Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que

Amazing bbq. We got the family pack for 4 for 39.95. I would say the ribs are the best. The sauce had a bit of spice but was great. I was told the sweet potatoes were freat also. The most outstanding thing was probably the customer service. Who I assumed was the owner greeted us, came several times to our table, and even opened the door for us to go. Will definitely be coming back.

Stopped in here while visiting from Los Angeles. We got there a bit too late the first time; we arrived at 7:15 and they closed at 7. We talked with some of the staff who were so nice we decided to come back the next day before heading out to Ft. Worth to see the rodeo.
I had the BBQ brisket, pork ribs, cabbage, collard greens, BBQ beans, corn bread, peach cobbler and sweet tea. My friend had the mac n cheese and BBQ beans with his BBQ meats and tea. We both didn’t care for the beans and the brisket was a bit dry but we did enjoy everything else! I really liked that before plating the pork ribs, the chef hacked the ribs into smaller bites. And the cabbage… excellent flavor! I loved the crunchy sweet crust in the peach cobbler too.
Next time I’m in town, I’ll definitely be stopping in again.

Was in the area on a Monday afternoon and decided to try this place for lunch. I ordered the 2 meat plate. Ribs, brisket, Mac n cheese, baked beans. (Around $ 16 with tax n tip) When I first got my plate I was a little offended bc it looked like he was putting bones on my plate! Little did I know it was the bones from the rib meat just melting off. Mmmmmhhh yep, I shut up real fast after my first bite. The ribs were pretty amazing which is why I’m giving this place 4 stars. Everything else was about a 3. Mac and cheese good but not great, I thought the pasta was over-​cooked but good flavor, baked beans were good and brisket was just ok for me. Next time I’ll just get extra ribs lol. Service was chill, the staff was kinda laid back bc it was pretty slow. All and All; I’ll definitely be back just for ribs!!!

Had the 2 meat plate (brisket and ribs) with potato salad, baked beans, and an extra pint of mashed potatoes. Yes, this girl can eat. it was AMAZING. I missed Texas BBQ so much. Visiting Dallas for an event and I had to hit up some good olé bbq. Brisket was juicy, ribs slid right off the bone, baked beans were a little on the sweeter side but still a nice tangy flavor, potato salad and mashed potatoes were the standard deliciousness. But the corn bread… it was seriously bomb as hell! I can’t get bbq like this in Florida! I will come back next year when I return to Dallas!

Delicious Barbecue!
I will come again. I brought my best friend from LA to try this place out and we could not stop eating. We had chop brisket sandwiches with slaw and beans. Chop brisket was tender and beans and slaw was perfectly made. I use to love Bone Daddy’s but in comparison, this place is way better and authentic.
Everyone is so nice and it’s a perfect place for Texas BBQ!

4.5 stars but rounding up since this is one of the better all around BBQ places that I’ve been to recently in the Dallas area. I placed my order online through Unilocal’s Eat24 for lunch, and everything was ready by the time I arrived to pick it up. They were busy around 12:45pm on a Thursday, but there was no line when I arrived. My only complaint is that they FORGOT my cornbread– this is the second time this has happened when I’ve picked up food from BBQ places in Dallas, so maybe it’s a sign I need to dine in the next time. In any case, I tried:
–2 Meat Combination (w/​Ribs, Hot Links, Mac n Cheese, Candied Yams, Cornbread, $ 12.50,
): Although the hot links are shriveled looking and appear dry, the taste was really good (although they could’ve use more spice). The ribs were super tender and falling off the bone, and also really flavorful– one of the better ribs I’ve had in a while. Their version of mac n cheese was also one of the better ones I’ve had in a while, and I loved how gooey the melted cheese was. The candied yams were solid, but nothing special.
–Brisket ($ 15.95/lb,
): YUM– one of the better brisket’s I’ve had in a while! I specified a fattier cut of brisket, which was a perfect ratio of meat to fat for me. This version of brisket had a peppery bark, but the bark itself was great. A must try for any brisket lover!
–Potato Salad (Side/​$ 2.25): Just ok– the potatoes were still a bit undercooked, but the rest of the ingredients they used were good. I would still get this again and hope they cooked the potatoes better that day.
–Butter Bomb Cake ($ 4.95), Banana Pudding ($ 3.25), Peach Cobbler ($ 3.25) [
: The butter bomb cake was my favorite, since the cake part was nice and light, and the frosting (although sweet) really balanced out when eaten with the cake. Highly recommended! For the banana pudding, the taste was good, but the presentation could use work– since they have the banana pudding sitting out in a gigantic steel tray over ice, the bananas continuously oxidize and have a brown color to them. Also, I wish they layered it more nicely like at Hard Eight. This pudding also needed some whipped cream and additional graham cracker crumbs. However, I’d probably still get this again. The peach cobbler was the least favorite and not very good since it was very soupy, and the peaches were canned and not fresh. There also wasn’t enough crust in this cobbler– skip!
Overall, I would definitely come back for the meats, mac n cheese, and butter bomb cake, and give the potato salad another try. I’d also come back to give their other items a try. Parking was easy since they have a big lot, but the spots are on the smaller side.

