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Smokey and The Brisket BBQ in La Mesa

4.3 (199) 5465 Lake Murray Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942, United States

Categories

Barbecue restaurant

Location on the map

La Mesa, San Diego County, California, US

Phone: +1 619-439-6544
Site: https://smokeyandthebriskets...

Opening hours

Monday:11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday:11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday:11 AM–9 PM
Thursday:11 AM–9 PM
Friday:11 AM–10 PM
Saturday:11 AM–10 PM
Sunday:10 AM–8 PM

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Total reviews rating 4.3

199 Reviews for Smokey and The Brisket BBQ 2024:

Review №1

2024-06-23 02:28:04

First time here with my husband, and we liked it. I definitely recommend the Brisket Nachos. They were delicious. His hamburger, according to him, was good, he gives it 3 stars. My pulled pork tacos were extremely greasy/oily with no flavor, I just had a bite and we had to exchange them for pulled chicken, no flavor either. Our drinks were alright. I wouldnt totally recommend just getting their brisket, I guess its on their name for a reason.

Review №2

2024-05-20 03:27:38

Smokey and the Brisket BBQ is located right off the 8 freeway in La Mesa. We came on a Saturday for lunch and it was almost packed. Restaurant offers Texas BBQ meals with a big menu of drinks and good selection of meat and sides and has spacious indoor and outdoor seatings. Nice country music playing, sports on TV and a full bar with an arcade room in the back with classic arcade games, pool table and pinball. The walls are decorated with posters of classic car movies. The booths have car seat interior. Great ambiance of the the retro Route 66 vibe. A relaxing family place to have delicious mouthwatering BBQ smoked meats. We ordered variety of combo meals and sides. The smoked salmon especially exceeded our expectation as it was moist with proper Smokey flavors. Sides were amazing as well especially the burnt carrots and cauliflower and baked beans. This restaurant has Happy Hours from 3-5pm and we will definitely be back to try other dishes.

Review №3

2024-03-08 02:21:18

2/5. I wouldn’t come back here.Pros: The BBQ beans and French fries were hot and super good sides. The vanilla ice cream scoop that I got with my dessert was also good.Cons: My appetizer, Mac and cheese with burnt ends, which came with brisket instead was luke warm when I received it. The cheese tasted like nacho cheese and the brisket itself was dry, but the layer of bbq sauce made it edible.We got our appetizer at 6:15 and didn’t get our entree until 7:06, so be prepared to wait. They were also out of the rack of ribs and bread pudding, so we had to change our orders. Also, don’t expect for you drinks o be refilled because the waitress only came to take our order then our check.As for the entrees, I opted for the half of chicken and the rub and seasoning were actually really good. The only problem was the it was ice cold in some areas.For dessert, the churros tasted like they were frozen, definitely not homemade. All in all, definitely not worth the price for luke warm and cold food that takes forever to come out. I would say that everything is edible!Ps. My husband got loaded fried and was very disappointed because it was also cold and the meat didn’t have any taste to it.

Review №4

2024-06-28 16:44:44

Both brisket and spare ribs were way overcooked. Spare ribs were dry. Whats worse, I was served the end of the spare rib section, with the little tiny bones that were all burned up. Any proper barbecue professional would have trimmed off those tiny little ribs before smoking.Coleslaw is fine. Onion rings were awful.Edit: I gave this place another try - but shouldnt have. The brussel sprouts that were the best item served last time were completely burnt. Awful. See pic.Carrot and cauliflower side was oily and bland.Beef ribs were dry.Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and pickles were good.

Review №5

2024-01-22 15:23:43

Texas BBQ diner with a big menu of drinks, happy hour specials, and selection of meat and sides to choose from. The restaurant is very bright, spacious, and well decorated. Service was nice, paid attention to our orders and details.The combo meal was great value: 2 choices of meat (sausage, brisket, chicken, spareribs) and 2 choices of sides (mashed potatoes, coleslaw, potato salad, creamy corn, baked beans, mac and cheese, cowboy caviar, Brussel sprouts, etc.) for $27! The burnt end jalapeño mac and cheese was yummy and great to share.I enjoyed the sides: mashed potatoes, baked beans, and cowboy caviar a lot. The creamy corn was more oily than creamy.For the meats: sausage was very flavorful and yummy. Spareribs tender. The brisket was a bit disappointing given its rather bland flavor and sponge like texture. Chicken wasnt anything special. I would recommend coming here for a good value barbecue and great happy hour spot. Had a good time hanging out with friends over a big meal.Parking lot is small, we parked on the street and walked. Theres also an arcade room in the back!

Review №6

2024-02-11 18:19:27

Got a 1/2 rack of the pork spare ribs with potato salad and my partner got the prime brisket with Mac n cheese. The ribs were pretty decent. The brisket wasn’t bad but also not amazing. The sides were horrible. Mac n cheese was super runny and the pasta was still hard. Potato salad kind of flavorless along with the pickled red onions. Kind of disappointing especially since the sides didn’t come with the entrees. Service was okay. Our waitress was very pleasant with us but it also seemed like she forgot about us multiple times throughout our dine in experience. Ambience was neat. Overall - a very mid experience.

Review №7

2024-03-27 17:57:16

Just had an amazing night at Smokey and The Brisket! The Smokey Spicy Margarita was a game changer - the perfect kick with a smoky aftertaste. And the Prime Brisket? Absolutely tender and bursting with flavor. Its places like this that make dining out an experience. Highly recommend!

Review №8

2024-03-10 07:13:35

The atmosphere is great The staff is friendly. Definitely a fun place to go to after the lake. Plenty of parking and you get your food fast.

Review №9

2024-05-27 21:18:07

Thanks to Sarah for making the best mojito I appreciate all the mint..food is so delicious!!! Will definitely be back!

Review №10

2023-04-16 04:47:36

If youre looking for some delicious and authentic BBQ, Smoke and the Brisket in San Diego is definitely worth a visit. I recently had the pleasure of trying their BBQ pork rib, bone-in chicken, and mac and cheese, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed.First off, the BBQ pork rib was incredibly tender and packed with flavor. The meat practically fell off the bone and was moist and juicy, just the way BBQ pork ribs should be. The BBQ sauce was also spot-on, with just the right amount of sweetness and tanginess to complement the meat perfectly.The bone-in chicken was also a standout dish. The chicken was juicy and flavorful, with a crispy skin that had a nice smoky flavor to it. The BBQ sauce again was excellent, and it brought the dish to the next level.And last but not least, the mac and cheese was tasty and creamy, with just the right amount of cheese and seasoning to make it a perfect side dish to the BBQ meats.The service was amazing. The waitress was very helpful and friendly. Her service was quick and attentive.The decor was my kind of place with many classic motorcycles on display.

Review №11

2023-10-12 23:42:13

It was my first time here. I really enjoyed it. I cant wait to come back and try more selections. I had the pulled pork sandwich, and that was excellent fries were cooked perfectly. I would highly recommend this place!

Review №12

2024-06-26 21:11:42

Tuesdays must be a really off because weve come there on a Tuesday twice the last month and the food has been so bad. Yesterday we ordered take-out and the Brussels sprouts were so burnt. They should have been tossed, and not given to customers. The cauliflower and carrots also tasted weird. The meatloaf and ribs were alright. Its just so hard to spend so much on food that is so bad. The server is sweet.

Review №13

2024-01-15 22:54:56

If you eat fish but not meat this is one of the few BBq places with an extraordinary smoked salmon. Friendly open atmosphere, great beer and pizza choices. Perfect for me. Camryn is a great server b

Review №14

2023-12-31 04:51:21

This might be the best bbq place in California… I’m serious!I grew up in the bay, lived in LA for 11 years and have been to all the big spots in San Diego. This bbq is really good.The brisket is awesome. Great bark, delicious smoke flavor and melts in your mouth.The spare ribs are unbelievable. Fall off the bone, melt in your mouth, and also amazing smoke flavor.On weekend they sell dino beef ribs. That’s in picture 2. One of the best meals of my life.Overall, it’s rare to see a place in California that has so artfully nailed Texas bbq and this place has done it.Props to the owners and pitmasters of this place. I’m so grateful you’re here in San Diego!

