Smokey Jay's BBQ

Let me preface this review with two important things.

First, I love eating out. I’ve tried well over one hundred restaurants in the Orlando area, across just about every cuisine you can imagine. Italian, Mexican, Indian, Turkish, Sri Lankan, Greek—you name it, I’ve probably eaten it. Orlando has an incredible food scene, and I don’t hand out praise lightly.

Second—and this is crucial—I am not a big BBQ guy. BBQ has always been fine to me. Good, sometimes very good, but never something I actively seek out or crave.

With that said, I ate at Smokey Jay’s today, and I say this without a shred of exaggeration: this is the best restaurant I have tried in Orlando. Not “best BBQ.” Best restaurant.

Every single thing I ordered was incredible.

The collard greens? 10/10. Not just the best collard greens I’ve ever had—some of the best sides I’ve ever had, period. Perfectly seasoned, rich, and deeply flavorful.

The mac and cheese? 10/10. Creamy, indulgent, and executed flawlessly.

The brisket? 10/10. Easily the best brisket I’ve ever had. Tender, smoky, balanced, and packed with flavor without being heavy or overwhelming.

And the spicy BBQ sauce? 10/10. Bold. Flavorful. Dangerously Addictive.

The food here is completely outrageous and has absolutely no business being this good. I was shaken to the core.

What surprised me most is that this place didn’t just change my opinion on BBQ—it completely reset my expectations. Smokey Jay’s didn’t just serve an amazing meal; it genuinely made my day better. That’s rare.

If you live in Orlando and haven’t eaten here yet, fix that immediately. Smokey Jay’s is special.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food is amazing. I can't believe we didn't find this place sooner. Can't wait to come back and try some of the other stuff on the menu. Great people. Will definitely be coming back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I have been on the hunt for a good bbq spot in Orlando for a while and I can’t even lie this spot is 10/10! It’s family owned and family atmosphere. It’s beautiful what they got going on here! I’ll be back for sure! The food was delicious! I ate every last bite!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Smokey Jay's is the epitomy of home cooked BBQ that you just want to keep eating nonstop. Truly delicious food, from the ribs to the brisket to the mac and cheese to the collards. You want delicious BBQ? Go here because you won't be disappointed!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food, definitely an underrated BBQ spot.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Phenomenal BBQ brisket! Sides were awesome as well. Very friendly owner as well. Go early because they sell out!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brisket Sandwich Platter

The best BBQ we’ve had! The man working the counter was very kind to my husband on the phone while ordering takeout. The food we received was AMAZING. We got the chicken, ribs, Mac and cheese, and beans. All of it was delicious. We have enough for leftovers and will be making sandwiches out of it. Thank you for sharing your food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sorry, not for me this bbq does not meet for me what bbq should be, just my experience. I was hopeful but for me it was not good. A whole in the wall that just disappointed me, never again. That is my honest experience with this place.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Wait, where is the 10 star option? Food was awesome. Definitely made with love and will be coming back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Some of the best barbecue I’ve ever had for reasonable prices. What a gem

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food and great people. Nothing better than going to get food and get greeted and treated like family !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brisket Sausage Combo, Brisket Sandwich Platter, Pork Ribs

Spareribs better than all the competition. Mac n chez was crazy good. Service was exceptional. Not a chain but BIG flavors!!! Come check em out! Make sure you get the spicy bbq!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great choice for ribs!! Seriously wow.

Come support this locally owned shop. This couple is put'n it down. The whole family pitches in.

This is more of a take out than dine in atmosphere.

Ribs - 10/10
Amazing flavor and cooked perfectly. Kissing my fingers into the air like a French chef. Boom!

Brisket- 7/10
Meat was tender with a smoky flavor. There was just something about it that threw me off. I didn't like the cubed cut style.

Collards - 9/10
Perfectly cooked FRESH collards. A little under seasoned, but your mouth can only handle so many dynamics. So, it is pallet cleansing to include these on your plate.

Mac n Cheese - 8/10
Fab southern flare with this dish. Creamy and a perfect side. 😍

Baked Beans - 7/10
Another southern fav.

BBQ Sauce - 10/10
If they sold it in bottles I would have taken a dozen. THE best BBQ sause I've had in a long long time. Sweet and tangy.

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Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pork Ribs, Brisket with 2 Sides, Baked Beans, Mac \u0026 Cheese, Brisket Sandwich Platter, Beef Brisket, Baked Beans and Sauce on the Side

When visiting from the UK we saw a recommendation for this place on tiktok. Absolutely did not disappoint! We had to go back for a second visit!
The food is nothing short of delicious, very welcoming place , friendly and fabulous service. 100% recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Omgosh!!!! I have been doing a happy dance for every bite. I had a taste for GOOD soul food/bbq and this totally hit the spot! Ribs are meaty, greens were good and not overly seasoned. Mac and cheese was good as well. Pound cake was okay. Not too sweet, nice flavor, but it was a little dry. Nice portions and reasonably price. The gentleman who took my order provided great customer service. Overall, I enjoyed my food. I'll definitely be going again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pork Ribs, Mac \u0026 Cheese