Ordered the Poor Boy sandwich w/​onions and jalapeños and fries. The sandwich consisted of brisket and sausage on a hoagie bun. The bread was nice and soft, but the meats were a little on the dry side. You would need a lot of bbq sauce just to get it moist. The meats by itself was nothing to rave about. There wasn’t any special flavor to it. Adding onions and jalapeños gave it a little depth. The fries were your typical French fries.

The BEST Barbecue in Dallas. Hands down. And OMG y’all the sides. The brisket is my favorite, but I have had all the meats. and all are always tender and flavorful. My favorite sides are the best damn mac n’ cheese you ever put in your mouth and the cabbage that has just a hint of kick to it. Even the toast is to die for. Oh and the butter cake thing…
Don’t think… just go there.

A very pleasant surprise coming to this place. Did not know what to expect & was delighted by how the food.
The Mac n cheese here was especially good!

Now let me start off by saying I grew up in the Midwest. So I know bbq!!! I work at a school not far from here. I had an urge for bbq and pulled this up on Google. Good job Google! I’ve had the brisket sandwich (chopped), ribs, smoked wings, fried wings, Mac and Cheese, potato salad, greens, and green beans. Ohhhh, and the butter bomb cake, and peach cobbler. As you can see I’ve been around their menu.
Now I always end up paying $ 19.00 or so because I get a plate, dessert, and drink. Let me say this I just tried the fried wings today! They are the BEST fried wings I’ve had since moving here 2 years ago. They were fried dark golden brown, and seasoned well. I have been on the hunt for the decent fried chicken and have came up empty. The smoked wings were really good too! Mainly everything I had has been good. As for T he greens I don’t really remember what they taste like. They must’ve been okay. I only had them once. The Mac and cheese could use a dash more salt and I wish they would let it settle a little longer.
I always get the sweet tea and lemonade mixed. And I ALWAYS leave full. Sometimes I wish I could turn my leg around and kick myself in the behind because I go on my lunch break and return to work sleepy! Haha! I love this place, and the staff is great!

I was staying at the Ramada and thought I’d grab some BBQ. I’d say this is closer to a 3.5, but, y’know, no half stars. What I had:
Rib Sandwich — the ribs were a little dry, but they were good. At least it comes with sauces and is easy to eat off the bone. Notice what I said? That’s right, the ribs were served on the BONE between two pieces of bread. Soooo, you’re gonna have to: (1) take off the top slice of bread, (2) tear the meat off, (3) discard the bones, and (4) put the meat and bread back. I mean, I could’ve just ordered he meat and thrown it on my own bread if it’s not going to be ready made. Oh, well.
Mac & Cheese — yummy! The cheese was creamy and not chalky. But don’t add any salt. It’s salty enough.
Mashed Potatoes — unless you’re really craving it, I’d just avoid these. They aren’t bad and not quite bland. They’re solid enough, just unexciting.

Basically what Joe D and Duane D said. I was there. After days and days of thinking about bar-​b-​que, we finally decide to go for it. The first couple spots we found on Unilocal turned out to be closed. After adjusting our filters, we found Smokey John’s. It was a short Über ride from the hotel and to the Downtown area.
Lucky we were!!! Tender brisket, juicy sausage, ribs that didn’t even need utensils, tasty mac-​n-​cheese, and some solid collard greens. Yep, I was happy.
The owner came by to greet all the customers and was very friendly with us. He shared with us his story and how his father started the business several years ago. He was very appreciative of our business and it made an already delicious meal taste better knowing that a hard working man and family put their dedication and spirit to making tourists like us happy.

