Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
Centerpointe
4.4
(286)
Mr. Lee's Barbeque House
4.2
(979)
Yum Yum Donuts
4.4
(201)
A'Roma Ristorante
4.6
(351)
Show Sushi
4.5
(375)
$$
So I would like to start off by saying don't let my review or any other stop you from trying this place yourself! With that being said, the food served here is definitely not worth the price in my opinion. The name is very catchy and and the front of the establishment is set up very well. I would give them a 7 for the cleanliness of the establishment, couldn't see the entire kitchen, but from the looks of the cooks... (no mask, no gloves, no hair net) it might be a little unorganized. The host was easy to talk to and seemed to have great customer service skills, however she was not knowledgeable of the menu. She couldn't suggest a go to meal and couldn't explain what exactly came on their $20 NACHOS!!!!. If you plan to pay with a Debit card expect to be charged more then paying with cash? Now for the food.... I paid over $40 on a tri-tip sandwich, nachos, fries and mac n cheese. The Tri tip sandwich was below average my wife said, my children DID NOT LKIE THE TACO SEASONED fries, the mac n cheese was HORRIBLE!!!!!!! Tatse like they use cheese wiz or something nasty and fake, then to top it off the $20 nachos was definitely a NO GO!!! The chips were OLD!!!! I'm from San Diego, I eat tortilla chips daily these are by far the worst I ever eat! Even with all this I was still giving this small business a chance, but when I ordered tri-tip nachos and there's absolutely no meat for $20. I had to turn around. I drove 15 minutes back just to bring there trash back!! Do not eat here if you enjoy good food, if you don't mind paying an arm and leg for trash then...
Read more
Would definitely come back here. Ordered the brisket, fried pork belly, and pork ribs. We got the Mac n cheese and potato salad as sides, and the meat came with the BBQ sauce and a chimichurri, as well as slaw and guac.
FOOD
The brisket was impressively tender with a nice smoke ring. The ribs were similarly tender, with a nice bark. Both were just a little under seasoned for me, but that's what the sauces are for. The pork belly was (for the most part) well fried, crispy without being rough and chewy. The potato salad actually tasted like potato instead of mayo, and the slaw was actually refreshing (I hate when it's drowning in mayo). Unfortunately the weakest piece was probably the Mac n cheese - decent, but nothing to write home about.
SERVICE
The girl behind the counter (owner?) was a delight, both on the phone and in person. Regret not getting a name for a proper shout-out. Didn't hesitate to chat us up about the new management, the food, the patrons, the beer, etc.
ATMOSPHERE
Very casual, about what you'd expect of a BBQ joint. Big bar, pool table, banquet tables, and military homage on the wall tell you exactly what this place is about, and really nails the local hangout vibe. Respectable selection of beers on tap as well as bottles and cans in the fridge. Would be a great place to catch a game, but I don't actually know if they play them (wasn't paying that...
Read more
Yesterday, my wife made some black-eyed peas—but nothing to go with them. That was my cue to find some meat and cornbread. On the way home, I stumbled across Wholly Smokes. I'd never been there before, so this review is all about first impressions.
As we approached, the sign caught my attention: "Under New Ownership." Outside, an employee sat scrolling on his phone. It was a quiet Sunday around 3 PM, and we were the only patrons in sight. Checking Yelp beforehand had been a bit of a letdown, as their menu featured items they no longer offer. No links were available either.
We ordered half a pound of pulled pork, half a pound of brisket, and four pieces of cornbread—all priced reasonably. Their tap selection turned out to be decent. The Cali Squeeze Blood Orange was a standout, and they also seemed to carry Firestone Walker products, including 805.
The staff were friendly and responsive, which was refreshing. While the brisket had cooled by the time we got home, it was still tender and flavorful—just like the pulled pork. The real surprise? The chimichurri that accompanied the brisket—an unexpected and delightful touch.
Overall, I'd rate the experience as average. While it’s clear they’ve got potential, a bit more effort could turn Wholly Smokes into a go-to spot. Leaning in on those small details would really elevate...
Read more
