Smoke Monkey BBQ in Rockwall is the real deal when it comes to Texas barbecue. I ordered the smashed potato loaded with chopped brisket and sausage, and it was honestly one of the best BBQ meals I’ve had in a long time. The potato was huge, perfectly cooked, and piled high with tender brisket that had just the right smoky flavor. The sausage had a great kick and paired perfectly with the brisket — every bite was hearty and flavorful.
The atmosphere adds so much to the experience. The rustic barn-style setting makes it feel authentic, and there’s plenty of seating both inside and out. It’s very family-friendly with a playground for the kids, and the live music makes it a fun place to hang out and enjoy good food.
Service was spot on — the staff was friendly and welcoming, and my food came out hot and fresh. For the portion sizes you get, the prices are more than fair, and you definitely leave feeling like you got your money’s worth.
What I really love is that Smoke Monkey isn’t just about the food — they make it an experience. From live music nights to their all-you-can-eat catfish and crawfish buffets on weekends, there’s always something fun going on. It’s a place you can go with family, friends, or even just by yourself if you’re craving some quality BBQ.
Overall, Smoke Monkey BBQ is easily a five-star spot for me. Between the amazing food, generous portions, rustic atmosphere, and great service, it’s one of those places that makes you want to come back and try everything on the menu. Rockwall is lucky to have it, and I’ll definitely be returning soon.
Felicia Dillard
Food was great and our service was top notch. The patio area was great 👍
Looking for great customer service???? Kari gives it hands down!!!! She treats all customers the same!
Service: 5
Nicole Jones
I have been riding past this place for a good year. I finally stopped. Best decision. The food was so good. Like homemade good. Momma in the kitchen and the kids outside running good. They have an outdoor sitting area, the kids would love. Buffet style. Shrimps are real not the frozen flat ones. The price was so reasonable. Ain't nothing better than southern hospitality. Man, 10 stars hands down. Oh and they had the fight for free.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jim McGee
Went on 9/19/25 around 7:30 pm and they had the Heath choir there. So after a 45 minute wait in line, the buffet was in sad shape. Sat outside because there was nowhere inside. No ice for drinks in the soda machine. Salad bar was in sad shape also. it was obvious they were overwhelmed. Went to the bar to get a drink and they had no change....nice way to get a tip. I think if they are going to host super large groups, they should close it that day to the general public. that would be better than trying to serve a super large group and having disappointed regular customers. the bartender said they knew that large group was coming in, but the host said they didn't. either way, I would recommend calling before you go to see if they are having a super large group.
Teresa Henry Allen
Unless you are there for the buffet, don’t go hungry! Took 40 mins to get our food. Staff not concerned and not engaging! Rolls delivered as we were finishing our food. Went for their cobbler and ice cream but there was none left. Was told they were making cherry cinnamon rolls and they would bring me some when ready. Still waiting….There is so much good BBQ in Texas and with much better service. While their food was good, the whole experience was ruined and we have no desire to go back!!
Courtney James Brewer
Wonderful BBQ. we went after seeing a lot of Facebook recommendations. it didn't disappoint. we will definitely be back.
Tessa S Ontheloose
We went for the buffet on Sunday at 4pm and the meat side of the buffet was empty. They were out of ranch dressing for the salad. Asked about the meat and was told it would be 10 min. 30 min later was told it would be 10 min again. We left with no apologies from staff including the manager.
Maurice Dickinson
Food was really good I actually enjoyed the Mac@Cheese!!!
Raymond S
Excellent value. Large indoor and outdoor seating area. Complimentary dinner rolls were amazing with butter. Ordered 3 meat plate (brisket, sausage and pulled pork), mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and sweet tea. The sausage (w/ cheese) was the highlight of my meal. Peach cobbler was executed well.
First time visiting and took to go. The mash potatoes and gr.beans had too much salt and we were not given rolls with our plates. The bbq was decent, but not enough to return.
Leon Richard
Best boiled food in the area. Good atmosphere and food variety.
