Smokey Bones Orlando — Restaurant in Orlando

Be careful going here especially if you have food allergies and restrictions. I was told they had many gluten free items and the menu did have gluten free items listed. They have a BOGO brisket platter special on Thursdays and I ordered with mashed potatoes and gravy and broccoli and asked them to hold the garlic bread and informed him it was due to an allergy. They brought out the first platter with the garlic bread place on top of the brisket and broccoli dish. No big deal except the mashed potatoes also were a weird brown color with dried gravy film on top (the gravy normally comes on the side not on top) and a scoop taken out. The meat was dry like jerky in some spots and crusty on top and separated in two separate chunks. I asked if they could make a fresh plate without bread and again stated the allergy. He brought out the second platter without bread and said they would remake the first one. This second platter had fresh mashed potatoes that were actually white not brown like the first plate with a side of gravy and the meat was fresh and moist. Well, they brought out the "remade" first platter only for it to be the exact same platter that had the toast on it before. The same old mashed potatoes with the scoop taken out and the same 2 chunks of old brisket. You could see the spot where the garlic toast used to be on the plate and where it touched the broccoli dish too. I'm a chef myself but it doesn't take a genius to know what food looks like when it has been sitting around for a while and this plate looked like it had been someone else's who sent it back. I think they tried to pull one of those moves where the customer complains and they pretend to make it again and give them the same dish and the customer doesn't notice. I told the waiter that I did not want to get sick and he agreed the food looked off but got annoyed and said "So what do you want me to do here?" A different experience I had here was when I ordered a side of brisket and they brought out my plate with my sisters garlic toast on top of the meat and had to remake it due to my allergies. They brought out a different plate that was cold and everything was dried out and crusted over. I didn't want to complain again and tried a bite of the meat. It was so salty. Burn your tongue salty. My sister said I was probably being a Karen and tried a piece and spit it out immediately. She asked our waitress if there was something that could be done since the food was cold, old, and salty. The waitress eyes got really wide. She looked at me and said "REALLY?" then she stared at my plate with a crazy expression, pressed her lips together, flared out her nostrils, and started angrily blowing really hard and fast in and out of her nose for about 10 seconds then snapped out of it and said "Okay, no problem!" She took my food back and came out with the check and after another 10 minutes, we realized that I was never going to get my food. The waitress said since there was no pleasing me, I would probably be happier eating at home. She just straight up decided I didn't get to eat because they couldn't get the order right. The only time I had a somewhat decent experience was the first time I went. But, even then, the waiter was drunk, still messed up the order, and told me and my mother several separate stories about how he frequently drives and speeds while nearly blackout drunk and since his family is rich and influential, he never gets charged when he's arrested. No wonder the place is...

My first time at a Smokey Bones - I love BBQ and especially smoked meats! So I figured what better type of place to try, even if it is a chain (they said they were corporate-owned, not a franchise location).

Menu offered quite a variety, including the usual fare for a smoked bbq place, plus some nice premium options for sides and add-ons, for a decent upcharge. I went for the $12.99 lunch special, which included 1/4 chicken and 2 sides. Overall, it was... decent. Definitely nothing exciting, and an ok value, for sure, for $13, although portions were a bit small. But again, for $13... value received.

That being said, there were a few confusing, and a bit disappointing things. First, it's a smoked bbq joint. BUT... my 1/4 chicken didn't taste smoked at all, so I asked. Turns out, it's NOT, it's merely bbq'd. WHY? At a smokehouse?

Also, the signature sauces (in bottles on each table) were excellent (I sampled each). But my chicken tasted sauced (as it came) in something totally different... and quite boring, like basically sweet, sugary bottled bbq sauce like you'd get from any brand at the grocery store, so again, I asked. Turns out, for reasons not even the seasoned server could explain, this place does NOT use its own "signature" bbq sauce on its meats - it uses some generic, boring bbq sauce?! Again, WHY?!

