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

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

Why do I do it. Why do I continuously bludgeon myself ordering barbecue with only halfway…read moreexpectations so I can make false claims about how good the food is, and have an excuse to fall back on? I got this off of grub dash or whatever delivery service it's called. I really wanted barbecue, but I didn't expect to get mostly unpalatable, stringy meat substances. Before you guys read this & judge me, I do a LOT of smoking. I have some stuff I've smoked, in my profile. I have Backwoods Lil Chubby G2 competition reverse flow water smoker, smoked tons of meat and have been in competitions, so I know my stuff. This isn't my stuff. I ordered the three meat combo, with brisket, pulled pork and chicken. I'm not too sure where the brisket is? Was it that stringy beef meat stuff? I couldn't tell the difference between that or what the pork was supposed to be. The chicken is obvious, and while we're on the topic, the chicken is the only thing that had a distinguished flavor of smoke. As far as the other 2 meats, other than a hint of smoke, bland and flavorless. Meat portion size is insulting. I basically paid $30 for five sides and cornbread. Cornbread is actually really good. The highlight of the whole meal, and the only thing that I actually finished. I can't wholeheartedly say that the mac and cheese is made in house, nor the pasta or potato salad or beans for that matter, but I could be wrong (but I'm pretty sure I'm not, seeing the caliber of this food). I was reserving one star, out of consideration for this place, in case the brisket wasn't as tender as it should be, seeing how I had this delivered 11 miles away, but then again, I don't even know where the brisket was. If you're shredding or chopping your brisket (who does that!?), you need to close your doors, because it's obvious that you don't know how to smoke brisket. Brisket is meant to be sliced, not masked by chopping or shredding, then thrown in a steamer tray. I ate about half of it, and tossed the rest out. Headed to Denny's for another lackluster supper. Obviously the people on here raving about how good this place is, haven't had barbecue outside of famous Dave's, Dickies or some other low end franchise. Very disappointed, and waste of money. Sorry Ritchies.... Live and learn I guess. ***DISCLAIMER*** This pure, uncut, honest review is federally protected under Federal Law by way of Bill #EO14149. Removal or alteration of this review by Yelp and/or their affiliates without Expressed consent by it's author is strictly prohibited by FEDERAL law. VIolators will be prosecuted, and litigation imminent.

I ordered a side of Corn bread, Baked Beans, and Banana Pudding...to make it simple:…read more Corn bread: 7/10, needs more salt Baked Beans: 10/10 really yummy actually! Would come back just for that Banana Pudding: 1/10, Definitely need to find an actual recipe for BBQ (perhaps Texas style) Banana pudding instead of just spooning instant banana pudding with sliced banana and wafers in a cup. I was really disappointed by it, unfortunately. The service was friendly and nice! The dining area, albeit I didn't sit in for dining, seemed a bit sterile. I heard somewhere it's under new management so I'm hoping some things change.

Best barbecue in Rockford! They are on a mission to make your experience, memorable and authentic…read more They greet you by name if you're a regular. The menu has great variety and everything is delicious. On Father's Day they even take a picture of you with your dad as a keepsake. Just can't say enough about this place. Management was on the floor. Positive vibes all around. Highly recommend.

First time visit and happy to have chosen over Dave's BBQ. Excellent service and clean at most with…read moretributes galore to first line defenders with lively country music background. Not a huge fan of hickory smoking but theirs was not overpowering. Not sure how you can do subtle hickory but they did it. Balanced well by tasty dry rub spices- not too hot or sweet. Ribs did not require sauce and in fact better with rub alone. Yet did sample their wide variety of sauces including NC vinegar spiced splash. Seven different options all good. Pulled chicken amole serving of sufficiently moist meat and the same subtle smoke. Slaw and baked bean sides good combo and balance to the meats but man I wish I'd also gotten the fresh cut fries which are hard to find. Saw many others who seemed to be enjoying theirs. This is a can't miss place and bit of a surprise for northern Illinois compared to the plethora of bbq joints I've visited throughout the South and Midwest.

I had a great first experience at It's a Wing Thing! It's a laid-back spot that's perfect for…read morewatching sports, plus they have a small slots area and a couple of patios if you want to enjoy your food outside. The wings were definitely the highlight! Big, juicy, slightly crispy, and cooked fresh to order. With 31 flavors to choose from, it was tough to decide, but that just means I'll have to come back and try more! The fries were hot and crispy, just the way I like them. They also offer other apps like mac and cheese bites, fried okra, and even desserts, which I'll be trying next time. Prices are very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. I dined in with a friend and we both ended up ordering to-go meals as well -- it was that good. There's even a private section available to rent for events like birthday parties, baby showers, or grad celebrations, which is a nice bonus. Also, very nice owners! I'll definitely be back again soon!

I ordered a year ago and it was messed up and just today 06/18/24 I ordered 3 orders of their 30…read moredip wing deal to feed 15 people I got home and had one order of 30 wings. I ask for 3 orders of their 30 dip one garlic perm, one honey bbq, and one sweet baby ray. Now we have to make frozen pizza to feed us all don't waste your time when you have a big group. They can't get it right. I recommend burger king instead. At least there they can lesion right.

Food amazing. Love the rib tips. The sides are delicious. Stop by for an amazing feastread more

This might be the best and coolest overall place in the greater Rockford area. I think it's been…read morethere since the 1940s. I love old historical places like this. We sat at the bar for a drink while we waited for a table. I had a white Russian and my wife had a specialty cocktail, I don't remember what it was. We both enjoyed our drinks. We were seated in some elevated booths that had a view of the bar area, which was absolutely fantastic!! There is tons of regular restaurant seating in the back dining room rooms... We had the pig candy, cheese, curds, and the waitress recommended the fresh bread. The pig candy was very rich. One piece was enough for me. The cheese curds were very large bigger than tater tots. They tasted good, but I prefer smaller cheese curds. The waitress was right, the bread stole the show! One of the butters that it came with was cinnamon, which was fantastic! Dinner salad was very good. Tasted like homemade dressing. My wife had the pig sandwich and I had the gnocchi. Both were great, including the accoutrements like the french fries and garlic bread. The hostess came around, giving the ladies coronations, which was a nice touch. Great service and just genuinely nice people! We eat out every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This is now on our list.

I called to pick up my Italian beef order on Saturday June . It was disappointing as it was well…read moredone and dry meat ending.

Food was great. I had Chicago style hot dog and Philly cheese steak. Service was good as well. Cleanread more

my favorite to order for my mom is the fish and fries the food is amazing my mom is very picky she…read moreloves it , it's fresh homemade fries not cooked to hard. very good customer service!