Hands down my favorite meal while in Dallas! As our trip was winding down we still had not had one of the main things we came to town for, Texas Style BBQ. After using our Unilocal apps we discovered Smokey John’s. It was close to the hotel and also on the way to our event that evening.
Upon arriving all of us knew immediately we were in an authentic BBQ joint. At first glance it’s a pretty bare bones no frills establishment however once you look around you’ll see that there’s some old 1970’s era Cowboy’s photos on the walls as well as some pictures of blues players that have visited over the years. The smell of BBQ permeates the entire dining area.
We walked up to the counter and after a quick look at the menu I selected the sliced Texas Brisket along with sides of Mac & Cheese and Baked Beans. I wanted to eat more but we were on our way to an event and couldn’t linger for desert or take any carry out.
What I did have was incredible. The brisket, which was smothered in BBQ sauce, was so full flavored yet tender that it practically disintegrated in your mouth. I can’t remember the last time I had brisket that was this delicious. Probably never. The sides were delicious as well, especially the Mac & Cheese. Last but not least I used the corn bread to clean up the entire plate. OMG it was so good.
While our meal was nearing it’s end the owner walked out and was checking on the various customers. His name was Brent and we shot the breeze with him for a few minutes. He told us about how his father «Smoking John» had started the place and explained all the old Cowboy paraphernalia on the walls and how BB King would come in and play for Ribs back in the day, or the Cowboy’s would come in after a game. Super nice guy with a wealth of info about growing up in the business.
Next time I come to Dallas this is going to be my first stop. No doubt about it.

I don’t get the big hub hub about this place. I went at 2pm and there was still a long line. Place was packed. I spent $ 18 for a two meat plate and banana pudding with no drink. I really liked the BBQ sauce and the garlic sausage. The brisket tasted ok, maybe a bit dry. Nothing too special about the mac and cheese, green beans, or banana pudding.

Big disappointment. I thought the brisket was good, my friend thought it was below average. Ribs were meh, chicken breast was super dry. Sides were all fine, nothing special.
No reason to go here.

Great BBQ. Not the greatest area of town, but worth the trip.
Brisket: ⁴⁄₅
Sauce: ⁵⁄₅
Friendliness of the staff: ⁵⁄₅

You wouldn’t know it from the outside, but this place is AWESOME! This is not your generic, cookie-​cutter BBQ joint. I could tell by the cleanliness of the store, the perfect atmosphere, and the unique recipes that it must be family owned, so I asked the worker (who came and checked on us without being annoying, btw). He said his dad opened this restaurant 40 years ago and he and his brother have taken it over, still serving their grandmother’s recipes. There is so much genuine pride in their work and care for the customers, you can’t help but fall in love.
It’s all delicious, but the sides rocked my world! Don’t leave without trying the mac & cheese, sweet potatoes, and banana pudding.

Darn fine BBQ. Really enjoyed the pork sandwich plate. Cole slaw was probably the best tasting I’ve ever had… imagine that. Beans were tasty too. Friendly staff at the counter and a very nice young gentleman (owner/​manager?) was making the rounds.
Making this a must stop lunch spot after the airport.

Just got back from Smokey John’s bbq in dallas. Best cornbread of my life, and bbq that puts the city of richmond and the state of kansas to shame. Even remembering Willy’s with rose-​tinted glasses this may have been better. To quote the fantastic older lady that rang us up, «if someone don’t like this food you smack them in the name of Jesus!»

Right after we landed at the Lovefield Airport, my friend and I craved for some good Texas-​style BBQ so we got into Unilocal and found this location. Boy, glad we did!
Being the first time we eat at this type of restaurant, we didn’t know what or how to order but the staff was very very helpful and very friendly. I had the BBQ ribs with Mac&Cheese and beans and my friend the beef brisket. What a delicious meal! We ended up coming back on our last day in Dallas before our flight back to the Bay Area, and the customer service and food quality was consistent! Next time I’m in Dallas I will definitely be back.
So if you land at Dallas Lovefield Airport or you’re just in the area, I highly recommend this restaurant for a great Texas-​style BBQ!

Was visiting Dallas for the weekend and I had to get some BBQ. The plate BBQ ribs and brisket was so mouth watering good! My favorite side was the mac n cheese and the candied yams. I would come back here again on my next trip to Dallas!

If you’re looking for a quick bbq joint, this fits the bill. The BBQ is a step above places like Dickey’s or Sonny Bryans, but not quite as good as something like a Pecan Lodge or Slow Bone. I’ve only had the ribs here, but they’ve always been tender and never dry.
If you come here on Tuesdays, it seems they have a gospel/​church service that goes on as well, if that floats your boat. I call it Bible BBQ.