You can smell the delicious smell of BBQ in the parking lot. I ordered large sandwich of pulled pork and sausage on a sesame seed bun. The pulled pork was good with a nice smoked flavor. The sausage tasted like fried bologna so not sure what was up with that. The meat is smoked with a single choice of additional sauce which was OK with me. The meat was really tastier without addition of BBQ sauce. Small order of French fries was large enough for 2+ to share. This small restaurant was clean with lots of booths and tables. Rest rooms were small but clean. Adequate off street parking lot.
(3)
Stephen G.
Smoke'n Joes's bbq is a great place to get a couple racks of ribs. Especially on Wednesday. In fact my wife and I like to pick up two racks of ribs, some backed beans, and slaw. The beans are the best I have ever had. I don't usually eat beans but these are so good they're worth it. The smoke smell in the restaurant is better then the new car smell in a Nissan quest. I never ate my food there. It's a small place and it's just more comfortable to eat at home because I had three small children. If you are looking for i'm great ribs and great beans go to smoking Joe's barbecue.
(4)
Amanda S.
My husband and I LOVE Smokin' Joe's! Everything is awesome, but it is their "Big Bad Joe" that really stands out. It is a HUGE sandwich that is perfect for sharing! It has turkey, beef, pulled pork, sausage, two slices of bacon, two kinds of melty cheese, and fries, all on a large sesame seed bun! In fact, we love this restaurant so much we had them cater our wedding . Everyone at the reception couldn't get enough, we still get compliments! I can't stomach other BBQ around here, I don't the like greasy microwave meat of other places. The beans and fried mushrooms are out of this world delicious and they even have red cream soda! Great food whether you are looking to feed yourself or a large group of people for a great price! They will even smoke meat for you! Did I mention they opened in 1989 the best year ever? If you don't like REAL smoked BBQ, this place is not for you!
(5)
Gina M.
My 'go to' for delicious smoked brisket and turkey. Pretty darn good for burnt ends too! We had Smoking Joe's cater for a large family gathering a few years back and everyone was extremely impressed! Would definitely do that again if the occasion presented itself. It's a hole wall, so if you're into ambience, get it to go :-)
(4)
Brian E.
This place isn't well known. I've never dined at this restaurant, but I have done carryout. The daily specials here will get you your meal cheaper that most other places in the area. You can't beat their rack of ribs for $13.99 on Sundays. They're one of the restaurants that like to pile on the sauce, but the meat still goes down well without it.
(4)
Brandon W.
I am pretty picky when eating bbq, joes is close to a job I was working on so we went there for lunch. The lunch special was average tasting and average priced. I got the sausage sandwich and it was decent enough for a return visit again. I have been there a few times now and would go again. Its just average bbq
(3)
Brent G.
Excellent food, some of the best authentic BBQ in KC area. Come for the great food, not the service. Service ok. Food FANTASTIC
(4)
Destiny S.
I do not like to give negative feedback but this place was no good. I got the 3 rib bones and fries. The ribs were dry and tasteless. The sauce was gross and the fries had no seasoning, not even salt. Maybe I caught them on a bad day but I will not try it again.
(1)
Brandon S.
My favorite BBQ joint in Kansas City Metro. Had the Spicy Joe this time, Brisket, Pepper Jack Cheese, Hot BBQ sauce and 2 Onion Rings. To my surprise it also came with fries, not sure if it was a special or not, but got it all for $7 on a Monday night. The person behind the counter was extremely nice and even helped our first time friends pick something out. The order was quick and hot, brisket was perfectly cooked. My wife had the 3 ribs and fries. The ribs fell off the bone, I had to try a bite. I recommend this place over OK Joes (my second favorite), but just barely!
(5)
Tony H.
Great food definitely recommend. Beef, turkey all of it is great. Huge portion of fries. Great for take out and not too pricey at all.
(5)
Mike B.
I like this local little hole in the wall, they have great lunch specials and I think there fries are incredible. I don't know if its as good at Oklahoma Joes, but you go in, get good bbq, get full, and my two sons love the brownies.
(4)
Mike W.
Very solid unknown BBQ option in a city dominated by big names. Great lunch and daily specials. I highly recommend the brisket and sausage. Their fries are also amazing for being frozen crinkle cuts.
