Ordered a combo platter and everything was bland and DRY AF. I expected juicy, tender brisket and tri-tip
Jasmine R.
Food was great service was horrible placed an order online and wasn't acknowledged by staff until I spoke out . Food was ready but they didn't notify me won't ever eat there but maybe consider to have it delivered .
Pearl B.
First time trying this place , nice location and ambiance . Unfortunately we came in on a day where they were short staffed and waited over an hour for food to go , the young lady managing check in and service was amazing and truly was a pleasure and worked hard to take care of everyone with a smile. Hope they can find staff to share in their vision , this place has a lot to offer and great for the community. Will give another try in the future.
Dae1uno U.
Service was Horrible waited patiently.Only to wait for next costumer to be seated with menu who came in 15 minutes after me. Then she yelled she is by her self which is not are problem speak with management.
Erika M.
This was my first time ever eating her. A colleague and I were out scouting new places for company parties. If I tell you I was so satisfied with the food. I was upset I had to go back to work. I definitely had some comfort food made with love! Even went back for a trio plate on the way home. Absolutely recommend and the have a full bar! Love y'all keep it up! Til next time.
Rebekah D.
First time trying...I did an online order at 1:20pm and It showed pick up time at 2:10pm. Due to lack of parking we got our order at 2:20pm. Upon opening it all food was barely like a lukewarm warm if not not warm at all. Im guessing our food was completed early so it sat for awhile although we were given the 2:10pm pick up time. I'm giving 4 stars based on the meat quality, desserts, and Mac n cheese authenticity. We got two 4 meat combos. We tried brisket, ribs, chicken, sausage, pulled pork, and tritip. All the meat was juicy, not dry. The brisket was our favorite, chicken was a very Smokey flavor, the pulled pork was crispy, tender, and juicy all in one. Tri tip and sausage not bad either. Sides we chose were greens, Mac n cheese, beans, Cole slaw, and potato salad. The baked beans and Mac n cheese were great. It is the real Mac n cheese. Greens weren't bad, but to me they were a bit salty and my portion didn't have any turkey in it as described. The cole slaw and potato salad I won't be ordering again. It's a hit or miss based on preference and the Cole slaw flavor to me was off and didn't have that tang I was looking for. The potato salad was extremely mustard-y and large chunks of pickle, not finely diced. I ordered some sides at an extra charge to sample their menu. Brussels sprouts I like how they were cooked, but not a lot of flavor. Combos come with 2 sides. The portion was larger (size small) than the portion given in the combos. I also ordered desserts peach cobbler and banana pudding. Banana pudding was very good though no fresh banana slices. I would order it again. Peach cobbler was also very good, but very strong flavors such as a lot of cinnamon. I love cinnamon so I don't mind, but others might find it too much. It would go amazing with some vanilla ice cream. You can tell it's all from scratch. I was impressed with the bread flavor, the texture is good though and fresh. I would suggest a butter flavor like garlic or cinnamon butter. Lastly the sweet heat bbq sauce is fire, very good.
Keith A.
I've traveled to Texas before where the beef was fattier , which isn't always a good thing. This place gives you all meat with the perfect layer of fat in the brisket , beef rib , and pork. Every side order has so much flavor , and so easy to devour. My bro loved it. Only issue I had during my pickup was my drink not being given , had to come and wait for that. So make sure you double check. The bag was way too big for the order , so careful with handling the food. I think that's where it needs improvement , is the packaging of the to-go orders. Texas usually use perfect sized paper bags with their logo on it. Gives it a premium feel for the prices. Since it has nothing to do with the actual taste and quality of the food, place is still worth 5 stars. The place wasn't busy when I went on a Saturday. Which is a plus for me, also plenty of metered parking . Hoping to order more for my bday when it comes around .
Sara M.
