Smokestack Express — Restaurant in Bloomington

This is the real deal folks. Worth the drive from anywhere. I'm all the way up in Maple Grove and found myself in the area and needing to provide the dinner for my family upon my return. Outbid time and not wanting boring fast food, I stopped into this hidden gem in Bloomington. I am so glad I did. The familiar smoky aromas filled the parking lot as I walked to the front door. As I walked inside I was greeted promptly and sincerely with more enthusiasm that the crew from publishers clearing house. I felt right at home. The options were amazing. One of the exuberant "greeters" allowed me to try a new smoked chicken salad he just created. It was one of the best I have ever tried. Full of flavor, hint of smoke, refreshing grapes, a smidge of celery seed and a perfect balance of pulled chicken to mayo ratio. WOW! I said this would be amazing on a croissant, guess what he pulled out a bakery fresh croissant! This individual turns out to also be the owner, Trevor. In all my 30 plus years of hospitality service, I have never (or rarely) encountered someone with this high level of enthusiasm, charisma, passion and just true excitement to be making and sharing food with other people.

My only regret? I didn't pre-order the smoked meatloaf! I sat and watched three of these get careful wrapped and sent home with super lucky folks! I will jump on the website and make sure to get my order in for the next time I'm here...

The smoker gets loaded at 5:30am every single morning and again throughout the day ... and when it's gone, it's gone until the cycle repeats itself the next day! From house made BBQ sauce to the unbelievably decadent and moist brisket (ranked right up their with Mr. Franklin) to some of the best pulled pork and ribs I've had in ages, the amazing smoked chicken salad, and the shear joy of sharing his talent and excitement about Cue, this place is spot on and I can't wait to enjoy meals here again.

Thank you for your hospitality and outstanding products Trevor and Crew from Smokestack Express. I wish you nothing but continued success and growth as you continue to share this experience with more and more...

I read a lot of good reviews about their food, so I decided to check it out today! I agree, their food is very good and was ready quickly! But what we observed while enjoying our food, was bothersome! They have an open kitchen, so we, the customers can see things going on!

1. Two employees came in, apparently started at 3. Neither one washed their hands! They stepped right into their duties! A health inspector wouldn't want to see that!
2. One of the guys started spraying the counters with their sanitizer, to which they had a cutting board right next to where he sprayed! This is another thing a health inspector would not care to see! As most of us know, spray goes beyond the area you are spraying! He should have sprayed the sanitizer onto his cleaning towel, and then wiped down the counter!
3. The staff was eating meat scraps in view of their customers! One older guy, possibly the manager, was eating something in the back further, while preparing a recipe.
4. A few employees were on their cell phones while working, yet no one washed their hands when they got off their phones! Most of us know, cell phones carry germs!

To note, I gave them feedback before we left. One of them them appreciated the feedback, yet no apology! We are hoping they'll make corrections on what I told them. I know they definitely would if a health inspector...

No frills solid bbq, exactly what you're looking for. When it comes to bbq, the more showy/fancy the place is, the less I trust them. My first time here, missing bbq from the south. I don't usually do reviews, but I wanted to support the kindness of the staff that accompanied the fantastic food. The rub on the ribs was exceptional, with perfect tenderness and smoke flavor to match. Then for my brisket, they kindly asked me whether i wanted slices of lean, fatty, or a mix. Really appreciated that and similarly greatly enjoyed the brisket. The slaw is solid. The Mac and cheese is perfectly cooked; you can tell they know what they are doing because the noodles are actually al dente and not overcooked and nearly disintegrating like some places. I hope to be back. They should think about adding hot links to the menu.

Wouldn't mind the a little piece of Texas toast to go with the meals. Would love if they sell options by weight so you can mix and match what you want in a platter, like they do at Pinkertons in Texas. Essentially you can get say, 5 ribs, 3 slices brisket, and a quarter pound pulled pork, paying for each by weight. It's a slick way to do bbq, ideal...