(4)
Amanda F.
Stopped in for lunch. Got the lunch special with brisket and a 1 lb of burnt ends to take home. Let's just say i was not impressed. First off the brisket was dry, dry, dry... Seemed like the brisket was several days old, at least. The burnt ends were in this sauce and it seemed like maybe that they were old, so you bake them in the sauce to try to moisten them up? Needless to say, it was a waste of $12. The sauce seemed like some sort of generic every day barbecue sauce. The baked beans were ok. Liked the coleslaw & fries were crispy, though. Out of all the barbecue places in KC (& I have tried a lot) I would choose any of those before I go back to this place. Not a fan. Got 2 stars because of the beans & slaw. Meat only would get 1 star.
(2)
Jarah C.
We've been here a couple times! It's a very quick spot for lunch! The burnt ends sandwich is delicious with just enough crispy bite to the pieces, a little too much of the meat is shredded though. Still tastes wonderful. Their onion rings are perfectly breaded and crispy! My husband really enjoyed the pulled pork and said the fries were perfectly crispy as well!
(4)
Justin S.
My 14 yr old son and I went here for lunch. We order 2 of the burnt end sandwich lunch specials. It came with a ton of fries (good fries too). The sandwich was a large hamburger bun filled with the burnt ends smothered in BBQ sauce. It wasn't too sloppy either. The BBQ sauce was pretty tasty , although it could've been a little more spicy but that's just my preference. My son loved it also. We both were unable to finish all the fries as we were full.
(4)
Amy S.
My husband and I ordered take out last night. He ordered the rib dinner and I ordered the brisket dinner. We also ordered a half chicken to eat today. My order was wrong, of course I didn't know until I was home, got turkey instead of brisket. Very disappointed! The turkey must have been brined, it was so salty I couldn't eat it. The coleslaw was amazing! Ribs were good and fries were good. We ate the chicken today and it was pretty good. I may or may not go back. The coleslaw was awesome though.
(3)
Angie J.
Had not been here in years. And I will never go back........ It was just plain bad. Pulled into their parking lot around 4pm on a Sat after thanksgiving, no other cars were there. Bad sign. The brisket was so tough and flavorless. Tasted like it was originally prepared weeks ago. The white bread was so stale, it broke apart after my first attempt at a bite of my sandwich. The ham was not much better, at least it was edible. Hubby had ribs and brisket dinner. Ribs were the best part of the meal. They were not too smokey, but had a decent taste. The dinner came with slaw, beans and fries. The slaw was old tasting too. Must not have prepared any new food and decided to clean out their walkin today... really bad food, all the way around, what a shame! Avoid this place...
(1)
Aubrey G.
I am very picky about BBQ places and very hard to please .... This place is seriously the best BBQ place in KC !!! It one of those hidden treasures in Olathe!!! You must go try !!! I get the BBQ turkey sandwich with hot sauce and fried pickles !!! Mouth watering !!!
(5)
Todd B.
We picked the place for its location, not based on reviews. It was our first KC barbeque experience (after eating tons of bbq where we live in Texas and formerly in Florida). Unfortunately, it was not a good first experience. Neither adult ate more than a few bites of our meals, filling up on the fries (which were awesome) and onion rings. The meat and sauce, sadly, was--to me--nasty. It was probably just the unfamiliar recipe, but I was surprised both of us bbq lovers just left the plates uneaten. Our normally pig-out son left his, too. We ended up fighting over the french fries and onion rings, and I actually ate my white bread, just to not be hungry. Even so, the place was packed, the staff was really nice, and when I asked a customer in the parking lot if the place was good, he nodded and said, "Fantastic." So it must just be us. YMMV. Check it out to see.
(3)
IJudge Q.
Smokin' Joes in Olathe is an anomaly. The first time I visited, my combo plate was excellent. The second trip did not inspire me to return. Not sure what the explanation is, but I know this joint has the potential to be in the top half of BBQ joints in the Kansas City area. On my second trip, I asked for the burnt ends without sauce, and the purveyor informed me that the only way to make burnt ends was to simmer them in sauce. I did not tell him that he should try Jack Stack to see how a real burnt end is accomplished. The sauce was average at best but used in large quantity
(3)
Kim N.
