Bran Flakes

This is an awesome joint... Just go... Support local small business. Excellent food and service...

Rowe Wms

If you like cold over price BBQ this the spot !

Sonia Charles

The food is s o good!The worker they were very frinedly it was great I would again!I loved everything.I ll go back again

Christian King

Very good food but the customer service left something to be desired

Stephanie Bialas

Coming back next Florida trip! Tastes great, charming country feel..family owned !

Heidi Bishop

Was pleasantly surprised to see a live musician out front. He does Neil Young superbly. The food is always good. Best brisket around.

Mike Werner

They are ok. Not the best for sure. I kike their pickles better than their bbq.

Mary Moline

Food always good and love listening to Hector on Saturday night.

Casey Green

Friendly staff, Great food! Whenever im wanting some good bbq this is the only place i go to. Living 2 minutes away is also a perk!! :)

Laura St. Louis / VanLaningham

Amazing just yummy

Barry Jones

Very tasty BBQ, friendly service

Virginia Wilder

Delicious food. Friendly folk!

Clifford Janzen

Typical barbecue place nothing fancy, but you can dine in or take out . The beef brisket is awesome, tender and flavorful. It's hard to find good brisket imo. Pulled pork delicious, sauces are good. Service is friendly and fast. Potato salad and beans are good, Mac N cheese ok. It's 4.5 Stars which rounds up to 5!

John Abruzzo

This place has great Texas BBQ, friendly staff.

CB W

Wife's number 1 brisket place now.

David Briggs

Food was great

Laura Saulsbury

I'm from Texas this is NOT Texas bbq. Brisket has no flavor, pulled pork looks and taste like dog food. Chicken was very moist but needs flavor. None of the meat have any kinds of ribs, roll is a Hawaiian roll, not a Kaiser roll. My kids ate it, including the picky one. But just not amazing bbq. Staff was AMAZING, friendly and very knowledgeable.

Don Kindl

Great local place for barbecue. Saturday $5 buckets and Hector playing live. Good food, good fun.

Trish W

It was a great place to eat. Very casual , family place. You can eat outside at picnic tables or inside at picnic tables. Awesome food! Smoked brisket is melt in your mouth. Very good pulled pork and the sides are delicious. The Mac and cheese and baked beans are scrumptious. They have a platter that gas pulled pork, ribs, brisket, smoked sausage, two sides and rolls. It is enough food for two to split. Now for dessert I had the carrot cake. If you like Publix carrot cake, you're gonna love this one.

Jerry Velazquez

This is the BEST BBQ restaurant I have tried in a long time ! I came in today and ordered a bunch of different items. Everything was delicious, and I recommend their carrot cake for dessert ! All the staff today treated me like I was no stranger, and instead like a family member ! Andrea was very kind and went above and beyond in customer service ! I will definitely be back !

David Hunter

Great Texas bbq ribs and briskette, great friendly service. Sat inside for the 1st time was nice.

Kimberly Ready

We visit Smokin' Joe's at least 2 to 3 times a month... Awesome food and awesome service!

Colleen Downey

Great Food great price . All the food coma

Jim Brown

Good, but ordered sliced bbq pork sandwich. Got home and its chopped bbq pork. Paying attention to what i ordered would have brought me back. Will not be.

Charles Merritt

A great BBQ, check out live entertainment on Saturday with Hector

Kip Shepard villareal

Yummmy

Ricky Hayes

I love this place. Recommend trying it out. I Buy the sweet and sassy pickles to go with a pulled pork sandwhich... amazing. Great vibe, friendly staff, perfect place to grab some smoked BBQ Texas style.

Gary Peter

On holidays and this bbq restaurant was strongly recomended to us. Ordered takeout dinner for 4 and we were not disappointed. All meats were perfectly cooked to perfection and order was filled quickly. Also liked the laid back style of the staff. Is now our goto place for bbq.

Courtney Langford

Everything was amazing! Will definitely be back.

Adriaan Dommisse

Love this place

Brandon Kohut

Got the Family meal for 4 Ribs - Tender meat fall off the bone with a delicious deep Smokey flavor too them. 5/5 Brisket - Super tender and melts in your mouth! 5/5 Chicken - Smokey outside but a bit dry for my liking but that’s just BBQ chicken 3/5 (not a chicken fan) Potato Salad - Seasoned well with nice chunks of potato and celery. 5/5 Mac n Cheese - Strong flavor and you can really taste the roo which is pretty unique in my opinion. 5/5 Pickles - Sweet and savory then a little kick that comes out of nowhere! Definitely try them! Service - Service was good as well, waiters were friendly and courteous. They were consistent on checking up and no complaints.

Rachelle Starr

The best ribs in st Pete's area

Steve Cunningham

Amazing brisket!

