This five star review for this little family owned barbecue joint is pretty much dedicated to one…read moredelicious sandwich that they've been serving up for a number of years now. I'm talking about the Sho Boat. Plenty of reviews have already mentioned it, and even though I've had other items on their menu, and they've all been delicious, when you stop by Smokehouse Barbecue, you will notice two things... 1. There is typically a line. 2. 99% of the patrons are getting the Sho Boat. So much so that the woman behind the counter just points to people with her pen and says, "Sho Boat? How about you, Sho Boat?" The sandwich consists of perfectly seasoned chopped pork shoulder. Smoked daily on the pit outside on the back of the establishment. It's an awesome blend of juicy, meaty chucks of pork with just enough fat to pull it all together. It's then covered in a sweet and tangy homemade barbecue sauce on a nice crusty French roll and served with a side of fries, which are also drizzled in their signature sauce. The Yelp! reviews for this place mostly feature pictures of this sandwich, as you will see here in mine. There's not much else to say that hasn't already been written. Yes, it occupies a side space in a local Shell gas station. Yes, it is family run business by people who are absolutely lovely, super friendly, warm and inviting. Lastly, and most importantly, the sandwich is fantastic! The Food Network has got a TV show where all of the top chefs in America tell you about their favorite places and things to eat. The exact name escapes me, but if there were one of these famous chefs that was from Rockford, Illinois, there is no doubt they would be telling you about the this sandwich. It's that good. Again, their menu features more food besides the sandwich, although it is quite limited... But if delicious barbecue is your thing, and you don't mind waiting a minute or two, then this is a must have. Some of the reviews said this is cash only, however when we were there, they were taking a credit card. There is also ATM inside of the establishment. Smokehouse Barbecue isn't much to look at, but the people that work there know what they're doing, and it definitely shows! No frills... just one of the best sandwiches I've ever had served to you with a warm smile by wonderful people that care.

Passing thru Rockford and remembered a great little bbq joint near 20. Got their bbq pork showboat…read more Just as good as I remembered. They were quick and the food was flavorful. A small family business on the side of a shell station. Worth a stop

We came back to try smoky bones for the second. Time. What a…read moredifference compared to when it first opened. Had the pulled pork sandwich on brioche, which was fantastic with many sauces to choose from.. The grilled cheese with smoked brisket, also outstanding. I had a side of mashed potatoes and gravy which was very good. We sat at the bar and our server was fantastic and very friendly. Frank the kitchen manager came out to see how everything was. He spoke about some changes that have been made since the opening. We thought that was great that he took the time to come out and speak to us and make sure everything was up to par. We will definitely be going back.

First time customer and I was very happy with the whole experience. My salad was so delicious and…read morethe service was amazing. It's a little loud but I will definitely be back.

A party of four we went on this past Sunday The food was…read moreexcellent The service was exceptional When they found out, we were first timers, practically everybody on staff Make sure our accommodations were delightful atmosphere was veterans based you will not be disappointed

Greetings as you open the door! Friendly smiles and best of all -Good Food. I enjoy going to…read moreMission because of the warmth of the employees. They make you feel special. Did I mention Good Food- the 1/2 chicken, collard greens, and warm cornbread are my go to for take out! Always fresh! Plus, I love the Focus on Those Who Serve...

Best barbecue in Rockford hands down. I would recommend this place to everyone his side dishes are…read moregreat best collard greens and macaroni and cheese

Service is friendly jerk chicken was good 4 stars there. I had the st. Louis ribs the first time ok…read morebut kinda dry and tuff some parts were moist overall ok. Had the rib tips large size boney and dry some were very good. Sauce needs some ump kinda bland. Really just an ok place. Yes I'm from Chicago and know what's up

The best food is found here. I don't usually enjoy a potato salad or any traditional bbq sides. The…read morecornbread is incredible. The baked potatoes are always perfect. The meats are always cooked beautifully. The open eating area is nice and cozy but spacious and inviting. The outside area has a kids ply area and another canopy area with additional seating nearby but it all gets pretty full on the weekends. The staff are always pleasant and the service is superb. Always pleased with everything here.

This is a fun roadside stop with a cool atmosphere being in a barn with rolled up doors so you can…read moreenjoy the weather. Service was incredibly quick and the prices are hard to beat for BBQ. If you need a quick BBQ fix, stop in. I really wanted to love this place but found it fell short in a few areas: the pulled pork sandwich meat lacked much flavor, as did the sauces. Nothing stand out. The pork was very juicy and had a nice amount of fat. Slaw was also just okay.

Ok, came back again with my family, we had a really nice server that was really on top of my food…read moreallergy. So I'll add some stars back on for that, last time must have been an off night. Had their salmon and tried the ribs for the first time and both were delicious! Would definitely get those again.

I'm not a big fan of chain restaurants, however, I am a fan of Texas Roadhouse! I recently went…read morethere and ordered the small sirloin and a sweet potato. Or course rolls too! They are so good, especially with the cinnamon butter! I have to say, I had no idea how good a baked sweet potato could be! It was amazing! So soft! Now I'm obsessed with baked sweet potatoes! Our service was on point and we had a great meal. Also, important to note, affordable! Highly recommend if you're in the mood for a well cooked steak that won't break the bank!

Nobody makes a better honey glazed, smoked ham in the vicinity of Rockford than Penguins. They have…read moretheir own smoker on site. Order more than you need because it gets better every day it's in the refrigerator. It's simply GOLD.

Polish food staples such as fresh sausage, stuffed cabbage and pierogies are all available here and…read moreare all very good. As mentioned in previous posts their beef jerky is available in several different flavors and is also very good. I'd highly recommend anyone in the Rockford area to try this place.

The food is very good and the service is excellent. We came here with our family and will…read moredefinitely be back!

Everything from the food to the experience is wonderful! 2…read morepeople can have a feast for around $100! The decor is really nice and you get the feeling of privacy despite other tables being there. It's like you're in your own little work in your booth. I love it! My only warning is that you better be ready to have a forearm workout from grilling your own food, but it's SO worth it!!! I go whenever I can!

I Ordered the rib dinner which came with two sides. My only…read morecomplaint was they put too much sauce on the ribs. Next time, (and there will be a next time), I will order it with sauce on the side. Service was great.

Food is on point. Fast and friendly service. Location close to my employment. Love the atmosphere.read more