You really can't go wrong here. It's owned by two brothers who are from the mid-west. They cook everything with a wood burning smoker. My friend came down from Long Beach to eat here with me. I've ate here a few times already, but this was his first time. It's been a while since I've been here even though I live nearby. I love how they extended the patio and the restaurant. Ample seating and shade and love that it's a dog friendly patio. We ordered the burnt ends, ribs, pulled pork, brisket and bbq chicken wings. They even have TV dinners that come with two sides. They ran out of bbq chicken though when we ate here on a Friday around 2-4pmish. The service was quick and staff were extremely friendly. I do wish they had corn bread on the menu. Good drink selection in a glass bottle type. The bbq sauce is just Best bbq sauce I ever had. My friend loved Smokin' J's as well. If you're looking for good BBQ, this place is it! P.S. If you do not want to drive this original location in the old Poway location, they have other restaurant locations on Miramar Rd and the newest location in downtown Gaslamp San Diego. read more

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The food was great! But not my go to! The service was beyond great and felt very welcomed as a first timer! Gave some great historic vibes and you can smell the food from a distance! Brisket is Tasty, fresh and couldn't complain. Ribs were tasty as well but felt the BBQ sauce is what gave it all the flavor. Wings lacked flavor and were average for the pricing. Mac and cheese was average as well. Still enjoyed my meal! read more

Smokin J's BBQ - Brisket - 1/2lb 10/10 Ribs - 1/2 Rack 8/10 Wings 7/10 Mac N' Cheese 6/10 - Barbeque Near Me - Poway, California

If you haven't been in for a Smokin'J sandwich then you've been missing out! Smoked brisket with pork belly, slaw and add some BBQ sauce and you are in for a delicious meal! They've been doing great BBQ now for a couple years and jest keep getting better! read more

Cali J burrito and smoked ribs. Highly recommend. Come hungry! There is a school across the street so unless you like the sound of a crossing guard's whistle, avoid 2 read more

I was visiting oldtown inPoway; It was lunch and I was hungry. I happened to be close to Smoking J restaurant. After looking them up on Google and read several positive reviews, I gave it a try. I ordered a Smokin' J sandwich, their signature sandwich. When the plate came out, there were two roasted hamburger buns, withBBQ beef briskets Texas style inside, with some shred red cabbage with the briskets. After tax and tip, the bill came out to be $21 bucks. The BBQ beef was good, the service was friendly. However, for $21 and all you get is a BBQ sandwich with no fries and NO side salad. I must say inflation must flew by me a long time ago. If INFLATION is this high, I WILL STOP EATING OUT!!!! Not satisfied with what I received as a customer. ha ha ha read more

Smokin J's BBQ - What I paid for the sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Poway, California

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Found this place on Yelp after hiking. Food was 10/10. Ordered the brisket, Smokin J - the best BBQ place I've been to. Service was great too! Highly recommend if you're in the area. Ambiance was super chill and relaxing - outdoor sitting area. read more

Best BBQ in the area! The service is good. Employees were courteous and able to make recommendations. The ambience is great on a cool day because they only provide outdoor seating. read more

Smokin J's can do no wrong! I've always been displeased by the bbq I've come across in SD and it's because all along the answer has been tucked away in Poway in a little blue corner store. When I'd occasionally visit the Saturday farmers markets, I'd always get to the end and catch a glimpse of Smokin Js, but was never in the mood for bbq in the morning. It wasn't until I saw a video pop up on my feed from a food blogger highlighting the juicy goodness and smoked to perfection meats from here that made me solidify my dinner plans. Since the first time trying it, there was a point where we'd grab dinner here AT LEAST once a week. My go to order is the Chimi Fries and a sweet tea--if I'm feeling extra carnivore-y I'll order a pork belly or two. They also use to make "Cowboy Candy" which I believe were pickled jalapeños that would really set the flavors of the Chimi fries on fire when you put them on top, but they stopped making them because it wasn't a popular ordered menu item ): Bring the cowboy candy back please!!!! And of course, their bbq sauce is elite, you could drink it. A very very casual eatery with only patio seating, it really gives you those Summer cookout vibes. Every time we've visited, the staff is a young bunch and full of energy, very eager to give recommendations. read more