This is a hole in the wall joint next to the joint (jail) in Olathe. Prices are great and the food is exellent. They have a different special each day. My favorite one is the two meat combo sandwich. We go here for lunch a lot for work meetings. It is small and has a great small town feel. Most of the clients are people who work around here and lots of construction workers. If construction workers and truckers are eating at a place you know it is good. They work in the hot sun all day or freeze in the winter and they want good food at lunch. The place is cleanish, but you don't really care how clean it is, because the food is so good. They also have Red Cream Soda. Did you hear me? Red Cream Soda. No one has that anymore. A most BBQ place in a city known for BBQ.
(4)
Chris T.
We were in today and ordered two Big Joes: one with all turkey and the other with all ham. We also ordered a large drink and an order of onion rings. An employee took my order, and when he gave me the total, I could tell the order was wrong. He stated the total bill was about $5. Therefore, I repeated the order. While I waited for the order, I went to fill the drink. When I threw away the paper cover from the straw, I got food all over my hand because the trash can was coated with it. I wiped my hand off, let the employee know that the trash can was extremely dirty, and he acted like he didn't hear me or simply didn't care. Maybe he just doesn't speak English well. When I looked around the restaurant, the whole things appeared very dirty, although before I left, someone finally came out to clean the dining area. Finally, on the way out of your restaurant, one of your staff members that was cleaning the dining room area gave me a dirty look. When I got the order home, I realized it was wrong. We were given a sandwich with all beef, not turkey as ordered, and one with all ham. Therefore, I called the restaurant to complain that the order was wrong. The same employee answered the phone, and he was completely unwilling to do anything about the incorrect order. He specifically said in a tone, "What do you want me to do about it"? When I stated that we were not going to drive back up there (takes 10 minutes to get there and 10 minutes to get back), and that he needed to give us some type of compensation for the next time, he made no reply. When I pushed him again, he stated he couldn't talk because a customer was in front of him. Really? The employees at this location are not authorized to correct mistakes when the customer comes in the next time, and rather are blown off? When I asked when the owner was going to be in the restaurant, he stated next Monday. It is important to note that this is not the first time we've had problems with this location. In the past, we've come home with wrong orders, soggy onion rings (because they were placed at the bottom of the bag with sandwiches on top), overcooked meat, and have noticed a general uncleanliness about the restaurant. Moreover, these reasons are why we rarely come to this restaurant anymore. Upon talking to this employee on the phone, my mother and I decided we will no longer return to this restaurant; we'll go to Oklahoma Joes instead. The owner really needs to spend more time in the restaurant in order to properly train staff, or at least hire a qualified manager to oversee the restaurant.
(1)
Uomograsso U.
I have eaten here many times for lunch, dinner and carry out. The food is good most of the time, but they can have some missteps. It's pretty reasonable compared to most BBQ places. They do have lunch time sandwich specials that are good. A nice place to try for some tasty BBQ
(3)
Ivan W.
Half chicken dinner with bottled beer. Old school baked beans with meat, creamy coleslaw, big basket of fries, lotta chicken, and two thick slices of white bread. Tasty. Ask for the extra spicy bbq sauce.
(3)
Nicole S.
This hole in the wall location has been a fave of mine for years. Lunch specials are priced well for all the food you receive and the family value pack is also A super great deal. I am a fan of coleslaw but have trouble finding a good one, this is a perfect blend with a touch of garlic. The fries, crunchy but not over cooked. The corn nuggets, a must try. Most importantly, the Poor Joe sandwich is hands down my fave. The building is in need of some updating but don't let that throw you...must try!
(5)
Jordan B.
Almost always great. I've gotten a gristly sandwich once or twice but it's rare. Great sauce and succulent meats. The fries don't look like anything special but they are fantastic! Sauce is tasty and very KC, too.
(4)
Craig M.
Wowser-the Bbq rocked my world...true old school. The service was well beyond expectations
(5)
Anil P.
