Blackstone's Smokehouse — Restaurant in Flint

Thought about rating them a '1' after last night's experience. We've been there often through the years since they've opened. So based on past experiences, I'm putting this rating at a '2' for now and maybe will give them another chance. Waitstaff had always been hit-or-miss, but more often good enough and friendly. Food has always been acceptable but not out of this world. Last night was a low however. That experience leads me to believe they need the 'Bar Rescue' TV series at the establishment - ASAP. Hardly any diners; maybe 4-6 at the bar. One gentlemen came in and sat at the bar for over 5 minutes without being paid any attention. I could tell by his looking back and forth constantly that he was wondering if he was going to be served; or at least asked if he wanted anything. During that time we witnessed anywhere from zero to 5 staff behind the bar (really - 5? with no crowd? and still giving poor service?). At one time, 4 of those 5 were gone (where I don't know), and the remaining staffer behind the bar was too busy wiping down kegs or something with her back turned to the crowd. So still this new patron wasn't being attended to. Doesn't this place want to take in money from paying customers? Then I overheard one of the staffers behind the bar throwing out as many expletives as he could in the course of one or two sentences. This was as he spoke with the other staffers gathered there with him at that end of the bar (next to other customers). I believe even some of those in his conversation group also worked there based on their attire. If so, they must have been off their shift since one or two were drinking as well (hey; at least they got served). It was a Tuesday night so maybe they don't care since the crowd was light. On the other hand, we went over to Soggy Bottom and had trouble finding parking since they were so busy. So maybe Tuesday is not the...

Sadly writing this review in hopes they see it and do better. I've eaten here many times, always dinner or later. It's my go to downtown, we'll was. The service has always been subpar but the food made up for it. Visited this last weekend during allyfest. Not busy at all when we got there at 7, a little more when we left but very manageable. My issues started when we requested to sit outside. There wasn't a table available at the moment but I asked if we could move when one opened. Hostess said it would be up to the server. I would have waited but ended up being seated as far from outside as possible next to the stage. Within 2 minutes a table was available and I asked the waiter to move. He had to confirm it with the hostess but we were able to move. We ordered 2 appetizers plus meals and I got an additional salad. All of our food came out at the same time so as we ate starters are dinner sat there. I got ribs and although the flavor was good and they were tender, they were nowhere near fall off the bone and very very dry. It was obvious when looking at them from the side and Moreno when eating them. I asked for extra napkins (ribs ya'know) and after more than 5 minutes and watching our waiter complete other tasks such as bar stock, I went in and asked again as well as having him fill my water (my only drink) which was empty when I asked for the napkins. Again, I've never been impressed with the service at Blackstones but dealt with it for the food. Cold, dry food will not get me back. Additionally, the menu price for a full rack was $27 however we were charged $29. I'm sure prices have increased but that should have been communicated. Lastly, don't order the overpriced BBQ deviled eggs, there is nothing special or BBQ about them, just deviled eggs. To be fair, the description explains them that way we just assumed they...

If you are looking for a truly great experience, Blackstone's delivers. They are, in my opinion, the best restaurant in Flint and the surrounding area for a number of reasons.

Firstly, the food is top notch. The menu is limited, but that is a feature here rather than a defect, as it allows Blackstone's to really focus on what they do well, which is BBQ. The brisket is worth the trip by itself, ribs are awesome, and even the burgers are basically perfect. They have the best chopped pork sandwich I think I have ever had.

Secondly, their staff is on point. I have never had a wrong order at this place, and on the single occasion where an issue did present itself, the owner personally helped me resolve the situation. The bartenders here in particular are really experienced, and will make sure you get exactly the drink you're hoping to have in that glass or mug, presented how you'd expect.

Thirdly, Blackstone's in an enormous value compared to what you would pay elsewhere, even within walking distance. I've brought my son here for his birthday meal, I've brought dates here, I've brought entire groups of co-workers here for lunch meetings, and a huge part of that is because you get what you pay for. There are no teeny tiny, dainty servings here.

I work very near to Blackstone's, and so I hit this place probably once a week when they are open for lunch, and I have to say that if they were open every day I'd probably never go anywhere else in downtown Flint.

They're very good. If you're reading this, and you're thinking about trying Blackstone's Smokehouse, do it! You won't be...