Boshkung Smokehouse — Restaurant in Dysart et al

I wish we had've taken pictures of this place and the food while we were there! It wasn't very busy when we arrived - it was mid-afternoon and we were having a late lunch - so we were seated immediately. Our server, whose name is can't recall for the life of me, was friendly and welcoming. She gave us the rundown of the menu and answered our many questions. We took quite a while to be ready to order and not once did we feel pressured to hurry. We ordered appetizers, which arrived in a timely manner. And when we finally did decide on our meals, they also arrived in a timely manner. I can't even adequately describe the portion sizes! We all have hearty appetites and not one of us finished our meals. I was surprised to find out the handheld options didn't come with sides, the sides are an extra cost (reasonably priced, mind you). Once the meals arrived, I could see why. I ordered from "The Pitt" options, pulled pork, and added the baked beans and potato salad option so I could share with one of my companions. Belive me, there was enough to share and I still took some home with me in my leftovers container.

We talked with the owner, a wonderful man who has an amazing life story he shared with us. We talked to our server, who is also the manager I believe, who had fantastic stories to share. The entire experience was absolutely wonderful. We stopped at the attached shop to grab some of the sauces we had tasted in our meals. Branding done right, by this restaurant.

In reading some of the other reviews for this eatery, I can say this: could my pulled pork have used a little more sauce? Sure. Could it have some with less? Yes, but I'm glad it didn't. Is every person going to be perfectly pleased? No. We all have different preferences. The meal was made the way the chef wanted it made. I enjoyed it just as it was. The taste was mouth watering (my only warning is about the baked beans - delicious but very peppery. If you don't like pepper, avoid the baked beans). The portions were beyond expectations. The atmosphere was welcoming and comfortable.

Will we go back? Definitely. Next time I'm trying the brisket. Would I recommend it to others?...

Save your money (and time)

My wife and I were excited to try the new Boshkung Smokehouse. We've been loyal customers ever since Boshkung brewing opened underneath Rhubarb. Our cottage is a ten minute drive away so we'd frequent there often. buying up all the merch and raving about the kellerbier. My dog currently has on the Boshkung Collar.

We were sad hearing that they had left that location, but figured we would make the drive to the Smokehouse. We loved Truss, so we figured Boshkung would expand on and improve the branding.

wow were we disappointed.

we called in our order at 530, 2 Chicken Sandwiches and a poutine. we were told it would take 45 min, and I said thats great can you actually make it an hour we have a bit of a drive.

We showed up at 630 and i spent 10 minutes being ignored in an empty restaurant. I was told that I would be helped by someone who was currently busy, but there were 5 or 6 employees just hanging out at the bar. after i paid I was made to wait even longer for them to finally bring out my food. This was all fine because i assumed it meant they were putting time and care into my order. Nope. i also asked for cutlery, they said they had none.

i've attached a photo of what my food was advertised looking like, versus what we actually got. These sandwiches were 16$ without a side. The Chicken was small unlike the photo, and the bacon wasn't even cooked. What took them so long? The BLT was advertised as having Romaine lettuce, but we received a pinch of shredded lettuce on both. the chicken was rubbery like it had been sitting out, it definitely didn't just come from the fryer.

the poutine, i ordered a large, was also incredibly small. a single layer of fries in the container with what looked and tasted like gravy from a can. If it was made in house.. it was old.

If this is the quality control that Boshkung is putting their name on, ill be careful to steer clear of all locations. There are too many amazing restaurants and food trucks opening up by people who actually care what they're serving.

Extremely disappointing coming from an...

As soon as we arrived we were very abruptly greeted and told that our group of 10 would have have an automatic 20% added to our bills... no "good evening" or "welcome". The waitress was extremely abrupt and unpleasant. One of our group stated that we were there yesterday, as we have been staying at the forest, and was not charged an automatic gratuity. We were again abruptly told we should have been charged. Due to the rude staff, half of us wanted to leave but the others were too hungry and wanted to stay because there was no other option. We decided to stay. We were eventually seated and then told by the waitress that she checked with her manguer and "we just got lucky we weren't charged yesterday". Again, very short, turse and unpleasant. We then waited another 20 minutes for water, a further 20 for drink orders. Food orders were taken at close to the 60 minute mark. Another large group came and left because they got tired of waiting. Waitress did eventually come and make an insincere attempt to apologize for the slow service by making a plethora of excuses. I see a review from just previous to our arrival with an answer from the owner, again, making excuses for the bad service. He has indicate that they staff based on trail passes sold each day and that only 30 were sold today. I question that knowing the we have a group of 10 staying on site which counts for a third of that number. Food was only middling with very small portions both times we visited this weekend. While waiting, we all agreed that we typically tip good wait staff at least 20% these days so the 20% automatic gratuity wasn't the issue. The issues revolved around the very unpleasant attitude of the waitress, very poor service and expensive mediocre food. We won't walk across the parking lot to go back. Can't imagine why anyone would make an effort to come from down the road or further. Our next visit to the Forest will be with plans to avoid the Smokehouse...