Jesse Lara
One of the best BBQ places i have been to food was on point and the live entertainment was fantastic definitely hit up this place when im in the area again
Rylee Nelson
Me and my family have gone here almost every weekend for crawfish since the season started and it has never disappointed today we went in hoping to have the same amazing experience as always but we were met by overcooked crawfish which if this was the only problem it wouldn’t have been a big deal but I would say at least 1/4 of our crawfish also left this horrible taste in our mouths the rest was perfectly fine tho hopefully next time we go the food will be better
Smoke Monkey BBQ in Rockwall is the real deal when it comes to Texas barbecue. I ordered the smashed potato loaded with chopped brisket and sausage, and it was honestly one of the best BBQ meals I’ve had in a long time. The potato was huge, perfectly cooked, and piled high with tender brisket that had just the right smoky flavor. The sausage had a great kick and paired perfectly with the brisket — every bite was hearty and flavorful. The atmosphere adds so much to the experience. The rustic barn-style setting makes it feel authentic, and there’s plenty of seating both inside and out. It’s very family-friendly with a playground for the kids, and the live music makes it a fun place to hang out and enjoy good food. Service was spot on — the staff was friendly and welcoming, and my food came out hot and fresh. For the portion sizes you get, the prices are more than fair, and you definitely leave feeling like you got your money’s worth. What I really love is that Smoke Monkey isn’t just about the food — they make it an experience. From live music nights to their all-you-can-eat catfish and crawfish buffets on weekends, there’s always something fun going on. It’s a place you can go with family, friends, or even just by yourself if you’re craving some quality BBQ. Overall, Smoke Monkey BBQ is easily a five-star spot for me. Between the amazing food, generous portions, rustic atmosphere, and great service, it’s one of those places that makes you want to come back and try everything on the menu. Rockwall is lucky to have it, and I’ll definitely be returning soon.
Food was great and our service was top notch. The patio area was great 👍
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jalapeno Sausage, Fried Okra, BBQ, Brisket, Sausage
Looking for great customer service???? Kari gives it hands down!!!! She treats all customers the same!
Service: 5
I have been riding past this place for a good year. I finally stopped. Best decision. The food was so good. Like homemade good. Momma in the kitchen and the kids outside running good. They have an outdoor sitting area, the kids would love. Buffet style. Shrimps are real not the frozen flat ones. The price was so reasonable. Ain't nothing better than southern hospitality. Man, 10 stars hands down. Oh and they had the fight for free.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went on 9/19/25 around 7:30 pm and they had the Heath choir there. So after a 45 minute wait in line, the buffet was in sad shape. Sat outside because there was nowhere inside. No ice for drinks in the soda machine. Salad bar was in sad shape also. it was obvious they were overwhelmed. Went to the bar to get a drink and they had no change....nice way to get a tip. I think if they are going to host super large groups, they should close it that day to the general public. that would be better than trying to serve a super large group and having disappointed regular customers. the bartender said they knew that large group was coming in, but the host said they didn't. either way, I would recommend calling before you go to see if they are having a super large group.
Unless you are there for the buffet, don’t go hungry! Took 40 mins to get our food. Staff not concerned and not engaging! Rolls delivered as we were finishing our food. Went for their cobbler and ice cream but there was none left. Was told they were making cherry cinnamon rolls and they would bring me some when ready. Still waiting….There is so much good BBQ in Texas and with much better service. While their food was good, the whole experience was ruined and we have no desire to go back!!
Wonderful BBQ. we went after seeing a lot of Facebook recommendations. it didn't disappoint. we will definitely be back.
We went for the buffet on Sunday at 4pm and the meat side of the buffet was empty. They were out of ranch dressing for the salad. Asked about the meat and was told it would be 10 min. 30 min later was told it would be 10 min again. We left with no apologies from staff including the manager.
Food was really good I actually enjoyed the Mac@Cheese!!!
Excellent value. Large indoor and outdoor seating area. Complimentary dinner rolls were amazing with butter. Ordered 3 meat plate (brisket, sausage and pulled pork), mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and sweet tea. The sausage (w/ cheese) was the highlight of my meal. Peach cobbler was executed well.
Restaurantji Recommends
Great place and food is awesome.
First time visiting and took to go. The mash potatoes and gr.beans had too much salt and we were not given rolls with our plates. The bbq was decent, but not enough to return.
Best boiled food in the area. Good atmosphere and food variety.
One of the best BBQ places i have been to food was on point and the live entertainment was fantastic definitely hit up this place when im in the area again
Me and my family have gone here almost every weekend for crawfish since the season started and it has never disappointed today we went in hoping to have the same amazing experience as always but we were met by overcooked crawfish which if this was the only problem it wouldn’t have been a big deal but I would say at least 1/4 of our crawfish also left this horrible taste in our mouths the rest was perfectly fine tho hopefully next time we go the food will be better
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