Was there a week ago, Jordan is a great bartender! Quick and efficient, Food is great!

Food was excellent! And service was extraordinary. Definitely recommend this place! I will be returning soon!!

Good food and friendly fast service. Fund environment, for the whole family! Would highly recommend, especially for groups.

Great lunch on a Sunday at 1:30 after church with a party of eight. No problem seating our large family because there's so much space. We were seated promptly and our drinks arrived quickly. It took a while for them to take our order, but once they took it, our food arrive promptly. They have a fun arcade here, but they don't have crayons and kids menus for them to color so your only option for entertainment is to play your own hangman which is what we did or fork out for the arcade games. I think they should have menu activities for the kids to play. We all enjoyed our food and we ordered nachos with brisket and nachos with pork and good for you. Salad with brisket and brisket, burger a pepperoni pizza and two chicken tenders with fries and lots of lemonade. Everyone was really happy with the food and left full and in a good mood. Dad and the kids had fun playing the arcade games afterwards and everyone just had a good time. Thanks for the fun place and the good food. It's pretty pricey so it's not a cheap place to eat, but they do have a happy hour from 2 to 5 that make the prices Much more reasonable. Fun place to come occasionally with your family to have a good time. read more

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Baby, when I tell you smoky and the brisket understood the assignment, I mean under STOKD it! The brisket was so good. It made me wanna hug the pitmaster. I came for the brisket and left with one question: was the hot sauce hotter, or was the waitress? Jury's still out. Food was incredible, service was even better, and if Yelp allowed 1,000 stars, Smokey and the Brisket would get every single one of them. Yall better give miss elanaaa a mf raise immediately. -grateful read more

I guess I don't understand why the waitress was horrible unpolished Loaded nachos with brisket was pretty good other than I wanted loaded fries with brisket, exactly same item except fries. No answer why you can substitute tacos with pork, brisket or chicken but not loaded fries with brisket not pork?????? I am allergic to pork. Customer is not valued and they don't care. read more

Stumbled across this place in La Mesa and we're pretty satisfied! Located off Lake Murray Blvd, Smokey and The Brisket is a stand alone restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and a good amount of parking. There's lots of seating and their patio is dog friendly. There's a parking lot with plenty of spots so I don't think you'd struggle, but if it's full there is street parking. The vibe definitely screamed bbq restaurant with the rustic vibe and decor is very, backyard bbq vibe with the old vehicle pieces. But nonetheless very clean. Service was really good. I had no issues. Didn't catch our waitress name but she was very polite, constantly checking up on us, doing a very good job at her job. I saw the other floor staff being very friendly to the other customers, talking and seeming like they were trying to get to know their customers. The food was really yummy. I loved how tender the brisket was. You know meet is tender when it falls apart *tenderism* and it did just that. The sausage was full of flavor and the seasoning of the pulled pork was yummy! What I loved was that the meat wasn't full of that Smokey taste. While it's good, sometimes that gets overwhelming so I'm glad this didn't do that. The sides were yummy too. The flavor on the Brussels were good! I loved the butter with the corn bread! Overall I was very satisfied! I think the price for this food matched the quality of what we got. I would see myself coming back here! It was really yummy and is now in my top 3 for San Diego bbq! read more

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Delicious! Passed by so many times on the way to my friend's house and the striking exterior design has always caught my eye. Finally got a chance to stop by late last night after playing pickleball. Really enjoyed it! The dry rub and cook on the pork ribs was outstanding. Loved the habanero bbq sauce. All the sides hit! And the service + bright clean interior design were on point. Solid sized parking lot as well. read more

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We stopped by for San Diego Restaurant week. $49 per person for three course meal. Inside of the restaurant was pretty cool, with classic cars and motorcycle displays. It was spacious and they had one side of the restaurant window open by the bar, it was nice and airy. Plenty of tables and seats, I like that they have a mini arcade in the back. Very limited parking. We had brisket burnt ends and Jalapeno mac cheese (8 out of 10), loaded fries ( 8 out of 10), prime brisket (10 out of 10; so tender and flavorful), half rack of spare ribs (10 out of 10; fell off the bone and delicious), mash potatoes, creamy corn, corn bread and bbq beans. The sides were pretty good but the mash was starchy tasting. Other than that, we had a lot of food leftover and my tummy was full. I will definitely return again to try out other dishes. read more

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Good bbq, great service and the decor is cool and vintage. Very spacious inside and they provide outdoor dining as well. If you're looking for smoked bbq give them a try. read more

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Oh my gosh what an incredible spot! Not only were they projecting the World Cup on a HUGE projector screen, but the food was so good ajd easy to eat for a large party and such a good bang for your buck!! The service from Cameron was great and she was so professional and helped us a ton. Truly such a good spot for families and kids, we will be back! read more