Review №15

2023-07-16 19:53:04

This place was extremely mid. Aesthetically it was a great spot great view and cool seats and all. That being said I didnt have any items even one particular item that just blew me away. The Mac n Cheese was aight but I would honestly say that Chil-fil-A has better Mac n Cheese. The pork ribs had a lot of fat on them that wasnt particularly good it was too soft and took too long to chew down and the ribs definitely fell off the bone but just didnt have great texture or flavor. Not a bad spot if you are hungry and want some BBQ but wouldnt classify it as much more than that

Review №16

2021-12-05 23:35:23

Prices are high on most items, but the quality is very good. The prices for the meats by the 1/2 lb are almost double the price of Abbeys and Coops restaurants. So buying meats here a la cart is not a good deal. Our friend got the Mac & cheese pulled pork sandwich and it was large and tasty. We got the full rack of pork ribs with a side of Brussels sprouts. The ribs were dry rub coated and smoked; they were lean and tasty. The ribs are a little smaller than Coops at the same price, but still worth it. The Brussels sprouts also contained figs and thick cut bacon chunks. It is our favorite side compared to all BBQ restaurants. The decor is great and the employees are very friendly and attentive.

Review №17

2023-08-24 23:32:45

I’ve never had barbecue ribs that flaked like dry canned tuna. Besides the texture of the ribs, the food was cold. I had high hopes for this place but unfortunately, it was a major disappointment. The brussel sprouts were awful but the mac & cheese was okay.

Review №18

2022-09-24 10:04:00

Quick meet up for dinner. The place closed are 9pm, we got there at 730pm which was just enough time. The food was fresh and quick. Our server Camryn was very efficient and fast. She had the sweetest personality. Just warm and inviting, very willing to help and make sure we had all that we needed. This is definitely a spot for a birthday celebration, or one for a date night. Its open and for it to be a Friday it wasnt too crowded.The food was really good. The Brisket Sliders were portioned with the right amount of Brisket. It came with coleslaw on the sandwich. The Pick 2, you have your choice of meats and 2 sides. The overall experience was good. I would recommend this restaurant, and I will be going back.

Review №19

2022-12-25 21:18:20

OMG ordered the Thanksgiving half Turkey meal to go. I thought by the time I got home it would be cold or need reheat. It did not. It was amazingly delicious. The Smokey flavor was amazing. The staff did an amazing job with pick up. They were busy, but was professional and friendly. I will definitely eat here and order from them again. I REALLY hope they offer it for Christmas also*Back again, had the same meal for Christmas, and it was just as delicious as it was Thanksgiving. Also tried the BBQ Ribs, smoked chicken, and lean cut of brisket, did not disappoint.

Review №20

2024-02-11 17:20:23

The best Texas BBQ this side of Texas!The brisket is amazing. So are the ribs.In fact, everything is amazing!

Review №21

2024-04-02 02:00:48

Amazing BBQ in La Mesa! Fun interior and friendly staff too. Definitely recommend

Review №22

2024-05-12 22:21:58

Food was fantastic! We had a variety of sides and brisket/pulled pork. The meat was tender and the sides were great! Mac and cheese was super creamy and cheesy. Our waitress ying ying went above and beyond to make our experience great - we had a bunch of gifts and flowers for Mother’s Day, and she helped set up a table to hold everything

Review №23

2023-08-20 23:28:25

Neat little place near the entrance to Lake Murray. They have an outdoor patio and indoor seating. Groovy decor based on Smokey and the Bandit movie. They have it playing on the TV. Smoked brisket is outstanding. You can get it plain or in a variety of ways, such as nachos or mac and cheese. Had the loaded brisket nachos this time. Wasnt the best, they use canned cheese. Brisket was great. Should have had the brisket tacos. It was Taco Tuesday. Waitress was attentive and friendly. If you go, try the brisket.

Review №24

2023-10-12 05:40:27

First time here and it didnt disappoint, we ended up trying their burgers and they were delicious . The atmosphere is laid back and the servers were attentive, definitely well return to try BBQ.

Review №25

2022-09-24 18:36:58

Great atmosphere and wonderful service staff.Upon arrival we were a bit confused as to whether we were supposed to place an order and then sit down, wait to be seated, or be seated by staff. We awkwardly wandered around until a server approached us.There are many options on the menu. Descriptions made all sound good. Our table ordered a variety of foods so we could test many plates. The favorite dishes were the BBQ Chicken Pizza, Cowboy Caviar, Brussel Sprouts, Mashed Potatoes and Macaroni and Cheese. We tried the beef and pork, and while it was very tender, it was not very flavorful. The Wedge Salad was a terrible disappointment. The lettuce head was small and did not look fresh with the inner core browning and wilted looking. It was sent back.Overall we enjoyed the meal and will try it again.

Review №26

2023-07-14 13:46:31

Great atmosphere, fast & friendly service (Yaaay Nicky), handicap accessible and outdoor seating too so pets are ok 🐕. Always love the Brisket (so tender) and Pulled Pork. My friend had the whole chicken & said it was fabulous. Ice cold beer & a good selection. The only thing I didnt care for on a previous visit was the plain bread 🍞 included with the meal, couldve used some toasted with butter & garlic instead 😉.

Review №27

2023-02-10 15:21:49

A fun place to go for adults and kids at all ages. All guests looked happy and smiling.They play great music and have well thought out accoustics, the music is perfect it doesnt interfere with conversations or echo. This restaurant has a 100% comfortable atmosphere, roomy and spaced perfectly.Fun vintage old cars, motorcycles, displayed engine parts, tool box wall/ cabinets, comfortable back seats built into seat booths.I had never been a brisket fan, but tried their specialty and was pleasantly surprised! It was perfectly cooked, moist, and tasty!The sauces great tasting too.The meatloaf is really amazing, I had a bite, and I highly recommeded it! I think I will get that next time.Side dishes great tasting and an ample amount.For fun, I asked if they knew the name of their lumberjack truck-driver in their parking lot displayed-truck... (see photo)...no one knew his name. I said Id call him Bob. Two waitresses humored me and played along.***I believe the restaurant is named after him, and his name is Smokey, he is even smoking. LOL*****Lots of fun, I definitely will eat here again!

Review №28

2022-07-05 05:39:33

Nice venue, nice people,good selection of on tap beers. Not quite the bbq I was used to in Texas, but what is? The brisket was a bit loose and soggy for my taste, but that may have been a one off. We will try again so other time.

Review №29

2024-03-27 18:01:12

Checked out Smokey & The Brisket recently and Im impressed! Their beer selection is top-notch, with some great craft options that pair perfectly with the BBQ. Speaking of which, the BBQ itself is some of the best Ive had - smoky, flavorful, and cooked just right. Its the kind of place that makes you plan your next visit before youve even left. Cant wait to go back!

Review №30

2024-06-14 14:05:50

I can verify those saying the food wasnt warm. The brisket we ordered was very sub par. Weve been spoiled with BBQ, living in Austin, TX for a year, but the brisket here was the worst Ive ever had.Theres also a random fee for using a credit card which is tacky and sus in 2024 as its not like were buying a pack of gum.Our waitress was really nice and the mac and cheese appetizer was good (but also not very warm), but were not rushing back which is a bummer because we live nearby and like supporting local spots.

Review №31

2024-01-22 03:19:44

The brisket here is unbelievable. I was in the area at lunchtime and stopped by for takeout. This was at noontime on a Sunday. A friendly waitress approached me and offered to take my order. I ordered a 1/2 pound brisket, coleslaw and beans. Took it home, we had it for lunch and dinner that day. Wow that is some tender, smokey, juicy, and delicious meat. Does not need any sauce. The sauce, on the side was very good but too spicy for me. Try the meat first without the sauce. The beans were excellent. The coleslaw was on the mediocre side. If you have not been here, go and enjoy some excellent BBQ.

Review №32

2023-06-11 05:21:06

The jalapeno cornbread is a must try comes with sweet honey butter. BBQ sauce was delicious. Had a salad and bbq sandwich..

Review №33

2024-06-10 21:59:25

Monday afternoon not busy. Food arrived good and hot. Bread pudding served warm with ice cream. Try their 2 choice combo with choice of meats and 2 sides. Service was great.

Review №34

2024-02-24 18:18:59

Salad dressings are gross and sometimes old.They also only offer 2 types of bbq sauce which are both spicy so my kids had to eat their pulled pork with ketchup bc the meat is dry. It’s conveniently located though and has a good atmosphere for kids. My husband likes their burgers and though dry my kids liked the food too.Might bring my own condiments next time 😆

Review №35

2023-10-08 01:01:07

My wifes coworker recommended this place .. She picked up to take home . And Wow, Generous portions and incredible Flavorble Brisket, So tender and tasty / with mashed potatoes and sauce and pickles . And a very Great price .. Dont know how you can do this California. Kudos !! The pic is only half of the portion .

