Smokey's Pub N' Grill — Restaurant in East Bethel

We (6, all 21+) got there at 8:50 and sat down. The waitress came in an instant (possibly only green flag) and told us we need to order NOW because the kitchen is closing as we speak. She seemed very inconvenienced by our presence. We didn't even have menus. She seemed annoyed that us first-timers didn't know what we wanted. Our friend who is gluten free asked about his options, to which she basically said "there is no point in checking because by the time I come back, the kitchen will be closed. So we better order now". If we did get food, I wouldn't be surprised if it was bad simply by how rushed she was making it seem. We decided we would just get drinks instead. Half of us ordered waters. The people who ordered alcohol happily showed IDs. One of my friends (23) told another friend that she forgot her ID in her car so that's why she's not drinking. Rookie mistake, for sure. Waitress quickly picked up on that and told us to get out because the restaurant becomes a bar at 9 (it was like 8:51 if that). If that was the case, I don't know why she didn't ID us earlier. By the way she handled it, it seemed like she was just trying to get rid of us and this was her chance.

We went to another bar and the waitress politely told us the kitchen closed. We were insanely grateful for her to tell us in a kind manner. She was more than happy to give me water (actually she gave me 3). If she ID'd for my water, I would happily give it. I almost even gave her a good tip for my water because of how much of a breath of fresh air she was.

I feel a bit bad because my friend was really excited to take us there. I'd go again for her, and maybe I'll try the water before 8:50pm. I kind of hope that the waitress was having a bad day because I have no clue why else someone would treat customers that bad. I understand how frustrating it is when people walk in before you close. I used to work in the food industry too. I also understand there are rules for bars. I'm not upset about the supposed rules, and I'm not upset about her enforcing them either--good for her. I wouldn't even be upset if she politely said "the kitchen had to close early". But at least be polite about it? Maybe I'm naïve and it's bar culture to have rude waitresses. Great first impression. Once in a...

TL:DR, Go here if you like food and friendly people. If you don't like either then come for the beer!

Hidden local smokehouse/bbq/bar that is wonderful. After our first visit we went back twice in the same week. The only other place I have eaten at more than twice a week is my own kitchen! Generous portions of fantastic smoked meat. The sampler platter was enough food for three ravenous teenagers to still have leftovers! On top of the awesome food and huge craft beer selection, the staff is great.

There are a few things I look for that set a place above the rest:

Sauces/ dressings that are homemade on site. This is a little thing that makes a huge difference.

Atmosphere. This place has a large and diverse craft beer selection. I would say it's the largest for a long way. They have no pretentiousness about it either. It's about great beer in a friendly atmosphere.

Staff. Employees and servers that seem genuinely happy to see you and be there. This is obvious, but not as common as I wish it was.

Value. We have three teenage boys and finding a place to take them is sometimes a struggle. It feels like a waste if we go to dinner and they all come home hungry and raiding the fridge.

Smokey's checks all these boxes, which is impressive even without current events making things harder for everything.

Thanks to everyone there, we...

Walking into Smokey's Pub n' Grill is what I feel is a typical BBQ joint. Fun decor, open concept, wooden floors and paper towel rolls at the table. We started out with some wings. We got them plain so we could try all of their sauces. This was a great idea. Wings were smoked to perfection with a great crust. The sauces are AMAZING! All had a great unique flavor and sure beats your plain old BBQ sauce. I enjoyed them all so try them all. My wife and I split the southern hospitality (we are on diets), this is Memphis style slow smoked beef brisket and pulled pork topped with slaw. All worked great. Just enough meat to slaw ratio. Bun held up amazingly! We both decided that putting some of the white sauce made it even better (personal opinion). The father in law got the beef brisket platter. Complained the meat was cut to thick?! I'm not even sure what that means. My mother in law got the pulled pork sandwich. It must have been good she ate it all. The slaw had a little paprika flavor. Definitely delicious. When we are off the diets will be back for those pulled pork egg rolls along with many other items. I would have given a 5 but we asked to start out with the wings. They came at...