Excellent attention and atmosphere. The food is good and the portions are large, The burger and the pastrami were great shareable options. The raspberry chocolate cake was not my favorite, it tasted like chocolate pudding.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Mike
Food was good, only complaint would be it was very salty, had to drink a gallon of water when I got home. I would recommend a higher quality salt like pink Himalayan salt or Redmonds. Table salt is not good for you anyways
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Aslı Egeli
Soup and collard greens were too salty. Baby ribs were fine but nothing outstanding. If it wasn’t expensive, I wouldn’t have high expectations.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 5
Anastasia Gudko
Wow. Didn't expect anything before coming and left with the top experience. Ribs are delicious and i got extra two bottles of their BBQ sauce as souvenirs. Highly recommend. The outdoors seating is great with the fountain that adds to the atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
daddy p
The staff was so attentive to me I could feel the friendliness and positive energy. Then they brought out a BIG BONE and bowl of water. That's when I realized my humans brought me to some place special. Thank you this is my kind of place. 5 wagging tails from Bronx Soda
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
DD (Chaotician)
Excellent high quality food overall. Great service!
Appetizer was a full place of individual meat selections. Main meal: cup of split pea soup, 1/2 rack of baby back ribs (dry-rub) w/mac'n'cheese and cornbread.
Everything was amazing! This was my first visit and I WILL be back.
Note: the cornbread was on the toasty side with a subtle maple syrup flavor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Calliope Recinos
If you’re ever in Rhinebeck, NY, do yourself a favor and make a stop at Smoky Rock BBQ — this place is an absolute gem.
🔥 The flavor? Out of this world. Every bite was packed with rich, smoky perfection — you can tell they take real pride in their BBQ. The meats were juicy and tender, the sides were full of soul, and everything tasted homemade with love.
✨ The service? Warm, friendly, and welcoming from the moment I walked in. The staff made me feel right at home — attentive without being overbearing, and genuinely passionate about the food they’re serving.
🌿 The ambiance? Cozy and rustic with a laid-back charm that just feels good. Whether you’re sitting inside or enjoying their outdoor area, the vibes are just right — perfect for a casual date, a weekend getaway meal, or just treating yourself.
🍰 I’m still kicking myself for not saving room for dessert — their bakery is fresh daily and looked irresistible. That just means I’ll have to come back (and trust me, I will).
💯 Smoky Rock BBQ is officially drool-approved and a must-visit for any foodie or traveler exploring the Hudson Valley.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lori K
Ordered Pastrami & Baby Back Ribs with 4 sides. Pastrami was underwhelming and the portion was very small. It was disappointing. The ribs were okay. Very burnt on top & again not great flavor as expected. The portion was a whole rack so it was plentiful. Waitress was nice but didn’t go out of her way to either offer suggestions or ask how meal was. I’ll give her a pass. Had been hoping to try this place for a few years. Finally did & can’t say I’ll be back anytime soon. Just rather disappointing.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Traveling Cosmos and Tacos
Ended up here with five friends for dinner last weekend and I loved my food. I had the half rack of St. Louis Drive rub ribs, cornbread, and macaroni and cheese and a side of blue cheese coleslaw. I was able to take half of my cornbread home because it was a big portion, but I ate everything else! Others at the table got turkey burger, the wings, brisket and only my friend that had the baby back ribs said that they could’ve been more tender. But everyone else enjoyed everything they had, including the desserts!
The food and sides were delicious. We ordered St. Louis ribs and smoked turkey. Service was excellent and the place is very comfortable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Johnny LeHane
My mom wanted ribs on July 4th, and the reviews have been strong, so we gave Smoky Rock another chance.
The inside ambiance isn't really my vibe, with the tiny tiles on the floors (bathroom look) throughout, it gets noisy inside, and the bubble tents on the front patio are claustrophobic. Besides, July 4th is all about back yard BBQ, so we did takeout.
We got a full rack of baby back ribs (wet), with mash potatoes and corn bread, a piggy Mac with pulled pork, and a large side of baked beans. They through on to small cups of soup, and lots of sweet and spicy BBQ sauce.