The red-skinned mashed potatoes and gravy were pretty decent (although a totally boring brown gravy, whereas many bbq joints will have a nice country gravy. There was hardly any gravy on them, but the server was kind enough to bring me some more (totally wrong potatoes:gravy ratio... :) . And the "roasted street corn"... was basically frozen corn that had been somehow made to "look" roasted, and then drowned in a buttery sauce. Definitely NOT what most people think of as roasted street corn - quite disappointing.

The included toasted garlic bread was tasty, as was the chicken, for the most part, barring the aforementioned shortcomings that make absolutely no sense at all. Like I started out, for $13, I'm not complaining, just disappointed, and definitely wouldn't be happy with the portions/quality at the regular $20+ dinner prices for the same portions (according to the server).

And oh - this befuddles even all of the above... there are 2 versions of their "signature" SMOKED baby back ribs on the menu. A more expensive option, that is their "in-house" slow-smoked baby backs, and then, another, "imported" baby back dish, with the "in-house" version being about 50% more expensive, on average.

I asked the server before ordering what the difference was. She said, "Just what is says" - one is "in-house," and one is "imported." She said they were both baby backs, but the "imported" were a bit leaner, and smaller, and the "in-house" were a big larger with a bit more fat. She said the "imported" were from Denmark?!? AGAIN.... WHY?!?!?

Why would a smokehouse that advertises itself as "Smokey Bones" ever offer a sub-par "imported" rack of ribs, even if less expensive, that weren't in-house, weren't dressed in their signature (amazing) bbq sauce, and weren't smoked in their amazing smoker?!? Makes zero sense to me, and honestly, just frustrated me.

So I had my $13 lunch, and might have it again at that price, if there were nothing else around better, but I won't ever be seeking this chain out again if I have other options. Makes no...

Oh, Smokey Bones, where have you been all my life? I recently had the pleasure of dining at Smokey Bones in Orlando, and I can confidently say that it has become my go-to destination for the most mouthwatering wings in town! Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds singing with joy!

From the moment I walked through the doors of this charming establishment, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The rustic yet modern decor sets the perfect tone for a dining experience that combines comfort with a dash of excitement. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making me feel right at home from the start.

Now, let's talk about the real star of the show – the wings! Smokey Bones has truly mastered the art of crafting wings that are nothing short of perfection. Each bite is an explosion of flavor that sends waves of delight through your entire being. The wings are impeccably cooked, with a tantalizing crispness on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside. Whether you prefer traditional flavors or crave bold, unique combinations, Smokey Bones has a wide variety of sauces and rubs to satisfy every palate. The Buffalo Wings and the Sweet & Smokey BBQ wings are personal favorites of mine, but you really can't go wrong with any choice on the menu.

What truly sets Smokey Bones apart is their commitment to quality and attention to detail. The wings are always fresh and prepared with care, ensuring that every visit is a consistently fantastic experience. The portion sizes are generous, guaranteeing that even the heartiest of appetites will be more than satisfied. And if wings alone aren't enough to satisfy your cravings, their diverse menu features an array of delicious sides, appetizers, and main courses that are equally as delectable.

To complement the incredible food, Smokey Bones offers an impressive selection of craft beers and signature cocktails. I highly recommend trying one of their unique house-infused bourbons or indulging in a refreshing mojito to elevate your dining experience to new heights.

The service at Smokey Bones deserves special praise as well. The staff are not only knowledgeable about the menu but also passionate about what they do. Their genuine enthusiasm shines through in every interaction, making your visit even more enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned wing connoisseur or a first-time visitor, the staff is more than happy to guide you through the menu and offer recommendations that perfectly match your preferences.

Finally, let's talk about value for money. Smokey Bones offers an exceptional dining experience at an affordable price point. The quality and quantity of the food you receive are worth every penny, and you'll leave with a smile on your face and a full and happy belly.

In conclusion, if you find yourself in Orlando and have a hankering for the best wings in town, Smokey Bones is an absolute must-visit. Prepare to have your taste buds awakened and your expectations exceeded. With their delectable wings, inviting atmosphere, top-notch service, and unbeatable value, Smokey Bones has earned my enthusiastic seal of approval. I can't wait to return for another finger-licking, wing-devouring adventure!

Note: This review is based on my personal experience and reflects my genuine enthusiasm for...