Smokey Bones

quote:

Originally posted by Sundancer7

My hotel that I stayed out last night was direct adjacent to Smokey Bones. I walked over and got some of their ribs and they were hard and chewey. I did not care for them. their slaw was OK but the fries was not good either. I tried to email them but I had a difficult time trying to reach them.

Pretty building though but it takes more than that to get it with me.

Quite frankly, that is my last visit.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Sundancer, we've got one near here in Ft Myers. About the only thing that I've found that's passable (when I really need a que fix in a hurry) is their pulled pork sandwich. Not the best I've ever had by any stretch, but not too bad. We're getting ready to have the first Famous Dave's open up in this part of FL, so I guess I owe it to the continuing "chain" debate to check it out as well.

QFan
Bonita Springs, FL

quote:

Originally posted by QFan

We're getting ready to have the first Famous Dave's open up in this part of FL, so I guess I owe it to the continuing "chain" debate to check it out as well.

QFan
Bonita Springs, FL

Anyone with the moniker "QFan" really ought to know better, no?

Hmmmm About 2 hours ago, my 17 year year old son said to me, Dad, We need to try Smokey Bones again, I heard some good things about them lately. In my true Dad form, I said Okay, yeah, sure!

Well, now I see all these remarks that getting me to think that we must of hit a real bad night.

So, guess I have to get up the courage to go again!


Oh, for the person that mentioned Famous Dave's, It's not bad and it's better than our adventure at Smokey Bones was!

The only reason I went there is because it was handy and directly adjactent to the hotel in Lansing. Building was pretty but the ribs were hard and chewy. My dog would have loved them but I did not. I just gave you my opinion.

Good BBQ is hard to do.

At this point, my favortie is Hays in Lexington, TN, Dreamland in Huntsville, Mobile and Birmingham and the mooonlite in Owensboro.

I guess when you travel, you do things different than you want to. I did Smokey Bones because it was close, I was tired and it was there. I blew it but I suppose everyone gets to screw up every now and then. I am not anti chain but this place has a ways to go regardless of their nice appearance.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Here's why I won't go back to SB.....

The first time I went there it was o.k....good BBQ, O.K. sides, etc..my wife & kids liked it, no harm no foul. My family wanted to go back again and I wasn't in the mood for BBQ, so I ordered their chicken & "Grilled Smoked Sausage". When it arrived, there was nothing smoked and nothing sausage about it; it was a hotdog (albeit a big hotdog). I asked the waiter and he said, yep, that's it - and people complain about that all the time - to which I replied "well thanks for letting me know before I ordered it!" Chicken and a bunless hotdog really is not a good combo. So when the Manager came around to all the tables, I mentioned that I was really disappointed in this "smoked sausage", he said that "people really don't know the difference between smoked sausage and a frankfurter, and it has gone over quite well" (funny, the waiter thought differently). Evidently this guy has never had real smoked sausage.

After reeling my jaw back up off the floor, my thought was, why fight with a nincompoop. My wife and kids liked theirs, so I ate the hotdog, ate the baked chicken (nothing really special). I can get comparable BBQ locally, so I vowed to stay away....Forever. Say goodbye to da Fatman, SB.

Most of us roodfooders seem to feel the same way! We did'nt like Smokey Bones........
I was very disappointed...

went to the location in Erie, PA (while visiting nearby Splash Lagoon indoor waterpark)

It's such a shame.....such an attractive interior....the rustic look, and the wood-type paneling, high ceiings...etc..

and the food server was so friendly and efficient...

just too bad the brisket did'nt taste so great to me...

actually, about the only thing I liked was the cole slaw!

ellen

We received a gift certificate for Smokey Bones and the nearest one is in Melbourne, Fl., about 40 miles north. I had the "sampler" of ribs, brisket, and sausage. It wasn't the worst I've ever had, but far from the best and, in all honesty, not near as good as I turn out in my own smoker. Except for the fact that SB offers the brisket, Sonny's BBQ right here in Vero Beach is hands-down the better choice if I'm feeling too lazy to make my own. YMMV, pb

Had lunch at SB's today cause I had attended a videotaping at our county Sheriff's office, which is right around the corner. Had the pulled pork sandwich which I piled up w/ their original sweet sauce and slaw. It was pretty darn good. Not the best I've ever had but more than passable! Sometimes when you don't have the option of searching out a roadfood-type joint it's nice to know there's an acceptable chain.

