Pok-E-Joe's BBQ — Restaurant in Vinton

I ate there once a while back. I don't eat out much and therefore rarely leave reviews. I'm also a self proclaimed BBQ snob. I worked for 10+ years to learn the craft of smoking meats so I could do it myself and not have to go out to enjoy those foods. Also I had several bad experiences at other places such as pieces of bone in pulled pork and fatty gristle in pulled chicken etc. First off let me say that what I did have there that day was very good. With the exception of the sliced brisket. But let me elaborate please. The brisket had a very good flavor and smoke ring but was extremely tough. The owner came by my table and asked if I had been there before and how the food was. Typically I'm a "one and done" kinda person if it's not up to par. But for some reason that particular day I mentioned the brisket was overly tough. I picked up a piece from my plate and did a "pull test" in front of him that failed miserably and he absolutely agreed and apologized and also brought me out several slices that were even to my standards perfect. Somehow a brisket got mixed up that hadn't "rested" properly and was sliced and served. Stuff happens, and I realize that. The way it was handled was in my opinion above and beyond what I expected. We talked for some time about smoking briskets and some other types of things I've dabbled with like pork belly burnt ends. It was a good conversation and I would recommend this place 100% to anybody looking for great BBQ and overall good food. I've always had a passion for cooking especially BBQ and smoked meats and such. I've been told that I should have a restaurant or food truck by many who have sampled my food. But this place made me leave with a big smile on my face which seldom happens when I try BBQ from somewhere local. I will definitely be coming back and trying some different dishes in the future. They serve some very interesting dishes and always are trying new things and having specials listed. Keep up the good work...

We were seated immediately, ordered drinks and food. After waiting about 30 minutes our waitress said our food would be right out. Nearly 15 minutes later I stopped our waitress and asked about the food. She said there was a new cook and orders were taking a little longer than usual!!! Another 15 minutes without food and without our waitress coming back to our table, I stopped her and she informed me that we were the 4th ticket back and that the lead ticket had waited nearly 50 minutes!!! Like that was supposed to make everything okay????

We finally got another waitress to ask ours to come back to our table and we asked for a check for the one drink we got. At that time a manager FINALLY decided to show up at our table. She gave a lame apology and said she hoped we'd come back in a couple of weeks when things should be better!!! SERIOUSLY???? AND they made me pay for the one drink!!! NO offer to comp the drink, no offer of a gift card, NOTHING!!! We left over an hour after walking in with no food and NO intentions to EVER return to what used to be one of our favorite restaurants in Vinton. VERY DISAPPOINTING AND INEXCUSABLE!!!

*In reply to the manager's response, the restaurant was not full - there were empty tables and no one was having to wait to be seated!!! The waitress blamed the long delay on a new cook!!! And even if the restaurant had been overflowing with people waiting, a manager should have been coming around to tables letting patrons know to expect a long wait for their orders!!! It was only after we told the waitress that we were leaving (after waiting at least an hour with no food) that a manager came to...

Start to finish, walking in the host was not aware of tables that were open. Advise she walk a lap around the dining room ever so often to see. Sat at the bar, and was served by Jayden. Very polite and attentive bartender 👌. Ordered the Crown of Vinton mix beverage, and it is delicious. Started with wings great smoky flavor, sure they would be excellent naked. However, Jayden did bring us a variety of sauce samples from the kitchen to try besides the 3 on the table. Silverback kinda honey mustard with little break with vinegar, Virginia Gold like a gold BBQ with vinegar but very little, good. Texas "Q" was great. Now I had a sliced brisket sandwich with fries. Comes with onion, pickle and slaw on the side, it was really good. My partner tried it all. The ribs flavored well but seemed to be over rubbed. Pulled pork dryer than performed but great taste. Slaw is a good basic slaw. Mac and cheese, although the flavor was there, it was a little dry. Collard greens were cooked well but too much sugar. Hushpuppies small, cooked well, kinda taste like a Jiffy mix with a little corn meal. Would be Excellent with a honey butter. My takeaway is that my service was excellent and the food is on the right track. Everything doesn't need a dash of sugar or a drop of vinegar, though. Even the ranch had a sweet taste. I will be going back to give them another shot. Final observation the host over states wait times, but those kinks will work out once they learn the flow in the dining room. PS. Food came out a lot faster...