The sauce is great and the BBQ was delicious. Thanks for a great lunch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Ribs with Fries and Beans
Mike Schneck
I've been going to SJ for a fairly long time, 15+ years. My buddies and I would frequent there when we could. I'm sorry to say that we went today and we were disappointed to see the prices went up and the quality of the cook went down. I paid $27 for the half-slab meal plus drink then added a tip. I said, fine, we haven't been here for a while, it's okay to treat myself. Well, then realized that half of the ribs were about as dry as they can get. Again, disappointed. Needless to say, we said our goodbyes and might have to find our next favorite BBQ place in Madison :( Really bummed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 3
Mike Blumenberg
This place is amazing. For $20 I got the brisket sandwich with fries, fried sugar biscuits, and a soda. I left completely stuffed. The sandwich was huge and delicious. I've eaten at many BBQ joints from Nashville, to St. Louis, to OKC, to Dallas, and this place right here in Madison does NOT disappoint.
Only downside is that the dining room is tiny. If it's busy when you go, you may have to eat in your car.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emily Hayes
Amazing ribs like always! Cornbread bite were delicious. Custom service is top notch. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steve Kluesner
Awesome BBQ! Loved everything. Especially the hot links!
Larry D
Having recently moved to the area I was looking for the best local establishment to satisfy my BBQ craving. Based on the overall reviews and wanting to try 'local', opposed to a chain, I chose Smoky Jon's. I ordered the 1/3 slab of ribs and brisket sandwich dinner with corn and beans for sides that came to just shy of $30. ($30. did not include the additional $5. tip for literally no service. Ordered at counter and not once did anyone come to my table to check on me or refill beverage)
Food came on a styrofoam plate with plastic utensils. First of all the 2 sides were barely bigger than some restaurants ketchup cups. SO SMALL! The corn was so garlicky I couldn't eat it. The beans tasted like they just opened a can of pork and beans and had little flavor. I would be embarrassed to serve these and call them sides because they were more like the samples they give out at Costco's or Sam's. There was also a very tiny dry roll that wasn't edible.
The 4 ribs were some of the smallest I've ever had. They tasted just okay, but clearly not any award winning ribs by any means!
Now for the worst part of the meal..the brisket sandwich came on a dry sesame bun and looked like some sort of extremely dry overly shredded meat with absolutely no sauce. It was actually crumbly in texture, quite tough and way too dry. So disappointing!
The other thing I noticed was all the food was barely warm. Could have used a little longer in the microwave.
The restaurant had some character with all the BBQ vibes and wood interior, but sadly it appears to have NOT been cleaned in a very long time. Lots of soiled areas that are years in the making.
I must admit I did not complain or take these things up with management at the time I was there, so in fairness, they may have corrected some of my concerns had I done so. I just don't feel it's the customers job to make the dining experience a good one, after all, they are the award winners.
I was looking for a much better experience and I'm sorry to write this negative review since I was really looking for my 'go to' BBQ joint. Smoky Jon's will defiantly NOT be it.
Check through the past reviews and you will find my sentiments are mirrored by a few honest reviewers. Like they have mentioned...I can't understand who in the world are writing the positive reviews.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Melissa Voter
Really small inside. Best to get food to go. Exceptional food! Chicken and ribs are top notch. Best in Madison. Great selection for sides also.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Brisket, Full Rack of Ribs, Sandwich, Beef Brisket Sandwich, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Brisket Dinner
Carol Zach
Great barbecue!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
jason cooley
Top notch bbq. Fries are some of the beat I have ever had. Hot and fresh.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matthew Fecarotta
Great ribs. Great people
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Ribs with Fries and Beans
So I decided to give this BBQ spot a try, and honestly… I wish I hadn’t. For starters, the sides are ridiculously overpriced, $11 for what has to be the smallest portion of mac and cheese & bsked beans I’ve ever seen. And speaking of the mac and cheese, it tasted more like cheese-flavored paste than anything else.
Now, the ribs. I was expecting tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness, but what I got instead was dry, tough meat that reminded me more of beef jerky than barbecue. It honestly tasted like it had been sitting out for hours.
And not to mention, it’s wild that the guy at the counter looked annoyed that I didn’t leave a tip. Like, sir… I ordered my food to go. You didn’t wait on me, bring anything to my table, or check in, why would I tip for zero service? The entitlement was unreal.
Overall, it was just an underwhelming, overpriced experience. I don’t care how many awards or glowing reviews this place supposedly has, I seriously have to question who’s giving them out, because it’s definitely not anyone with working taste buds.
Bottom line: Don’t waste your money. Mediocre food, bad service, and absolutely not worth the hype.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Ben Voeck
Great service and food is unmatched! I would say best ribs in Wisconsin, maybe the country!