Smokin J's BBQ - Chimi Fries - Barbeque Near Me - Poway, California

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What a gem! Best for warm weather as there is only outdoor seating. Food was amazing! Good portions for the price! Staff was very friendly and helpful. read more

Smokin J's BBQ - Loaded Fries with Mac n Cheese and Pulled Pork - Barbeque Near Me - Poway, California

Smokin J's catered our corporate Christmas party and it was amazing. On time, quick set up and the food was loved by all. Recommend! read more

Smokin J's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Poway, California

Food is great, outdoor seating only. Would be great if it was a bit cleaner outside between customers

If you like barbecue, this is the place to go. They make their own barbecue sauce and the candies yams are to die for. Of course the service is great and as far as a nice place to eat, this is it! I used this place to feed guest at our wedding and they were spot on! read more

The pulled pork at Smokin J's was flavorful and I especially enjoyed the burnt tips. The brisket was dry and lacked seasoning. I was a bit disappointed in the side choices and I had to ask for my beer 3 times before it was brought over when I was almost done eating. The outdoor patio space was nice. read more

Smokin J's BBQ - Pulled pork - Barbeque Near Me - Poway, California

I love brisket and smokin Js always hits the spot. Arianna also takes great care of you in case you need any help.

Great BBQ in Poway. A little small and gimmicky but the food quality backs it up. I love the TV dinner options. read more

We were in the mood for some BBQ and were passing through town during a road trip. We ordered online and immediately received a phone call letting us know they were out of one of the meats we ordered (sadness, but great of them to be on top of things!), so we changed our order. We ended up with the Cali J-Rito, Succotash, and Cornbread. The meat in the burrito was heavenly. The fries were great too, but we could have done with less in favor of more meat, although there was still a lot of meat to be had nonetheless. The slaw in the burrito was also a nice touch. We weren't able to have the sides fresh, but they were still really yummy reheated. Definitely a place we'll return to if near one of their locations. read more

Smokin J's BBQ - Cali J-Rito - Barbeque Near Me - Poway, California

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This place serves the best bbq sandwich, and their service is equally impressive! Smokin J ($16): tender brisket and pork belly that were seasoned and even better with the smoky and slightly sweet bbq sauce, 10/10 rating! I've told the friendly lady at the front counter that I was a first-timer here. She recommended that I order the 3 x 3 in order for me to sample a variety of their bbq goodies. I've told her that is usually my plan; however, I was on a self-created food tour to sample foods from multiple restaurants, and this was my final spot. There is no doubt that I'll return here to sample more of their food. Regarding the atmosphere, it was somewhat quiet since it was about 30 minutes before closing on a Monday night. They do have ample outdoor seating, while the small indoor space is only for ordering. read more

Smokin J's BBQ - Smokin J ($16): tender brisket and pork belly that were even better with the smoky and slightly sweet bbq sauce, 10/10 rating! - Barbeque Near Me - Poway, California

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All outdoor sitting. We ordered the bbq wings, and brisket chimi fries. I placed an order for the churros and will rate that later. The people inside did great us very ecstatically and gave some information on where to find the menu and if we had questions just ask. The drinks can be from Swell locally made in San Diego, water and some beer options. read more

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This locally owned Poway bbq place has innovative sandwiches, tv dinners, and even awesome breakfast bbq. Their breakfast bowls and burritos are very tasty s d filling. The counter service is very helpful and friendly. They can answer any questions about their menu. The restaurant has lit outdoor patio seating that is cute and charming. We loved their tv dinners which gives you an appropriate portion of bbq and 2 sides for one person. Their bbq chicken is one of the most tender and juicy chicken around. We love this bbq place!!! read more

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Best BBQ in the area! Everything is so tasty! I just recommend getting double large portions if you are sharing a meal! read more

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So good! One of my favorite BBQ places, the ribs are killer and my husband loves the cali j rito, it ends up being two meals, it's huge!