Over the past 11 years, I have tried several KC bbq restaurants. I make my own bbq too. Usually, Smokin Joes BBQ is very good. It is moist, flavorful and reasonably priced. I rate it to be as good as Jack Stack's BBQ even though it is an unknown and Jack Stack's is the most famous in the region. The other restaurants I am comparing it to are: KC Masterpiece, 135th St bbq, Smokestack, Bubba's, Zarda's, bbq whose name I forget, off Lone Elm Rd and Dennis. I would recommend the full slab of ribs deal for $12.99 on Wednesday and sunday. ----------- Update. I have had two occasions when the ribs were dry and overdone. So I would say if you are ordering to-go, then open the box and chew a piece.
(4)
B M.
I spent five weeks in Olathe with relatives recently and discovered Smokin' Joe's shortly after I arrived. It's a small place. The Sunday / Wednesday full slab special is fantastic! It's a huge slab with just enough smoke and sauce for the low price of $13. In my hometown area back in Florida, a full slab of ribs is much smaller, costs $18-22, and doesn't taste anywhere as good as Smokin' Joe's. I ate there twice and picked up carry-out twice in the five weeks I was there. I plan to eat there every time I'm in Olathe, because it combines great value and high quality in one place.
(5)
David F.
I don't know my BBQ that well, but I enjoyed the food. Everything is reasonably priced and the portions are very filling. Service was good. Food came quick
(3)
Kelly P.
Best burnt ends ever! I love this place. We eat here at least once a month. Prices are very reasonable. Its very comfortable, kid-friendly, and everyone is very nice. One of those hole-in-the wall places you're glad you discovered. I ate at Zarda the other day with some co-workers, and the whole time I kept wishing it was Smokin' Joe's.
(5)
Chris D.
I have lived in Olathe off and on for about 12 years now and yet had never tried this place until last night. For starters; the restaurant is smokey, not cigarette smokey, bbq burning wood smokey. This is worth noting if you plan to go anywhere afterwards because you will smell like a campfire. The menu is the exact same as every other BBQ place in KC. No curveballs or suprises. I purchased the combo plate with pulled pork, burnt ends, and 2 ribs. Overall I would say it is simply average. Nothing great, nothing bad. They do serve large portions. The combo also comes with beans, cole slaw, and a large basket of fries. My wife and I could have easily split the meal. The special stated that on Wednesday and possibly Thursday they have a $12.99 slab of ribs dinner. Thats not a bad price and the ribs I had were fairly good. Overall, worth a try but nothing to write home about.
(3)
Alex W.
Called it in, but, they wont prepare it until you arrive. So had to wait. My last order was for 2 big joes (big sandwiches), of course called ahead, had to wait, and using a buy one get one free coupon. One sandwich was ok, the other was dry and had to be days old! (I noticed the preparer in the back looking through an open window looking at at me..). It was just one experience but enough for me not to go back.
(2)
Sam M.
I haven't been back in 20 years and was so happy to find this mainstay still going strong! The food, the sauce, the fries, all first rate!
(5)
Don K.
Full plate of food....good fries and beans....never saw sliced sausage like this...didn't like it. Burnt ends were slathered in thick sauce....not very tasty. The meat was at least hot, but won't be going back.
(3)
S L.
Today was my first time at Smokin Joe's. I saw the reviews were a bit mixed, but I like to try local places, so I went here instead of Joe's Kansas City bbq. It's a pretty small place, but they still had pretty decent room for sit-ins. Also the staff was pretty nice. The man in the front briefly explained the menu to me, when I told him it was my first time there. Also they have weekly specials and from what I saw its definitely a bang for your buck! Now tonight I had the rib dinner and the burnt end dinner for my brother and myself. Both dinner came with fries, coleslaw, and baked beans. At first it didn't seem like it was a lot...but I was wrong. I couldn't finish mine, and my brother ate all of his, and felt very very satisfied with the portions. The meat was very tender and not hard or chewy. The ribs I had just slipped out of the bones. It was very nice! The burnt ends were also very tender and soft. They definitely were not dry or tough. Even though the meat was tender and great, I didn't like the bbq sauce that much. Now this is just my opinion and some people don't like my taste in bbq and I get that. However I like bbq sauces to be a bit sweet, but the sauce they had was not sweet. Now I did take it to go and did not ask if there was a sweeter sauce. If there is one ...I would most definitely give it a second go because I really liked everything except the sauce! Also their coleslaw was amazing. I would definitely recommend this place to people that want to try something different than Joe's Kansas City bbq.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
E P.
