Google search led us here. We were looking for something different from where we go. We were greeted with a warm friendly welcome. Very prompt service. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Ordered the fried pickles for appetizer. They were very delicious. Came out with six different dipping sauces. Our orders were very filling. The meat was melt in your mouth. Will definitely stop In again n. read more

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Went here the other day because we had this place cater food at an event and the pulled chicken was amazing. Soft and tender. Came back for a pickup order, and the it was awful. The chicken was drier than something I'd make at home. Disappointed to see the results may vary on this place. Corn bread and max and cheese are great. Soft and tender cornbread. Max and cheese has good amount of sauce. Not dry. Could have more flavor. read more

I recently ate at SmokeWorks for the third time, and am finally getting around to writing a review. The options for BBQ in Bloomington are somewhat limited, and SmokeWorks is a great addition to the offerings. The location is downtown, on the square, and a very modern and attractive venue. High ceilings, and a pretty upscale feel for a BBQ joint. The menu is extensive with the options you'd expect. . . meats, various sauces, a lot of side options. The appetizers include fried pickles and okra, BBQ nachos, wings and more. Personally, I've had the pork platter with sides and the wings. I'm a fan of both, but frankly the wings (traditional buffalo in my case) were some of the best I've ever had. Truly a fantastic flavor, not to much sauce but the spice and heat was just right. The pork was great too, but I'm now addicted to the wings so may never change! Guests with me shared some beef brisket which was fantastic too. I'm low carb, so I avoided the various items like mac n cheese, cornbread and skillet potatoes but others raved about them. This is a definite 'must eat' location in Bloomington if you're looking for BBQ at a reasonable price in a location that feels fancier than it is. For those who drink, full bar and lots of options as well. read more

Fancy and barbecue don't mix. Service was fine but the food was mediocre at best. Ordered nachos and they left off half the ingredients that the menu stated the dish came with. No sour mix at the bar? The bar tender had to going next door to get our drink order. There is a full bar right there. I know because we sat there The burnt ends were finished on the grill? They were tough to chew and mush they were served over was a waste. The place isn't going to make it. Should have known when we walked in and nobody was in there. read more

Look, I hate to dock a place for bad service on a holiday weekend, especially when the reason I was picking up lunch there on Memorial Day is that the first five places I'd tried were all closed for the day. In a sense, didn't they have even worse service, in that they were unavailable to serve food? Still, at some point things become frustrating enough, and close enough to a bait-and-switch, that I feel compelled to report it to you on this website. I showed up in a nearly-empty dining room and stood there unable to get the attention of anybody who worked in this joint. Eventually, I gave up and pulled out my phone and placed an order online, figuring at least that way the kitchen would start cooking it. I stood on the sidewalk for a while and came back in at the duly appointed time (15-20 minutes later). A guy working there looked in his computer, told me that his "manager is just finishing putting that order together for you," and then left to deal with others. I then became suspicious when I overheard the guy say to another customer, "hold on, I need to put this guy's order in," making me suspect they had just started working on my order for the first time. And indeed, my food didn't come out for another 15-20 minutes after that, turning a quick pickup lunch into an hour-long quest. And how was the food? The meat/sandwich were fine, the sides were laughably small. You could probably do worse. But hopefully you will do better. read more

Kind of has the look of an upscale BBQ spot. Nice and modern. I sat at the bar. Service was great. Food is incredible. I'll definitely be there again. read more

The wings were large which may explain why they were a little rubbery. Still, the flavor was good and overall I am glad I ate there.

Very cool vibe. The bar area is cool with TVs to watch sports events. The waitress was very helpful and friendly and on it timing wise. She offered to let us taste test two different kinds of beers we were considering. The bbq is really good for the area. The sides were so so. The deviled eggs and fried pickles were great. It was my 2nd or 3rd time there and I will keep coming back. read more

HAVE AGAIN: The hickory smoked wings with house sauce and blue cheese were have been excellent if the wings had been cooked a bit longer. Excellent red house sauce. Dixie Two Step with pork and brisket, corn bread and cowboy caviar (black eyed peas) were very good with brisket excellent. Corn bread just ok. NOT HAVE AGAIN: The green beans were too plain. read more

