Serpentine Cider & Smokehouse (formerly Smokin J's BBQ) — Restaurant in San Diego

I've been going here for a while. Before today, I would actually recommend this place to people I know. However, those days are over after my experience. I came in during rush hour time after my shift had ended at my job. When I walked in, the place was pretty slow. The woman that took my order today (September 25th, 2024 5:10-5:30pm) seemed annoyed towards me asking if they were open as none of the employees had flipped their sign on the window to show they were open. I placed my order, waited and received my food. Only to discover that an entire meal is missing out of the bag by the time I had drove back home.

I called the restaurant, the phone was being ignored. Then the 3rd or 4th time I called, I was greeted by the same woman that took my order. Before I even told her what was missing, she already had said what it was. I had to drive back through what remained of traffic back to the restaurant. Again, was not busy at all when I walked in and I was also being ignored for a bit. When I was finally acknowledged, she gave me my food.

They didn't even attempt to compensate me at all for the inconvenience nor did they even remake anything from the order. So now, I have a little less gas in my cars tank and came back home to some cold fries and sub par mac and cheese. In all honesty, I wouldn't be surprised if they spit in this with how unwelcomed I honestly felt even when they failed.

You lost my business permanently. I'm also going to recommend people avoid you guys...

You don't have to be smoking 🚬 a j to enjoy Smokin' J's. The food is packed with satisfying flavor and the meat was perfectly tender. Never was I feeling the need chew vigorously to get it down. I had a Smokin J sandwich and I would definitely recommend it as a go to. The brisket and pork belly were well cook and packed every bit with amazing flavor. The cole slaw had the right amount of crunch and freshness to compliment meat. I also had the cajun fries and they were seasoned just right and cooked to the exact golden brown crunch one would desire. The service wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst. Definitely expect to wait for your food, so get comfortable if it's busy. They share the space with a brewery, so they provide the beverages. My friends said they enjoyed their TV dinner meals, so that's a great go to to try a couple of the sides and a meat of choice without diving all in. The only the that got ordered that left me thinking I might pass on was the wings. They were a little dark for my taste, but the homie did say they tasted good. So if you can get past the appearance, they may be something you might want to try. Overall the food is worth the visit, so stop in and give them a chance to serve you some of...

Pros: AMAZING food. Wide variety of tasty drinks. Great atmosphere. Multi-use areas (outdoor area, private venue in the back, bar seating, table seating, etc.)

Cons: For the price of "The Burger" and a half brisket (~$16 each, from what I remember), there were no sides included. It was literally just a burger on one small tray and just 4 slices of brisket on another small tray. Very bizarre and underwhelming when our food came out. Especially at that price point, just include a side for Pete's sake. This one may prevent us from coming back, no matter how tasty the food: I shouldn't have potentially three separate bills when I go to eat at ONE restaurant. We were told that we have to order and pay for our food with one person, order and pay for our hard ciders with another person, and if we got some hard mead, we'd have to go through that person to order and pay. Mind you, there are plenty of examples of restaurants where I would have to order and pay away from my table - no big - but having to do this for all three possible categories I may want to enjoy..? Hmm. I'm just glad it was the two of us eating there today and not a family or...