You can smell the delicious smell of BBQ in the parking lot. I ordered large sandwich of pulled pork and sausage on a sesame seed bun. The pulled pork was good with a nice smoked flavor. The sausage tasted like fried bologna so not sure what was up with that. The meat is smoked with a single choice of additional sauce which was OK with me. The meat was really tastier without addition of BBQ sauce. Small order of French fries was large enough for 2+ to share. This small restaurant was clean with lots of booths and tables. Rest rooms were small but clean. Adequate off street parking lot.
(3)Stephen G.
Smoke'n Joes's bbq is a great place to get a couple racks of ribs. Especially on Wednesday. In fact my wife and I like to pick up two racks of ribs, some backed beans, and slaw. The beans are the best I have ever had. I don't usually eat beans but these are so good they're worth it. The smoke smell in the restaurant is better then the new car smell in a Nissan quest. I never ate my food there. It's a small place and it's just more comfortable to eat at home because I had three small children. If you are looking for i'm great ribs and great beans go to smoking Joe's barbecue.
(4)Amanda S.
My husband and I LOVE Smokin' Joe's! Everything is awesome, but it is their "Big Bad Joe" that really stands out. It is a HUGE sandwich that is perfect for sharing! It has turkey, beef, pulled pork, sausage, two slices of bacon, two kinds of melty cheese, and fries, all on a large sesame seed bun! In fact, we love this restaurant so much we had them cater our wedding . Everyone at the reception couldn't get enough, we still get compliments! I can't stomach other BBQ around here, I don't the like greasy microwave meat of other places. The beans and fried mushrooms are out of this world delicious and they even have red cream soda! Great food whether you are looking to feed yourself or a large group of people for a great price! They will even smoke meat for you! Did I mention they opened in 1989 the best year ever? If you don't like REAL smoked BBQ, this place is not for you!
(5)Gina M.
My 'go to' for delicious smoked brisket and turkey. Pretty darn good for burnt ends too! We had Smoking Joe's cater for a large family gathering a few years back and everyone was extremely impressed! Would definitely do that again if the occasion presented itself. It's a hole wall, so if you're into ambience, get it to go :-)
(4)Brian E.
This place isn't well known. I've never dined at this restaurant, but I have done carryout. The daily specials here will get you your meal cheaper that most other places in the area. You can't beat their rack of ribs for $13.99 on Sundays. They're one of the restaurants that like to pile on the sauce, but the meat still goes down well without it.
(4)Brandon W.
I am pretty picky when eating bbq, joes is close to a job I was working on so we went there for lunch. The lunch special was average tasting and average priced. I got the sausage sandwich and it was decent enough for a return visit again. I have been there a few times now and would go again. Its just average bbq
(3)Brent G.
Excellent food, some of the best authentic BBQ in KC area. Come for the great food, not the service. Service ok. Food FANTASTIC
(4)Destiny S.
I do not like to give negative feedback but this place was no good. I got the 3 rib bones and fries. The ribs were dry and tasteless. The sauce was gross and the fries had no seasoning, not even salt. Maybe I caught them on a bad day but I will not try it again.
(1)Brandon S.
My favorite BBQ joint in Kansas City Metro. Had the Spicy Joe this time, Brisket, Pepper Jack Cheese, Hot BBQ sauce and 2 Onion Rings. To my surprise it also came with fries, not sure if it was a special or not, but got it all for $7 on a Monday night. The person behind the counter was extremely nice and even helped our first time friends pick something out. The order was quick and hot, brisket was perfectly cooked. My wife had the 3 ribs and fries. The ribs fell off the bone, I had to try a bite. I recommend this place over OK Joes (my second favorite), but just barely!
(5)Tony H.
Great food definitely recommend. Beef, turkey all of it is great. Huge portion of fries. Great for take out and not too pricey at all.
(5)Mike B.
I like this local little hole in the wall, they have great lunch specials and I think there fries are incredible. I don't know if its as good at Oklahoma Joes, but you go in, get good bbq, get full, and my two sons love the brownies.
(4)Mike W.
Very solid unknown BBQ option in a city dominated by big names. Great lunch and daily specials. I highly recommend the brisket and sausage. Their fries are also amazing for being frozen crinkle cuts.