Probably the best bbq in San Diego County! Tender and flavorful brisket, and surprisingly the salad-and I don't normally rave about salads, but the green goddess dressing delicious and good even as a side sauce. Bailey and the staff was warm and gracious on a busy Saturday lunch. I'll be back for the sandwiches, and ribs! read more

They have a nice menu....the cashier was very nice and helpful. I am here with family.....I am not a meat eater......had many questions about what I could order......the cashier went back to the kitchen and asked questions for me, about how things were cooked! Thanks guys!! There's outdoor seating...which was nice and clean... looking forward to tasting my choices.... read more

**May 2023: Monday Afternoon Visit** My friend and I were in the mood for BBQ and saw Smokin J's as a contender to fill our bellies. It's located in a cowboyish themed plaza and there's ample parking. Seating is all outdoors and patrons order at the counter. My friend and I wanted to try everything so we opted for the following 3X3 ($21.35): This is a really good value and you're able to try everything. It included 1/4 pulled pork (kinda dry), 1/4 brisket (okay), 2 pieces of chicken (juicy), 3.5 ox of mac n cheese (good), slaw (solid), bean crack (solid) and a slice of white bread. Boneless Rib Sando ($12.99) - This was fantastic. The meat was tender and the brioche bun was nice a soft. I would order this again. Swell Bottled Sodas ($2.78) - I tried the pomegranate and really enjoyed the bubbles. It was sweet but not overly so. If you want something casual and filling this will do the trick! read more

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Good portion size ($15) for their TV dinners and got the $2.5 "mystery beer" which was more of a flavored wine but was decent. They have outdoor dining, 4 beers on tap and it's a very casual atmosphere. Quality of the bbq and sides are good. $20 for this meal and I was pretty full and satisfied. read more

Smokin J's BBQ - Tv dinner with pulled pork, Mac and veggies - Barbeque Near Me - Poway, California

Excellent BBQ! Pork belly was out of this world! Jason told us that it's a 7 day process - it's worth every minute! So tender and flavorful with a great crisp from the fryer. Sides are delicious - succotash, beans, slaw are all top notch. Will definitely keep returning to make my way through the menu. And I want to add that the staff is great professional, courteous, friendly - they made our visit outstanding! read more

Smokin J's BBQ - TV dinner - pork belly, succotash, beans - extra side of slaw - Barbeque Near Me - Poway, California

We got the 3x3 and it was amazing. The service was great. The female at the register was very helpful and friendly. They only had only outdoor seating and it was very nice and they have plenty of seating. read more

Smokin J's BBQ - 3x3 combo platter meal. - Barbeque Near Me - Poway, California

The one thing about this place is the food! It's so so yummy. Reasons I won't go back are the customer service and the prices. Customer service on multiple occasions is just crazy not there. They are so flippant and I feel like I'm bothering them. The prices are just too high. I get inflation but literally twice the price anywhere else that is equally as good. And don't get me started on the flies!! For goodness sake do something about the flies! Maybe try adding those little fans on the tables. They work well and eating there outside, as there is no inside eating, is annoying as heck. read more

I normally don't go out for bbq because I'm not a carnivore, but this place sure knows how to smoke their meats! The chicken was so tender and juicy! The pulled pork was also very juicy! The tri tip was good, a little on the dry side. I would come back for the bbq chicken and pulled pork (on a warm day) at . What's missing here is the variety in bbq sauce. I like mine with a little kick, but they only offered one type of bbq sauce. You order at the counter inside and they bring food to your table, which is outdoor only. They had heat lamps, but they were mounted too high and didn't provide adequate heat. We came on a chilly day, so we quickly ate and left. I would not recommend coming here when it's cool and gloomy. read more