Review №36

2024-05-13 06:06:24

The food was mediocre. The service was the worst I have experienced in a while. Our waitress didnt refill our drinks at all the whole time we were there. When we got our bill we paid with cash and when the waitress brought back the change it was short $10. We told her the change was short and she started to argue with us that we were wrong. She pulled out her calculator to prove she was right and finally realized she was the wrong one. Not sure if she was trying to pull a fast one or it was an actual mistake but either was it was very unprofessional. Will not be going here again.

Review №37

2024-01-19 03:46:42

Fair prices. The hamburger was a good size. The pulled pork sandwich was just average. The BBQ sauce didnt have much flavor (didnt try the habenero BBQ sauce) the coleslaw was tasteless. Fun casual atmosphere and really friendly, caring wait staff.

Review №38

2024-06-25 00:46:24

This has been the spot I ride my e-bike to for happy hour. My wife and I have cruised here many times and I like the atmosphere and the food is good.

Review №39

2023-12-17 01:29:27

Ordered take out and they forgot to add the pork to my salad! Check your items before you leave so your order is right. You had one job, lol.

Review №40

2021-05-21 02:26:45

Got to do inside dining and enjoyed the experience. The food was tasty. Hope they maybe add more things to the menu in the future to increase the options. Not a complaint just eager to try more things. Staff is friendly. Looking forward to go back and take in a padre game at the bar.

Review №41

2024-03-31 22:16:01

Worest place to go. Took 4 adults and 2 kids for a b-day dinner. Was told I had to sit outside because they didnt let kids inside the restaurant. Told the waitress 3 times I didnt see that on there website about the kids inside. Once they fix my table outside I keep seeing other familys dine in with there kids. Until another waitress came to take order for drinks and I told her no kids aloud when I just saw 3 different familys go in with kids. She apologized and moved me inside. Once we order the food, the food came out cold and the wings were still raw. I asked for the bill and had to wait a good 40min until finally got my bill, to realize I was being charged for my table and someone else table. First and last time I go to this place. Check your bill before paying to make sure its yours. Worest service !!

Review №42

2024-03-06 04:13:59

Chose this place for SD restaurant week...I dont think they were prepared as they didnt have many items available (spare ribs. Bread pudding etc). Food was okay and took almost 20 minutes to get water. Little over priced but cool atmosphere! Oh, by the way, park down the street as you wont find any parking

Review №43

2024-06-13 03:08:49

I’m not trying to be rude.. but this place is terrible. The service was terriblez waitress came to our table one time.. I had to get up and ask for a check.The food was terrible. The ribs were burnt, the tritip was bland, the macaroni and cheese was velveta/melted American cheese, the bbq sauce tasted like tomato sauce with a ton of pepper and the sweet tea tasted like it was sweetened with hazelnut coffee syrup and honey. SAVE your MONEY.

Review №44

2022-06-28 15:39:14

Stumbled upon something I wasnt expecting... Bomb pizza at a BBQ restaurant? Yup, one of my favorite pizzas in town.Burnt ends Mac & Cowboy Caviar also pictured... not pictured, pulled pork & brisket, both fantastic! Some of the best brisket Ive ever had.Kids loved the game room in the back (pool table, Foosball, arcade games, ect).... surprised this place doesnt have a line out the door constantly

Review №45

2022-08-29 00:49:18

I’ve been wanting to go her FOREVER but it’s always hard to go to a bbq place with a vegetarian gf! But I just had this place and WOW! The staff is super friendly. The food is amazing! I had the spicy chicken sandwich and I’m blown away! I also love the project motorcycle/Americana look. Maybe the owner can give me some pointers on my brat style project bike I’m trying to fix up! 😂 10/10 will come back again

Review №46

2024-04-14 02:53:42

Had the brisket...spoiler alert...its in the name! Delicious. Server cut the sandwich for sharing and brought two plates...nice!

Review №47

2023-06-14 18:40:48

Absolute gem! The food was amazing, unlike regular bbq joints. You get massive portions. Staff were friendly, prompt and helpful. Go for the grilled cheese!

Review №48

2024-06-18 02:22:52

This place always has delicious food. I love the prime Brisket and my boyfriend always gets burnt end mac and cheese. Service os really fast and friendly

Review №49

2024-02-12 20:14:25

Came in to watch the big game. Had a pepperoni and jalapeño pizza, it was perfectly accompanied by one of the best Cesar salads Ive ever had. Full leaf and slightly grilled romaine lettuce was top notch. Great neighborhood bar with a large menu.

Review №50

2023-04-18 19:11:02

I’ve eaten at many different BBQ restaurants in San Diego, and have found that Smokey and the Brisket has been the very best one! From the cleanliness, customer service, and my personal favorite the food! Very speedy service along with many amazing vintage decorations that allows the customers to walk down memory lane. Overall 10/10 for me.

Review №51

2021-05-05 03:08:10

Went here right around 11:30am. We had the best customer service, and the food to match it. The brisket plate was amazing, and came with 4 slices of brisket and a couple of white bread on the side. The chicken was half a chicken, and came with a side of mashed potatoes and coleslaw. We ordered an extra side of mashed and some mac&cheese, and the food was phenomenal. Probably the best smoked brisket Ive ever had in my life.

Review №52

2024-04-01 03:06:03

Ordered a Gorgonzola to go and the food was out quickly but… there’s 4 pieces of bacon on here. Word.

Review №53

2022-06-11 03:00:05

Party of four. Four different entrees. Ribs, pulled chicken, pulled pork, flatbread. Good size portions. Brussels Sprouts were fantastic. Fun atmosphere and funky decor. Eight thumbs up!

Review №54

2021-06-09 21:47:52

Pretty darn tasty bbq! Great beer selection. Yummy sides like the burnt carrots and cauliflower...lots of room on a Friday night.Was a little pricey, but dishes are definitely easy to share... And who doesnt love Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson murals! Would come back if I was in the area!

Review №55

2024-03-01 01:30:48

They have pizza! Their burnt brisket ends with jalapeño Mac & cheese is on another level.

Review №56

2024-03-14 04:18:45

Overpriced, mediocre food. Poor, very slow service when you get any service. 25 minutes just to get 3 waters and Soda. Never saw our server other than the initial order. Had to go up to the bar to get water refills. Food coming out of the kitchen in no order; tables that were seated and orders placed after our party were getting food before us, 45 minutes to get any food. Had to go track down another server just to get our check. Overall impression, very disappointing.

Review №57

2021-07-27 21:09:39

Great customer service, great food, and great atmosphere! The sauces matched the pulled pork extremely well. My buddys salmon sandwich was truly good, too! Definitely recommend.

Review №58

2022-04-16 19:15:57

Absolutely divine! We ordered the feast for 4-6 people and holy smokes! The brisket is melt in your mouth delicious, the pulled pork and chicken are tender and juicy, and the sausage is amazing as well. Definitely worth the price and we cant wait to eat here again! Thank you! The house made bbq sauce is the best!

Review №59

2023-12-29 01:32:37

I like this place. The service can sometimes get a little scattered but its a big place and all kinds of stuff is going on. Its best to get there early, and I mean really early, because most of their popular items will sell out. I like that they have some pinball machines and that its a nice big open place. The food is phenomenal.

Review №60

2024-01-14 23:24:08

Great place. Good was excellent.Service was nice and attentive, food was a little slow to come out. Another table seated after us got theirs first.But it did seem like they were a little short staffed.Overall great place.

Review №61

2023-02-26 23:23:36

This place is awesome. The atmosphere is quirky and fun- filled to the brim with classic car bits and bobs, but not cluttered or kitschy. Every detail of this place is thoughtful and cheerful.However, you want to know about the food, dont ya? Its INSANE. We got the prime brisket and the burnt ends flatbread. The brisket was fatty, but not greasy, with the most delightful Mac and cheese and fluffy white bread. The flatbread was a sinful balance of smoky burnt ends, sharp cheese, and peppery arugula plopped into a mind-altering onion jam on crispy flatbread.Go for the cute decor, stay for the food. Cry tears of joy. If you like barbecue, this is a must try spot.

Review №62

2024-02-17 03:19:54

The four of us haven’t been here since a full bar opened last summer. Bartender Mikey gave us excellent service. We never had to ask for anything extra or refills. Great vibe on a Friday night, we have missed this place.

Review №63

2023-11-25 03:58:52

Nicki was awesome! She was so helpful and great overall. Food was delicious and came out quickly.

