I'll never come here again. Ordered the brisket dinner, for 17+ bucks you'd think I would get more than 6 ounces of brisket. You would also expect it to TASTE. This brisket was cold, it had obviously been out for a long time. DRY AS HELL. And seriously overcooked. Their 'home made' bbq sauce tasted suspiciously like a very well known store brand. Their fried potato side claiming to be crispy and loaded with cheese, well it was loaded with cheese but MICROWAVED. Soggiest nastiest taters I'd ever eaten. My son ordered a half-rack of pork ribs. They were boiled to piss before being smoked. And completely dry and tasteless. Not to mention it was the smallest half-rack I've ever seen. The wife ordered a pulled pork sandwich suffering the same, over cooked, under flavored crap. The only decent tasting item from our entire ticket was the corn bread. This meal cost us well over $50. For the price of my brisket I could have ordered a massive prime rib from my favorite steak house. On top of that the inside is as unprofessional and poor quality as their food. DON'T eat here if you are looking for good BBQ. This is absolutely the WORST I've had in this state. They may have been great at one point in history, but now it's horrid. read more

We were greeted the moment we walked into this restaurant, and the cashier was very accommodating. She explained the menu, both on paper copies she provided to us, as well as items on the board above the register and she also pointed out pictures of different items that were pasted onto the front of the register booth. Very helpful! Meats: I tried the brisket sandwich, and my dining partner had the pulled pork dinner. Both the brisket and pulled pork were good, but neither item stood out. Sauces: We tried mild, medium and hot bbq sauce options, and all were good, however they tasted no different than the mass-produced stuff. Sides: I tried the mac n cheese, my partner had coleslaw and baked beans. Once again, good but not one of these items stood out as anything different or better than the competition. As we exited the restaurant, two employees wished us well, so there again was a nice example of good customer service. Price: Too expensive for what you get. My sandwich (on a hamburger bun), one side and drink was $14, my partner's dinner with two sides and a water was $18. Overall: I wish I could say I'd go back more often, just based on the friendliness of the staff and knowing I'll have a decent meal, but the price-point is a bit of a show-stopper. read more

Classic BBQ joint very nice and caring service and management. I had the pizza burger which wasn't much but the onion rings and fries were amazing. And the Fried Caramel apples?!?! My god those are to DIE for. read more

Being from Kansas City we know BBQ and this place does not disappoint. We had the pork rib family dinner. Ribs were fall off the bone tender and the rub was amazing! The fries were hot and crispy and the baked beans savory and sweet. Pickles were homemade and delicious and OMG the sweet cornbread! read more

I ordered the burnt ends meal. The burnt ends was awful and like no other ends I've ever had. Only reason for 2 stars were the sides were good and sufficient to fill me. I had green beans and Mac and cheese. read more

Not sure why this place is so highly rated. Took forever to get our order (very simple order of two sandwiches), and when we got our food it was the most BASIC version of BBQ you could get... straight up meat on a bun and sauce on the side. Food was alright, but nothing special and quite expensive for what it was. read more

Smoking Jay's bbq is a MUST visit for anyone with a love of bbq. Jay the owner is a wonderful man and he and his staff embrace the values of southern hospitality! Great food, phenomenal service! From Colorado passing through, definitely will be back on future adventures :D read more

Smoking Jay's BBQ - Beef brisket sandwich, pulled pork, half chicken! Phenomenal food, superior service 3 - American Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

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great service, amazing, food comfortable environment. pork ribs and brisket are excellent.

The brisket here is phenomenal. So tender and juicy. Sides were excellent as well. Hidden gem!

PHENOMENAL BBQ!!! You must eat here when in Omaha! Jay is a fantastic personal helping guests and cooks delicious food. The brisket dinner was moist and cooked to perfection. The fried corn bread and pork nachos were fantastic too! The pork nachos have fries as the base not chips, so amazin read more

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Tried this spot the other day after driving past a few times. While its not the best BBQ out there, it isn't the worst either, especially for Omaha where you have to look for good Q. I had a rib tip sandwich which had some rubbery bits but honestly wasn't bad. I also got an order of onion rings which were a bit soggy but not bad. The best thing was the sauce. I liked their spicy sauce. I will try again though as I think that maybe I need to try some more on the menu. Also the staff was pretty nice. read more

This is a hidden gem! If you are looking for a great home cooked taste and cozy, nothing fancy setting you need look no further. The brisket is perfect and they don't smother it in sauce but bring the sauce in a small bowl for dipping. I need to get more to go for the continuation of our road trip back to Seattle. Thank you Smoking Jay's BBQ. read more

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Finally got the chance to come try this place the other night, and it didn't disappoint. I got the pork ribs (half rack) and my wife got a pulled pork sandwich. My ribs were so large that I couldn't finish them all, they we're fall-off-the-bone tender, and I must say, mighty delicious. Only came with one choice of BBQ sauce (which is normally disappointing) but it was such great sauce that I didn't need any others. My wife's sandwich was humongous and although I didn't get to try it, it looked delectable as well. My only beef with Jay's is that I spent more money here than I did at Joe's in KC, which is absolutely superb. Still, this place definitely deserves more love than I see it getting on a daily basis, go now! read more

