Well, it's been about a week since I came across Joe's barbecue there in Redding on our way home from my uncle's funeral in Visalia California. I have to tell you , truthfully, I called 10 minutes before they were about to close . I begged the lady on the phone , I need to order something. I gotta try your barbecue I'm only 7 minutes away. So they put together a phone order, I showed up and who was sitting at the table but Joe. You talk about a friendly guy, we sat and chatted. I ended up opening up my meal, calling my sister to come in from the car and sit down. He went in the back and made me some concoction that was out of this world. Here's the thing the Carolina barbecue sauce made with the mustard is so freaking phenomenal. I bought a container of it and brought it home and put it in a glass jar and have been allowing my children to taste it on the back of a spoon and tonight we're actually going to barbecue wings and toss them in it. Hands down "This is the best Carolina honey barbecue sauce" I've ever tasted and I've tasted a lot. Whatever his secret is, I would love to have it cause I want to can it and I'm not sure why he doesn't bottle this and sell it himself. It is literally gold in a bottle. Now, as far as their sweet potatoes, I was so impressed because usually when you go to a barbecue place, they give you orange yams and call them sweet potatoes. Not this guy he had straight yellow sweet potatoes with some type of honey brown sugar goodness dripping over the top. The pork ribs were fantastic and so were the smothered fries with the barbecued pork my Lord just rub it on my hips. The hospitality was phenomenal. He gave me a little bit of his rub that he puts on his ribs. Just so I could smell it and have a sample because I am a chef. I told him he needs to come up to where we're from in Portland, Oregon, and bring his barbecue. Don't miss this spot it's BBq to live for!!! read more

Smokin'Joe's Barbecue - A Culinary Experience Worth Raving About From the moment you step through the doors of Smokin'Joe's, you're greeted by the comforting aroma of slow‑smoked wood and the warm smiles of a staff that feels more like family than service. It's clear that this isn't just another BBQ joint--it's a celebration of the craft, the community, and the love of great food. The Meat: Unmatched Quality What truly sets Smokin'Joe's apart is its dedication to sourcing the finest cuts. Each slab of brisket, pork shoulder, and rib is hand‑selected for marbling, tenderness, and flavor potential. The result? A melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture that feels almost luxurious. The beef brisket boasts a deep, smoky bark that cracks delicately under a fork, revealing a juicy, pink interior that's been cooked low and slow for hours on end. The pork ribs are fall‑off‑the‑bone tender, with just enough char to give that satisfying bite without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the meat. The Barbecue: Perfection in Every Bite Smokin'Joe's takes pride in its signature rubs and sauces, each crafted to complement--not mask--the natural flavors of the meat. The rubs strike a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and subtle spice, while the house‑made sauce adds a tangy finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate. Whether you opt for the classic hickory smoke or experiment with a hint of mesquite, the consistency across the menu is remarkable: every piece is smoked to a precise temperature, ensuring that the smoky essence penetrates without ever drying out the meat. The Atmosphere: Warm‑Hearted Hospitality Beyond the food, the heart of Smokin'Joe's lies in its people. The staff greet you by name (even if it's your first visit) and take genuine interest in your preferences, offering recommendations tailored to your taste. Their enthusiasm is infectious; you'll find yourself chatting with fellow diners, sharing stories over plates piled high with smoked goodness. The décor--a blend of rustic wood, vintage signage, and subtle nods to classic Southern barbecue culture--creates a cozy, inviting space where you feel right at home. Bottom Line If you're hunting for a barbecue experience that combines top‑tier cuts, masterful smoking techniques, and a community vibe that makes you want to linger long after the last bite, Smokin'Joe's is the place to be. It's not just a meal; it's a celebration of everything good about barbecue--quality, craftsmanship, and heartfelt hospitality--all rolled into one unforgettable dining adventure. read more

Smokin' Joe's BBQ - Couldn't wait to take more pictures - Barbeque Near Me - Redding, California

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Came to town for a CrossFit comp and was looking for some brisket. Called in advance to make sure they had some left and luckily they still had some and even put some aside for the 7 of us. Ordered the brisket, pulled pork, sweet potato and baked beans. The brisket was tender and juicy. Got to meet Joe the owner, great guy! Couple small tables inside that was able to seat all of us but they had more tables outside too. read more

Smokin' Joe's BBQ - Owner Joe - Barbeque Near Me - Redding, California

Disgusting food. Could not listen to my requests. Trashy dining room. Lazy workers doing nothing. Never going back to smoking joes again. Don't ever visit this restaurant. read more