Review №64

2021-01-11 03:47:25

Wanted to try this new spot in the neighborhood. Ordered several different items to get a good sampling. Brisket: Delicious (with or without sauce) but I agree with other reviews that the portion is not enough to eat as a stand-alone meal. Pulled pork: really moist and flavorful and pairs well with all the sauces. Smoked sausage flat bread: delicious toppings but the dough was a bit chewy. I would re-try this when I could eat at the restaurant. Unexpected stars: brussels sprouts and burnt carrot and cauliflower sides. These were exceptional and generous portions. Finally, the mashed potatoes were creamy and tasty, but the portion was disappointing. If you find yourself heading to Lake Murray, this place is worth grabbing a bite. Cant wait to grab a drink once we get back to normal.

Review №65

2021-12-20 02:42:48

I had my husband 50th birthday party December 18,2021. It was perfect! Price was great. Food and set up were excellent and the follow up was awesome from Elana. Our server for the night was terrific too. Thank you Smokey and The Brisket!!!

Review №66

2024-04-06 18:02:27

Another great BBQ joint. I grabbed the Mac & Cheese with Brisket Chunks & Jalepenos. It was really good and especially if you add thier habernero bbq sauce which to me is not that hot just hot enough. Man its delicious!!

Review №67

2021-01-28 19:01:27

These place is legit... great customer service!! They were all following Covid protocols so that was reassuring that this people know what they are doing. The quality of food is awesome and fresh!! I took the crew meal for 4 to 6 people to our friends house and everyone loved the food, especially the kids love the mac and cheese, the chicken and brisket!! We were 3 adults and 3 kids and we still have food left. All the meats had a nice smoked not over powering flavor, a nice bark on the seasoning and the sides tasted fresh made! I would definitely be back to try some of their sandwiches and we will definitely get it for friends and family get togethers!!

Review №68

2023-12-09 18:09:37

Their Brisket sandwich is the best Ive had just about anywhere.. Food is consistently good, and the serving size wont leave you hungry. The waitresses are efficient and attentive. Interesting retro garage decor.

Review №69

2024-04-27 14:22:57

Great service. Food is amazing. Just got the macaroni and burnt ends to die for. It all melts in your mouth.

Review №70

2022-02-20 04:25:07

The prices are way too high for a place you’re eating on paper plates with cheap plastic cutlery. The food was average, we liked the brisket, pulled pork, and coleslaw. We really disliked (would go so far as to say we Hated) the chicken. The staff was friendly. They do not have a full bar, only beer and wine. We were looking forward to trying this place, but overall, a disappointing trip.

Review №71

2023-10-15 02:15:42

We love the staff. All very friendly and welcoming. A great menu food and drink. Even Italian styled pizza. Dog Friendly and we can vouch for that.

Review №72

2023-07-23 03:47:27

Ordered 2 burgers.Both buns were hard and my medium rare burger was well done. Fries & rings were good. Good service too.

Review №73

2024-01-04 00:09:26

Great service good food would recommend & come again!

Review №74

2024-06-14 02:57:04

Katelyn was great. Chicken sandwich was great. Corn was a little spicy today but still good

Review №75

2021-03-01 03:27:38

First time here and we loved it! Tried the pulled chicken sandwich and the loaded fries. Yummy food, friendly staff and great atmosphere. Cant wait to go back and try more items!!

Review №76

2022-01-17 08:08:59

Wow! Incredible, delicious, authentic, pure ingredients. Nothing is processed or fake. Huge portions, outstanding taste. FAST! Worth the price.

Review №77

2021-11-06 04:41:31

Great local BBQ spot in La Mesa. Food is great and the brisket could be cut with a plastic fork. Definitely go give them a try.

Review №78

2021-03-14 02:42:06

This place is new but awesome bbq spot in San Diego. Located in La mesa. The BBQ is in my top 5 in San Diego. And that hard to do because theres some good ones. This platter says it all!

Review №79

2023-12-01 23:20:22

Brisket was extremely dry and flavorless for $20. You only get 3 thin slices for the claimed half a pound. Fries tasted like French fries should but for $7 definitely not worth it. Would not recommend or eat here again. Dickeys fast food chain has better bbq.

Review №80

2024-05-11 03:10:22

I love the play off of Smokey and the Bandit. The food was really good, the staff pleasant. Would highly recommend.

Review №81

2024-05-28 13:51:43

Very amazing BBQ, been several times and it’s always delicious. Will always keep coming back here.

Review №82

2024-02-04 23:02:23

Horrible service! Girls working are so preoccupied and dont look past their nose when you pick up food there! Literally waited over 10 mins with the bag I was picking up infront of me that they swore wasnt my order which it was, GET A Clue!!!!

Review №83

2023-05-09 15:51:47

We brought a party of 40+ people on a Saturday night at 7:15 (made the reservation early in the week). Got a little nervous upon arrival because the restaurant was full, but I could not have been more impressed with the staff. Just a waitress (wish I got her name) and her helper. They were awesome! Food came quick. They were able to do separate tabs per family which was so nice because it was a middle school flag football team. Food was great! Will definitely be back. Loved the back room attached to the bar and the game room. Was perfect for a group of middle school girls and siblings. Thank you, Smokey and the Brisket!

Review №84

2023-12-16 03:57:32

Listen, I don’t leave reviews. When I tell you that this establishment has THE BEST Mac n Cheese on this planet it’s an understatement. It’s better than moms, grandmas, thanksgiving. I will return and ask for a bucket of Mac n cheese.

Review №85

2021-01-25 17:24:13

Delicious perfectly spiced and cooked tender brisket. Also ordered a side of Brussel sprouts and bacon which was a great addition. Not a fan of the loaded fries, but the pulled pork was delicious!

Review №86

2021-05-04 21:16:59

The food is good. But one of the girls behind the counter is rude. I can’t have fry’s and I’ve been here several times in the past and they change out the frys for Mac and cheese for a small up charge. Today she wouldn’t do it and when I said I could have frys she charged me the same. So I paid $22 for a pulled pork sandwich and Mac (no frys no drink). My roommate got the sandwich with frys and paid $14. Look at the pic. What I got for almost double the price of what he got. RIP OFF! I’ll go to Phil’s from now on. This place is close to my house but expensive and rude staff. To many good places around town. They need to be nicer to their customers.

Review №87

2023-03-10 03:38:18

I love this place. The brisket sandwish is one of my favorite item with onion rings from the menu. Best onion rings ever, very nice and always crispy and not greasy at all. The food was in our table very fast and that was great because i was so hungry. The service was awesome since we get in the door our waitress Yin Yin was taking care of us so great. Always asked us if we needed something and she had a great personality and happy to serve us. I highly recommend. Best smokey brisket in San Diego.

Review №88

2023-09-22 06:03:44

Checked out Smokey and the brisket in Lake Murray this week.I love a good smoked brisket. Well, this place did not disappoint. The brisket was juicy and tender and cooked to perfection.The barbecue sauce was definitely a great addition. The Perfect Blend of sweet and tangy. I preferred to use a habanero barbecue as I like my food spicy.We also had the pulled pork, but that was just normal pulled pork, nothing extraordinaire about it.For our sides, we ordered the mac and cheese (had a sweet taste and was perfectly creamy) and the corn (my favorite) which was a type of Mexican street corn with epazote, mayo, cream, and cheese.The decor was aesthetically pleasing. Taken out of Smokey and the Bandit with comfortable seats, plenty of space, and even an arcade in the back.Our server was super attentive and polite.I will definitely come back for my smoke brisket fix.

Review №89

2023-06-19 00:45:50

YUM! We went in for lunch on Fathers Day and enjoyed it so much. I had the pork slider trio and they were delicious! My boyfriend had the pork bbq ribs, and said they were amazing!! The house bbq sauce was so tasty. The decor is great. The server was good. A great find. We will definitely be back!!

Review №90

2024-06-20 02:03:12

Great food and atmosphere. Awesome service - special shout out to Yingying 🙏🏼

Review №91

2023-08-31 23:39:47

The staff was great and the decor is cool. Had the smoked chicken and it was very dry.

Review №92

2023-01-19 01:24:33

I was visiting family and I wanted something delicious. This was the perfect location for what I had a taste for. When walking in you are greeted by the smell of smoked perfection. The look has a vintage feel yet with a modern spin. Very inviting!!!!The staff went out of there way to ensure all questions were answered and I had a question about a side she brought me a sample. I ordered the 2 meat BBQ Plate that comes with 2 sides, I got an extra side because I could not decide. I was stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey 🦃. The portions could easily feed 2 people and even a small child. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!

Review №93

2024-04-13 01:20:59

The indoor/ outdoor bar upgrade is awesome!!The expanded menu has been needed.The BBQ has Always been FIRE!!!!!