QFan
Bonita Springs, FL

Up here on the tundra (northern Maine), Smokey Bones is the closest we can get to real barbeque. We've been there 3 or 4 times. I've never had the ribs there, but my fiance's sons have ordered them--they looked pretty dry to me (yuck). I always get the brisket plate, which is tasty and lean, which I like. The sides are definitely nothing special. Wouldn't bother me if we never went again, but my sweetie's boys are big sports fans and love those boxes on the table that let them listen to whatever game is on the tvs over the bar. They remind me of those speakers we used to hang on the car window at the drive-in. Seems awful pricey to me for gimmicks and so-so food...

First trip to SB I went with an excellent cook and a caterer friend of mine and we ordered half the menu. We sat at the bar so we could watch the kitchen and converse with the bartenders, who normally know everything about the food being served. Ribs and pulled pork were the standouts (asparagus & fresh donuts?)along with the bill.
All the deco and technology costs $$$.

Been back twice, when in the area,, and the ribs have been excellent both times. For my money the ribs are better than the other Southern BBQ chains, actually slow smoked with real wood.

quote:

Originally posted by Shara

Up here on the tundra (northern Maine), Smokey Bones is the closest we can get to real barbeque. We've been there 3 or 4 times. I've never had the ribs there, but my fiance's sons have ordered them--they looked pretty dry to me (yuck). I always get the brisket plate, which is tasty and lean, which I like. The sides are definitely nothing special. Wouldn't bother me if we never went again, but my sweetie's boys are big sports fans and love those boxes on the table that let them listen to whatever game is on the tvs over the bar. They remind me of those speakers we used to hang on the car window at the drive-in. Seems awful pricey to me for gimmicks and so-so food...

Isn't this commom? I have found the same thing at Red Lobster, Logan's Roadhouse, Lone Star, and etc.

We ate at the Kennesaw, GA Smokey Bones for the first time last Friday evening. Atlanta isn't known for its great bbq, but several places do quite well just the same. Neither of us have any interest in returning to Smokey Bones. My wife ordered a chicken/shrimp combo, which consisted of a half boneless skinless chicken breast and several shrimp. I had a rib combo, which consisted of half baby back ribs and half St. Louis style ribs. My sides were onion rings and collards and my wife had slaw and beans. The sides were more impressive than the entrees. Neither of us has any interest in returning. There are two other chains in metro Atlanta that I would pick over Smokey Bones - Famous Dave's and Sonny's. Much better than the chains are at least a half dozen independent bbq places which are just as convenient.

I ate at a Smokey Bones in GA recently and it was OK. I too loved the cornbread. I ordered ribs and they were good, not much to say about the side items though. Living here in Huntsville, AL, and surrounded by good barbeque (Dreamland, Big Bob Gibsons, and Greenbriers) I am quite picky about my pulled pork, so I usually don't order it when I visit other barbeque places.

Y'know, it appears that it's going to vary from location to location. Ours here in Wilkes-Barre PA is actually decent enough. The one 30 miles away in Scranton isn't as good.

The smoked sausage at both the Wilkes-Barre and Scranton locations is real smoked sausage.

Beyond that, everyone has to answer for themselves, if average barbecue is better than no barbecue.