Super tasty BBQ, onion rings, coleslaw, beans. I had the tri-tip sandwich which is always served wonderfully with extra bbq sauce. I always get order to go and lay out a full spread on dining table at home. It's Showtime! read more

Ok, this wasn't my first time here. I usually get a combo meat serving and take it home to make an assortment of dishes. My wife is vegetarian so it's not her kind of place. Today I was on my own so this was a no brainer. This time I ordered a sandwich to go. It's small inside, a bit crowded with...stuff. Not a lot of seats in there. I only live a mile away and serve beer:) I think it was called the sandwich was called the smokehouse. Smoked pastrami, tritip and pulled pork, piled high on a ciabatta roll. It came with a little bbq sauce that you could drink with a straw...damn good. And if I told you about how fast that sandwich came out, you wouldn't believe me. I took it home, threw some extras on it and enjoyed it with a beer. Couldn't fish the whole thing...tomorrow tomorrow... read more

Smokin' Joe's BBQ - That's a big sandwich. - Barbeque Near Me - Redding, California

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Amazing amazing amazing. We got the meal deal for 2 and it fed our family of 4 with leftovers. Super flavorful and tender chicken, the best pulled pork, and my kids ate all the ribs before I could try. The sides were equally delicious. Very friendly service! read more

The owner and customer service from the small crew alone is worth the visit! Now the food, holy BBQ heaven! My husband was making all the good eatin' noises each bite followed with a "mmmm". If you are craving a good bbq meal this is the place! read more

SERVICE: counter style, got to talk to Joe who was posted up in the dining area taking phone orders and helped us pick our orders! Super nice and quite the salesman! AMBIANCE: cozy, two 4-tops some counter seating but it would be a squeeze for sure FLAVORS: Smoked tri-tip cheesesteak (5/5) amazing and comes with a bbq sauce Gut buster (10/5!!!) I thought I wouldn't be able to taste the pastrami through the salty smoky hot link or the rich pepper jack cheese but you DEFINITELY can and it's all perfect together - the honey mustard is made in house I think and it's the PERFECT complement to cut through the rich salty fatty flavors when you think you can't take anymore! PORTIONS: filling and hearty PRICE: appropriate, maybe even a steal! BONUS TIP: the strawberry watermelon drink! Also, Joe said next time get the gut buster with onions and jalapeños. I'd drive 3 hrs for this. read more

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Wow! I cant imagine getting a warmer welcome* All staff are lovely hosts to a truly top notch bbq meal. Where else do you find homemade hot links?1. Such a treat!! Every bite was delicious》》》》 tri-tip, ribs and hot links. YUM! My hat is off to Joe and his terrific team! read more

Met with a phenomenal menu and tasty food to match! The owners knew what I wanted before I asked and served us our road trip meal with sauce that has to be award winning for sure. Cozy place with classic bbq feel, DO NOT pass this place up while in Redding read more

Smokin' Joe's BBQ - Crazy serving size! - Barbeque Near Me - Redding, California

I always get the "bbq" meats because I know it's good but today I got the cheesesteak sandwich. Damn good is all I gotta say! I'll be getting these more often now. Waited about 5-6 minutes in the drive through. Yes, drive thru bbq joint! Must try and must support read more

Smokin' Joe's BBQ - Cheesesteak sandwich w/ garlic fries - Barbeque Near Me - Redding, California

So good! Got the pastrami and the tri tip. Joe let us sample the hot links and brisket. The beans were really good too. Next time we we plan to have sandwiches and onion rings! read more

Working up in Redding and my coworker who lives here in Redding took us to lunch at Smokin' Joe's. The ladies at the counter ate great and super hospitable. Great smiles and clearly enjoy what they do. They have Veteran's discount and are happy to ask if your a veteran. Food was great and the cooks have great attitudes/hospitality as well. If you're in the area definitely check it out! read more

The best news so far in 2025 ... brisket is now available every day! Thank you Smokin' Joe's BBQ on Airport! Excellent bark. Thick yet tender slices of brisket served on a Ciabatta bun. It's huge, which gives you enough for some leftovers. The staff is very personable and it's clear they know many of the customers. read more

Smokin' Joe's BBQ - Brisket sandwich on a Ciabatta bun with a side of potato salad. Excellent bark on the brisket. Thick yet tender slices of meat. - Barbeque Near Me - Redding, California

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The service was excellent! My husband and I were greeted with such warmth it made us feel welcomed, like they were happy to see us. We ordered the pulled pork sandwich and coleslaw slaw. Folks, if you want to experience a BBQ flavor that is undeniably delicious, then you must come to Smokin' Joe's BBQ. The quaint interior was inviting, but the weather was so nice we sat outside on the patio. It was a wonderful experience. We enjoyed it so much that my husband and I decided we will eat here every time we visit Redding. read more