Was in town for the weekend and stopped in with a big group for dinner one night. Overall, the food was solid, and everyone enjoyed it. I got the big sampler to try a little of everything. The ribs and wings had some good smoke flavor, and i enjoyed them. The pork and turkey were nice and juicy. The cornbread was solid, as were the sides. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the sausage. For an app, we got the deviled eggs and pork belly bites, and those were fantastic. There were a lot of different sandwiches and tacos ordered through the table, and everyone enjoyed it. The seasoned chips they served with the sandwiches were amazing. The service overall was good. Our server was Presley, and she was an absolute sweetheart. Told us we were her first big table, so she was a little nervous, but she did a fantastic job. If there was one negative is that there seemed to be a lot of workers around the hostess stand and not a lot of attention overall paid to the table. We had to get their attention a few times for things like straws, napkins, and dishes to share the food. But other than that, we had a pretty solid dinner. Would definitely go back for the brisket and ribs! read more

I was so excited to try a SmokeWorks. I've been wanting to visit for over a year. Last night's experience was not good. It seems people keep having the same issue, no hostess upon arrival. We ordered the sampler platter. The ribs were really good, fall off the bone, great flavor. Best thing we ate all night. My husband didn't prefer the brisket but I was OK with it. Just know there are fatty pieces Everything else was lackluster. The chicken was incredibly dry. The pulled pork just OK. I did not enjoy cheddar and jalapeño sausage at all. The corn on the cob had zero taste, like it had been sitting in water all day long. Unfortunately we did not enjoy any of the barbecue sauces. The mac & cheese was fine and I enjoyed the coleslaw. The two cornbread muffins were incredibly dense and very hard to chew and swallow. I am honestly shocked by how subpar the food was because I always hear great things. Maybe we just caught them on a bad day. This review it isn't meant to discourage anyone from visiting. We all have different tastes and sometimes we just get a bad meal. I wish them luck because they do have a fun space and the potential to be great. read more

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SmokeWorks has quickly become one of my favorite go to restaurants in Bloomington. With a young and hip ambiance combined with good drinks, good food, and good COVID precautions, you can't go wrong here. Our server was so friendly and helped me and my friend work through the menu, which has so many different drink and food options. I landed on the pork tray with potato wedges, green beans, and cornbread and was not disappointed! Everything arrived at the table warm and full of flavor. I also indulged in a Bushwacker with Cookie Butter, and found it to be absolutely delicious but too large for me. I highly recommend the smaller portion because it's the perfect amount and half the price. Overall, I loved my Smoke Works Experience and cannot wait to go back! read more

SmokeWorks - Barbeque Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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Food is always good. Services that night was very slow and hardly anyone in restaurant.

Our group was in town for the evening, all from out of state with several BBQ aficionados. For appetizers, we had the deviled eggs, onion rings, and fried pickles. All good, especially those eggs! One couple split a sampler and loved everything. They were our experts. Collard greens were amazing, according to those who like collard greens. I had fish tacos, and they were delicious. My husband ate up his food so fast that I couldn't even remember what he ordered, but it must have been wonderful. They were not too busy, and our service was spot-on. Highly recommended. read more

We stumbled upon this restaurant and wow were we happy! We started with the BBQ nachos with the chips. The pulled pork and the topics were wonderful. Just need more toppings to chip ratio. For entrees, we got the pit master, the pulled pork tray and the 1/2 rack of ribs. All the meats were amazing and we loved the dry rub seasoning. The sides were also excellent. The loaded mash potatoes& Cole slaw were the fam favorite. Potato salad was ok. Corn bread was also ok. Likely better if it was warm. The music selection was perfect for the space! Overall really happy with the restaurant and will be back! read more

Trying to be upscale with bbq never works. Rude service, slow service, very average food. Just not the place I would recommend anyone goes to. Go to smokin jacks instead. read more

3 words..... Order the brisket. But first the whole story. I ordered the postmaster combo, 3 meats, which was about twice what I needed, but I wanted to try everything and you deserve the whole story. First the pulled pork: Moist, the right amount of fat, great flavor, but a guy can only eat so much and I liked the other 2 more. Having said that, if your jam is pulled pork, you'll love it. I literally just ran out of room and had to prioritize. Ribs: You know how when you get ribs and they have that gorgeous cooked-on sauce to keep them delicious and moist? These aren't those ribs. Instead, they come with no sauce and look dry and you think, "Ok, these won't be very good". You will be wrong. Fall off the bone, juice-squeezing-out moist. The sauces are all great (I preferred a mix of sweet and heat, but I'll leave that alone - choose your own), but these ribs are exceptional with or without. Brisket - If you want dry, chopped, overcooked brisket that is served at so many places, then don't order it. But.... If you want a nice piece of the fat cap, if you like brisket to be a flavor bomb, if you want to eat it it without sauce (I'm sure sauce would be great, but it was so f'ing good without it, I never tried).... Order the brisket. No input on the sides...never got to them, except the cornbread, which I thought "I should at least try it", and then tasted the little pieces of corn and ate the whole thing. Place is legit! read more

