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Welcome to Smokey and the Brisket

Located in La Mesa, California, Smokey and the Brisket is a Latinx and LGBTQ-owned eatery specializing in New American cuisine with a focus on barbeque. Offering a casual, trendy atmosphere, the restaurant is known for its friendly service and spacious, dog-friendly patio. Diners can enjoy a variety of dishes, including mouthwatering brisket, ribs, and burgers, all bursting with flavor. With options for delivery, takeout, and catering, Smokey and the Brisket provides a welcoming dining experience for all, complete with a game room and TVs for entertainment. Don't miss out on their happy hour specials and delicious mac n' cheese with burnt ends! A must-visit spot for delicious BBQ in a vibrant setting.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to Smokey and the Brisket, a delightful New American restaurant located in La Mesa, CA. This Latinx-owned and LGBTQ-owned establishment offers a unique blend of diner and barbecue cuisine with a trendy yet casual atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a delicious meal with friends or family, this restaurant has something for everyone.

As a food reviewer of Restaurant World, I had the pleasure of trying some of the standout dishes at Smokey and the Brisket. The reviews from customers like Sarah Z., Ada S., and Chanel Y. all raved about the incredible food and welcoming atmosphere. From the mouth-watering smoked brisket to the flavorful burnt end mac n cheese, each dish is packed with savory flavors that will leave you craving more.

One of the highlights of this restaurant is the attentive and friendly staff, as mentioned in reviews by customers like Robert Z. and Jose M. Their dedication to providing top-notch service enhances the overall dining experience. Additionally, the restaurant offers a variety of amenities such as outdoor seating, a game room for kids, and happy hour specials, making it a perfect spot for any occasion.

While there have been some mixed reviews, like Omar S.'s feedback on inconsistent meat textures, the overall consensus is that Smokey and the Brisket is a must-visit dining destination. With a diverse menu, comfortable ambiance, and excellent service, this restaurant truly stands out in the La Mesa culinary scene.

So, if you're in the mood for some delicious barbecue dishes in a vibrant and welcoming environment, be sure to check out Smokey and the Brisket. Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, this restaurant is sure to exceed your expectations.

START YOUR REVIEW OF Smokey and the Brisket
Sarah Z.
Sarah Z.

Best brisket in town! Service is always friendly, and usually have plenty of space on their dog friendly patio for us. We love this place and the vibes are unmatched. Also a super friendly place for kids with a whole arcade room in the back.

Ada S.
Ada S.

Im still thinking about this place and their brisket! First time I've had it and it was so soft it melts in your mouth. I didn't try the sliders but they looked a lil sad. Wish they came w fries like how the taco as came w chips. The tacos were great, good ratio of toppings. And the veggies were so good. I personally could go with a lil less burnt pieces and go mid charred but that's just me. My biggest hang up was the service. I didn't get the feeling of being welcomed or comfortable around our server. It felt rushed and impatient. We were a large family of mostly limited English speakers, but we were not roudy or difficult. Idk i just felt the attitude and it was awkward. My fam loved the food tho and they brought over a desert to celebrate my aunts birthday. which was sweet. The kids had fun in the arcade game room area in the back which they are obsessed with these days.

Chanel Y.
Chanel Y.

Very cool atmosphere, super nice staff, and the food was pretty good, too! Mac n cheese with burnt ends are really good! Try stopping in for happy hour to get them for a discount! Burgers were both pretty good as well. Will definitely be back!

Sheridan M.
Sheridan M.

Omg this place is amazing! Only regret is I hadn't come sooner! We've driven by a million times since it opened and finally tried it today. Not only was the food incredible but they had fair prices, and awesome happy hour prices as well. Not many places you can get a cocktail under $10! The Bloody Mary was one of the best I've ever had. Everything we ordered was packed with flavor! We left with full bellies and smiling faces. Can't wait to come back for more.

Robert Z.
Robert Z.

