Rowdy's Smokehouse — Restaurant in Jackson

Visited Rowdy's Smokehouse in Jackson, Ohio, on Saturday, September 2, 2023, around 2pm. I could not wait to try this place. My original post is at the bottom. It was very, VERY busy when our party of four arrived, and I was very confused with the entire establishment the moment I walked in. Do we have to give our name and wait to be seated? Are there any signs indicating where you place your order and to pay then? No. There was a gaggle of people right where you enter. Then I find out that the menu is written on a board to the right of the two cash registers, right where you enter. When we were ready to place our orders, I had no idea where the line was to order. Again, a bunch of people were just crammed in a small area trying to see the menu board, trying to order and picking up their orders. Of course, I was in the line for the to-go orders. If there was a sign posted for the "order here" register and the "to-go here" register, I definitely did not see it because I had to get in the correct line. Meanwhile, I kept watching them bring out the little "sold out" signs to place on the menu board of the multiple things that were sold out of. Finally, I was able to place my order, but before I could finish, I was interrupted by the kitchen staff and the girl doing the to-go orders. Apparently, there was a large order for brisket called in earlier that day to be picked up soon, but they were sold out of that before my party even arrived. The to-go girl didn't want to make the call to tell them that they were out of brisket, the kitchen staff didn't want to make the call, so the lady taking my order had to call. I should have left right then before finishing my order, but I didn't. My party was sitting at a table waiting for me to place our orders. The last thing I ordered was a cocktail that I was reading from the menu board right next to the cash register. I was told that bar drinks had to be ordered and paid for at the bar. I was so over this place before any food or drink entered my mouth. I went to the bar and asked for a menu. What am I, crazy?!? Of course, they're not going to have ANYTHING advertising BAR DRINKS at the BAR! It's on the one and only menu board that you can't even see from the bar! Another thing, why is there an option to leave a tip when you have to pay BEFORE getting your food? The customer has to get their own drink from the fountain and the food when it's done! Not one person who worked there came to our table the entire time we were there. And I was stupid enough to leave a tip! I will NEVER go to Rowdy's Smokehouse EVER again! Very disappointing! Maybe the food is fantastic, I'm not sure because all I could taste was disgust. I can't believe people are still eating there. A bunch of people from that area must be really good friends with the owner/employees because I have no idea how this place is still open. Rowdy's Smokehouse will not see one red cent from me ever again. Obviously, the owner does not care enough to respond to ANY of their customers' reviews on Google, whether good or bad. Look for yourself and see. All kinds of comments have been written, and the owner has never responded.

Original post with three (3) stars: I tried visiting on Monday, November 11, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. I googled places to eat in Jackson Ohio since I'm from out of state, this placed popped up & it opened at 11 a.m...."perfect," I thought, but once we arrived, the hours showed it wouldn't open till 4...."Bummer," I thought. Maybe the next time I'm traveling through,...

I like to think of myself as an aficionado of barbecue. I've had the pleasure of experiencing barbecue made by some of the country's greatest pitmasters when we lived in Charleston, SC. Upon moving back to Ohio, traveling 7 hours round-trip (with a toddler in tow) several times a year, all in the name of award-winning barbecue, to a hole-in-the-wall place in Cincinnati is now tradition. To say my standards are high is clearly an understatement.

Learning about Rowdy's Smokehouse got my hopes up higher than my standards. Being an hour away from home with more than affordable menu prices only added to the pressure of anticipation. You see, some people think they know what it takes to make good barbecue... only for you to find out otherwise. Then sometimes, on a special occasion, God will land a diamond in the rough directly onto your plate. Rowdy's is that diamond.

Instead of thinking they know what it takes to make good barbecue, Rowdy's Smokehouse teaches you what "good barbecue" means. The barbecue at Rowdy's Smokehouse is exactly what good barbecue should be.

The aroma of smoked meats fills the air before you ever see the parking lot. We ordered to-go, and upon opening the tin foil, I could instantly tell. The meat was moist and juicy, but not soggy. There were chunks of softly shredded smoked meats perfectly balanced with chunks of crispy outer layers. The best part, though, was those little gold nuggets of pork and beef with crispy crusted outsides and melt-in-your-mouth centers of crackling/fat. You could taste every layer of flavoring, from the succulent fatty juiciness and the tender meat, to the smokey goodness from the seasoned wood. It was like everything good exploding euphoric flavors all at once.

I'd share pictures, but the food was so good I wasn't patient enough to take them. The mac and cheese was just as delicious as the pork barbecue and beef brisket. The price point is more than easy on your pocket. The staff take every single order and request personally. The sauces offered were excellent and gave a variety for regional favorites (from traditional tomato based, spicy, vinegar based, and mustard based). Excellence is served at every point from start to finish.

If you love barbecue like me or just good food, Rowdy's is the best decision you can make when hungry and in Jackson, OH. You won't regret it. You'll get more than your money's worth, and you'll get an experience that can only come from people who truly love what they do. If love had a flavor, it would be Rowdy's...

This place deserves 5 stars as long as you get there early enough. They sell out fast, especially on weekends. All the BBQ was sold out by the time we got there this time, but the ribeye was very good. Salad and fries were also very good. Fountain drinks were refreshing and carbonation and syrup ratio was mixed correctly. I ordered a mojito, but they didn't have the mint so I got a strawberry margarita. It was not too strong, and tasted good, though it had a bit of a lemon taste in it. Husband said green beans were really good, too. You order and pay before you sit, so there isn't much table service, but staff is very friendly and when approached will help you with whatever you need. You seat yourself, so you can pick where you want. Our table and the ones around it were cleaner than any restaurant I've been to in a while. Women's bathroom...