Wayne Spates

Took a friend from out of town for lunch today. Excellent service and food as always.

Aeronautical Productions

Best bbq in area!

Jenny Riley

A great place to stop into and get some authentic BBQ. We love it!

Krystal Harris

Good

Leo Blue

Say you're hungry and get the domestic bucket

Steven M.

I’ll tell ya what, folks...this place has my vote every day of the week!! Great environment, great food, and great service! While we were here, we get to talking to a gentleman, I’m assuming he was the owner. As it turns out, they have a twenty-six foot Uhaul (which is loaded with food) he is driving up to the panhandle of Florida for Hurricane relief. He said this is their fourth Hurricane relief they have responded to! How cool is this?!?! It’s people like these folks that make me happy. So if you are ever in Gulfport, FL, make sure you swing on in to this awesome little place!!

Nathaniel Koster

If you like your meats, this is the place to go. The brisket and ribs are especially good, really tender meats and the potato salad is also real good. I'd recommend coming here and trying the place out yourself.

Michael Renton

They got great barbecue. But it's a hit-or-miss on the ribs

Debra Nelson

Very busy day for them. Happy 4th. Not too much of a wait.

Kristina Stein

Best Barbecue in Pinellas county!

Dan Moore

Not only family oriented, but the food and music is Amazing. What A Jem for our community..

Mary Beth Bryant

Great barbecue and sides

Ryan Kervahn

I really feel like this place is hit or miss, sometimes I'm super satisfied, sometimes I wish I went across town to Sonny's. If it was consistent it would be the best in the area.

bruce sands

It was amazing food and drinks

Michael Young

The food here is delicious, no matter what you order off the menu. My only complaint, is that recently the portions of meat, especially on the sandwiches, have lessened significantly. It could be perhaps, the particular server who made my sandwich on that day and my friend's, when they visited. Unfortunately, that seems a bit unlikely.

Jeff Day

Food was delicious, especially the pulled pork. The muffins are amazing. The service qas great. Thank you for a great experience.

Robyn Featherston

I’ve eaten here before so I know the food is excellent. However, today I called my order in at 5:18pm with a scheduled pick up time of 5:40pm. I got there at 5:40 and at 6:00 pm there were still 3 tickets ahead of mine. Apparently, ordering ahead does not do anything to speed up the process. They process orders that come in after I placed mine before they process mine. Disappointed. Waiting 40+ minutes for a to go order is ridiculous. Especially when I called in advance. Even if it is the day before a holiday. Nobody on the phone mentioned it might not be ready within a few minutes of my arrival. The explanation I received is that they don’t want it to be cold when I get it. That’s a valid explanation except that I called in advance and told them when I’d be there. Also this explanation from them means that calling in advance is a waste of time because if they get other orders, yours will just fall into line regardless of how far in advance you call. I’d had to have been dining in today. If it was over 40 minutes for my order that I called in advance, I can’t imagine how long for dine-orders.

Juliann Wallace

Holy cow, you can't miss this place! Fantastic and I can't wait to go back!

Mark Ottervanger

You will not find better ribs anywhere around here. Food is always great!!

Tannie Davidson

Very good. Only reason not 5 stars is I prefer BBQ sauce with some tanginess.

Chris Biggins

Great stuff. I had the pulled pork plate and sweet sauce. Very good and not excessively smokey. Couldn't believe how fresh the sides were. I had Cole slaw and potato salad. Both are good. Most bbq places have poor sides but I'm giving this one 5 stars for the whole shebang.

daniel fraley

Brisket was good.

Doug Richardson

Absolutely the best barbecue I've ever had. John and his BBQ team run a great operation!!

Barbara Stine

Mac and cheese was great!

Bill Bialas

Small but nice atmosphere. Good BBQ at competitive prices. Would recommend for sure!!

kevin hobbs

Absolutely the best bbq around. Great food and large servings. Also can order takeout.Best baked beans, along with other, with the best bbq sauce...Will make your tongue slap your brains right out a ur head.!!

Janice Coe

Best barbecue in St Pete. And try their jalapeno muffins; decadent!

Orfeya

Look on YouTube "texas bbq" how to cook! what you do is terrible!!! Very dry food!!!Beef, chicken terribly dry. This is not a barbecue. Cooked not fresh. they heat the food. You do not see how the food is prepared and how clean. It is dangerous to eat. such food is stuck in the throat, stomach. they don't even have vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers. There is onion and beans. shame on you to cook such food selling for money. instead of correcting your mistakes many people write about, you claim that everything is cool with your cooking.

Lori Kurth

THE BEST BBQ I HAVE EVER HAD!!! BEANS AND POTATO SALAD WERE FANTASTIC. We will definitely be back.

Chris Winckel

Great food. Staff was polite