Franny Sommers
Me and My girlfriend came here for some pick me up barbecue, and we weren't expecting a lot from such a humble little place. But DANG! they did not disappoint! we came in a few minutes earlier than our online order said it would be ready because we thought it looked cute and we're totally fine with waiting for a few minutes. the incredibly nice staff not only brought our food out a few minutes early, but they gave us some extra food to apologize for the wait! Everything tasted incredible, we both said it's the best barbecue we've ever had! Will be returning!!! 10 out of 10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Athena L
There is a reason Smoky Jon's has so many awards, the BBQ is Amazing!!! We got the brisket, pulled pork and a 1/2 rack of ribs. All the meats were flavorful and tender, the brisket being our favorite. The pulled pork and ribs were a very close second. The mac and cheese was a cup of creamy, cheesy goodness. The coleslaw had the right amount of zing. The BBQ sauce was a delicious vinegar based sauce. We will absolutely go here again!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bria
I want to like this place, but after using Smoky Jon’s for catering, I won’t be going back, sorry bout it. I truly don’t know how to rate it, but a couple stars for some semblance of effort.
First, the dude helping me actually wasn’t helpful: he was condescending and asked if I could “handle” carrying all the food (y’know, since I’m a lady) and also said he “wouldn’t help me anyway” (which is… weird?).
Second, this might sound wild but - the amount of coleslaw was INSANE. Like, yes I ordered coleslaw as part of the package, but just know that 15 pounds of it is entirely unnecessary.
Look, I can own that I had no idea how much 15 lbs of coleslaw is. That said, the catering menu offers different “combos” based on how many people are expected to eat - I chose the one that most closely resembled what might be needed.
Question: does anyone need 15 lbs of side dish, especially with the accompanying 15 lbs of pork shoulder and 15 lbs of baked beans? The ratios are way off in their catering menu, and I fully realized what I had gotten into while opening it all up at the party: NO ONE NEEDS THIS MUCH SIDE DISH ACTION. It’s filler. I paid for filler.
Which brings me to the amount of plasticware. Like, my god, really?? You would think that for the money, Smoky Jon’s might invest in supplying wooden or bamboo cutlery to go along with the catered food, and *less of it*. This place gave me so much black plastic cutlery! The amount of plastic knives and serving spoons would have been laughable if it wasn’t so environmentally irresponsible.
TL;DR: too much money for what you get (which is mostly side dish filler), there’s some sexist behavior exhibited by at least one of the dudes running the place, and their desire to use plasticware is almost fetish-like.
The sauce is great and the BBQ was delicious. Thanks for a great lunch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Ribs with Fries and Beans
I've been going to SJ for a fairly long time, 15+ years. My buddies and I would frequent there when we could. I'm sorry to say that we went today and we were disappointed to see the prices went up and the quality of the cook went down. I paid $27 for the half-slab meal plus drink then added a tip. I said, fine, we haven't been here for a while, it's okay to treat myself. Well, then realized that half of the ribs were about as dry as they can get. Again, disappointed. Needless to say, we said our goodbyes and might have to find our next favorite BBQ place in Madison :(
Really bummed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 3
This place is amazing. For $20 I got the brisket sandwich with fries, fried sugar biscuits, and a soda. I left completely stuffed. The sandwich was huge and delicious. I've eaten at many BBQ joints from Nashville, to St. Louis, to OKC, to Dallas, and this place right here in Madison does NOT disappoint.
Only downside is that the dining room is tiny. If it's busy when you go, you may have to eat in your car.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing ribs like always! Cornbread bite were delicious. Custom service is top notch. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awesome BBQ! Loved everything. Especially the hot links!
Having recently moved to the area I was looking for the best local establishment to satisfy my BBQ craving. Based on the overall reviews and wanting to try 'local', opposed to a chain, I chose Smoky Jon's. I ordered the 1/3 slab of ribs and brisket sandwich dinner with corn and beans for sides that came to just shy of $30. ($30. did not include the additional $5. tip for literally no service. Ordered at counter and not once did anyone come to my table to check on me or refill beverage)
Food came on a styrofoam plate with plastic utensils. First of all the 2 sides were barely bigger than some restaurants ketchup cups. SO SMALL! The corn was so garlicky I couldn't eat it. The beans tasted like they just opened a can of pork and beans and had little flavor. I would be embarrassed to serve these and call them sides because they were more like the samples they give out at Costco's or Sam's. There was also a very tiny dry roll that wasn't edible.
The 4 ribs were some of the smallest I've ever had. They tasted just okay, but clearly not any award winning ribs by any means!
Now for the worst part of the meal..the brisket sandwich came on a dry sesame bun and looked like some sort of extremely dry overly shredded meat with absolutely no sauce. It was actually crumbly in texture, quite tough and way too dry. So disappointing!
