Smokebox BBQ Cafe

Excellent food and of course great people

This is as Midwest as it gets. It is Bare Bones but it doesn’t need to be much more than that. You order at the counter and they will bring it to your table. I went with the two meat special. The beans were excellent and I chose to upgrade to onion rings. To be honest next time I would skip the rings. But everything else looked amazing, smelled good, and tasted delicious. They have beer to wash it down but went with the unsweetened tea. All and all I would come back. Prices were very reasonable, the staff was friendly, and the food was good.

Sauce isn’t that good and the pulled pork had no flavor

4 of us ordered.

The shrimp platter
A burger
A half chicken
2 meat platter, got our food fast, server was sweet and efficient.
Really good food!

The guy behind the counter was really cool. His voice sounded like a guy from a Western movie. The food wasn't the best BBQ I ever had but it was good enough and plentiful. I didn't have to wait in line like at Joes, etc... I just wish they had a spicier BBQ sauce option, as the one they have is too sugary. The best part is the Boston Lager on tap... I might just drive 3 hours backs to Kansas City for the Boston Lager on tap and try the other items on the menu, and who knows... maybe they have a spicier BBQ sauce?

I kept seeing it so I decided to give it a try I had a two meat plates and burnt ends and pulled pork The pulled pork I did not like the burnt ends look like they were reheated and very dry The only good thing on my plate where the fries and the baked beans are a give alone

Food was pretty good, service was fast.

Good food, large portions, friendly staff.

The Burnt Ends sandwich is awesome 👌!

The food was pretty good, the baked beans were amazing. It was a little warm in there so it was harder to enjoy the atmosphere but overall, I would go back

Don’t waste your time. No flavor on the meat. “Brisket” was sliced so thin it looked like meat from a Greek restaurant. Drenched with BBQ sauce to hide the awful taste. Steak fries were good the same I get from Walmart for my kids. Beans good extra sugar was added to make them really sweet . Staff was nice! Food sadly was not. You have been warned.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Baked Beans, Fries

Ribs fall off the bone. Baked Beans are sweet and have lots of meat. And don't sleep on the cole slaw - some of the best! Fries were also a great surprise - crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.

Great, friendly, quick service. Reasonably priced and large portions. Well worth the money.

Kid-friendliness: Kids menu. Our waitress was great with the kids.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: French Fries, Ribs, BBQ, Two Meat Dinner, Baked Beans, Fries

The food was really good for the price point. The ribs had a nice texture and plenty of meat on them, however, they were a little overcooked for my liking, but still good ribs. The sauce was sweet and bold but it definitely overpowered the meat.
The burnt ends were just okay, missing that super soft, fatty texture and smokey flavor.
The coleslaw was delicious and fresh tasting. The fries were crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle and unsalted, which is perfect, allowing individuals to salt to preference.
Baked beans were sweet and had nice chunks of meat in them.
The corn was good but it could have used a little salt and a little spice, maybe some jalapeno or smoked paprika.
Our server was lovely, warm and attentive. She made the dining experience excellent. Unfortunately, there seemed to be a slightly disgruntled kitchen worker who kept coming out and complaining loudly about life issues. On a busier evening this might have been unheard but we were there around 5pm and the only ones eating, it was off-putting. Other than that we had a wonderful experience.
I would try it again if I was in town.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Ribs, Baked Beans, Fries

This is my go to BBQ place. I eat here once a week. The taste is outstanding and we are always treated so great here. Love the brisket, cheesy corn, fries. You can’t go wrong here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Beef Brisket

I really enjoyed my meal here. Had the brisket and burnt ends. The meat was good. The sides were good. I didn't care for the two pieces of plain bread. I would have preferred garlic toast as an option. It was on the expensive side, relative to portion size, but the flavor was good. Would go back again.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5