Smokin' With Chris — Restaurant in Southington

We have come here many times to enjoy their barbecue and listen to music. Today we went and were informed they had a new seating policy. If you were there to listen to music they wouldn't seat you until 7:45 p.m. . We were there at 6:30 and wanted to enjoy our dinner and then watch the music while we had drinks after dinner. Instead we had to wait an hour and 15 minutes to get seated. Meanwhile there were lots of empty tables in the room where the music was going to be playing. It would have been no problem to seat us. Instead we got hungry and cranky as we waited for no reason. Then after we were seated it took an hour to get our food. And it wasn't very good. I always loved their barbecue. But this time my ribs were undercooked, fatty, and tough. My husband got the wrong sandwich but we didn't say anything because the owner's wife was very disagreeable when we questioned their policy. We really did not enjoy the music this time either because we were so hungry and frustrated. And the food was bad. So we left and we will never come here again.

Footnote: while I appreciate the co-owners response to my review it really is too little too late. Because besides the seating policy that made us very hungry and unhappy as we looked at five empty tables for 45 minutes, I found the main Hostess and the replying co-owner to be rude to me. So we will never go to this restaurant again. And an off-night is not acceptable when you're spending money on food and you get poorly cooked food. I'm sorry that's not acceptable at a restaurant.

Also, at no point in my conversation with you did you offer us to get food at the bar. We did ultimately go into the bar and order a drink. I briefly expressed my displeasure at the new seating policy to the bartender. But said whatever we'll get a beer and wait. At no point did the bartender offer us menus and tell us that we could order food there instead.

Also going to Smokin with Chris was primarily for the food and the music was a happy addition. We never stay till 10, we would eat our food first then stay for the first set and leave. And you know those five or so tables sitting there while we waited... I found that very spiteful of the hostess and the owner. Not the happy atmosphere we're looking for...

Finally made my way to SWC's and it was jumping when we got there at prime time. The immediate impression of the place gives you good vibes you're going to enjoy your night.

Got seated after a wait n had a table covered in paper like in some spots down south. Check'n out the menu and one could easily spot a bunch of offerings that sounded intriguing.

Started w the brisket queso and our waitress brought it to us in a heartbeat. The queso was duper cheesey but fairly one note w/killer hearty tortilla chips.

For mains we did the burnt end duo and meat lovers trio.... entrees came w/two sides so for the burnt end platter (brisket and rib tips) we ordered the cucumber salad and mac'd cheese) for the trio (brisket, baby back ribs & chicken thighs) we got collards and baked beans.

Food came out pretty promptly and look really enticing to start. The overall cuts of meat were good quality and everything came out accurately. The only knock would be that the meats were a bit on the dry side all around but flavorful. My favorite out of everything were the smoked chicken thighs that had just this addictive flavor. The barks weren't overall coated and all in all they smoke really sang thru.

The sides were hit and miss, the best being the cucumber salad and the most disappointing being the mac $ cheese. Both the beans and collards we felt were tooo sweet and the mac just had alot going on. The sauces we got were interesting. The bbq has a citusy note that plays well with the smoke n this spicier one had enough kick to go w/the sweat to make it a win.

Overall our service was fantastic and the food was reasonably priced as well as good enough to come back for some time in the future. A couple little tweaks and this place would be killer!...

Upon pulling into the parking lot, couldn't help noticing the active smoker, which had a wonderful aroma, though still decided to keep the windows rolled up so we didn't take it home with us.

Being the first time, it was a little confusing on which door to use, but finally made it to the dining area.

Were there for lunch, and the sandwiches sounded good, each coming with two sides included.

Wife got the pulled pork and brisket for me. The sides were great, good taste and generous size. The two tomato based sauces on the table were great, full flavor, not a favorite of vinegar based so I couldn't comment on that one. However the sandwiches left a lot to be desired, particularly the portion. Imagine about the amount of meat you would get from a can of tuna, maybe that, and even less with the pulled pork which came with coleslaw on the sandwich. The flavor was fine, just really lost with the rolls they both came on. For $11.95 each I would expect a larger portion, especially with something I would think a BBQ establishment would want to refer to as signature for them.

Was really dissatisfied and don't know if I would try it again hoping to get something that would make me want to come back again, especially after this...