Review №94

2023-10-07 23:04:49

We live up north, but my son and I stopped in after his water polo game. The food was outstanding and our server Ying Ying was great. I’d love it if they had a location around my hood. Alas, this will have to be our treat when we are in the area. I fully recommend stopping in. There Brisket was note worthy.

Review №95

2023-10-29 04:33:55

Second time we havent gotten any utensils or napkins without pick up order and the last time we dined in we definitely didnt expect them, a brisket joint with the word brisket in the name, to be out of brisket on a Friday night 3 hours before closing. Good food but if you dont like hit or miss be sure to communicate well and/or call ahead.

Review №96

2021-10-09 22:35:08

Delicious... I love the bbq sauce, meat was fall off the bone tender and juicy, the hamburger was super flavorful, even the fries were stand alone good perfectly paired with the ranch ❤

Review №97

2023-10-08 02:24:36

Our brisket pick 2 platter was awesome. The Mac and cheese and cowboy caviar was super tasty. Thank you Nicki for great service tonight. The band Just Us rocked the house !!! We will be back

Review №98

2021-06-19 19:49:50

Great BBQ. I got the beef ribs, great size, super tender, juicy. Dont need to go out to Grand Ole BBQ anymore. also had pork ribs, sausages, brisket, chicken, mac n cheese, coleslaw, and beans. All phenomenal. Definitely going back.

Review №99

2023-09-14 02:05:40

I met more business owners who may be of service to my Medicare clients at a La Mesa Chamber of Commerce event. My first time here. The pork sliders are excellent. Will definitely come back.

Review №100

2021-10-17 16:39:13

This place has amazing food, you get a lot for your money here. Meat was fantastic.

Review №101

2024-03-27 21:19:53

Will definitely be coming back. I had the pulled pork bbq sandwich with fries. So good.

Review №102

2024-05-06 22:33:14

The service is awesome & food is delicious.

Review №103

2021-08-23 02:21:33

Brisket was good. My order definitely needed some sauce. A little on the dry side but flavorful.

Review №104

2024-03-12 07:22:01

I like west coast better because at Smokey and the brisket bbq, the food is inconsistent sometimes good other times great and sometimes just ok

Review №105

2023-07-05 07:26:22

Some of the worst barbecue I have ever tasted. Decided to finally try this place and it made me sick. Also when I got home there was some weird plastic bone sticking out of the meat and the macoroni & cheese had no taste and tasted like plastic. Dont go here unless you want to be left feeling sick afterwards. Some of the meat also seemed pretty undercooked. Dont waste your time or money here. They are also very expensive for the very low quality of food.

Review №106

2023-10-26 21:22:36

This was my first time there and I gave it 3 stars because when I ordered to go I told the waitress dinner was for my wife and myself she suggested I get2 item plate which would be plentyAnd for $30. I got a wing and a thigh and about 6 slices of kabascal sausage...... When I got home I had to go to the neighborhood Mexican restaurant so I could have dinner.. Just a heads up. $$$$...

Review №107

2023-01-29 12:33:52

Went in for the first time and overall it wasn’t Terrible but could use some tweaks.Prices were too high but with that said:-Brisket was good (B-)-BBQ Beans(C+)-Mac N Cheese (D) needs better cheese sauce and I’m thinking a beer cheese option.-French fries (A)-Soda was in a bottle so no refills(D)-BBQ sauce options were good I like the habanero BBQ sauce (B).-Pulled Chicken Sandwich has a strange seasoning that threw off the taste of the chicken “ it wasn’t for us” (C-) small portion also.-bread pudding(B-) lost some points because we aren’t a fan of raisins but still good. Has ice cream and caramel on top.Notes:-They have a pretty cool small arcade with a billiards table which is nice for parents as well.-They left the big window door open so it was pretty cold.-The Pizza did look really good when another table ordered it so I’d definitely give that a try next time.

Review №108

2023-07-27 03:26:14

Food is okay. Not a fan of the ribs. The brisket was good. Chicken was kinda dry

Review №109

2023-12-17 07:06:15

Fantastic family oriented place with wonderful server and bartender staff! Food was excellent and served promptly. I will take my family back here again.

Review №110

2023-08-05 17:19:53

The atmosphere is neat and the service is definitely top tier. However, the food was just not…worth the price. The brisket was so dry, I had to keep putting the very liquidy bbq sauce on. The ribs were the same, extremely dry. I didn’t even finish the meat and focused on the sides more. The bbq house sauce and habanero sauce were like a water consistency with very little flavor. The mashed potatoes and fried mac n cheese balls were okay but that’s about it. We were going to get dessert but with the lackluster and blandness of the overall meal, we skipped it. Definitely not worth their overpriced prices.

Review №111

2023-04-19 16:02:29

One of the worst experiences ever. My wife and I dined and arrived around an 1:45 minutes prior to closing. We did not receive our until the last 25 minutes before closing. They did not seem busy out of the norm but what do I know what the norm is. The waitress kept coming to our table apologizing and the last 45 minutes she comes back and tells me they are saying they might be out of the spare ribs I ordered, but she will keep checking. I could see her and the lady at the front counter exchanging words. She avoided us until she brought our food. When I received the ribs it was like they gave me something that was sitting there all day. I asked when the ribs were prepared she said some time today. They were super dry and tough to chew for ribs. She didn’t hesitate to take them off my bill and she did offer to replace it with something but told me it would be a while and they were closing in about 15 minutes. Funny thing is she said she would have to charge me also to replace. I was like ok I don’t expect anything but the only solution after sitting there waiting was to take the ribs off my bill. Never going there again and don’t recommend based off that experience.Update*** 4/19/2023Someone responded to my review and asked me to email the managers team. I did what was asked and after over a week no response. This shows that they dont care about the reviews.

Review №112

2024-02-26 01:00:02

Great quality food, especially the brisket. Good value for the portion sizes too!

Review №113

2024-06-19 18:05:19

The food is amazing. It was a little expensive but worth it!

Review №114

2023-09-24 17:08:14

I ordered $100 worth of food thru DoorDash from this restaurant. My first time. The brisket was good and the mashed potatoes and coleslaw. Cornbread full of jalapeños so my husband could not eat that. I am giving this 3 stars because we ordered a whole Alabama chicken and nit was dry and the sausage and it was dry BECAUSE whoever put our order together didnt include any BBQ sauce. You are asked as you fill out the order online what sauce you want and I put the house regular sauce three times for each order and we got zero sauce. I called the restaurant and a girl whose accent was so strong I could barely understand her blamed Door Dash and said they should have gotten the sauce. No, the order was in a bag stapled with a receipt and Door Dash brought what was in the bag. Whoever assembled the bag should have put the sauce in. I hate excuses for what should have been a given. Meanwhile, the girl said we can come in and get the sauce for free. We ordered Door Dash so that we didnt have to drive over there. The dry chicken and sausage sits in our refrigerator un eaten. $26 for the chicken and $16 sausage down the drain.

Review №115

2023-10-07 19:36:40

I suggest calling to make sure theres no event going on first. Went to have a nice lunch with my family turned into a nightmare. I have a child with autism we went before it was nice. This time there was a baby shower where the party was rude standing all in the dining room instead of in the party room. They were yelling then some man not paying attention backed into our table and almost elbowed my son in the head for a picture of the pregnant lady. Maybe tell party guest to stay in the party room. Add on dried gross colored lime in the Moscow mule the mint was wilting. So payed 70$ to not be able to talk to my family and enjoy lunch because everyone standing by our table yelling.

Review №116

2023-05-20 04:06:41

My first night here the other night, excellent food and service, was acknowledged when food was ready, full nine yards. Figured I’d come back tonight just two nights later (pork spares), same time of evening, lesser crowd, same waitress, same tip… waited double the time, wasn’t acknowledged at all, so figured I’d politely ask what is up only to see my foods been sitting on the counter. No sweat right? Exactly, no sweat, cold ribs. Lil bummed cause I bust my bum all day and was excited to drive allllllll the way out to my new favorite spot to get yesterdays (what seemed like) ribs. Absolutely no heat.Least the beans and cornbread were Luke warm.Not the worst food experience so I’ll definitely be coming by another time or two. Just hope it’s as good as the first time and better than my second. Thanks.

Review №117

2024-01-20 05:45:18

Brisket melts in your mouth. Habanero BBQ sauce is amazing. Love the retro arcades in the back.

Review №118

2023-03-04 18:09:53

Went to lunch last Sunday morning, the portions were small and all fat. You had to lift the bun to see the brisket. The service was great, the cowboy caviar was good- but the brisket, ribs and brisket sandwich were awful.Then my kid got sick after half of her burger.Really disappointed- we looked forward to a good BBQ spot.

