Kloby's Smokehouse & Whiskey Bar — Restaurant in Maryland

Oh what a turbulent relationship I've had with this institution. When I first moved to the area and worked nearby, I couldn't get enough of Kloby's; they got everything right about BBQ that no establishment I'd been to in the north even got close to. For years it was my go-to, and in college, I'd get a car full of friends to drive out from DC just to get Kloby's.

Then the fire nation attacked.

By that I mean, the quality dropped, hard and fast. I'm not sure why, I don't think it changed ownership, but all of the sudden the pulled pork was dry, the brisket was tough, the fries were soggy, and it seemed as if all hope was lost. One possible explanation was a newfound obsession with bacon and a focus on craft beer/bourbon. Everything on the menu had a bacon option which was, for a month, exciting, but it seemed to be at the expense of the rest of the menu. I had all but stopped going there entirely until a friend specifically asked to go a few months ago.

They got it back! The brisket was tender again, the pulled pork juicy, and the fries nice and crispy. They were balancing the whole beer/bacon craze with the quality of the rest of the food, and life was good.

Unfortunately I went again a few weeks ago, and they've picked up a new bad habit: money grubbing. In my (very subjective) opinion, they under-sauce their sandwiches. From a culinary perspective it makes sense; not everyone likes saucy sandwiches like I do, and it was never a problem to ask for extra sauce on the side. That is, until they started charging for it: $0.50 for a tiny little ketchup container of sauce that usually isn't even filled all the way, and a little placard at checkout with a nickel and dime breakdown of their sauce policy; it's embarrassing. Apparently their chicken supplier has stopped selling them quarter chickens, so rather than 5 seconds with a knife, they now only sell half chickens. If the chicken breast wasn't so intensely dry, it wouldn't be an issue, but alas... The nail in the coffin was the dismal amount of fries; I don't think it's too much to ask that a side of fries constitute at least one potato's worth. I'm not sure if they're having money problems or what, but I hope they can turn it around.

The reason I gave 4 stars instead of 3 is the one thing that has been consistently good since I began eating there: the "Carolina" sauce. It's a vinegar based bbq sauce based on the North Carolina tradition, but taken to the next level. It's thicker and less puckeringly sour, and believe me when I tell you it goes well on everything. The sauce alone is worth a star, and if they go out of business I will personally liquidate their Carolina sauce supply, as well as negotiate with the owner...

BBQ Nirvana Found: Kloby's Smokehouse in Laurel is a Must-Try!

Let me tell you, folks, if you're anywhere near Laurel, Maryland, and have a hankering for some righteous BBQ, look no further than Kloby's Smokehouse! This place isn't just good, it's a full-on flavor explosion that'll have your taste buds singing and your happy dance primed.

First off, the aroma hitting you as you walk in is pure barbecue bliss. It's that perfect smoky, sweet, and savory blend that promises greatness to come. And let me tell you, the food delivers in a big way!

Where do I even begin? The pulled pork? Falling apart tender with a beautiful smoke ring and a bark that'll make a grown man cry tears of joy (tears of deliciousness, that is). The ribs? Juicy, perfectly cooked, with a sauce that's both tangy and sweet – a symphony in every bite. And for those who love a good challenge, Kloby's brisket is a thing of beauty – melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

But Kloby's isn't just about the meats (though they are the undisputed stars). Their sides are no slouches! From the creamy mac and cheese (seriously, this stuff is next-level) to the crispy, perfectly seasoned fries, everything is a delicious complement to the smoky goodness of the main course.

Now, some might say the price point is a tad high, but trust me, the quality and flavor more than justify it. You're paying for a taste of barbecue heaven, and let me tell you, it's worth every penny.

Kloby's Smokehouse isn't just a restaurant, it's an experience. From the friendly staff to the mouthwatering food, it's a place that'll leave you wanting more. Do yourself a favor and get down there – your taste buds...

Decided to try this BBQ place out with a carry out order. Called the order in and was told to come for pick up in 15 minutes. When I arrived, was nicely greeted and directed over to the carry out register. After checking my order, the woman asked what sides we ordered for one of the platters. The brisket platter had the brussels sprouts and hush puppies as sides (clarified), and the pork rib platter had the Mac&cheese and collard greens as sides. Once this was straightened out, there was a moderate wait (almost as if they were only then assembling the order). It was definitely not ready for pick up. Finally left with the order, it was correctly filled. The serving sizes was decent. The brisket was definitely dry (which is one of the options on their menu, though not what we prefer, we will have to study their menu if we repeat), the brussels sprouts were excellent, hush puppies good. As for the pork ribs, they were tender and moist, excellent. The Mac & cheese was satisfying but nothing special. The collard greens were very salty, couldn't even finish them. So mixed reviews on the food, some aspects were great, others not to our liking. The carry out process was a bit lacking - but maybe could be attributed to the "off" hour on a Saturday (3:30 pm). Update: Feb 26, 2025. Much improved carry out experience. The order was ready for pick up on arrival and the items were all there. Pork spare ribs and moist brisket with brussel sprouts sides, Mac and cheese, and sweet potato fries. ...