I live in the neighborhood. This was my third time going here. The first time was shortly after it opened. A little pricey but the food was good and the portions were fair. The second time was about 4 months ago. Food was ok and the brisket nachos were good. This time was tonight. I spent $35 and left a $5 tip for 2 orders to go. The reuben tasted ok but there was very little on the sandwich. The $16 brisket dinner was a total failure. There were 8 small pieces of meat and the sides. I asked for extra cornbread for my sides on both orders. I got 3 very small pieces of corn bread. I will never go back here again. I hope this place goes out of business soon so we can get a decent eatery in the neighborhood. The sooner they are gone. The better. read more

Great staff and place to grab some BBQ couldn't ask for a more honest hottest left my wallet and she held on to it for me till I could get back and pick it up! read more

We went on a Saturday afternoon. I'm kind of a BBQ "hater" because I hate BBQ sauce. But lately I've been into smoked meats without the sauce. Decided to stop in and try smoking jays. I had a pulled pork sandwich and French fries and my boyfriend had the pulled pork sandwich with jays potatoes (with onions and peppers). The meat was excellent and it wasn't dry! Which is great since I don't eat BBQ sauce. My boyfriend had his eith the hot BBQ sauce and he liked his as well! Beers are cheap as well. We had a huge mug of shock top beer for $4! The sides were both excellent as well. I'll be back to try brisket and I'll get the jays potatoes for my side! read more

One of the best BBQ places I've ever been to, Smoking Jay's is a must if you're in Omaha. The food is fast, delicious, and the owner is very nice and accommodating. Although not the cheapest place, the ingredients were obviously fresh and homemade (we got fried pickles, spicy loaded bowl, and a Ruben with a side of beans). The Ruben was especially delicious. My mom and I were in and out, with freshly made good, in less than half an hour. Is especially great if you're planning to go to the zoo, which is right down the street. read more

Smoking Jay's is barbecue at its best. The food was cooked perfectly. I had the chicken and my friend had the brisket. Both were flavorful and the sauce just the right mixture of spiciest and tasteness. The coleslaw and fries were delicious sides that complimented the generous portions of meat. The small restaurant seating was clean and comfortable. The service was very friendly and quick. There was ample parking with easy access to downtown and to I 80. As a former resident of KC I would rate it with their best. I left trying to figure out when I could get back again for dine in or carry out. If you like barbecue try it soon! read more

I couldn't be more pleased with this place! The food (Smoked Honey BBQ wings & Jay's Fried Potatoes) were sublime, the prices were perfect, the serving sizes ideal and the staff excellent! Congratulations Jay! We'll be back! read more

Happened upon Smoking Jays as we were driving from Utah to Illinois and as far as BBQ goes this is the best BBQ we've had. Great friendly service and the full pork BBQ rack was awesome! read more

Owner friendly, both regular and hot(er) sauce great. Had beef rib sandwich and brisket sandwich. Also grilled cheese and Mac and cheese for kids. Right up the street from the zoo! read more

I do not understand how this place ever gets more than one star. I walked up to the place and some dude with a table cloth for a shirt was straight mean muggin. Then I go in and the floor was all sticky for some reason. I walk up and say brisket dinner to go please and shes like ok took my order gave me my cup and shes like it'll be right out. She was the only good part of all this so far. Then I fill up on 7up and have a seat way out off the way. Then in walks Ole table cloth shirt.. I was like oh dang he works here? This guy walks around in a couple circles bussing tables and then without washing his hands from being out side and handling dirty dishes the guy grabs an order out the window and brings it to an unsuspecting elderly couple on the other side of the place. Not cool. Then Im just waiting for my food and Ole table cloth starts setting up wet floor signs. He walks over to me and says hey can you move? I thought I was tripping lol. This dude straight said I can't mop around people. I thought it was a joke. I paid $20 for my food, waited patiently and this dude says move. I don't get it. Then I was like whatever so I stand over by the cash register and wait for my food. I was thinking, is he going to make the old people who are eating at that table move? Weird dude. So I'm waiting for my food and sure as hell ole money hands who also hasn't cleaned her hands since handling money takes my food from the window, opens the lid, fidgets with it and then says OK your food is ready. I was like whatever I'm out. So I take my food back to the room. Sit down, pop this bad boy open and bam! The food was just as dirt as the service! I can't win with this place. The potato salad was nothing special. It was the same that you get at Walmart with some paprika sprinkled on it. The beans were not fresh and had old onions that had been refrigerated awhile before being put in the pot. There was corn bread that was really crumbly you couldn't even pick it up. Also breakfast toast... Corn bread AND toast. Weird. Anyways I saved the meat for last, I was like please please let this be good. Remember I paid twenty bucks for this. And... Meat was just OK. That is why it gets one star. Ate two bites of beans, ate all of the Walmart potatoes and meat and threw the bread to the birds. This place sucks. Also that table cloth of a shirt is forever etched in my brain. read more