Review №119

2023-07-16 04:32:05

Just wasnt very good. Quite below average.Pretty bland.Macaroni was terrible, basically out of a box.Brisket was cold.Everything but the french fries tasted like it came out of a microwave.They have kombucha but no bourbon or whiskey.If youve never had BBQ anywhere else, I guess you might enjoy this.This clearly isnt BBQ made by people who specialize in BBQ.But if thats not your thing or it doesnt matter to you, then enjoy.

Review №120

2021-03-13 20:35:05

Ordered prime brisket and half was fat. Meat had hardly any flavor. Had more of a greasy flavor. Wife had pulled pork and the same. I will not come back. Now I really miss lake Murray cafe

Review №121

2024-01-26 06:42:04

Service was great. Food was really good. The French fries were a favorite.

Review №122

2024-02-18 00:47:16

We had the wings, pulled pork tacos, Mac & cheese with pulled pork and the pulled pork bbq sandwich. All of it was delicious!

Review №123

2021-04-24 18:02:17

I really enjoyed the brisket, pulled pork, and sausage I had for lunch recently. My daughter really enjoyed her hamburger.

Review №124

2023-10-02 22:03:46

Meh. I get that San Diego isnt known as a BBQ town and I didnt try too much on the menu. What I did try was just okay.Great atmosphere though. Cool wall art and an arcade. Id go back to drink

Review №125

2023-04-13 03:02:29

The food to be honest sucked. The brisket was basiclly mush, the Mac and cheese seems like pasta with some melted velveta on it. Chicken was undercooked and service was not that great either. They charged us $3 extra for a side of sauce that took almost 10 minutes to get to the table and we had to ask the waitress 3 times about it and never said anything about it being an extra charge. Brought us the wrong beer from what had been ordered and after bringing all this up to the waitress she said oh well I can comp the cheese sauce. Definetly do not recommend this place.

Review №126

2023-04-09 01:20:58

Came last week, the ribs and chicken were cold, not warm, COLD. Sent it back to be heated and it STILL came lukewarm not hot. The waitress with the tattoos never asked if it was ok, in fact she never came back at all, we had to go up and ask someone for our check.The cold mac n cheese that tasted like velveeta and noodles and nothing else.The bbq flatbread would have been good had there not been a ton of Dijon mustard dumped all over it.If you’re looking for yummy bbq or good service, this isn’t the place. I physically felt sick after eating here like I had a twinge of food poisoning, probably because the meat all sits out getting cold before it’s served…

Review №127

2021-10-13 21:20:13

Everything was ready good. They have beer on tap. Parking is a little hard since the parking isnt that large. Definitely check this place out!

Review №128

2024-07-01 05:33:29

Awsome place to visit and eat, great service and atmosphere

Review №129

2023-10-16 06:00:00

Nicole is amazing! Great attention to detail, always seems to be doing 100 things at once, but always with a positive attitude and wonderful service 😀 Cant wait to come back again for another one of their smokey margaritas!

Review №130

2023-12-09 02:36:19

Would have liked to eat there but Sarah the hostess did everything she could to talk us into going somewhere else. Glad you are busy but you should still try to welcome customers.

Review №131

2023-10-27 01:29:50

My family brought me for my birthday. Id driven by many times and was I has said many times I would like to check it out. My only regret was it took this long to stop. The food and service was GREAT 👍

Review №132

2023-03-31 19:32:21

Everything about this place was phenomenal. Cleanliness, friendly, and all around an amazing environment. Im from Texas and the music they played made me feel right at home. I definitely recommend this place, the food is amazing you can tell it has been slow cooked. Chefs kiss!

Review №133

2022-10-18 23:43:23

Weve had super great service each time we go, even when its busy. The food comes out quick and is consistently solid. The desserts we tried so far arent that exciting, but thats the only negative. This is quickly becoming one of the regular places we dine at.

Review №134

2021-01-27 15:47:07

Loved it! My boyfriend ordered tons of food the other night and we were impressed. All the sides were delicious and full of flavor. And the meat was super tender! Considering it was take out only, I think this spot is doing pretty well. We live in the area so I watched the location transform over the year from the diner to Smokey, but after getting a closer look when we picked up the food, it is really neat inside! We’ll definitely dine in someday :)

Review №135

2021-12-06 18:38:55

This is a cool place with a lot invested in the restaurant design. The truck bar is super cool. The staff was very friendly, and helpful. The food was bland though. Not much smoke flavor, and the Dino Rib was more stewed than bbq. The Brisket Mac I ordered to go was glorious two days later!It is a lot of work, but not responding to reviews sends a bad signal.

Review №136

2022-01-19 15:19:53

Food is phenomenal and priced extremely reasonable and service is outstanding! Really homely feel! You order and pay at the front so you dont have to wait an hour for a check. They will bring you your food super fast and they will bend over backwards to make sure your comfortable. If you need extra items or to go boxes, they have a special booth available if you want to grab it and go instead of having to wait after your meal like most restaurants. Great music selection, pet friendly, and people friendly!

Review №137

2024-02-27 17:40:19

The meat was dry the sides dishes were okay nothing to write home about but the beer was good that was the only thing good

Review №138

2023-09-05 22:52:10

Love their mashed potatoes and pulled pork - though I cant say Ive had any bad meals here. Tons of options for family and kids and the service has always been quick and friendly for me

Review №139

2023-05-08 22:27:04

This place was excellent. We came in with a large party of 40 people and everyone wanted their own checks. They handled us perfectly. Food came out quick and it was delicious. I was very impressed with their service and food. Great place to bring the family.

Review №140

2021-11-21 03:06:17

Staff was kind and friendly, the atmosphere was unique not what I would say screams southern BBQ but it was nice. The food looked promising but if you’re from Texas or the South I wouldn’t get your hopes up. The brisket showed a smoke ring of some sort but only on one side and looked over cooked, and the bark didn’t make the cut even with the remaining fat. The ribs were a good portion for the half rack but fell short on seasoning and flavor. The pulled pork I was able to taste the smoke but that was about it, it seemed a bit dry and lacked seasoning. The pricing was about average for BBQ. Overall it wasn’t bad for California standards of BBQ, just didn’t hit the mark for what it should be.Also… The Texas flag used as decor would give some the impression this is Texas BBQ, that is not the case. This place measures up no where close to authentic Texas BBQ and I feel that’s just a selling point for the restaurant and is truly misleading.

Review №141

2022-04-16 00:58:39

Second time eating here. 1st time I ordered the pulled pork sandwich. It was dry. Much better at other places (coops, grand ole BBQ). I mentioned it to the server and he said, add some sauce! 2nd time ordered the Belly Bacon burger. Asked for medium. Got the burger and it was cooked well done. We were with my 4 year old who was fading so we ate it but had to drench it in BBQ sauce. I did mention it to the server and he offered a new burger but we’d already been waiting a while, so no time to wait for a new one (and two occurrences of dry meats, I had lost faith that anything would be better ). I usually have a 3 strike system but I think two in a row fails is enough. I won’t be back. I have 3 stars because they allow dogs and I had my dog with me right after we walked walked Lake Murray.

Review №142

2023-11-14 06:40:45

My husband loves this place, the food is great and I love the theme of the restaurant.

Review №143

2021-12-17 02:45:29

I was on my way home from work and heard this was a new restaurant. I had someone call in my order because I was driving. After being on hold 7 minutes they hung up. Second call longer waiting but finally got the order in. They want payment immediately- I like to pay cash because I don’t like verbally giving out the information.Went ahead and provided the information 3 times . 45 min later food picked up. Go home unpack everything for 4 people. I was not impressed with the quality or quantity. The wings are tough and dry. Fries so so. No great sauce. Price was reasonable $75. Would I recommend? No. Nice to try a new place, service was terrible on the phone and the food not worth doing it again.

Review №144

2023-07-11 20:23:07

Absolutely amazing. This place has quickly cemented itself in as a La Mesa favorite. Great food, family environment, tasteful decor and excellent service. It offers all that and more. My family comes twice a week.

Review №145

2021-04-24 03:37:10

I really enjoyed their food. The smoke sausage was very good. It has the good combination of spices and have a little bit of kick to it. The pulled pork was not too dry and was tasty. The sides are good, reminds me of Pappys of St. Louis. The staff were helpful and friendly. Service was great. I have the honor to speak to the owner for a little bit and she was really nice. I wouldve given them a 5 stars but I didnt get a chance to try their beef or pork ribs because they ran out. Maybe next time, I will give a 5 star rate after I try their ribs. Overall it is a lively place and cool decorations of Harleys and vintage vans.