This was plenty of food for 3 with leftovers. We didn't even crack the soups, they will be for lunch or a snack with the other leftovers.
The ribs were good and tender, but just shy of fall-off-the-bone tender. The sauces are flavorful, but still thin.
The Mac and pulled pork were tasty, and I added spicy sauce to the pulled pork. Next time we might try the pulled pork separately, to get a better sense of how it stands on its own.
The beans and mashed potatoes were creamy, and come with a thin gravy but buttery enough that they didn't need anything else. The beans were flavorful and again a thin sauce. It's a theme, and not bad, but I prefer thick and rich sauces and gravy.
The corn bread was the most unique offering. It was dense, and moist, not like a southern yellow corn bread. It was sweet and more the texture of banana bread. They offer to toast it, and I think this would be a good move.
I like my soup scalding hot, and while I didn't get to it with all of the meat and other sides, it was only warm when we picked up our order which was scheduled and we were on time. BBQ places are not known for their piping hot food, as the meats and sides are mainly prepared well in advance, but soup should be the exception. Just a picadillo of mine.
We ordered 2 main courses for 3 people, and it was plenty. Our bill was $100 (no drinks). $33/head isn't cheap, but this is Rhinebeck, and the portions were big.
Between my wife and I we would give Smoky Rock, 3.5 stars, but I am writing the review, so we will round up to 4, a marked improvement from a decade ago.
In 2014 this was my review - The meat was great, everything else was a disappointment. One bad sauce, unimpressive sides, no ambience. 2 stars.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
Luke Palladino
One of the better BBQ joints I’ve been to. Deliciously smoked BBQ, very friendly service and a beautiful, comfortable atmosphere. Will go again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jill Greenstein
Lots of good BBQ. Lovely deserts. Need a few more servers.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Aine Casey
What an excellent dining experience. The service was delightful, the restaurant was relatively quiet for a Sunday dinner, and the food was the best BBQ I have ever tasted. The cornbread in particular was truly transcendent. The only thing fuller than my heart is my stomach.
Place to be for good foods and awsome desserts..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent attention and atmosphere. The food is good and the portions are large, The burger and the pastrami were great shareable options. The raspberry chocolate cake was not my favorite, it tasted like chocolate pudding.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Food was good, only complaint would be it was very salty, had to drink a gallon of water when I got home. I would recommend a higher quality salt like pink Himalayan salt or Redmonds. Table salt is not good for you anyways
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Soup and collard greens were too salty. Baby ribs were fine but nothing outstanding. If it wasn’t expensive, I wouldn’t have high expectations.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 5
Wow. Didn't expect anything before coming and left with the top experience. Ribs are delicious and i got extra two bottles of their BBQ sauce as souvenirs. Highly recommend. The outdoors seating is great with the fountain that adds to the atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The staff was so attentive to me I could feel the friendliness and positive energy. Then they brought out a BIG BONE and bowl of water. That's when I realized my humans brought me to some place special. Thank you this is my kind of place.
5 wagging tails from Bronx Soda
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent high quality food overall. Great service!
Appetizer was a full place of individual meat selections.
Main meal: cup of split pea soup, 1/2 rack of baby back ribs (dry-rub) w/mac'n'cheese and cornbread.
Everything was amazing! This was my first visit and I WILL be back.
Note: the cornbread was on the toasty side with a subtle maple syrup flavor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you’re ever in Rhinebeck, NY, do yourself a favor and make a stop at Smoky Rock BBQ — this place is an absolute gem.
🔥 The flavor? Out of this world. Every bite was packed with rich, smoky perfection — you can tell they take real pride in their BBQ. The meats were juicy and tender, the sides were full of soul, and everything tasted homemade with love.
✨ The service? Warm, friendly, and welcoming from the moment I walked in. The staff made me feel right at home — attentive without being overbearing, and genuinely passionate about the food they’re serving.
🌿 The ambiance? Cozy and rustic with a laid-back charm that just feels good. Whether you’re sitting inside or enjoying their outdoor area, the vibes are just right — perfect for a casual date, a weekend getaway meal, or just treating yourself.
