Smokey Mo's BBQ — Restaurant in Cedar Park

We have been a long-time patron of Smokey Mo's and have always recommended them and used them for catering events. Recently something has changed. The menu, staff, pricing, & quality have all changed. The staff is no longer the friendly, welcoming bunch. The quality of food has gone down & the prices have gone up. I realize that anyone can have an off day, so my review is not based off of one visit. My last three visits have been sub-par.

In Aug we ordered a family pack. The BBQ was dry and the flavor seemed as they had used a heavy hand with liquid smoke. Not the normal quality Smokey Mo's is known for.

Just before Thanksgiving, I called to see if they could take a large order (3 family packs) They assured me they could I spent an hour putting together an order for over $300 of BBQ. Just as they were about to take payment, I was told that the manager decided they should not accept this order as it was a busy time and they did not want to sell their BBQ on family packs when they could sell on individual orders.

We went back after Thanksgiving. This time, for just one family pack. The ribs were more fat than meat. The brisket was so fatty, the butcher paper separated and stuck to the meat. What they served as sliced brisket, they would have normally turned to chopped beef. There were 3 people working behind the counter, No one greeted any of the customers or said thank you customers paying. Others waiting made comments about it as well and pointed out that they heard it recently changed ownership. The girl working behind the counter did not know who owned or managed the restaurant.

The biggest disappointment is the change in the staff. Everyone has always been so friendly and welcoming there. You were always made to feel welcome and appreciated. Unfortunately that is no longer the situation.

Austin has too many really great BBQ places with good food & service. I hate to say it, but take Smokey Mo's off of your list of places to get BBQ. There's at least 5 others within a stones throw that are...

So disappointed about this place. Me and my guys used to come 2-3x wk, now we hardly do, and when we do, we just get upset and disappointed. You used to cooked your meats really good, soft and juice now they served them almost raw. The condiments are rotten most of the time or sometimes there's none, like last time, Lemons were rotten, today onions were rotten and there's no pickles and when I asked for some I was given 2 little pcs and I was told "No more pickles for you" the 3 people that work for you right now are simply lazy, they lack customer service and don't do their job. I tried reaching out to your main manager and nothing happened. I f you care about your restaurant you should do something about it. Prices went very high but customer services are on the ground. I used to like your place but after the treatment I got today, I doubt I will be coming back. Like I said, I used to like your food that's why I took the time to write to you, since calling your main line didn't help!!! I was soooo disappointed that I wished they had zero stars, that's what I would give you!!!! I get the same attitude from your employees, lack of everything....just don't want to comeback!! I did gave you several opportunities and nothing!! We Just...

So we tried the barbecue at a different place outside our regular rotation that my other half wanted to try. We were disappointed. The brisket was bland at best. For me, I have had better from a Costco refrigerator meal. Same for the sausage. The pork ribs lacked favor. The ribs honestly reminded be of tamale meat, but less flavor. I tried to improve on the flavor with the barbecue sauce, but unfortunately it provided no help. The green beans were no better. The best thing out of the bunch for me was the boiled red potatoes. You could tell the potatoes were boiled in salt water and tender.

The staff were kind, patient, helped navigate the menu options quite well, and though empty, was clean. When we entered, there was a bit of a rush, which the team handled quite well for a 8:15 PM visit.

So.. if most barbecue is too spicy for you (like Salt Lick, Terry Black’s, or Southside) then this may be an...