I'm so glad we were in the area to try this gem of a BBQ joint! When I mentioned to a friend I was…read moregoing to visit the bookstore across the street, they immediately recommended grabbing lunch at Northbound. I loved the cheese curds, mac and cheese and the hushpuppies were also standouts. I opted for the brisket bowl, which I enjoyed...the pickles were also delicious. All my friends opted for the pulled chicken sandwich, and they all said it was good. Quick service and great outdoor patio for a nice day!

I wanted to like this place. Their ambiance was very cute, especially their patio. Their menu has…read morelots that I love (big BBQ fan) and prices were very reasonable for BBQ especially noting how generous the portions were. However, we waited about an hour for our food and the appetizers we ordered came out at the same time as the food. No apologies for the delays. All of this could have been tolerated had the food been stellar, but unfortunately it was below average. The brisket and chicken were dry. The BBQ sauce was vinegar based (which many like but I don't) and there weren't KC sweet style alternatives offerred. The ribs were good but not great. The porketta was phenomenal as were the fries.

I've ordered here a bunch of times I live right by and I've just had the best meal from there that…read moreI've ever had. The pulled pork sandwich was perfection along with the creamy potato salad. With the perfect amount of dill and sour cream and the cream corn, which taste like it's fresh out of the Farm. Well done everyone over there making this happen. I know it's a ton of hard work and a lot of it seems repetitive but you're making people very happy and the neighborhood and around.

Ordered the party pack through Uber Eats. The ribs were a bit tough and had no seasoning. The…read morechicken and pulled pork, as well as the mac and cheese, were somewhat dried out like they'd been sitting on a buffet table for too long. Will definitely not be ordering from here again

We were craving bbq and I've been seeing posts on Instagram about this restaurant, so we had to…read morecheck it out. Thirty minutes outside of the metro, it's the only restaurant on the highway, you cant miss it. They have a nice covered patio and uncovered area. The restaurant is pretty inside, giving me the rustic and modern barnominium feels. We ordered big portions to share like family style.

It's a very rustic feel inside the restaurant. Very cute outdoorsy feel outside where they hold…read morelive bands. The parking lot isn't finished so you park on gravel. We got the brisket which was super soft- all I could taste was salt. No real seasonings. Same goes for the pork burnt ends and the pork ribs. Their sauce was pretty much vinegar and sugar. If you want spice bring your own. The baked beans were runny and soupy. The potato salad was interesting: had dill in it. The ginger slaw was ok. Service was ok.

LOVED my pulled pork sandwich and Jimmy beans! It was so fun to try each of the different…read moreflavorful BBQ sauces; my fav was Southern Gal. Super casual with cafeteria style ordering. It was quick and perfect for a quick lunch hour.

Just went for the first time last night! Was originally going to Texas Roadhouse, but they were…read morequeuing for over an hour for 2 people, so I decided to try something new. I saw people talking about the brisket and ribs so I knew what I wanted to try walking in. When we got up to the register, they were SOLD OUT of brisket and ribs. When we were told that, the people behind us just turned around and left. However, the lady taking our order was super nice about it and suggested some other items for us to try. In its place, we ordered the brisket burnt ends and pulled pork. I also got the creamy cole slaw, Mac and cheese, and fries. All the sides were SO good. Our actual food was good as well. The pulled pork comes out with no sauce so you can put however much you personally like. The burnt ends did have sauce, and it's on the sweeter side, so it would pair well with the friends or Mac and cheese. I'd definitely come back to try the brisket and ribs, but for now, I'd have to ding off a star for being out of their most popular items by 6PM.

We got it to go on Friday around dinner time. Everything was great! Wife had the pulled pork…read moresandwich and not only was delicious, they were smart with the packing by putting a meat in a tub and bun separate so you didn't end up with a soggy mess (good thinking). I had smoked chicken wings and jalepeno cheese sausage and both were very very good. We both got mac and cheese and fries, which we liked. We have lived in Eagan for a long time and always wanted to try and I am glad we have tried it now. Wife picked it up and said the place was nice and clean inside and she was able to pack up our own sauces. Cost was great for how much food you get too. We will definitely be coming back!

Zak! Man you've got it down!!! You rank among the BEST!…read more I've been a student of great BBQ since 1989, when I knew, and fretted the original Masterpiece Barbeque in Overland Park Kansas. Next, a proponent and student of 'Strutting Gates' barbecue in Kansa City, not to mention Jack Stack. I'm a Student of 'Q' from the Memphis, Dallas, Houston, and recently, Charleston and Savannah schools too. To find ZZQ to even be IN those neighborhoods in Eagan Minnesota is truly extraordinary. You Z aren't only in the Neighborhood, you're a Key Member in my evaluation. Sliced Smoked Turkey is my favorite!!! Ribs? Superb with the perfect amount of bite to each rib, and deep rich smoke favor that doesn't mask the true flavor of the meat you're eating. Congratulations Zac. You've set a new standard.

Don't know what magic the pulled on the fry's but they were some of the crispiest I've had in my…read morelife. The half rack of ribs was fantastic, juicy and tender. Also had the collard greens which were great. Good stuff.