Smokey and the Brisket - Game room - Barbeque Near Me - La Mesa, California

Great food! Great service! Great ambiance! We got the hot fried chicken sandwich (SUPER hot so get the sauce on the side) but it was so good! Also got a side of their mac n cheese because it was happy hour and only $3! Lots of great deals and will definitely be back read more

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This place was delicious! Our server Hailey was great and accommodating. Food and service were awesome! Try the beef rib and the chicken! Meat was good on its own and with the sauce. read more

Smokey and the Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - La Mesa, California

I tried Smokey and the Brisket and the food was pretty good. The brisket was tender with a nice smoky flavor, and the pulled pork was juicy without feeling heavy. The mac and cheese was super creamy, the cornbread was tasty, and the mashed potatoes were comforting. I also liked the brussels sprouts since they balanced out all the richer items. The vibe is very casual and pretty lively. There were a lot of families and kids running around, so it is not a quiet place at all. It feels like a spot where you can just relax and enjoy BBQ without worrying about anything being formal. Service was pretty good. Even with how busy it was, the staff was friendly and the food came out fast. Overall, it is a solid BBQ place in La Mesa and I would come back to if I was in the area. read more

Smokey and the Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - La Mesa, California

The food was OK, I've had much better barbecue. Pricey. Server was nice but not particularly attentive, we had to flagger down many times, and sometimes she would quickly walk away before we could say something. Food took about 30 minutes to come, which is unusual for a barbecue since the meats are generally already cooked. But overall nice atmosphere and decent food. I'm gonna look for another place for next time though. read more

Grabbed some takeout from Smokey and Brisket BBQ , the vibe looked super cool, will definitely dine in next time * Pulled pork sandwich: tasty and hit the spot. * Cornbread: was kinda average. * Ribs: juicy and definitely the winner of the meal. * Mac & cheese: not my fave Overall, it's a solid BBQ spot. Can't wait to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere next time! read more

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The ribs were huge and delicious and side of onion rings and Brussels sprouts were great as well. Also got the chopped salad and added chicken. Lots of beers on top and fun atmosphere. We left with plenty of leftovers. We sat at the bar and Jordan helped us. She was amazing, super friendly and informative. We will definitely be back for the great service and food. read more

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Wife and I started came by after a hike, and glad we did. The food was spectacular. We service was on point, we were greeted by Elena and she gave us some great recommendations. We ordered the Beef Ribs, a thick, well seasoned, juicy, beef ribs on the bone, super tender. We ordered the smaller of the options and it was so much meat, it came with two sides the tasty Brussels sprouts, some of the best potato salad in town. It was all welled paired with a chopped salad. Can't wait to build an appetite and come back for more. read more

Smokey and the Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Jordan is the best bartender/server we've ever had! She should run the place. She made our 1st time the most memorable experience at a restaurant we've ever had! read more

We had a great experience from the moment we walked in. Elena greeted us warmly, got us seated quickly, and recommended some of her favorite menu items. We ordered the beef rib with two sides potato salad and Brussels sprouts. The beef was incredibly tender and juicy, and both sides were delicious. We also tried the Cobb salad, which was a huge portion and very filling. After our meal, we checked out the arcade they have inside, which made the whole experience even better. It's nice to have drinks, food, and games all in one place. We'll definitely be back! read more

Smokey and the Brisket - Beef ribs Brussel sprouts Potato salad - Barbeque Near Me - La Mesa, California

After a morning of estate sales we decided to have lunch at Smokey and the Brisket. The place had a really cool vibe. I really wanted a pulled pork sandwich, so I ordered one with the cole slaw on the side. The bbq sauce was good, but the actual meat and coke slaw could have used some seasoning. Overall, I enjoyed my lunch. It really needed some more flavors. read more

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We took out food from Smokey and the Brisket. The place is decorated cutely and has a nice ambiance. They have a parking lot so parking was easy. They also have a bar. We loved the corn, cowboy caviar, and the cornbread. We thought the ribs and brisket were decent but not the best ever. The brisket was a bit fatty. The pieces that weren't too fatty were delicious though. We did not care for the macaroni and cheese. The staff was helpful and pleasant, which is always appreciated. We want to try eating there next time. read more

Smokey and the Brisket - Decorations - Barbeque Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Food and service was excellent. Hailey is a fantastic server. She was so helpful with the menu and very friendly. She made the experience very memorable. We'll be back! read more