The other thing I noticed was all the food was barely warm. Could have used a little longer in the microwave.
The restaurant had some character with all the BBQ vibes and wood interior, but sadly it appears to have NOT been cleaned in a very long time. Lots of soiled areas that are years in the making.
I must admit I did not complain or take these things up with management at the time I was there, so in fairness, they may have corrected some of my concerns had I done so. I just don't feel it's the customers job to make the dining experience a good one, after all, they are the award winners.
I was looking for a much better experience and I'm sorry to write this negative review since I was really looking for my 'go to' BBQ joint. Smoky Jon's will defiantly NOT be it.
Check through the past reviews and you will find my sentiments are mirrored by a few honest reviewers. Like they have mentioned...I can't understand who in the world are writing the positive reviews.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Really small inside. Best to get food to go. Exceptional food! Chicken and ribs are top notch. Best in Madison. Great selection for sides also.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Brisket, Full Rack of Ribs, Sandwich, Beef Brisket Sandwich, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Brisket Dinner
Great barbecue!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Top notch bbq. Fries are some of the beat I have ever had. Hot and fresh.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great ribs. Great people
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Ribs with Fries and Beans
Restaurantji Recommends
So I decided to give this BBQ spot a try, and honestly… I wish I hadn’t. For starters, the sides are ridiculously overpriced, $11 for what has to be the smallest portion of mac and cheese & bsked beans I’ve ever seen. And speaking of the mac and cheese, it tasted more like cheese-flavored paste than anything else.
Now, the ribs. I was expecting tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness, but what I got instead was dry, tough meat that reminded me more of beef jerky than barbecue. It honestly tasted like it had been sitting out for hours.
And not to mention, it’s wild that the guy at the counter looked annoyed that I didn’t leave a tip. Like, sir… I ordered my food to go. You didn’t wait on me, bring anything to my table, or check in, why would I tip for zero service? The entitlement was unreal.
Overall, it was just an underwhelming, overpriced experience. I don’t care how many awards or glowing reviews this place supposedly has, I seriously have to question who’s giving them out, because it’s definitely not anyone with working taste buds.
Bottom line: Don’t waste your money. Mediocre food, bad service, and absolutely not worth the hype.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great service and food is unmatched! I would say best ribs in Wisconsin, maybe the country!
Me and My girlfriend came here for some pick me up barbecue, and we weren't expecting a lot from such a humble little place. But DANG! they did not disappoint! we came in a few minutes earlier than our online order said it would be ready because we thought it looked cute and we're totally fine with waiting for a few minutes. the incredibly nice staff not only brought our food out a few minutes early, but they gave us some extra food to apologize for the wait! Everything tasted incredible, we both said it's the best barbecue we've ever had! Will be returning!!! 10 out of 10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
There is a reason Smoky Jon's has so many awards, the BBQ is Amazing!!! We got the brisket, pulled pork and a 1/2 rack of ribs. All the meats were flavorful and tender, the brisket being our favorite. The pulled pork and ribs were a very close second. The mac and cheese was a cup of creamy, cheesy goodness. The coleslaw had the right amount of zing. The BBQ sauce was a delicious vinegar based sauce. We will absolutely go here again!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I want to like this place, but after using Smoky Jon’s for catering, I won’t be going back, sorry bout it. I truly don’t know how to rate it, but a couple stars for some semblance of effort.
First, the dude helping me actually wasn’t helpful: he was condescending and asked if I could “handle” carrying all the food (y’know, since I’m a lady) and also said he “wouldn’t help me anyway” (which is… weird?).
Second, this might sound wild but - the amount of coleslaw was INSANE. Like, yes I ordered coleslaw as part of the package, but just know that 15 pounds of it is entirely unnecessary.
Look, I can own that I had no idea how much 15 lbs of coleslaw is. That said, the catering menu offers different “combos” based on how many people are expected to eat - I chose the one that most closely resembled what might be needed.
Question: does anyone need 15 lbs of side dish, especially with the accompanying 15 lbs of pork shoulder and 15 lbs of baked beans? The ratios are way off in their catering menu, and I fully realized what I had gotten into while opening it all up at the party: NO ONE NEEDS THIS MUCH SIDE DISH ACTION. It’s filler. I paid for filler.
Which brings me to the amount of plasticware. Like, my god, really?? You would think that for the money, Smoky Jon’s might invest in supplying wooden or bamboo cutlery to go along with the catered food, and *less of it*. This place gave me so much black plastic cutlery! The amount of plastic knives and serving spoons would have been laughable if it wasn’t so environmentally irresponsible.
TL;DR: too much money for what you get (which is mostly side dish filler), there’s some sexist behavior exhibited by at least one of the dudes running the place, and their desire to use plasticware is almost fetish-like.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
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