I came here Tuesday afternoon for lunch with a colleague to celebrate his birthday and it was delightful! The place wasn't busy so we were served quickly and the variety of bbq sauces were tasty. It's located pretty central to the downtown area in Btown so it can be a bit difficult to find parking. I had a bbq pork plate with mac n cheese and baked beans and it was delicious! I saw someone else order the Bbq nachos and they looked amazing so I will be back to try it! read more

We ordered takeout and while the meat was great, we weren't given sauces even though we asked for them. The macaroni and potato salad was awful, the potato salad was particularly inedible. Even the fries were stale. I have to believe it was a fluke because the photos of the food on Yelp looked 10x better than what we received. read more

I will start by saying this is a beautiful restaurant with an excellent ambiance for groups or dates, probably one of the most aesthetically appealing spaces we've been to in Bloomington. Our service was excellent, she was extremely friendly and helpful, and their cocktails are pretty great. The bar selection and creative drinks make this a great spot to gather with friends. However, the food did not hit the mark for us. While it looked really appetizing and the menu had a lot to offer, my husband and I both found our plates less than satisfying. My potato salad was so sour it was inedible and his sausage was extremely over smoked, dense and dried out. The garnish on the bun of my smoked chicken sandwich left my fingers stained, which was a small inconvenience but I believe things like that matter. The brisket left a lot to be desired as well. Because the prices are so reasonable, we have decided we are going to give it another shot and order something else. We really hope we can update our rating the next time around! read more

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We stopped in after a basketball tournament and we were so happy we did. The atmosphere was great, music loud, but eclectic! We started with the basil lemonade - so refreshing and the basil was on point and delicious. The piggy mac, so good. That could be a meal in itself. My husband and I had the pitmaster special which we could've shared. The cornbread, spectacular with pieces of sweet corn throughout. The meat, although not up to temp, was seasoned perfectly and the sauces were great. Would highly recommend trying it out if you love good bbq. read more

SmokeWorks - Basil lemonade. - Barbeque Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Have only been to this restaurant once when it first opened. Disappointing lunch today. Brisket sandwich was very dry and tough. Meat should have been juicing and tender. My daughter had the catfish sandwich. Generous portion of fish, but it was fried too brown and very salty. I rarely do not take my leftovers home, but today my daughter and I decided we could not eat another bite. It was a very disappointing lunch :( read more

Bloomington has a LOT of good restaurants. Chinese, pizza, classic American fare, exotic ethnic cuisines, you name it. But one thing it has always lacked is BARBEQUE!! The only one other than this new spot on the square, to my knowledge, is Smokin Jack's Rib Shack, which is...barbeque, but not GOOD barbeque. SmokeWorks is filling a MUCH needed void. Owned by the same people as Social Cantina next door, SmokeWorks shares Social's smart, modern aeshetic, but of course with a rustic sort of BBQ twist. Suffice it to say that many an Insta pic could be taken here. SmokeWorks is not quite as expensive as I thought it might be given the more upscale atmosphere, especially compared to Smokin Jack's, which is just about as lavishly decorated as you'd expect from the name. On par with other Bloomington restaurants, anyway. The immediate choice on the menu that appealed to us was the tray, where you get a meat and two sides from $11 to $15ish depending on the meat. I had pulled pork and decided on the two sides I get at literally every barbeque restaurant known to man, mac and cheese and green beans. The food was solid. I will say that it was nowhere near the best barbeque I've had, but given the lack of options in Bloomington and the cute interior and presentation here, it had to be 4 stars and not 3. The pulled pork was quite tasty with their sweet barbeque sauce, although it had some fatty bits. I enjoyed the mac and cheese for sure, and loved that it came in a fun little mini cast iron skillet, but I did want MORE of it...lol. The green beans were just okay, once again I wanted more quantity, and honestly the bean to bacon ratio was off, and in a too-much-bacon way, if that's possible. SmokeWorks is also a craft whiskey and bourbon bar, because why wouldn't it be. Will I be back for the $5 milkshake monday? (A bourbon milkshake, that is.) You betcha. read more