Last night was my second visit here. My first visit was a few weeks ago when our motor gals had a dinner meet up and we took a good chick of the patio area. Since that first visit- I've been wanting to bring my fellas here. Since we had our dog tag along for dinner, we enjoyed the opposing side of the patio, near the bar. It's pretty cool how Smokey and the Brisket incorporates vintage cars and motorcycles into their aesthetic. The patio table we sat at had the front end of a classic car- which faces the eastern parking lot, but- the cushioned back seat of a vehicle. I had no idea that Thursday is Happy Hour ALL DAY!! We snagged our table at 6pm and was wondering why our server handed us the HH Menu! Happy Hour is 2-5pm. * I wonder if it's daily since menu doesn't specify certain dates. Although we told our son to meet us at 6:30pm- hubby & I decide to enjoy the shaded patio, grab some refreshments and a side of BBQ chicken for our Macho. I did bring some of our dog's dry kibble with brown rice in a Tupperware. Staff brought out a water bowl for Macho to enjoy. Along with our refreshments and keeping Macho occupied with his dinner- I figured a quick nibble of HH wings (6pc/ $13) would hold me over til our kid arrived. I think my last visit was bbq flavored wings- so, I got the tangy honey mustard. I couldn't wait to snack on one- and yes! Hot!! But, so good! Even better when you wait a few minutes to let the sauce thicken up a bit... mmm! Wings come with Ranch dressing and some fresh carrot & celery sticks. It was annoying to swat tons of flies away at our table when food did arrive. I don't recall them being that bad when our event was here, last time. The fried pickle chips were great. Again- I couldn't wait to let the cool off a bit, when the plate arrived. I like dried pickles served- chip style versus spear. And SATB does a good job of making sure they pickles aren't soggy before coating and frying. Last visit I smashed my BBQ Chicken salad (black beans, avocado, Fritos, cilantro ranch, roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, & smoked pulled chicken). Chicken is full of flavor! And I couldn't wait never go wrong with Fritos (one of my fave chips). This visit I asked for salmon instead of the chicken on my salad- and oooooh weee! That smoked salmon was a thick cut with a delicious maple glaze. I was bummed we didn't have a chance to sit inside- that way I can gawk at the motorcycles. And have a shot at the beef ribs and play some arcade games. Will be returning again! Staff is awesome! read more

Smokey and the Brisket - Habanero chicken wings; small side salad; creamy corn. 5/28/25 - Barbeque Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Went here for my 32nd birthday. Had to show up 30 minutes before they closed so I commend them all for their hospitality and service. My waitress name was Cameron. (I hope I got her name right.) Really good at her job and very kind. The atmosphere was nice, like an old timey rustic vibe. The food was delicious. I ordered the Stop Your Engine Burger and got a free Hot Lava Cake with Ice Cream. This was my second time eating here. Definitely worth coming back!! read more

Smokey and the Brisket - Chocolate Lave Cake - Barbeque Near Me - La Mesa, California

Kate was amazing!!! Honestly the whole staff on Monday!!! The food is to die for, can't recommend this place enough! The trivia guy is eh, moves too fast and honestly just boring. read more

Meh, this place seems to have gone down hill over the years. When they first opened, they were doing alright for SD BBQ standards, better than a lot of places. Happy hour has some decent specials and some good beer selections and craft cocktails. The food items are usually okay, but the overall quality has just gone down hill. I used to be able to still get work done here because even when it's on the busier side in the afternoons or later in the day, it's not usually rowdy. I have had good service there in the past, but like the quality of the food, it seems to have just gone down hill. If it was just a one off event, I wouldn't question it, we all have our moments and the restaurant industry can be a rough one but despite being an easy patron and someone who tips properly and often gerrously I got some not so great service and mediocre eats the last few times I was here. read more

Brisket sliders- bomb Brisket Mac&cheese- bomb Chicken Tacos - bomb Lychees martini - bomb Warm house made churros/ice cream - bomb Cute seats, families definitely welcomed. Games in the back for big kids and kiddos! read more

Smokey and the Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - La Mesa, California

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I think I see a theme here....I was here for the Memorial Weekend, and now I visited for 4th of July! I was glad they were open because I didn't feel like cooking and it is definitely a bbq kind of day. However, I was sad that they didn't have any pork ribs left. I ended up getting the brisket which is always a winner! So tender and delicious! This visit I ordered the burnt carrots and cauliflower salad as my side. This is an amazing salad! Especially with the arugula and goat cheese and that dressing....chee hooo! So good and healthy! I brought my dog sitter since I'm heading out of town, and he enjoyed the Big Tex meatloaf. Before leaving, I ordered a pepperoni pizza because I saw pizzas coming out of the kitchen. But mine was a 12 inch and I didn't see the larger one on the menu. I guess I'll inquire another time. I needed something for lunch and it was good, especially cold! I have nothing but good things to say about the workers! They are all so friendly, especially working on a holiday! Love coming out here! And as always.... Cako Approves! read more