Honestly, the food just wasn't good. The coleslaw was inedible, like completely disgusting. I straight up threw it away. I've never done that in my life. I've had so-so food that I don't want to waste so I just eat it anyways, like oh well But it was HORRRRRIBLE. Like WTF?! I got food for take-out for my friend and I. When we were eating we both looked at each other and agreed "this just isn't good!" I expect BBQ to be a bit pricey since meat is expensive, especially quality/tasty meat and a lot of work goes into BBQ, especially good BBQ. This place is not that. Very rarely can I say a price isn't justified because I know it costs a lot to run a restaurant but this was not only bad, it was the smallest portions I've ever received from a BBQ place. The service was fine, the girl at the front desk was pleasant and polite. . Even though the line for the host stand is literally in the way of the door. So when you walk in, you have to awkwardly get around the people standing in line, the setup is just ridiculous...like they never accounted for the fact that they may have guests lining up? They must know their food ain't very good! (Lol) Go to any other BBQ place. Although, unfortunately Oakland is known to be rather lacking in truly great BBQ. So I was excited for this to be the new "spot"...but unfortunately it just isn't good. I can't honestly see this place lasting for long.
Antonio S.
Pulled pork was 10/10 flavor, smoke, & tenderness were all incredible Chicken thighs were juicy and charred to perfection. Unfortunately the brisket was abysmal. Dry, hard, and didn't last the limp test. Dipped into some bbq sauce it was edible. Definitely stay away from this. Mac & cheese was surprisingly good. Nice roux and decent cheese pull. Greens didn't disappoint but wasn't a must have. Should have more turkey in the juice. The 7UP cake was moist, dense and aromatic. Lemonade had actual chunks of lemon. It was delicious as chick Fil a or hot dog on a stick. IYKYK. There are no free refills so drink your beverage sparingly. Very inefficient operation. They don't take cash. Parking is very tough. Only street parking is available. They do have outside seating with heaters. You have to order before sitting down. This reduced the tip because you don't know what kind of service you'll be getting. I still gave 15%. $41 for my meal of a 3 meat combo, 2 sides , lemonade and 7 up cake. Not bad IMO. Music is a nice volume. The chairs need to be cleaned. It's an old church pew for the back part of the seat has dirt, debris and food crumbs. It has about 10 televisions and a bar area. There's about 22 tables in the dining area. I was told there would be a 20 min wait to get my food. This is fine except you don't get any part of your order at all. So you can get water from an iced dispenser. It's a missed opportunity to not have a server who just takes bar drink orders and check on customers. I didn't see anyone cleaning tables. The host was also taking orders and picking them up from the back for to go orders. This reduces the speed of service and diminishes the overall experience. I like the rustic look and exposed wood. Ambiance was nice. The kitchen are is dirty and dusty in the overheads. Overall this is a must visit for anyone looking to try bbq in the Bay Area. Customer service 4/5 Food 4/5 Parking 1/5 Return value 5/5 Time to be served 2/5
Liz G.
Food is good. It's not like over the top or anything special but it's good. I really like the tri-tip and chicken, also the Mac n cheese.
Food is so bad ewwwww I can't believe they still in business wow I'm so disappointed I hate it there
Lamarr E.
Was in Oakland recently and stopped by smokin woods. I ll start with the best thing I had, the Mac and cheese. Cheesy, well seasoned and flavorful. But everything else was a lackluster, especially the Tri-tip. It was really tough and on the drier side. I won't even mention how bad that lemonade was. Unfortunately, I'm not rushing back anytime soon.
Shana E.
HIRE YOUR OWN they don't let us work at the establishments EVER not even as a janitor. The food is off you need to get an Uncle Earl Back there to chef it up ASAP. I'll just be patient and wait for BBQ season to come back. NEVER AGAIN.
Savannah M.
I've ordered form this establishment a couple of times. I was very pleased by the prices and portions. Love the baked beans, Mac is great, the brisket I found a tad dry, ribs had a great flavor especially with the sassy heat bbq sauce. Would recommend and order again
Dejonya98 R.
I have visited this place in the past when I lived in the Bay Area pretty frequently. Food USED to be AMAZING! But that was about 2-3 years ago. My fiancé and I recently stopped by for lunch due to us visiting Bay Area. Unfortunately this restaurant has done a completely 360 and not for the good. I ordered 2 meat combo and although the ribs were ok all the sides were HORRIBLE Mac & cheese was dry and stuck to container it came in, the baked beans were way too thick like they were a couple of days old. My fiancé order 3 way combo that came with brisket and beef links that were extremely dry! Overall experience was a complete disappointed.