9/18/2024 Well I finally reached deep into my Foodie Wish List. This place has been on my list for years and I wasn't expecting much but it looked cool so yesterday was the day. This place was such a surprise. Lots of parking. (Private Lot) A Nice outdoor seating patio. Full Table Service. Nice large indoor seating area with a cool sporty ambiance. Great Staff and Service with a smile There is a nice game room separate from the dining room for those with kids so they will enjoy themselves. Full Service Bar to complement your dining experience. Even a few TVs. Now for the best part and I know there will be some comments from some that have "Never Been Here" how somewhere else is better. But I don't care. This is my experience and what I think. This trip I wasn't alone. My Lady from Arizona joined me and we had a great time. We started with The Texas Smoked Sausage Link. A little pricy but was moist and super flavorful. We both enjoyed it. Next Loretta ordered The Pick 2 Combo Platter. With The Pork Ribs and The Excellent Smoked Brisket. Comes with two sides of your choice. She chose The House Fries and Mac & Cheese. The Brisket was Amazing had a nice smoke-ring. The Ribs were super tender and were fall off the bone Delicious. I ordered The Beef Short Rib Special Wow what a Special Treat. Seasoned Perfectly and Slow Smoked 12 Hours. I chose The House Potato Salad and The Cowboy Caviar. Both were very tasty. We both shared everything and agreed that everything except the Mac and Cheese was Prefect. The Seasoning they use on the meat is so delicious that you don't Need Any BBQ Sauce whatsoever although several types are on the table and are very Tasty. Out of everything we tried The Brisket and The Beef Short-ribs we're both our Favorites. So much so that the fat on the beef ribs was so delicious I wanted more more fat to savor. I highly recommend this Surprisingly Wonderful BBQ Restaurant.

Jose M.
Jose M.

First, Ariana (our awesome waitress) provided excellent service throughout. From numerous delicious recommendations to outstanding service, Ariana was amazing. The food is delicious. From the Belly Bacon Burger, the pulled pork, the brisket, the meatloaf, or the spare ribs, it was all awesome. I can't say enough about all the delicious options that Smokey and the Brisket has to offer. And the sides are spot on as well. The mash potatoes, beans, fries, and onion rings are amazing. Smokey and the Brisket is the perfect spot for small, medium, or large groups. Plenty of space for all. I also love the game room and the TVs that are throughout the restaurant. This is a must spot for all. Everyone is very kind and helpful, especially Ariana. I'll definitely be back.

Omar S.
Omar S.

Good news, bad news: The bad news, which everyone seems to want first, is that Smokey and the Brisket cooks their ribs, chicken and pulled pork in an inconsistent manner, such that sometimes, the meats' textures are unappealing. The good news is that sometimes, the meats are cooked just right. The best news is that nothing I've eaten at SatB has tasted anything but superb. Some examples: - I've been served pork ribs with meat so loosely connected to its bones that it might have been pressure cooked, braised or boiled before heading to the smoker. That meat made better leftovers than dinner. I fried it up with some potatoes and eggs, and crisped it in a pan and piled it onto a Kaiser roll, and in both cases, it was delicious. - A recent order of smoked chicken was unsettlingly soft in texture. Before smoking the chicken, did the kitchen cook the chicken sous vide at a low enough temperature to kill bacteria, but not high enough to firm up the meat? That's not dangerous, but chicken shouldn't be as soft, tender and smooth as a piece of fish. On the other hand: I took the chicken home, and after 20 minutes in an oven at 200°F, it was as firm as if I'd smoked it myself. And its flavor was superb. - Pulled pork at SatB is so frequently soft and mushy that I've wonder if it's cooked, refrigerated and then microwaved per order. I've stopped ordering it. The other good news is that Smokey and the Brisket makes fantastic side dishes and desserts, and the place is a comfortable neighborhood spot for hanging with your friends. What's more, the service at SatB is outstanding. In particular, we have enjoyed the help provided by Nicki, who has the rare ability to be busy without ever making her customers aware of how busy she is. That's like server voodoo, and she's a master practitioner.