What I support for this establishment is less about its food but more about its message and the way…read moreit serves communities. Ever since 2020, the climate surrounding the George Floyd Square has changed dramatically, and this establishment has become an even stronger integral part of the community as the square itself had represented how the community thrives with its people. A lot of respect for the establishment from that perspective. In terms of food, I would say the soul food, which contained mostly sides, were the main highlight for me. The mac & cheese was salty enough. The fries were solid in a "you can't really go wrong with it" type of way. The candied yams had enough sweetness. The collard greens could taste better but standards must be lower when they're not homemade. I also enjoyed the catfish fillets as they were fried to preserve enough hotness and softness. A lot of what they served, they made on the spot, which was what may be causing longer wait for some. Meat-wise, a lot of items could use further improvement because they were too dry, such as the smoked wings and the beef brisket. The wings were dry to the point that they condensed and got extremely salty. The brisket relied a lot on the sauce and the existing fat on the meat for juiciness while the meat itself didn't have a lot of flavor or juice. As for the ribs, they had some seasoning, and tasted just fine, and weren't as dry. But I have had ribs in Texan barbeque places before and knew what "seasoned" ribs were like and therefore concluded that the ribs here were not spectacular. With all that said, however, I still will return here as often as I can because I love supporting this business. The person serving me was very hospitable and patient. I still got some pretty solid barbeque even if it's not Texas. Besides, outside just the barbeque food, the soul food was solid, like I had mentioned above.

Myself and two friends enjoyed us some Smokestack Express today, and I have to say we were…read moreimpressed. I stopped in and picked up lunch for all of us, and everything was perfect. The brisket sandwich, ribs, chicken sandwich, mac and cheese, and baked beans were all perfectly seasoned and full of flavor. What really stood out, though, was the customer service. Justine helped me over the phone while I was trying to figure out lunch plans. I was actually headed to another restaurant when I found out halfway there that they were closed on Mondays. I had to switch gears quickly, and that's when I found Smokestack Express. Justine was extremely helpful, friendly, and patient. She made the ordering process easy and was genuinely pleasant to talk to. The food would have been enough to bring me back, but her attitude and professionalism made the experience even better. I can see why this business is successful. Great food combined with great people is a winning combination. Thanks, Smokestack Express, for saving my butt today. You've definitely gained a new customer.

Decided on a whim to try Smokestack BBQ since i was by my son's house. Walked in and realized they…read morewere closing up in about 30 minutes. Most places dislike when someone walks in at almost close. Well these guys were great. The guy up front asked if I was picking up or looking to do a sit down order. I told him just wanted to get a little takeout. He said if you know what you want I can get help you out or if you need a minute go ahead and look at our menu board. After looking at the board, I got a half a pound of brisket point half a pound of sausage half rack of ribs and a small container of mac & cheese. I also noticed that they had smoked sausage too. You pulled everything out of the warmer cut it fresh and asked if I wanted any barbecue sauce on the side. He also mentioned that they had an ice cream machine behind me if I felt like having an ice cream cone while I waited, not many places have soft serve ice cream twist cone so I got one. After forgetting everything home, it was still very warm and tasted good. Only complaint I had was. I like a traditional Texas style brisket.

What a great neighborhood old school butcher/meat market. I got my deer processed here and there…read moreare not many left in the metro that will do it and give your deer meat back vs consolidating with others. Very friendly staff and answered all my questions. Was even able to order a custom prime rib.

This Meat shop is unanimously the best in MN Hidden gem fr…read moreThe service was great and the music in the background really made the whole experience worth it. 10/10 P.S loved the bratwursts keep it up!

This feels like the bbq place I've been looking for! The tables had bins with sauces and the…read moreseating was very open. They have a good variety of bbq sauces. Nothing was all that spicy, but I enjoyed the blue alot. The service was great, as they let us sub sides as needed. We didn't want the beans and rice, so we had Mac and cheese and dill potato salad. Bother we're amazing. I really like the ribs and especially the hot links too.

I'm from the South and have to give kudos to the team. The beans alone were worth the trip. I…read morerecommend the Memphis special.

Ok I love BBQ one of the draws and something we're looking forward to when we move to Texas next…read moreyear. I've heard of this place for years and just never made it over until randomly it was recommended again. I made it and I'm so glad I did it's the best bbq I've had in Minnesota. Does it beat Texas? No but it's up there and could hold up. Our waitress was awesome and a country music fan who I hope has a good birthday in Nashville where I will be singing in January yeah I sing country. She was awesome and helpful as we ordered enough four for a couple days which I highly recommend. The hostess was also sweet friendly and fun to chat with. It looks like a bbq spot barn like with outdoor smokers and an awesome indoor and outdoor seating plus a busy bar.

How have I lived 20 minutes from big bore for three years and never been there!?…read more The barbecue is amazing. There are So many delicious options on the menu! We tried a whole smorgasbord at our table. Pulled pork, pulled chicken, brisket, coleslaw, mac & cheese, sausage links, and french fries. All of it was fantastic! I love the dip they serve with their french fries. The 3 barbecue sauce options at each table are delicious! Our server was awesome and our food came out so quickly! Great environments inside and out. Very fair prices! I can't wait to get back.