Ordered a combo platter and everything was bland and DRY AF. I expected juicy, tender brisket and tri-tip
Food was great service was horrible placed an order online and wasn't acknowledged by staff until I spoke out . Food was ready but they didn't notify me won't ever eat there but maybe consider to have it delivered .
First time trying this place , nice location and ambiance . Unfortunately we came in on a day where they were short staffed and waited over an hour for food to go , the young lady managing check in and service was amazing and truly was a pleasure and worked hard to take care of everyone with a smile. Hope they can find staff to share in their vision , this place has a lot to offer and great for the community. Will give another try in the future.
Service was Horrible waited patiently.Only to wait for next costumer to be seated with menu who came in 15 minutes after me. Then she yelled she is by her self which is not are problem speak with management.
This was my first time ever eating her. A colleague and I were out scouting new places for company parties. If I tell you I was so satisfied with the food. I was upset I had to go back to work. I definitely had some comfort food made with love! Even went back for a trio plate on the way home. Absolutely recommend and the have a full bar! Love y'all keep it up! Til next time.
First time trying...I did an online order at 1:20pm and It showed pick up time at 2:10pm. Due to lack of parking we got our order at 2:20pm. Upon opening it all food was barely like a lukewarm warm if not not warm at all. Im guessing our food was completed early so it sat for awhile although we were given the 2:10pm pick up time. I'm giving 4 stars based on the meat quality, desserts, and Mac n cheese authenticity. We got two 4 meat combos. We tried brisket, ribs, chicken, sausage, pulled pork, and tritip. All the meat was juicy, not dry. The brisket was our favorite, chicken was a very Smokey flavor, the pulled pork was crispy, tender, and juicy all in one. Tri tip and sausage not bad either. Sides we chose were greens, Mac n cheese, beans, Cole slaw, and potato salad. The baked beans and Mac n cheese were great. It is the real Mac n cheese. Greens weren't bad, but to me they were a bit salty and my portion didn't have any turkey in it as described. The cole slaw and potato salad I won't be ordering again. It's a hit or miss based on preference and the Cole slaw flavor to me was off and didn't have that tang I was looking for. The potato salad was extremely mustard-y and large chunks of pickle, not finely diced. I ordered some sides at an extra charge to sample their menu. Brussels sprouts I like how they were cooked, but not a lot of flavor. Combos come with 2 sides. The portion was larger (size small) than the portion given in the combos. I also ordered desserts peach cobbler and banana pudding. Banana pudding was very good though no fresh banana slices. I would order it again. Peach cobbler was also very good, but very strong flavors such as a lot of cinnamon. I love cinnamon so I don't mind, but others might find it too much. It would go amazing with some vanilla ice cream. You can tell it's all from scratch. I was impressed with the bread flavor, the texture is good though and fresh. I would suggest a butter flavor like garlic or cinnamon butter. Lastly the sweet heat bbq sauce is fire, very good.
I've traveled to Texas before where the beef was fattier , which isn't always a good thing. This place gives you all meat with the perfect layer of fat in the brisket , beef rib , and pork. Every side order has so much flavor , and so easy to devour. My bro loved it. Only issue I had during my pickup was my drink not being given , had to come and wait for that. So make sure you double check. The bag was way too big for the order , so careful with handling the food. I think that's where it needs improvement , is the packaging of the to-go orders. Texas usually use perfect sized paper bags with their logo on it. Gives it a premium feel for the prices. Since it has nothing to do with the actual taste and quality of the food, place is still worth 5 stars. The place wasn't busy when I went on a Saturday. Which is a plus for me, also plenty of metered parking . Hoping to order more for my bday when it comes around .
