The Smoke Shop BBQ - Methuen — Restaurant in Methuen

Update. Visited again after letting the kinks get worked out and once again I was let down. Ordered wing/pulled pork platter. When I say the pork was dry, I am not exaggerating. Some pieces were hard as a rock. Wings tasted decent but a bit dry, full of flavor here. Pulled pork sandwich also dry, even with extra sauce. Never got the pickles. Kids rib plate was fine. Ribs dry too but flavorful. Fries were spicy? My kid did not like them, had to get regular fries for him. His plate came with a dessert and the 7 layer bar is a toothache in every bite! It was good if you like highly sweetened desserts. Lastly, the banana pudding dessert - i was really excited for. The bananas were not fresh. Hard and tasted like they were frozen. Pudding itself was good. Nilla wafers were needed but very generic dessert. We previously had gotten cornbread with meals but this time there wasnt any. Oh well......

I know today was technically their first day and there are kinks to work out but I was disappointed, especially since they have other locations.

Ordered pickup and the time stated 550. Got there 30 min early so it would be hot when it came out and it was already sitting there. No notification or anything about it being ready early. Order was also wrong. Ordered brisket with the meat combo and it came with pulled pork. Pork and ribs were very dry, and there was no sauce with it even though it asked online what side sauce was preferred. Ordered fries but there were no fries. The clucking hot chicken was HOT!!!!! There was nothing to combat the heat & i couldn't eat my meal for 20 minutes as it made my stomach turn. Tried the cornbread to take the burn but it was drenched in (honey and butter?) which didn't help. So if you order this be prepared to probably not eat anything else you order for a little bit. Other hot chickens are not nearly as hot as this even with the disclaimer. It's literally an instant stomach ache!

I enjoyed the pickled items though! Mac and cheese was decent but not sure if it was processed cheese. I got 3 in the order when I should've gotten 2. Lastly, the cheddar and jalapeno spring rolls, which i Ordered 2 of, were falling apart. Didn't eat more than a bite, not at all appetizing. Everything comes wrapped in a ton of paper, to keep the grease from getting everywhere but it felt like Christmas & took up half my trash bag. I have had assembly row and it was fine, but i think there's nothing special about this menu or it's flavor to bring me back. Area isn't the greatest either, but is conveniently off the highway making for quick access to and from the establishment. Not worth the price for the quality, maybe after the kinks get worked out it would be decent. 2 people came to...

I've seen a lot of reviews being pretty critical of the food and find it baffling. I had a great experience with my first visit this past weekend. Went on Saturday during the dinner rush and my only complaint was that the front of the house isn't 100% in order. I made reservations and another family was in front of me. There were four women behind the hostess station...three of them were looking at iPads and talking amongst themselves. After 5 minutes of waiting behind the family (neither of us had been acknowledged since walking into the restaurant), one of the hostesses finally greeted the other family and took their name. I was seated immediately (after the 6-7 minutes wait) due to the reservation and would recommend especially on a Saturday night.

The food was excellent overall. The menu is well designed and easy to navigate. I ordered the Pit Crew platter which is 2 meats and 2 sides. The ribs (4) are nicely smoked and a good amount of meat and seasoning. Also got the brisket and you get a nice portion. Great balance of meat and fat cap. Brisket was tender and well seasoned. For me, the star were the brussel sprouts with onion jam. Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Also got the pimento Mac and cheese and whole I've seen multiple comments saying it "lacks flavor", I found it to be well seasoned and perfectly cooked. My daughter for ribs with the pimento mac and cornbread which is also a top side.

Pictures are my meal described above and also the smoked turkey BLT which was excellent and HUGE.

The bucket of sauces were good with the mustard being my favorite. Hot stuff is good as it's a sweet and spicy sauce. Didn't love their normal BBQ sauce and that's just my preference.

My one complaint on the food was actually with the drinks. I got a diet coke which was fine but one of the drinks ordered was a seltzer water with lemon and lime wedges. The seltzer tastes like tap water and had that sort of "bleach" taste to it.

Overall, I found it to be an excellent experience and the prices are very reasonable for the portions and quality of food. Will definitely...

I just recently found out about this new place in methuen. Read the menu online and had to try it. Was a bit weary due to some of the reviews that are already made on their google site. Being a new restaurant, I felt like some of the harsh reviews were hardly giving the place a chance. So I had to find out for my self. Got there for 5pm. Was great because the place was somewhat quiet. By the time we left around 6:30 there was a full house. I ordered the brisket and a side of burnt ends. When my plate came out , I asked what the hottest sauce was. I believe it was the manager who then took it upon him self to go out back and whip up the 3 hottest they have. Surprisingly the house hot sauce had the right kick but I had to try the extremes. Honestly they were all delicious. The Buffalo, hot honey and house hot sauce were the best. As for the food portions. I read that they were small but truthfully it was perfect. I left full and happy. The sides were great too. If you like extra meat, just add a side to your meal. It was perfect. Upon leaving I had to introduce my self because I know they will probably be seeing me on a weekly basis. Who I met was Shaun, who seemed to be the manager. Super nice guy and very accommodating to the patrons. I had to come back here on google to offset the negative reviews. They couldn't be more wrong. It's a new place still getting adjusted with a young staff. Everyone is learning and growing. Was well worth the trip and I'm stoked to know they are in the neighborhood. Before leaving I ordered another plate for later. It was just that good that by the end of my meal I was licking my plate. Do yourself a favor and give them a shot. Thank you to Shaun for a pleasant experience but mostly them hot sauces. Absolute fire. See...