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I work as an event coordinator for a tech company and Josh and Tommy have been great to work with; they put together a wonderful menu for us and it was a hit! On the day of the event, we had some pretty bad weather, but Smokin' Js BBQ actually became the hero of the day. Our guests and attendees loved the coleslaw, pulled pork, and the smoked jackfruit; in fact, the smoked jackfruit was the first thing to run out. While we had leftovers, our own teams have been enjoying the smoked chicken and cleaned it all out in half a day. And someone decided to take a tub of BBQ sauce home with them (much to my own chagrin). read more

The meat was so tasty ! The service was great and fast The place is very warm and nice to sit at! read more

Smokin J's BBQ - Chicken - 1/2 Bird Brisket - 1/2lb Cajun Fries - Barbeque Near Me - Poway, California

I'm very particular with my BBQ. This spot is good, but I didn't get the wow factor on flavor. read more

Awesome Day. Hit the Saturday farmers market on Midland and Smokin J's for lunch. Today they had something cool. Mystery beers special! You ask for a mystery beer and they'll grab you a random local made brew! Can't loose with read more

Smokin J's BBQ - Half rack and my Mystery Beer! - Barbeque Near Me - Poway, California

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First time trying smokin Js. Bailey was wonderful in guiding us through the menu. Her recommendations are delicious. Thank you guys for the awsome service! read more

Smokin J's BBQ - TV Dinner Pork Belly Diet Colafornia Burnt Ends - 1/2lb Bean Crack Mac n Cheese The Classic - Barbeque Near Me - Poway, California

Delicious and clean , great service very welcoming I'm in love the brisket is melt in your mouth, the corn bread is delicious, this was my first time there and I'm definitely going back 100 % the staff was so nice and friendly, thank you for such a lovely experience, also they got the order perfect nothing missing spot on read more

Smokin J's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Poway, California

The BBQ here is decent but not amazing. The meats are very inconsistent some pieces are better than others. We got a TV dinner ribs and 3x3 set. The chicken was dry and not juicy at all. The rub on the skin was delicious though. The brisket was ok and it can be juicier. The pulled pork is good out of these three. The ribs I enjoyed alot and love the rub, but one out of the 3 pieces was really dry. Out of all the sides we had the baked beans was delicious. That was the best side! the second best I would say is the mac & cheese. We also tried the bread pudding and I would pass on this. We didn't finish it and it was pretty pricey for $7. read more

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Lord have mercy! The brisket here is mouth watering, amazing, delectable & every imaginable word to describe the succulentNESS. In this economy, I'd still say "take my damn money" because it's absolutely deliciousNESS in every bite of every item on the menu. Pro tip: The Farmer's market is Saturday 8AM-1PM if you want to enjoy it or... if you're anti-social... stay far away. read more

wife & I shared a 3 * 3 with cornbread, excellent. Took the chicken and some cornbread home. I'd prefer the brisket, although the pulled pork was delicious. too. read more

Tasty brisket! Loved that they asked us if we prefer a fattier or leaner cut. The TV dinner concept is great and the mac and cheese was good too. The pork belly was the only item we thought was mediocre. Friendly service and a nice little dog-friendly patio! We will be back for the brisket again and to try some other meats. read more

Came here for lunch with a group of friends. The place was busy and there were some items that were already sold out. I ended up ordering the ménage trio burrito? Along with an order of rib tips. My friend had also placed an order of rib tips. On to a review of the food: The burrito was good however it was quite a salty. With each bite, I had to include some of the sauces in order to help balance the salt level. However, the burrito overall was tasty. The rib tips portion was quite alarming. I compared it to my friend's platter and it looked like half the portion that they received as we had already picked on their rib tip platter before I got mines. Even then the amount after picking at my friend's was equal to the amount I received. I was quite perplexed on how that could be. The rib tips were tender but was very salty. The pickles and pickled onion did help a little bit but overall the rib tips wasn't as good. I had a better experience at the other smoking J's bbq location. read more