Honestly, the food just wasn't good. The coleslaw was inedible, like completely disgusting. I straight up threw it away. I've never done that in my life. I've had so-so food that I don't want to waste so I just eat it anyways, like oh well But it was HORRRRRIBLE. Like WTF?! I got food for take-out for my friend and I. When we were eating we both looked at each other and agreed "this just isn't good!" I expect BBQ to be a bit pricey since meat is expensive, especially quality/tasty meat and a lot of work goes into BBQ, especially good BBQ. This place is not that. Very rarely can I say a price isn't justified because I know it costs a lot to run a restaurant but this was not only bad, it was the smallest portions I've ever received from a BBQ place. The service was fine, the girl at the front desk was pleasant and polite. . Even though the line for the host stand is literally in the way of the door. So when you walk in, you have to awkwardly get around the people standing in line, the setup is just ridiculous...like they never accounted for the fact that they may have guests lining up? They must know their food ain't very good! (Lol) Go to any other BBQ place. Although, unfortunately Oakland is known to be rather lacking in truly great BBQ. So I was excited for this to be the new "spot"...but unfortunately it just isn't good. I can't honestly see this place lasting for long.
Pulled pork was 10/10 flavor, smoke, & tenderness were all incredible Chicken thighs were juicy and charred to perfection. Unfortunately the brisket was abysmal. Dry, hard, and didn't last the limp test. Dipped into some bbq sauce it was edible. Definitely stay away from this. Mac & cheese was surprisingly good. Nice roux and decent cheese pull. Greens didn't disappoint but wasn't a must have. Should have more turkey in the juice. The 7UP cake was moist, dense and aromatic. Lemonade had actual chunks of lemon. It was delicious as chick Fil a or hot dog on a stick. IYKYK. There are no free refills so drink your beverage sparingly. Very inefficient operation. They don't take cash. Parking is very tough. Only street parking is available. They do have outside seating with heaters. You have to order before sitting down. This reduced the tip because you don't know what kind of service you'll be getting. I still gave 15%. $41 for my meal of a 3 meat combo, 2 sides , lemonade and 7 up cake. Not bad IMO. Music is a nice volume. The chairs need to be cleaned. It's an old church pew for the back part of the seat has dirt, debris and food crumbs. It has about 10 televisions and a bar area. There's about 22 tables in the dining area. I was told there would be a 20 min wait to get my food. This is fine except you don't get any part of your order at all. So you can get water from an iced dispenser. It's a missed opportunity to not have a server who just takes bar drink orders and check on customers. I didn't see anyone cleaning tables. The host was also taking orders and picking them up from the back for to go orders. This reduces the speed of service and diminishes the overall experience. I like the rustic look and exposed wood. Ambiance was nice. The kitchen are is dirty and dusty in the overheads. Overall this is a must visit for anyone looking to try bbq in the Bay Area. Customer service 4/5 Food 4/5 Parking 1/5 Return value 5/5 Time to be served 2/5
Food is good. It's not like over the top or anything special but it's good. I really like the tri-tip and chicken, also the Mac n cheese.
Restaurantji Recommends
Food is so bad ewwwww I can't believe they still in business wow I'm so disappointed I hate it there
Was in Oakland recently and stopped by smokin woods. I ll start with the best thing I had, the Mac and cheese. Cheesy, well seasoned and flavorful. But everything else was a lackluster, especially the Tri-tip. It was really tough and on the drier side. I won't even mention how bad that lemonade was. Unfortunately, I'm not rushing back anytime soon.
HIRE YOUR OWN they don't let us work at the establishments EVER not even as a janitor. The food is off you need to get an Uncle Earl Back there to chef it up ASAP. I'll just be patient and wait for BBQ season to come back. NEVER AGAIN.
I've ordered form this establishment a couple of times. I was very pleased by the prices and portions. Love the baked beans, Mac is great, the brisket I found a tad dry, ribs had a great flavor especially with the sassy heat bbq sauce. Would recommend and order again
I have visited this place in the past when I lived in the Bay Area pretty frequently. Food USED to be AMAZING! But that was about 2-3 years ago. My fiancé and I recently stopped by for lunch due to us visiting Bay Area. Unfortunately this restaurant has done a completely 360 and not for the good. I ordered 2 meat combo and although the ribs were ok all the sides were HORRIBLE Mac & cheese was dry and stuck to container it came in, the baked beans were way too thick like they were a couple of days old. My fiancé order 3 way combo that came with brisket and beef links that were extremely dry! Overall experience was a complete disappointed.