Review №146

2023-06-30 22:26:01

Only spot worth trying in San Diego! Ribs done right with the sauce on the side and a great bark, fall off the bone and dry rubbed. Amen! Definitely going to try more of what they got.

Review №147

2022-08-27 16:39:14

I got the brisket sandwich and fries. I was pretty unimpressed with the the brisket. It was very dry and almost hard. Ive been hitting the smoke houses near lake Murray and have found that the Pioneer and West Coast, by far have the best meats and best prices. Besides the high prices and dry meat, everything was fine.

Review №148

2023-08-18 22:42:47

I smoke the meats. I like trying new places. If you time it right and you ask for the right stuff, youll get some solid business. But if you dont time it right and you dont look like youre a serious patron theyre going to serve you whatevers the next cut so it could be a five or a three.

Review №149

2021-01-01 22:24:22

Dont really think any other BBQ restaurant needs to worry about this place. Ordered a full rack of spare ribs. Ribs were on the dry side and way too spicy. The dry rub was spicy. The cornbread was way too dry it just crumbled apart. The coleslaw was good but the serving was way too small for $4. Overall not impressed and dont plan to return. Sorry much better BBQ out there.

Review №150

2023-11-22 17:35:03

We went there for dinner and didnt even get to eat. They were out of everything. No BRISKET or anything, just chicken sandwiches..very disappointed I was really looking forward to the brisket.

Review №151

2021-11-16 05:30:04

Oh man so glad this place made it through the pandemic! They are so good. A little expensive, but most good bbq places are. Everyone that worked there was incredibly nice. We had the pulled pork plate with beans and it was amazing. I also tried the grilled cheese with pulled pork and Mac and cheese and it was really good. When I go back Ill probably just get the pulled pork or the brisket.

Review №152

2021-03-09 17:25:19

Stumbled across this place and it was really cool! They did a great job on the ambience and the staff was very friendly. I got the Brisket Burnt ends Mac N Cheese and it was great! We also ordered the Prime Brisket and really enjoyed it. Overall a really cool spot you should definitely check out.

Review №153

2021-08-15 16:39:59

Weve been going to Smokey since two days after they opened and its one of our go to favorites! My husband can not get enough of their brisket. I am a vegetarian and am pleased with all the options that I have there as well. We used to never go to BBQ places because I had no choices. My son recently moved here as well and he says that their pulled pork sandwich is one of the best. Fun atmosphere and very friendly staff. You couldnt ask for more.

Review №154

2024-01-06 21:05:35

Love this place! Food is excellent and so is the service! Alabama chicken is a must try!

Review №155

2022-11-23 21:54:14

Best ribs I’ve ever had. This includes places in San Diego and Houston Texas and surrounding areas. Meat falls off the bone. Really great dry rub. You don’t need bbq sauce at all. Best part, my husband loves them too. I’ve never heard him say that about any other rib place ever!

Review №156

2023-03-18 06:14:47

The 5 ⭐ for good food and service is clear . The atmosphere 5⭐ is for the Down Home feel, totally appropriate to the menu, i.e. brisket, meatloaf, etc. (not to mention their killer sides, mac n cheese, brussel sprouts ... which up until then I grossly disliked. So, you folks out there get my drift. Bon appetit!

Review №157

2021-12-05 01:21:26

We came in on a Saturday around lunch. Not busy . Ordered our food. Thought prices were a little more than usual. But then we got the food. So good! I ordered a hamburger. Husband a brisket sandwich and it was all delicous and filling. definitely will be back.

Review №158

2023-12-15 01:29:16

Great juicy BBQ with a nice selection on the menu. Definitely worth visiting more than once.

Review №159

2022-01-01 15:58:55

I enjoyed the food and atmosphere. This brisket is the closes to Texas style I’ve tasted in San Diego. Not exactly Texas style but they do a pretty good job. The price is a bout average for BBQ. I recommend the brisket of course. Give them a try you’ll enjoy it.

Review №160

2021-04-04 20:56:29

I cant say enough good things about Smokey and The Brisket. The food was terrific, the cream soda is really good. The burnt ends macaroni and cheese is truly just this side of heaven, the sausage was incredibly tasty and nothing was over ls than the best Ive ever had. The staff was always quick and helpful. Ill go back and I recommend you put this place on your bucket list.

Review №161

2024-03-14 19:17:51

Awesome place to go after a Nice Ride! Very Cool Nastagic.

Review №162

2021-08-22 22:04:05

Service was fantastic! Everyone was so pleasant and nice. Got the 1/2 prime rib thinking it was gonna be small but it was huge! Also thought the cornbread would be small but it was a serving for 2! Mac n cheese was creamy. Lots of food to take home for leftovers and very delicious! Definitely coming back here

Review №163

2022-03-16 22:55:24

Went to lunch here today and it was AMAZING!!!Cherie was our server and she was SO NICE & POLITE & HELPFUL!!! One of the BEST SERVERS I’ve ever encountered! Never saw her without a huge smile and willingness to get us anything we needed. We had a large party and they handled everything wonderfully!Thanks also to Manager Elena for setting everything up for us and for all of your help, too! I will definitely come back! BRING YOUR APPETITE! The food is beyond DELISH & SO MANY CHOICES!!! 😋

Review №164

2021-09-04 23:25:03

Third time having the Brisket Sandwich and it was the charm. They definitely have their act together and are delivering a consistent quality product. Brisket was tender and juicy with a subtle smoky flavor and the fries are nice and crisp. As a Southerner, the Sweet Tea is respectable. Will definitely keep these guys in my BBQ rotation.

Review №165

2021-05-03 22:29:06

I attended a family birthday party where the host brought in food from Smokey and the Brisket BBQ. Had never ate here but had heard of the new BBQ place.The brisket, wow! Some of the best Brisket I have ever experienced, the other guests agreed. Im not a mac and cheese fan, but tried some and liked it. The Creamy Corn- South of the Border style was very good, went back for a second helping of the corn. Also had some of the Brussels Sprouts, made with bacon and figs and also had a second serving - very good. There was also some sausage, looking at the menu Im guessing it was the smoked sausage, the sausage was good, nothing amazing, but with the mustard it was tasty. But with the brisket soooo good, the sausage had a tough opponent.looking forward to visiting and dining when I have the opportunity.

Review №166

2022-03-03 05:06:23

This rib joint has a great vibe with the rustic cars, motorcycle, toolboxes. Dont be fooled by the 2020 style presentation and facade, this place has fantastic brisket, mouth watering meatloaf, and thick as fu.. Mac and cheese. Even though I dont drink, the beer selection is very good. Great vibe, and food. Take your team, or family for a great local treat.I intend try their burger next.

Review №167

2021-08-23 02:27:07

Thought we would try this new barbecue place in La Mesa for brunch. Unfortunately the brisket omelette was overly salty with not much flavor. Nobody came to ask us how our food was. There was total lack of any customer service and interest in how we were enjoying our food experience. Nobody came back to our table to check on us with regards to our food. One of us had the barbecue chicken salad and that was somewhat ok but still not a strong barbecue flavor. Unfortunately we will not be coming back to this establishment as there are much better barbecue restaurants in the area. :-( I would not waste your money and time coming to this place.

Review №168

2021-03-24 00:20:33

This restaurant far exceeded my expectations for amazing BBQ food. The brisket was tender, the fresh cole slaw wasnt watered down with mayo, the mac n cheese was delicious, and the jalapeno corn bread was moist but not too spicy. The bbq was also fantastic, not too sweet and not too tangy. I cant wait to go back there and try out their other dishes!

Review №169

2021-04-11 02:12:46

Absolutely love beef ribs and was excited they had them. Taste amazing. Also ordered brisket which was a little bit on the dry side for me. Shouldnt be an issue if you like sauce with your BBQ. Im a huge of Texas BBQ fan and sauce isnt typically necessary. Great place nonetheless.

Review №170

2021-10-17 20:42:41

Weve dined here and taken out. Its always been good to great. Service is excellent. Brisket sandwich is a favorite. Weve had a few of the flat breads too, and they are always outstanding. Another new favorite is the meatloaf sandwich.

Review №171

2023-03-20 14:39:09

Delicious meals!!We will be definitely coming back!Brisket was full of flavor, moist, and didn’t need anything they do have a house bbq sauce and a habanero bbq sauce both work delicious

Review №172

2020-12-31 20:19:07

Just opened - New restaurant near Lake Murray Park entrance. Clean, cleverly decorated, outside seating and great menu.... BUT - unfortunately food was not up to my great BBQ standards. Brisket ($14) was tasty, but I expected to get more than 4 small slices. Sides were not included (Sides $6 for 8 oz) . Rack of pork ribs ($30) left a lot to be desired - not meaty enough and too many tiny bones at ends. After almost $60, we were left hungry. Im hoping they can up their game as I plan to try them again in another couple of weeks. This could be a popular place!