(4)Amanda F.
Stopped in for lunch. Got the lunch special with brisket and a 1 lb of burnt ends to take home. Let's just say i was not impressed. First off the brisket was dry, dry, dry... Seemed like the brisket was several days old, at least. The burnt ends were in this sauce and it seemed like maybe that they were old, so you bake them in the sauce to try to moisten them up? Needless to say, it was a waste of $12. The sauce seemed like some sort of generic every day barbecue sauce. The baked beans were ok. Liked the coleslaw & fries were crispy, though. Out of all the barbecue places in KC (& I have tried a lot) I would choose any of those before I go back to this place. Not a fan. Got 2 stars because of the beans & slaw. Meat only would get 1 star.
(2)Jarah C.
We've been here a couple times! It's a very quick spot for lunch! The burnt ends sandwich is delicious with just enough crispy bite to the pieces, a little too much of the meat is shredded though. Still tastes wonderful. Their onion rings are perfectly breaded and crispy! My husband really enjoyed the pulled pork and said the fries were perfectly crispy as well!
(4)Justin S.
My 14 yr old son and I went here for lunch. We order 2 of the burnt end sandwich lunch specials. It came with a ton of fries (good fries too). The sandwich was a large hamburger bun filled with the burnt ends smothered in BBQ sauce. It wasn't too sloppy either. The BBQ sauce was pretty tasty , although it could've been a little more spicy but that's just my preference. My son loved it also. We both were unable to finish all the fries as we were full.
(4)Amy S.
My husband and I ordered take out last night. He ordered the rib dinner and I ordered the brisket dinner. We also ordered a half chicken to eat today. My order was wrong, of course I didn't know until I was home, got turkey instead of brisket. Very disappointed! The turkey must have been brined, it was so salty I couldn't eat it. The coleslaw was amazing! Ribs were good and fries were good. We ate the chicken today and it was pretty good. I may or may not go back. The coleslaw was awesome though.
(3)Angie J.
Had not been here in years. And I will never go back........ It was just plain bad. Pulled into their parking lot around 4pm on a Sat after thanksgiving, no other cars were there. Bad sign. The brisket was so tough and flavorless. Tasted like it was originally prepared weeks ago. The white bread was so stale, it broke apart after my first attempt at a bite of my sandwich. The ham was not much better, at least it was edible. Hubby had ribs and brisket dinner. Ribs were the best part of the meal. They were not too smokey, but had a decent taste. The dinner came with slaw, beans and fries. The slaw was old tasting too. Must not have prepared any new food and decided to clean out their walkin today... really bad food, all the way around, what a shame! Avoid this place...
(1)Aubrey G.
I am very picky about BBQ places and very hard to please .... This place is seriously the best BBQ place in KC !!! It one of those hidden treasures in Olathe!!! You must go try !!! I get the BBQ turkey sandwich with hot sauce and fried pickles !!! Mouth watering !!!
(5)Todd B.
We picked the place for its location, not based on reviews. It was our first KC barbeque experience (after eating tons of bbq where we live in Texas and formerly in Florida). Unfortunately, it was not a good first experience. Neither adult ate more than a few bites of our meals, filling up on the fries (which were awesome) and onion rings. The meat and sauce, sadly, was--to me--nasty. It was probably just the unfamiliar recipe, but I was surprised both of us bbq lovers just left the plates uneaten. Our normally pig-out son left his, too. We ended up fighting over the french fries and onion rings, and I actually ate my white bread, just to not be hungry. Even so, the place was packed, the staff was really nice, and when I asked a customer in the parking lot if the place was good, he nodded and said, "Fantastic." So it must just be us. YMMV. Check it out to see.
(3)IJudge Q.
Smokin' Joes in Olathe is an anomaly. The first time I visited, my combo plate was excellent. The second trip did not inspire me to return. Not sure what the explanation is, but I know this joint has the potential to be in the top half of BBQ joints in the Kansas City area. On my second trip, I asked for the burnt ends without sauce, and the purveyor informed me that the only way to make burnt ends was to simmer them in sauce. I did not tell him that he should try Jack Stack to see how a real burnt end is accomplished. The sauce was average at best but used in large quantity
(3)Kim N.