Tom

OK, Mosca. Who are you betting on for next Thursday's Red Barons-Clippers game? I'll be the guy behind the first-base dugout stuffing his face with Harvest brand hotdogs.

quote:

Originally posted by Shara

Up here on the tundra (northern Maine), Smokey Bones is the closest we can get to real barbeque. We've been there 3 or 4 times. I've never had the ribs there, but my fiance's sons have ordered them--they looked pretty dry to me (yuck). I always get the brisket plate, which is tasty and lean, which I like. The sides are definitely nothing special. Wouldn't bother me if we never went again, but my sweetie's boys are big sports fans and love those boxes on the table that let them listen to whatever game is on the tvs over the bar. They remind me of those speakers we used to hang on the car window at the drive-in. Seems awful pricey to me for gimmicks and so-so food...

http://www.oldekennebec.com/

I think he is only open in the summer.. There is also a killer Q place in Freeport on US1.. Bucks Naked BBQ.. I used to "live" there, I ate there so much.

why are you using this forum to talk about bad chain restaurants? roadfood.com is about fostering great and unique independent restaurants. all these chains restaurants are ruining the country. they homogenize our cities and curtail entrepeneurship (the lifeblood of the USA). also, sb's food is the worst of the worst. believe me, nothing they do is done authentically. I have talked to their cooks. their brisket is pre-cooked and comes in frozen!!, their pulled pork is pre-pulled and boiled in plastic bags to order. bottomline, find a great mom-n-pop in your area and stay away from these horrible chains!!

quote:

Originally posted by SassyGritsAL

I ate at a Smokey Bones in GA recently and it was OK. I too loved the cornbread. I ordered ribs and they were good, not much to say about the side items though. Living here in Huntsville, AL, and surrounded by good barbeque (Dreamland, Big Bob Gibsons, and Greenbriers) I am quite picky about my pulled pork, so I usually don't order it when I visit other barbeque places.

Mancy: I think this forum allows you to share your opinion but I do not believe it is nice to criticize other folks for what they enjoy.

You may not personally enjoy any chain and I can appreciate that. Many share your same opinion but to indicate that other folks who do enjoy chains or whatever is somewhat wrong, I think you are out of line.

If I were you, I believe I would share my opnion and state it. My guess is that you do chains. Where do you buy your pharmaceutical needs, where do you buy your car, where do you do your grocery shopping, where do you buy your gas, where do you buy your clothes?

Chains, like it or not, exist. After all, a chain indicates more than one. Just my opinion.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Hoffman

OK, Mosca. Who are you betting on for next Thursday's Red Barons-Clippers game? I'll be the guy behind the first-base dugout stuffing his face with Harvest brand hotdogs.

Michael, you gonna be there? I work 9-8 that day, but I'll see what I can do.

Barons have a decent team this year. Sandoval and Coste can hit. Not sure about the pitching. If you've never been to Lackawanna County Stadium, it's an OK park in a great location. The food's not that great. Make sure you get across the highway and into Old Forge. Post if you need directions.

EDIT: Oh, wait. The game is in Columbus. What a doofus I am!

Also, looking at the Clippers' roster, the team looks pretty old for a minor league team. They'll probably rip the league up pretty good, but not send anyone to the majors. That's actually better for a local fan, IMO.


Tom

Tom,
That seems to be the pattern here in Louisville also. As soon as one of the BATS players begins to build a local following he is moved up, or out. Team followings are one thing, but having a 'Hero' on a minor league club seems to be a short-lived event.

quote:

http://www.oldekennebec.com/
I think he is only open in the summer.. There is also a killer Q place in Freeport on US1.. Bucks Naked BBQ.. I used to "live" there, I ate there so much.

You might also try Little Dan's in Monmouth.
I didn't know there WERE Smoky Bones places in Maine. Guess I need to get out more......
Top

quote:

Originally posted by mancy

believe me, nothing they do is done authentically. I have talked to their cooks. their brisket is pre-cooked and comes in frozen!!, their pulled pork is pre-pulled and boiled in plastic bags to order.

From Smokey Bones' website: "Baby-back and St. Louis-style ribs and hand-pulled pork are smoked in our restaurants daily for up to 11 hours over hickory..."

Having eaten at SB's maybe half a dozen times, I'd say the ribs and pulled pork are smoked on the premises. I wouldn't know about the brisket. The sausage is grilled on the premises, I'm sure. I would think the chicken also is grilled on the premises.