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WOW!! Such a great place. The service was great as well. Came in during a Tuesday for lunch and the food was great. Got the trios tacos with pulled pork. It came with chips and two different salsa. The two salsa were so good! The restaurant was very clean and I was seated immediately. The seats were cute little cars, I loved the decorations! read more

Smokey and the Brisket - Tacos trios pulled pork - Barbeque Near Me - La Mesa, California

Easily my favorite barbecue place in San Diego. Service and ambiance are great! Their dessert shots and bloody Mary's are to die for! Last time I went I got the Alabama bbq chicken and Mac and cheese. I cleared my plate, definitely worth the try! They are also dog friendly on their patio! read more

Smokey and the Brisket - Alabama Chicken - Barbeque Near Me - La Mesa, California

A nice bbq place in East County! We didn't think too much of the BBQ Chicken Salad until we took the first bite. It was really good. The tender chicken really topped it off. If you're a vegetarian hanging out with friends here, this is the option to get, without the chicken. The two meat combo was just amazing. Both meat were super tender and the short rib fell off the bone. So good! Beans were just beans but the brussel sprouts were amazing. Instead of the usual tart vinaigrette, they had some fruity jam or date added with bacon. Got that sweet smokey taste to it. The wait staff were also super friendly. The decor was just super wacky and fun! Overall, I'll be back to try their other meat selections. It was so good. Left a great first impression. read more

Smokey and the Brisket - Two meat combo, brisket and short ribs (left), BBQ Chicken Salad (right) - Barbeque Near Me - La Mesa, California

The ordering process was straightforward, and the food was ready upon my arrival. A young lady at the point of pickup greeted me and directed me to the appropriate area for to-go orders. I ordered the beef ribs, accompanied by cornbread, cream corn, and jalapeño mustard as a sauce for the ribs. The cornbread was notably satisfactory, and the cream corn was quite flavorful. Regarding the beef ribs, they were substantial, priced at $43, offering good value for the quantity received. However, the ribs lacked adequate salt, which impacted the overall flavor. The smoke flavor was noticeable, but the sauces provided did not prove very appealing. The jalapeño mustard was essentially a grainy mustard, and the barbecue mustard was a far cry from the traditional Carolina-style mustard base. read more

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We came here for Father's Day and liked the small-town vibe and the country roadhouse meets industrial garage décor. Our server was helpful, engaging, and checked in on us regularly. The food was kind of hit or miss though. The sides were definitely the highlight for us, especially the creamy elote-style corn and the jalapeño cornbread. The fried mac 'n cheese balls were a hit as well. The meats weren't quite what I was hoping for. The meatloaf had an odd texture and the chicken skin was more rubbery than crisp. The brisket was fall-apart tender but it was also pretty fatty. It wasn't all bad, but not the best either. I think with places like this, it sometimes just takes a second visit to find your go-to order. read more

Smokey and the Brisket - Bix Tex Meatloaf - Barbeque Near Me - La Mesa, California

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This spot has become one of our favorites in the la Mesa area for some good bbq. We came on a Friday night about an hour before closing and we were shocked that it was basically empty inside. We ended up just grabbing a seat at the bar and watched the rest of the baseball game that was on. I feel like I always get the plate of some sort so I can try more things. The side options are always so hard to pick from! My fiancé loves the onion rings here and I will say they are some of the best I have had. I personally love the sausage and mac n cheese but you also can not go wrong with their corn bread! We also ended up getting a side salad to share and I loved that it came with corn and beans in the salad. read more

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Hailey was great! We had ribs and pulled pork and pizza. We loved our food and service and the kids loved the arcade.

I visited this place in person before and it was okay. However I'm leaving this review today because of a DoorDash order. We ordered two dishes and a side of cornbread. The order arrives and only my husband's order came. The receipt on the bag only has his order listed. So my husband checked the app again and the item was taken off claiming it was"out of stock". It was a bbq chicken dish and there are plenty of other chicken dishes on the menu. The cornbread didn't even arrive. Instead of the restaurant reaching out to us or at least having DoorDash reach out about alternatives, they just cancelled my order. DoorDash customers are still customers and income for their business, so it's not acceptable service. My husband's order was not great either. Definitely won't be recommending them, ordering, or coming back. read more

So delicious!! I enjoyed the brisket tacos on happy hour. Who knew that they had happy hour every day of the week Halle was my server and she was top-notch. Such a sweetie and so great at her job. read more

Hailey was an awesome server, on time, friendly, and accurate! And the food was excellent too!

Smokey and The Brisket has very yummy food and their customer service is exceptional especially Sandra and Taia. I highly recommend coming here and experiencing this great food place. read more