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The brisket was not bad. The rest was not good at all. I actually spit the coleslaw out. Mac and cheese was tasteless and the greens were not much better. The Stella was the best part of the meal. Definitely will not be back. read more

Was really impressed with SmokeWorks today for our first visit. For starters the parking challenge was not too bad just had to go around the square and there were several options. The decor inside is really cool and playing really good rock n roll music overhead makes the atmosphere fun! The waiter was extremely nice and informative and helped us through the menu. Between the four of us, we got the following: Brisket, Ribs, Pulled Pork, Smoked Chicken Wings, MAC and Cheese, Green Beans and cornbread. I was a huge fan of all the meats, especially the Brisket and Wings. The wings are very spicy and come out with dry rub on em. We had them tossed in sweet sauce and they were amazing! Not a fan of the green beans, but I am a picky eater so was hoping for a bit different taste. All the meats come out with dry rub on and sauces on the side. All the sauces were the Bomb (red sauce, sweet sauce, hot sauce and the white Alabama sauce). The deserts are really good, banana pudding and diet pudding served in a glass was very tasty! read more

SmokeWorks - PitMaster Sampler: ribs, brisket, pulled pork, Mac n cheese, green beans and cornbread! Delish!! - Barbeque Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

We just sat down and the server was not very happy. Didn't even say hello. She was an unhappy person and did. It smile or even have an energetic type of attitude. We almost decided to leave because of the introduction that the server had with us. Can't recommend this place based on our first impressions After we got our food we were happy with the quality of the food and presentation. Service is lacking in attitude and quality. Slow and abrupt Come here at your own risk of poor service attitude Food is good. Service is poor read more

My husband and I are here visiting for a night!! It's our Anniversary weekend and decided to stop at this place!! Loved loved loved it!! Great service and great food!! read more

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Been a couple different times. Food is consistent. Deviled eggs were very good, would definitely get again. Service was ok, not that horrible but not attentive. read more

Solid bbq joint. Chicken was dry but the dipping sauces were tasty. Brisket sandwich was excellent. Sausage had cheese inside. Homemade chips and macaroni/cheese both needed salt. Potatoes were fabulous (but anything with bacon is always good). Our waitress doubled as the bartender so she was super busy. Host wore a shirt from the Mexican place next door. This was New Student Orientation weekend/week with plenty of foot traffic -- they should have had more help. read more

SmokeWorks - Barbeque Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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Pretty good. The meat had quite a bit of fat and the Mac n cheese was just okay. Cornbread was great!

Came with family on Father's Day. From the time we walked in waiting to be seated until we walked out the service was not great. They were not that busy and we had to wait longer than we needed to to be seated. After we were seated we waited a long time for drink orders, and meal orders to be taken. (I understand every one is short staffed and that does not bother me much) when food was delivered it all was cold. Not warm but cold. My grand baby's overcooked chicken strips were cold. Even the Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes were cold. They did offer to remake our food but we had already been there a long time. I have been to smoke Works a couple of time before and had a wonderful experience. I just hope that in the future they work at making sure customers have the quality service that I have had in the past. read more

Have you ever been drawn in by the bright city lights? The warmth of smoke in the air and laughter in the background? It felt like I was walking into a hip classy hockey tonk and the smell of whiskey and wood teased my senses of the indulgences to come. Nathan Finney, business man, is turning his love of "just good food" into an empire. Along with his skilled and delightful staff they really got a good thing going. The atmosphere is somewhat evocative with deep rich fabrics and comfy seating, yet playful with accents of live wall greenery and signs like "whiskey is my spirit animal," yet so incredibly thoughtful. From a variety of types and heights of seating to meet families, friends out for a fun night, or dark cozy corners for a smokin date night - to small details like purse hooks on EVERY, yes I said EVERY table. I was throughly impressed. He even designed an expansion in the middle connecting Social Canteena, the sister restaurant, & Smoke Works that can seat large parties (like 50+)! Their menu is a Memphis-Style dry rub barbecue joint with everything from brisket to jackfruit and indulgent sides using recipes from his mama, whom often pops in for surprise tasting inspections. They also have "a silly amount of bourbon, whiskey and moonshine." Including their own private label made in conjunction with Indy's very own West Fork Whiskey. We started off by indulging on FRIED PICKLES and okra with a delicious house ranch. These babies were perfect - which is impressive serving 20+ ppl fried food and every batch was near perfection. They're perfectly crisp - the breading is CRISPY and full of FLAVOR - I literally could have eaten the whole basket by myself. Along side the cowboy caviar, which isn't my go to thing but still very tasty! (I'm not much for corn, I know, I know - please don't kick me out of Indiana.) I couldn't resist a little cocktail and the TENNESSEE WEEKEND was calling my name! Be careful this gal packs a punch stronger than you'd think and boy does it go down smooth! Georgia Peach Moonshine, a little Jack, blueberry, lemonade, and house sour - I felt like I was sitting in a rocking chair on a lovely southern porch. Next UP BBQ TRAY! Yes anything on a tray - I am here for it! I got the pulled pork and jackfruit which I let swim in the sweet bbq sauce because it was that delicious - heck if that ramekin would have been bigger I would have climbed in and swam in that sauce! Along side the mac n' cheese and coleslaw served with. A big ole slab of bread butter pickles and onions - the only way bbq should be served I was in heaven. Because every night this good has to end on a sweet note I was sooo ready for some banana pudding! Served in a Mason jar almost too cute to eat. I really can't wait to go back and I'll bring my stretchy pants next time! @twainindy read more