This is a hole in the wall joint next to the joint (jail) in Olathe. Prices are great and the food is exellent. They have a different special each day. My favorite one is the two meat combo sandwich. We go here for lunch a lot for work meetings. It is small and has a great small town feel. Most of the clients are people who work around here and lots of construction workers. If construction workers and truckers are eating at a place you know it is good. They work in the hot sun all day or freeze in the winter and they want good food at lunch. The place is cleanish, but you don't really care how clean it is, because the food is so good. They also have Red Cream Soda. Did you hear me? Red Cream Soda. No one has that anymore. A most BBQ place in a city known for BBQ.
(4)Chris T.
We were in today and ordered two Big Joes: one with all turkey and the other with all ham. We also ordered a large drink and an order of onion rings. An employee took my order, and when he gave me the total, I could tell the order was wrong. He stated the total bill was about $5. Therefore, I repeated the order. While I waited for the order, I went to fill the drink. When I threw away the paper cover from the straw, I got food all over my hand because the trash can was coated with it. I wiped my hand off, let the employee know that the trash can was extremely dirty, and he acted like he didn't hear me or simply didn't care. Maybe he just doesn't speak English well. When I looked around the restaurant, the whole things appeared very dirty, although before I left, someone finally came out to clean the dining area. Finally, on the way out of your restaurant, one of your staff members that was cleaning the dining room area gave me a dirty look. When I got the order home, I realized it was wrong. We were given a sandwich with all beef, not turkey as ordered, and one with all ham. Therefore, I called the restaurant to complain that the order was wrong. The same employee answered the phone, and he was completely unwilling to do anything about the incorrect order. He specifically said in a tone, "What do you want me to do about it"? When I stated that we were not going to drive back up there (takes 10 minutes to get there and 10 minutes to get back), and that he needed to give us some type of compensation for the next time, he made no reply. When I pushed him again, he stated he couldn't talk because a customer was in front of him. Really? The employees at this location are not authorized to correct mistakes when the customer comes in the next time, and rather are blown off? When I asked when the owner was going to be in the restaurant, he stated next Monday. It is important to note that this is not the first time we've had problems with this location. In the past, we've come home with wrong orders, soggy onion rings (because they were placed at the bottom of the bag with sandwiches on top), overcooked meat, and have noticed a general uncleanliness about the restaurant. Moreover, these reasons are why we rarely come to this restaurant anymore. Upon talking to this employee on the phone, my mother and I decided we will no longer return to this restaurant; we'll go to Oklahoma Joes instead. The owner really needs to spend more time in the restaurant in order to properly train staff, or at least hire a qualified manager to oversee the restaurant.
(1)Uomograsso U.
I have eaten here many times for lunch, dinner and carry out. The food is good most of the time, but they can have some missteps. It's pretty reasonable compared to most BBQ places. They do have lunch time sandwich specials that are good. A nice place to try for some tasty BBQ
(3)Ivan W.
Half chicken dinner with bottled beer. Old school baked beans with meat, creamy coleslaw, big basket of fries, lotta chicken, and two thick slices of white bread. Tasty. Ask for the extra spicy bbq sauce.
(3)Nicole S.
This hole in the wall location has been a fave of mine for years. Lunch specials are priced well for all the food you receive and the family value pack is also A super great deal. I am a fan of coleslaw but have trouble finding a good one, this is a perfect blend with a touch of garlic. The fries, crunchy but not over cooked. The corn nuggets, a must try. Most importantly, the Poor Joe sandwich is hands down my fave. The building is in need of some updating but don't let that throw you...must try!
(5)Jordan B.
Almost always great. I've gotten a gristly sandwich once or twice but it's rare. Great sauce and succulent meats. The fries don't look like anything special but they are fantastic! Sauce is tasty and very KC, too.
(4)Craig M.
Wowser-the Bbq rocked my world...true old school. The service was well beyond expectations
(5)Anil P.