I have been here twice and I really like it. The staff is very friendly and the food is very good. I've had the pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, and coleslaw. I also had the corn muffin but didn't love it, everything else I had was great! This is currently my 'go to' BBQ restaurant. read more

I travel a lot for work and always hit a BBQ after leaving the airport. This is up there with the best including hard 8 in Dallas. The brisket falls apart, the BBQ sauce is made from scratch and the owner is great to chat with. It's clear he cares about his cooking and it shows. I may have to come back for dinner! read more

I really liked this place. The portions were good, the atmosphere was great. At some point the owner came out and talked to us to make sure things were to our liking. This is a small thing to some people, but to me it shows the importance of the meal and the love that goes into making it. I will definitely go back when I'm in this part of town. read more

Tender meat, and some super tasty BBQ sauce. Oh, yes please. Plus the owner came out to say hello. Go here, and you'll thank us.

The individuals that opened up this restaurant walked into a building that had some really bad press to do the barbecue places that were on this corner for the longest time. With that being said, I want to say that I am very happy with the service and the barbecue is up to par. Being that there are new restaurant in the area, I suggest that people try to go in here and make an attempt to enjoy an incredible meal. read more

My experience was nowhere near what I expected... given the good ratings this place has. First, service was slooowwww (at 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon). Second, food was far from great: brisket sandwich was tender, but the meat was bland and the bun was greasy. Mac & cheese was mediocre. Pulled pork sandwich was actually chopped and the meat was dry. Fried okra was mediocre. Finally, the kid's chicken strips were marginal. Overall, $30 for slow service and pretty crappy BBQ. I will not return. read more

Great food! Fast friendly service. A definite recommend! ! You must try the fried oreos!!

Not your commercialized, overrated food joint. This is about as home cooked, honest, no kidding BBQ you're going to get in Omaha! The food is ridiculously amazing, variety is great, the taste is something to write home about. The employees are gracious and just awesome people, hats off to y'all. You're highly skilled in your profession. Took my out of town guests there this evening, as always, was not disappointed. I have never had a subpar meal here, thoroughly enjoy every visit to Smokey Jay's! Looking forward to my next meal in your establishment. read more

My boyfriend and I stopped in for dinner not knowing it was about closing time and were welcomed with a great staff who didn't mind staying open for a few extra minutes to make our dining experience pleasant. I ordered the special, Cajun tilapia, and my boyfriend had the pork ribs. Every thing was delicious!!! My boyfriend said everything was great... Especially the cole slaw which is hard to find. Overall the whole meal was great from start to finish. We will be back for sure!!! read more

Just get the brisket and thank me later, then get a pound to go and thank me again. Seriously the best brisket I've ever had.

Really flavorful meat here. We only had the brisket and pork ribs. No sides. The six of us liked ribs more, but brisket was good, too. I'm not a BBQ connoisseur, but I know yummy food. 1 star off was for a little too much fat on both meats. Flavorful but a little fatty. read more

Okay. So if you check my other reviews I have been pretty harsh (justifiably) on other Omaha restaurants. In this case, I am proud to say I was pleasantly surprised. I ordered a 3 bone pork meal. It was phenomenal. The meat fell apart. It was so easy to eat and so good. It was about 10$ which is a great price for such high quality BBQ. NOW THIS IS WHERE THE OWNER(S) NEED TO PAY ATTENTION: Any chance you could be open/have breakfast BBQ biscuits so we can eat them on the way to work (7:00am-8:30am)? Seems like a genius business model since thousands of people drive by every morning. See you shortly for more BBQ. read more

Impressive from start to finish. It is a welcoming environment that supplies some of the best barbecue I have ever had! Their homemade sauce is worth it alone! My boyfriend and I just googled Barbecue places in Omaha and this place happened to come up. They have a new customer, that's for sure. read more

Spent the morning at the zoo then left for lunch. All of us had the poboys and they were amazing.

Amazing pulled pork sandwich with just as amazing sauce!! Our order was delivered approximately 30 minutes earlier than expected and we were thrilled!! This will become a regular thing, and we have so many more things to try!! read more

Brisket, pulled pork, ribs and sides all among best I've ever had. Great value! Friendly staff.

In from out of town and stopped after a HOT day at the zoo. Food was amazing and the service was excellent. Will be coming back next time we are I town! read more

Smoking Jay's BBQ - American Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

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The food was tasty and worth the price except the beef ribs. A dinner with a "half rack" of beef ribs cost $25 but only had two ribs. Service was friendly and welcoming but slow and disorganized. It is worth the visit if you have time and avoid the beef ribs. read more