Smokin' Joe's BBQ - Pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw, and sauce on the side. - Barbeque Near Me - Redding, California

Brisket is "Amazing"!!! All sides were delicious as well! Even gave us treats for the dogs! Will definitely be back! read more

What a great surprise find! Joe met us at the door and welcomed us in. He explained the menu and recommended the meal for two. It had several types of meat, including pulled pork, ribs, chicken, tri tip, and one other. We got the coleslaw and fries as our sides and a side of baked beans. There was enough food for three and that's with both of us being really hungry. We loved all of the meats and sides and I could drink the sauce! What was left was eaten today for lunch with more comments of how good it was. It won't be our last visit. read more

Came here with my in laws today. Got 2 racks of ribs, 3 sweet potatoes, came out to $100.00. Crazy work. Then, the lady was so rude. Their sign was broken so my father in law asked her questions and the lady spoke to him like he was stupid for asking anything. She was short and clipped in tone and shut the door on him immediately. Attitude is not even worth the cost of food there. Will not be going back. The sweet potatoes are good though. Update:: got home and realized theyd only given us 2 sweet potatoes and the ribs were super dry and werent good. I called and got the same lady who was rude to us initially. It took some time to clarify what the issue was, but the result was that they remade the ribs and gave us the missing sweet potato. The lady was much nicer when I went in to get the corrected food, and i believe I might have even met the owners sitting inside who were super nice and even made small talk about new years. I was initially really put off by the whole experience, but the correction of the issue was really straight forward and staff was much nicer once approached. Maybe today was just a bad day? Might give them another shot in a few months read more

Sofa King good!!! We ordered the meal for four, and it could have fed six. Ribs are so delicious, the BBQ sauce is the bomb! Everything was fantastic. read more

Excellent !!!!!! Couldn't decided between the tri tip or the brisket. So, my husband got the tri tip and I was lucky and got the brisket. Both were beyond amazing. Great job Smoking Joes. read more

If you're looking for bbq in Redding, this is the place to go! Everything is good from their meats to their baked beans. If you've never can catch them on a day when they're making hot link Mac n cheese, I definitely recommend that as well! read more

The good fries are back! A bbq spot of the people, for the people. Back to the top of my list for best bbq in Redding. The meats have never disappointed. Smokestack is my favorite, love the tritip and pastrami together read more

Smokin' Joe's BBQ - They downgraded on the fries ... - Barbeque Near Me - Redding, California

Such a good hidden gem, vibe is very family stay. Love the ribs and pulled pork were my favorite. Services was top tier very helpful!

Oh my goodness, where do I begin??? This was hands down the best BBQ we've had in ages! Forget the other BBQ places...this is it! Do yourself a favor and order the combo meal...fall off the bone ribs, the brisket was amazing!!! A true diamond in the rough place , but it's the meat!!! Our new favorite place in Northern California. read more

Great bbq and fun service. Been a few years since I have been back to RDD and had to stop. Good stuff. read more

Smokin' Joe's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Redding, California

They are the most sweet and the best! So happy I came across this business traveling through California. Will definitely back whenever I'm in the area. They are so friendly! Especially to my puppies free treats! And the food is yummmmmmy read more

Smokin Joes is the best Barbecue in Redding hands down. I've been eating at this place since I moved to Redding almost 5 years ago. I totally recommend the sampler platter as you get to chose what you want for meats and side. The garlic fries are perfect for the accompanying fine meats. The tri tip is great and the ribs are fall off the bone tender and oh so fine. They have brisket on Wednesday and it's fine also. You can get burnt ends if you ask too. Texas toast is also provided on the sampler. But here's the thing Joe the owner makes you feel like family and is one of the nicest guys you will meet. You can eat inside if space permits or outside if you want and that are pet friendly outside. read more

Ribs so tender the meat falls off the bone, professional and courteous service, fair price

The food was amazing and when I got there it was 7:05 and they closed at seven and they still took my order and and the owner was was amazing and so friendly.. wonderful place read more

Amazing is right! The best sandwiches I have ever had. Large portions. Great coleslaw. The flavor of the pulled pork is great! The toasted bun gives it a little crunch before you hit that pork. Yum yum. Beans are good too. My favorite place for sure. Veterans discount too. Easy to reach from the Veterans Clinic. How convenient! They are always friendly and smiling. Drive thru or dine in or out. Lots of seating outside. Thanks Joe! read more

Great food and fast friendly service. We highly recommend this place for your bbq cravings!!