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Great spot to grab a beer and some bbq. I thought the brisket was very good as well as the wings.

So this is an interesting spot. It was a humid night and the front doors were open and they seemed to want to stack everyone in the front room on top of each other. After eating here there would be no space for people. We asked if we could sit at the bar instead to get some space. The place is very hip and not a typical bbq joint. They have some interesting craft cocktails on the menu and the basil lemonade is delicious. In reviewing their food options I was so uncertain what to pick. We started with the pulled pork nachos which are a meal in themselves and are to die for. Everything about these are great. I got the turkey which was a little dry and got all the sauces and they have great flavor. Sides were mad and cheese and green beans. The mad and cheese didn't have much flavor but was served in this cute little iron skillet. The entree came with a slab of cornbread that had a cake like texture and wasn't dried out. My friend got the brisket tacos and though I'm not a fan of white bbq sauce these were a hit. Bar service was something to be desired and hence the 4 stars. A plate of nachos and having to wait on napkins isn't cool! Jack Daniels on tap is! read more

SmokeWorks - Barbeque Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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The service was great. The food was absolutely amazing. Even the cornbread was exceptional!! Try the whiskey sauce!

I've been here several times. The house red sauce is phenomenal. The pulled pork is the best in Bloomington. The staff are all kind and patient. Even when they are packed, the service is still great and the food comes out quickly. Update: I went here again and the food was once again delicious. The dessert is also great. I also have to shout out the staff again. A man came up to my friends and I and would not leave us alone. In short, the staff handled everything beyond well and made sure that we felt safe and that we knew that we didn't have to leave until we were ready. I truly have nothing bad to say about this place. read more

Went to SmokeWorks last week as A couple of friends and I were craving some bbq. Thankfully this time there wasn't any wait and we were promptly seated. I ended up ordering the combo with pulled pork and brisket with a side of Mac and cheese and coleslaw. The pulled pork I liked because it was slightly fatty and easy to eat. The brisket was altight, a little on the salty side but tasted fine with the bbq sauce. The Mac and cheese and coleslaw were good sides as well. Overall, nice experience. read more

Had been a patron many times. Staff pretty good. Food great. Had an issue to bring to the manager. He never came to the table. I stopped by during slow period in the daytime. Few people in the place. He had me waiting to the point I was going to barge through the back and find his office. When I talked with him he couldn't care less. Take business meetings anywhere but there. Never will return. read more

Ive had Memphis dry ribs before but these weren't good. Cornbread is very dry as well. People at my table liked the brisket and coleslaw. If your just looking for food and drunk stop by but if you love BBQ I would not recommend it. It's a new restaurant and it seems they are trying to rework their recipes. read more

SmokeWorks - It broke my heart to now finish these ribs as someone who loves BBQ but these weren't good - Barbeque Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

Ok, so a cold night in Bloomington and wanted a hearty dinner. Found a Whiskey bar that is a BBQ place. Decided to go all out and got a Quaff porter and a flight of Irish whiskey. Whiskey was truly fine and the porter was delicious. Brisket deviled eggs as an appetizer with smoked brisket and cornbread. Soooooo much awesomeness. Friendly staff and heavy pours made for a wonderful meal read more

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