Over the past 11 years, I have tried several KC bbq restaurants. I make my own bbq too. Usually, Smokin Joes BBQ is very good. It is moist, flavorful and reasonably priced. I rate it to be as good as Jack Stack's BBQ even though it is an unknown and Jack Stack's is the most famous in the region. The other restaurants I am comparing it to are: KC Masterpiece, 135th St bbq, Smokestack, Bubba's, Zarda's, bbq whose name I forget, off Lone Elm Rd and Dennis. I would recommend the full slab of ribs deal for $12.99 on Wednesday and sunday. ----------- Update. I have had two occasions when the ribs were dry and overdone. So I would say if you are ordering to-go, then open the box and chew a piece.
(4)B M.
I spent five weeks in Olathe with relatives recently and discovered Smokin' Joe's shortly after I arrived. It's a small place. The Sunday / Wednesday full slab special is fantastic! It's a huge slab with just enough smoke and sauce for the low price of $13. In my hometown area back in Florida, a full slab of ribs is much smaller, costs $18-22, and doesn't taste anywhere as good as Smokin' Joe's. I ate there twice and picked up carry-out twice in the five weeks I was there. I plan to eat there every time I'm in Olathe, because it combines great value and high quality in one place.
(5)David F.
I don't know my BBQ that well, but I enjoyed the food. Everything is reasonably priced and the portions are very filling. Service was good. Food came quick
(3)Kelly P.
Best burnt ends ever! I love this place. We eat here at least once a month. Prices are very reasonable. Its very comfortable, kid-friendly, and everyone is very nice. One of those hole-in-the wall places you're glad you discovered. I ate at Zarda the other day with some co-workers, and the whole time I kept wishing it was Smokin' Joe's.
(5)Chris D.
I have lived in Olathe off and on for about 12 years now and yet had never tried this place until last night. For starters; the restaurant is smokey, not cigarette smokey, bbq burning wood smokey. This is worth noting if you plan to go anywhere afterwards because you will smell like a campfire. The menu is the exact same as every other BBQ place in KC. No curveballs or suprises. I purchased the combo plate with pulled pork, burnt ends, and 2 ribs. Overall I would say it is simply average. Nothing great, nothing bad. They do serve large portions. The combo also comes with beans, cole slaw, and a large basket of fries. My wife and I could have easily split the meal. The special stated that on Wednesday and possibly Thursday they have a $12.99 slab of ribs dinner. Thats not a bad price and the ribs I had were fairly good. Overall, worth a try but nothing to write home about.
(3)Alex W.
Called it in, but, they wont prepare it until you arrive. So had to wait. My last order was for 2 big joes (big sandwiches), of course called ahead, had to wait, and using a buy one get one free coupon. One sandwich was ok, the other was dry and had to be days old! (I noticed the preparer in the back looking through an open window looking at at me..). It was just one experience but enough for me not to go back.
(2)Sam M.
I haven't been back in 20 years and was so happy to find this mainstay still going strong! The food, the sauce, the fries, all first rate!
(5)Don K.
Full plate of food....good fries and beans....never saw sliced sausage like this...didn't like it. Burnt ends were slathered in thick sauce....not very tasty. The meat was at least hot, but won't be going back.
(3)S L.
Today was my first time at Smokin Joe's. I saw the reviews were a bit mixed, but I like to try local places, so I went here instead of Joe's Kansas City bbq. It's a pretty small place, but they still had pretty decent room for sit-ins. Also the staff was pretty nice. The man in the front briefly explained the menu to me, when I told him it was my first time there. Also they have weekly specials and from what I saw its definitely a bang for your buck! Now tonight I had the rib dinner and the burnt end dinner for my brother and myself. Both dinner came with fries, coleslaw, and baked beans. At first it didn't seem like it was a lot...but I was wrong. I couldn't finish mine, and my brother ate all of his, and felt very very satisfied with the portions. The meat was very tender and not hard or chewy. The ribs I had just slipped out of the bones. It was very nice! The burnt ends were also very tender and soft. They definitely were not dry or tough. Even though the meat was tender and great, I didn't like the bbq sauce that much. Now this is just my opinion and some people don't like my taste in bbq and I get that. However I like bbq sauces to be a bit sweet, but the sauce they had was not sweet. Now I did take it to go and did not ask if there was a sweeter sauce. If there is one ...I would most definitely give it a second go because I really liked everything except the sauce! Also their coleslaw was amazing. I would definitely recommend this place to people that want to try something different than Joe's Kansas City bbq.
(4)