Service was good. Pet friendly. Was able to try a sample before purchasing. Brisket tasted dry, prolly smoked finished in the over. Middle of the meat says hey I'm well done in the oven Tri tip was dry and cut with the grain. I prefer against the grain. Only thing acceptable was the ribs. Plenty of room to sit inside and outside. Wasn't trying leave a bad review but an honest one.. until next time. GTG read more

Smokin' Joe's is one of those places that a lot of people rave about--my best friend swears by it, and I know it's considered a staple in the Redding area. But for me, it just hasn't clicked. I've tried it several times, hoping to get that "over-the-top, out-of-this-world" barbecue experience people talk about, but it just hasn't been there. The food isn't bad by any means, but the quality doesn't wow me, and overall it just feels like a miss. Would I go back? Probably not, other than maybe a one-off with friends who really enjoy it. I can appreciate that a lot of folks love this spot, but if I'm being honest, it's just not for me. read more

If you're looking for some great BBQ in Redding, then head over to Smokin' Joe's BBQ. We stopped in for dinner while on a road trip, and I have to say that it was some of the BEST BBQ RIBS I've ever had! We ordered the Meal Deal for two which included a half rack of ribs, tri tip, pulled pork, and chicken with two sides. Everything was so good! If you find yourself passing through, it's definitely worth a stop. read more

Smokin' Joe's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Redding, California

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It would be well worth your time to spend the few minutes it takes to get to Smokin' Joe's BBQ if you're in the downtown Redding area. We had spent the morning at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park and were now ready for some grub. There seems to be quite a few BBQ joints around, but Smokin' Joe's caught our eye. Just as important as the 4.5 stars for the food, were the comments of how friendly the crew was. True hospitality is an art that can't be taught but is a reflection of the providers desire to develop positive relationships with their guests. We were second in line and while we waited, the order taker came out from behind the counter to hand us menus. When I told her that I was confused because there was a sign for brisket, but brisket was not on the menu. They only offer Brisket on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The sign offered Brisket Sandwiches, Brisket Plates and Brisket plus one other meat Plates. But she also told me that we could buy Brisket by weight if we'd like. Score! We ordered a Rack of Memphis Ribs, a 1/2lb of Juicy Brisket, 1/2-Pint of Cole Slaw and 1/2-Pint of Macaroni Salad. The Ribs came with some Texas Toast. Service was super friendly, quicky and efficient. We knew what we were getting and for the most part, what we got met our expectations. There were a couple of minor hiccups that may have just been a one-off, but certainly nothing that would keep us from returning. The Brisket was not as "Juicy" as we would have liked. We think that it was probably in the smoker a bit too long. Flavor was great. Texture was a little dry at one end. We got four relatively thick slices, and you could feel the difference between one end and the other. Dipping it into the BBQ Sauce helped moisten it but it was still a tad dry. The two salads that we got were good, but not standouts. The Cole Slaw had Raisins, which we like. The Mac Salad had maybe Sage? We know it's an herb that we should recognize but finished the salad still somewhat befuddled. The Texas Toast. Flavor wise, perfect. It was presented in a styro clamshell. We didn't open our food for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, the heat from the toast caused it to steam inside the container making the toast a bit soggy. A suggestion would be to cut a few holes in the corners so the heat can escape and the toast stay crispy. Now, the star of the show. The Memphis Pork Ribs. Perfection! Don't change a thing. Just keep smoking those luscious bones. A beautiful bark on the outside, tender and juicy in the inside. The meat was falling off the bones delicious! No sauce was necessary. Next time we're driving through to Portland, we'll be sure to get another Rack of Ribs, some Chicken, Links and to give that Brisket another try. read more

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Got a tri tip sandwich- very good with tasty bbq sauce. Also got the pork fries. The cranberries in the slaw have to go!! I don't care what magazine it was in or what wine you think it goes with, there needs to be law and order with your coleslaw!! The baked beans weren't great either if you're used to bbq beans/chili. I appreciated the drive thru option as I was ready to leave town. read more

Amazing food! Joe and the workers recommended delicious food for our big party. I was craving barbecue and this cured my cravings! The beans were to die for. It's a cute place to eat at looking at the carved statues. read more

Smokin' Joe's BBQ - Tri Tip, pulled pork, beans, garlic fries - Barbeque Near Me - Redding, California

As soon as we were walking into the restaurant, Joe greeted my family with such a welcoming vibe. Joe was so personable and took care of each of us. The food was excellent too and when we reheated the food, it tastes amazing as well. read more

The best place to go eat around Redding! You cannot go wrong with anything you order here! read more