Yeah Al, but it is so much fun to have one of those career minor league guys. They are so community minded and usually play the game really well but matured too late for the big club to invest in them any more.

A couple years ago we had Ryan Howard; what an ox! And I remember looking forward to having Mo Vaughn come in from Pawtucket! But like you said, look quick because the next chance you get will be on TV.


Tom

You know, I don't really care whether anyone from the Clippers goes up. There have been lots of them that did, including J.T. Snow, Derek Jeter, Don Mattingly, to name just a few. For me, it's the smell of the grass, the dirt, the crack of the bat and the hotdogs that make it great. Oh, and did I mention the Crackerjack?

quote:

Originally posted by mancy

why are you using this forum to talk about bad chain restaurants? roadfood.com is about fostering great and unique independent restaurants. all these chains restaurants are ruining the country. they homogenize our cities and curtail entrepeneurship (the lifeblood of the USA). also, sb's food is the worst of the worst. believe me, nothing they do is done authentically. I have talked to their cooks. their brisket is pre-cooked and comes in frozen!!, their pulled pork is pre-pulled and boiled in plastic bags to order. bottomline, find a great mom-n-pop in your area and stay away from these horrible chains!!

I basically agree with you, but at least we are talking about more of a regional chain, in this case......(it would be a lot worse if everyone was praising Applebees ribs on this BBQ topic)

The brisket at SB's did have a wierd taste to me......guess it probably was frozen.......

Although you come across as a little harsh, you make some valid points....

as I cringe when people RAVE about places like the Olive Garden...,etc

I make exceptions for certain places like Steak and Shake (it's that regional chain thing I seem to make more allowances for)....

quote:

Originally posted by SassyGritsAL

I ate at a Smokey Bones in GA recently and it was OK. I too loved the cornbread. I ordered ribs and they were good, not much to say about the side items though. Living here in Huntsville, AL, and surrounded by good barbeque (Dreamland, Big Bob Gibsons, and Greenbriers) I am quite picky about my pulled pork, so I usually don't order it when I visit other barbeque places.

Not expected to last long in the North Carolina. OK, but the salads are the best thing they have on the menu.

smoke ring??!!!
give me 4 ounces of mortons tenderquick and i can give you a 1/2" ring and it doesn't matter if it is chicken ,pork, or ribs or what the heck brisket. smoke ring has nothing to do with good que. next time try this. cut the ring off. tastes hammy doesn't it??? nuff said. but it sure is a way to suck in those who don't know the finer nuiances of good que. by the way mortons is the oldest cheaters trick on the bbq circuit. that's why fba and kcbs ignore it (smoke ring) in judging
jack

quote:

Originally posted by mancy

why are you using this forum to talk about bad chain restaurants? roadfood.com is about fostering great and unique independent restaurants. all these chains restaurants are ruining the country. they homogenize our cities and curtail entrepeneurship (the lifeblood of the USA). also, sb's food is the worst of the worst. believe me, nothing they do is done authentically. I have talked to their cooks. their brisket is pre-cooked and comes in frozen!!, their pulled pork is pre-pulled and boiled in plastic bags to order. bottomline, find a great mom-n-pop in your area and stay away from these horrible chains!!

Huh?
Where did this come from?
Zowie from a newbie!
Who was that masked man, anyway?

quote:

Originally posted by roossy90

quote:

Originally posted by mancy

why are you using this forum to talk about bad chain restaurants? roadfood.com is about fostering great and unique independent restaurants. all these chains restaurants are ruining the country. they homogenize our cities and curtail entrepeneurship (the lifeblood of the USA). also, sb's food is the worst of the worst. believe me, nothing they do is done authentically. I have talked to their cooks. their brisket is pre-cooked and comes in frozen!!, their pulled pork is pre-pulled and boiled in plastic bags to order. bottomline, find a great mom-n-pop in your area and stay away from these horrible chains!!

Huh?
Where did this come from?
Zowie from a newbie!
Who was that masked man, anyway?

I think Sundancer already gave Mancy some straight talk above.

QFan
Bonita Springs, FL