SmokinT's BBQ & Bar — Restaurant in Spring Valley

So I’ve been into the new franchise twice since they’ve opened, both within the month of February. I purchased the competition plate both times. The first time they asked if I wanted my brisket chopped or sliced, I had it chopped. It comes with two sides, I had Mac and cheese and green beans. I felt everything from the meat to the sides were extra salty but I know some Bbq restaurants do that for “flavor”. It was still good enough that it made me come back. The second time, again the competition plate. However this time the butcher wasn’t at the counter, the cashier who has a fake, over zealous, customer service interaction took my order. It took a few mins for the butcher to come back. They didn’t ask if I wanted the brisket sliced or chopped and wow did that ruin the meal. This time I had green beans and waffle fries, both were actually great. However the sliced brisket and the burnt end were just horribly awful. The brisket was so dry, it had a gray color and I’m guessing it had been sliced the day before. It was so bad. Even putting sauce on it couldn’t make it any better. The burnt ends…..more like beef jerky. I had maybe 1 or 2 good bites everything else was tough, dry and masked by sauce. Honestly it was closer to beef jerky than burnt ends.

Though my sides were better the second time, they will not be the reason to ever go back. Unfortunately, Dickey’s, in general, does mass smoking/bbq and when they don’t sell a lot of food, you end up getting horrible food that sits all day long.

I really wanted to like Dickeys after not going to any franchise for over 7 years, but unfortunately the reasons I stopped going, were quickly brought back to memory.

Having lived in Texas, and eaten at real Texas BBQ restaurants, the slogan REAL FAMILY. REAL GOOD BARBECUE. REAL GOOD RESTAURANT FRANCHISE, that Dickeys advertises, they should be ashamed and embarrassed. The original Dickey’s owners, since 1941, should be embarrassed.

Do yourself a favor and go across the street to local to Las Vegas Rollin’ Smoke or drive 15 mins to their original restaurant or even to Jessie Rae’s BBQ. Either will make you much happier than Franchised, mass produced, mediocre at best, national chain Dickeys BBQ. I will be sending my review to HQ and maybe they will care enough to fix this...

We checked this place out since we were in the plaza hoping to get beignets but the line was too long so we decided to get some BBQ instead and this was an absolute pleasant surprise to just whimsy on in to!

the folks behind the counter were SUPER helpful and friendly, helping us navigate our order: we wound up getting a 3-meat plate (Brisket Burnt Ends, Turkey, Pulled Pork), and a half-rack of pork ribs, with loaded Mac and Cheese that was topped off with more Burnt Ends.

The Burnt Ends were actual burnt ends and not a thicker cut of the point like some places have done. The tenderness was on point, and the bark was packed full of flavor that just burst with each bite. AMAZING

The Pulled Pork was nice and tender, super juicy and we tried both the sweet and spicy sauces which both paired so perfectly for each bite. Totally spot-on pulled pork!

The Turkey is always such a gamble with some places, where you don't know if you get a juicy bite or something that needs a bit of sauce to lift it back but i was so pleasantly pleased to find it was JUICY and tender!

Can we talk about that Mac and Cheese? It was so creamy and cheesy it ALMOST felt like a shame to do anything with it but man, adding some of those brisket burnt ends to it really just put an unnecessary yet completely welcome punch of decadence that just lands so well

For the sides we tried fried okra, bbq beans, cole slaw, garlic mash potatoes, and a pair of cornbread. The okra was fried perfectly, retaining the texture inside but bringing in a seasoned crispy bite, the beans had bites of pork mixed in with a nice tangy bite of bbq flavor, and the slaw was actually tangy and flavorful. That garlic mash potato was so fluffy with both the potato and garlic flavors coming through. These sides do not disappoint.

Oh! That cornbread too, definitely appreciated how fluffy and savory/sweet it was!

The portion sizes for everything was pretty generous, but between the flavor and the quality of service this place is an absolute recommend to anyone looking for great BBQ.

Something to note because I do actually have friends like this: it is pellet smoked, but even if you're one of the "offset or bust" crowd I would still feel pretty confident in recommending this place to try....

Though I had never been in this establishment before the first time recently even though I have lived by it for the last 8 years, I had decided one evening while out with my cousins (whom were visiting from out of town...) to sate my unusual yet natural proclivity for some good old fashioned, down home, just like your favorite relative used to make barbecue. I was pleasantly surprised to notice this establishment pop up on my search at the top of the list. Though skeptical because of unfamiliarity yet enthusiastic because of its location, I chose to indulge some patronage and try it. The inside of the place was reminiscent immediately of past family reunions or that one place one would frequent with high school friends until they moved away for college. I was instantly relaxed and feeling very comfortable because of the atmosphere and rural decor. We studied the menu until it was suggested that we get a one pound sampler and we selected various sides in concert with the main. Upon arriving home, I took my first bite and was immediately transported mentally to my childhood when my Grandfathet would barbecue for special occasions. Every selection of succulent meat was delectable and soothing like nothing I had experienced prior. And once I tried the sides... it was over. I had decided unanimously that THIS was my new place for that barbecue lust I hold with clandestine fervor. Eating the food wasn't just enjoying a meal; but rather felt more like creating new familiar traditions with the ones you love. That's how much care, professionalism, and passion went into creating such wonderful food. Since then, I frequent the location closest to my home because of the outstanding customer service, reasonable pricing and alacrity of this amazing place. I not only recommend this place... I implore any lover of southern style barbecue to make haste and make some new jovial memories with this place. I'm sure it will become your favorite place as...