🍰 I’m still kicking myself for not saving room for dessert — their bakery is fresh daily and looked irresistible. That just means I’ll have to come back (and trust me, I will).
💯 Smoky Rock BBQ is officially drool-approved and a must-visit for any foodie or traveler exploring the Hudson Valley.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ordered Pastrami & Baby Back Ribs with 4 sides. Pastrami was underwhelming and the portion was very small. It was disappointing. The ribs were okay. Very burnt on top & again not great flavor as expected. The portion was a whole rack so it was plentiful.
Waitress was nice but didn’t go out of her way to either offer suggestions or ask how meal was. I’ll give her a pass.
Had been hoping to try this place for a few years. Finally did & can’t say I’ll be back anytime soon. Just rather disappointing.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Ended up here with five friends for dinner last weekend and I loved my food. I had the half rack of St. Louis Drive rub ribs, cornbread, and macaroni and cheese and a side of blue cheese coleslaw. I was able to take half of my cornbread home because it was a big portion, but I ate everything else! Others at the table got turkey burger, the wings, brisket and only my friend that had the baby back ribs said that they could’ve been more tender. But everyone else enjoyed everything they had, including the desserts!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smoked BBQ Sampler, Smoked Wings Naked or Buffalo Award Winning GF, Sliced Brisket, Pecan Pie, Corn Bread V, Coleslaw
Restaurantji Recommends
The food and sides were delicious. We ordered St. Louis ribs and smoked turkey. Service was excellent and the place is very comfortable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My mom wanted ribs on July 4th, and the reviews have been strong, so we gave Smoky Rock another chance.
The inside ambiance isn't really my vibe, with the tiny tiles on the floors (bathroom look) throughout, it gets noisy inside, and the bubble tents on the front patio are claustrophobic. Besides, July 4th is all about back yard BBQ, so we did takeout.
We got a full rack of baby back ribs (wet), with mash potatoes and corn bread, a piggy Mac with pulled pork, and a large side of baked beans. They through on to small cups of soup, and lots of sweet and spicy BBQ sauce.
This was plenty of food for 3 with leftovers. We didn't even crack the soups, they will be for lunch or a snack with the other leftovers.
The ribs were good and tender, but just shy of fall-off-the-bone tender. The sauces are flavorful, but still thin.
The Mac and pulled pork were tasty, and I added spicy sauce to the pulled pork. Next time we might try the pulled pork separately, to get a better sense of how it stands on its own.
The beans and mashed potatoes were creamy, and come with a thin gravy but buttery enough that they didn't need anything else. The beans were flavorful and again a thin sauce. It's a theme, and not bad, but I prefer thick and rich sauces and gravy.
The corn bread was the most unique offering. It was dense, and moist, not like a southern yellow corn bread. It was sweet and more the texture of banana bread. They offer to toast it, and I think this would be a good move.
I like my soup scalding hot, and while I didn't get to it with all of the meat and other sides, it was only warm when we picked up our order which was scheduled and we were on time. BBQ places are not known for their piping hot food, as the meats and sides are mainly prepared well in advance, but soup should be the exception. Just a picadillo of mine.
We ordered 2 main courses for 3 people, and it was plenty. Our bill was $100 (no drinks). $33/head isn't cheap, but this is Rhinebeck, and the portions were big.
Between my wife and I we would give Smoky Rock, 3.5 stars, but I am writing the review, so we will round up to 4, a marked improvement from a decade ago.
In 2014 this was my review - The meat was great, everything else was a disappointment. One bad sauce, unimpressive sides, no ambience. 2 stars.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
One of the better BBQ joints I’ve been to. Deliciously smoked BBQ, very friendly service and a beautiful, comfortable atmosphere. Will go again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lots of good BBQ. Lovely deserts. Need a few more servers.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
What an excellent dining experience. The service was delightful, the restaurant was relatively quiet for a Sunday dinner, and the food was the best BBQ I have ever tasted. The cornbread in particular was truly transcendent. The only thing fuller than my heart is my stomach.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
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