County Smoak — Restaurant in Lynchburg

When I'm on the road I'm always on the lookout for good BBQ. This did not disappoint. Meat ranking by smoke 1-5: Brisket (5) some of the best I've had both wet and dry, heavily smoked and a perfect bark. Pulled Pork (5) it is extremely hard to find moist pulled pork without a sauce, this needs no sauce, and it is moist. Smoked Chicken (4) very good job on the chicken, I love the black pepper style when it comes to chicken and this ranks in the top 3 that I've had. Ribs (2) the flavor was very good but....I expected a smoke akin to the brisket, these did not have any smoke flavor, not even a hint and they were a bit dry. Ironically the ribs are basted with a BBQ sauce on top, but we all needed to use additional BBQ sauce and lots of it. Sides in order: Cornbread (5++) ohh lord if this would not spoil somehow on the way back to Florida I'd take a sheet of it back home, soft, buttery, sweet, no non processed cornmeal bits, just perfection. Smoked Sausage (5) very very good smoked sausage, don't know if it's homemade but it's very good, a must try. Collard Greens (5) a must try, smoky, salty goodness. Potato Salad (5) here's the thing, I have never had potato salad like this, I don't know what they did here but I don't like it, I love it!! Again if this could make it back to Florida, I'm taking the largest size they can offer. Mac n Cheese (2) great flavor, lots of creamy cheese, but thickens in your mouth like Velvetta which im no fan of in Mac n Cheese. Will you finish what's on your plate...yes, would you go back for second helping or order again as your main side...I'm iffy on that. Baked Beans (1) I just don't get it, and I think this may be a bad batch, their was a burnt or dirty smoke flavor to the beans, they do have brisket in them, that's a plus but I could not get past the burnt flavor. Lastly, the pickles.......an absolute 5 as a finisher or compliment to any of the meat or on a sandwich, loved it. Bottom line, yes this is a MUST visit!! FYI....you can sample any of what your ordering before going all in, and it's a great option, not offered at many places, I can only think of two other places I've visited that...

1/29/2025: Return Visit - Awesome! A BBQ Destination Worth the Drive! What a perfect day for a drive! On January 29, 2025, I took my Corvette Stingray on a road trip from Richmond, VA, to Lynchburg, VA, with one delicious destination in mind—Country Smoak! I first stumbled upon this gem a few months ago and instantly knew I had found my new go-to BBQ spot. Today, I made the trip just for their incredible food, and let me tell you—it never disappoints!

I loaded up on ribs, scooby snacks, beef sausages, a brisket baked potato, smoked baked beans, and more brisket—because when BBQ is this good, you don’t hold back! Every bite was packed with rich, smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

If you love real-deal, expertly crafted BBQ, Country Smoak is worth every mile. Can’t wait to come back again!

I was in the area and decided to give the queue a try. I always look for new BBQ restaurants I have not tried and sample. Most of the time, they are insignificant or disappointing. Yet, Country Smoak was simply delicious and amazing when I arrived. I had order number 23, 10/20/2024, 2 pm/est pickup. Ribs, tips, half chicken, turkey sandwich, greens, beans, and two sausages. You would agree. I got some items to sample; they were delicious, tender, and just enough Smoak. The boss sauce is the boss sauce. I love it so much that I will drive back from Richmond, VA when I want a real BBQ. I have found my second bbq joint that does not disappoint, being added to Buz and Neds in Richmond, Virginia. I now have a nice, easy drive in my Corvette Stingray to put miles on it and get delicious BBQ from Country Smoal. Might I add, the young lady bagging up the food meticulously ensured you got all your food and the variety of sauces and sides selected. So Delicious! ...

EDIT In response to what the owner just wrote, if how you treat your employees (including their pay) is terrible then the people who frequent your establishment should know so they can wisely chose how to spend their money. I’ve talked to several of your employees (not just one) and it’s a consistent story every time about the work environment, the inconsistent hours, and the favoritism that is shown to one 18 year old employee in particular. It stings to have the truth about who you really are and how you treat people exposed. I hope that rather than lashing out at me (a perfect stranger) you will use this as an opportunity to better yourself for future employees sake, as well as the sake of the hard earned dollars of your customers that are being spent at your establishments. Hope to hear nothing but good things moving forward. *

Honestly it’s sucks that this place sucks this bad. And not in the way you might think. Do they have incredible BBQ? Yes. Are they decent and honest people? No. When I heard that ZERO tips (yes that’s right zero) go to the employees, I was shook. For someone who has worked in the food industry myself I would have reported them to the department of labor if I worked for them. They take the tips and use them to pay the staffs regular salary, rather than provide them any extra income. The employees hard work is not rewarded here. Underpaid and over worked. The owners should be ashamed and it makes me feel sick when I drive by and see the “Be the good you wish to see in the world!” Sign on their business. Won’t be going to this establishment ever again. I advise you don’t either. Or just know where your tip is going...