Review №173

2021-04-24 08:51:31

Absolutely Loved this Place!!! The scene, the customer service, and the food were Fantastic!!

Review №174

2021-12-05 21:12:11

As a gal from the south I have low expectations from any BBQ spots in San Diego but this place is the exception. Got an order of the brisket and pulled pork with brussels, baked beans and Mac n cheese. The Mac n cheese was a little underwhelming but everything else was great. The meat is incredibly tender and while they only have two sauces the hotter one is bomb and was my favorite. Definitely recommend.

Review №175

2021-02-21 04:49:19

Very good service.The food is some of the best BBQ Ive experienced in San Diego area. Their brisket is very flavorful and fell apart while putting it on my fork.The menu includes beef, pork and chicken.The meals are a bit pricy, but the portions are large.

Review №176

2021-01-02 18:35:22

The staff was super friendly and the food was delicious. Im a vegetarian and but my husband eats meat and he loved the brisket sandwich. I even had more than one option on the menu to chose from! We will definitely be back. Welcome to the neighborhood.

Review №177

2021-08-03 04:54:12

Quick dining, good food with average portion sizes. Bbq sauce was a little more runny than I would like. Great atmosphere though and not to busy. The beverage glasses for sodas are also basically a kids size so you need to keep running back up asking for refills mid meal.

Review №178

2022-01-09 02:58:44

I was very disappointed with our meal. We had a full rack of ribs, Mac n cheese, Brussels sprouts, and creamed corn delivered.. I saw the reviews and pics ahead of time and our ribs did NOT look anything like the pics. These ribs were NOT bbq they were boiled… I have had plenty of real BBQ and this was not it. Our Brussels Sprouts were not roasted they were burnt. Mac n cheese tasted like velveta but the creamed corn was delicious.. Maybe an off night for them but I won’t be ordering from them again

Review №179

2022-03-28 04:09:31

The place inside looks amazing great auto and motorcyclesHow ever the food doesnt live up to the great decor!Super service A+ there .. Just tasteless food !!! And no regular butter?? Not everyone likes honey butter! YUCK .... Mac and cheese sauce tastes like it out of a can! sorry folks I think your cooks can do better.

Review №180

2023-03-04 12:27:44

Terrible value for the price. $16 for 8 wings. 8 ounces of meat with pickled onions and 1/2 a slice of white bread for $19. Fries are $4 extra per order. The parking lot cant support their foot traffic. We wont be back.

Review №181

2023-04-03 23:21:20

Ordered a burger medium rare. It took a while to received it so I asked the waitress to check on it. A couple of minutes later she came over leaving the check for the drinks and left. After speaking to her I asked if our order was cancelled and it was. I finally received my burger and it was burned.

Review №182

2023-10-15 20:38:42

Ying Ying is the absolute best! She is friendly, efficient, happy, hard-working, super quick and a real asset to this eatery and a joy for all of her customers! Always a pleasure to have her!

Review №183

2021-02-02 04:44:44

Went with my family and parents to celebrate a birthday and it was such a treat. From the decorations, to food menu, drink selection and to service everything was AMAZING! We ordered the crew meal that feeds 4-6 to taste a bit of everything and we had food for days. The ice cream on top(pun intended) was the dessert with warm churros filled with a treat inside and ice cream. Order anything and you wont be disappointed!

Review №184

2021-01-07 02:11:11

I had big expectations for this restaurant since they are located near me. I ordered the brisket and chicken and it was very dry and lacked any smokey flavor. I also tried a couple of the BBQ sauces and they lacked flavor. Im not sure why they are called Smokey and the brisket since there does not seem to be any smoke. I gave them 1 star because they do look great however their food was not so great. I only hope they listen to their customers and make changes to their cooking methods because i really like BBQ and I hope they get it together.

Review №185

2022-03-06 21:26:23

Have ordered take out several times and have always had a great experience. Met a friend ate in the restaurant and another great experience. Only problem was ordered a chicken salad to go for my wife and when I got home there was no dressing on the side like every other time. Again, all the times we ordered take out it was great - except for the one time I ordered it to go while at the restaurant.

Review №186

2021-06-14 13:33:54

Great food, service! We have eaten there several times and enjoy the food. I order pulled pork and my husband the brisket - both perfect and tasted wonderful. The side are good but a bit pricey - the menu is al a cart.

Review №187

2021-03-16 18:26:24

Great food and service! We ordered takeout for sons birthday, earlier this month. Food order was quite large, and on a Saturday night, very busy. Staff could not locate one of our orders but made it right when found. Food order was worth it and one of the best bbqs Ive had. It was fantastic! I want to visit this restaurant again but be able to eat on site!

Review №188

2021-04-20 00:13:15

Really enjoyed the site with the 50s and 60s theme. I ordered a pulled pork sandwich. Fries and coleslaw on the side. The pork in my opinion was not like other pulled pork Ive had at other bbq restaurants. Most likely will not return. Waiters were very nice.

Review №189

2023-01-20 01:28:43

I never put any bbq sauce on my food. It was well seasoned and smoked. Loved the smoke rings on my brisket, could tell it took time and care to get them looking like that. 👍

Review №190

2023-09-05 05:59:44

The most uncomfortable dinning experience. Food was great, services was terrible. I had to get up and get the waiter 4 times..its weird being ignored by staff. I wont be coming back.

Review №191

2021-06-09 01:49:53

Havent been back in this area since it was lake House cafe. I decided to try to out. The decor is amazing and inviting. The half cars and vans makes you feel like your at some great destination outside of your normal life! So I had the chicken wings, fries and wonderful fanta orange!! Let me tell you the rub on those wings were just right! Not too salty and not to over seasoned! I ordered the original flavor just so I know how I would order next time. And yes I will be back to try the hot or mild. The fries were cooked to perfection not too salty or greasy. And the bbq sauce! It was again just right. I know they may seem pricy but to me it was worth it. There were so many more things I wanted to try but which ones first! Definitely Ill be back!

Review №192

2021-06-28 00:27:04

An amazing meal. Everything was perfect from the main dish to the sides. Top notch bbq. We ordered the smoked salmon, pulled chicken sandwich, mashed potatoes, Mac and cheese, French fries, and cornbread. Everything was just as good if not better than some of the better barbecue in texas. Also great beer selection with knowledgeable bar staff.

Review №193

2021-04-09 05:58:54

Brisket was very good. Flavorful and super tender, cuts with a fork and has a good smokey crust to it. The pulled pork was almost the same way. The kielbasa was good. Not too spicy and good snap to it! The sides could have been better, the brussels and charred carrots/cauliflower were just ok and they serve plates with 2 slices of white bread, not even toasted or buttered. Overall pretty good. But definitely left some things to be desired.

Review №194

2021-02-06 04:08:09

Ordered the brisket, pulled pork, and pork ribs. All very tasty. The sides were okay, the only one that really stood out was the Brussels sprouts: absolutely delicious. Points of criticism: getting a regular slice of bread was disappointing (some Texas toast would have been way better) and the bread pudding with figs did not do it for me.

Review №195

2021-01-02 03:28:01

Delicious food! We had the pulled pork sandwich and the Dino rib, so moist and falls off the bone. Absolutely love their house bbq sauce! We also got the brussels sprouts with figs, such a great combination. Can’t wait to try more!

Review №196

2021-04-14 19:55:24

They had a great deal for restaurant week which made us check them out. The meat was so tender and everything was so good! I highly recommend the loaded fries. Its an appetizer but they are so filling. We will definitely be coming back.

Review №197

2021-05-10 00:16:23

Great service! Ate inside and were well taken care of. Alabama rotisserie chicken was delicious! Cornbread was really good too. I love the car decor inside. Coolest bar I have seen in a while.

Review №198

2021-11-13 17:40:04

Grabbed some takeout last night and I am really impressed. The mac and cheese pulled pork sandwich and brisket are delicious. Really nice atmosphere. Clean facilities and friendly staff. Will definitely come back for a full meal.

Review №199

2021-07-11 17:56:21

First time at Smokey. We ordered the ribs, brisket, they were somewhat dry, and sausage and pulled pork. They were all 4 Star good. The side’s seemed a bit pricey so we didn’t have any. We will most likely be back.