Smo-King Pit

We eat here often. I appreciate the great food and the good customer service even more. It's not often restaurants have collard greens that taste like they came straight out your grandma's kitchen, this place has them. Highly recommend.

Edited : February 25th 2025 : Hello, Its ME Again One Year Later. Today I came here for the barbecue ribs with the side of corn on the COB, potato salad and, green beans / bacon bits. It was so good that I ordered twice, one for dine in, and another order to go. This is my favorite barbecue spot. Clean atmosphere with friendly staff and cashiers. Can't go wrong. February 13th 2024 : This place is very, very delicious. I came here for the BBQ nacho brisket fries.

2day I got the catfish dinner wit yams & collard greens as my sides! Sides were delicious, as was the seasoned catfish! Peach cobbler wasn’t to my liking. Canned peaches & way to much vanilla flavoring. Peach cobbler not worth the price, store bought taste much better.

First of customer service was perfect. Greeted with a smile and she was very pleasant. Nice place in the mall. Food was fantastic. Ordered the rib tips. Reason not 5 star was too much cartilage. The bbq sauce was 🔥🔥🔥. Definitely worth trying. Don’t sleep on this place.

Their BBQ is truly blessed. The sauce is fire and the pulled pork hits the spot. Sides are good too and the atmosphere/kind staff really make this place a go-to. UPDATE: their renovations are finally complete! The expansion and extra seating area is nice. The prices are still extremely reasonable and food is tastyyyy.

Excellent food, very friendly staff, and wait time was reasonable for what my family ordered (15 minutes). Great value for what you get, and very filling!

This is the place to go to get great ribs. It's inside the mall. Walk in, order at the counter, they will call your name. They have their own gated seating in the mall. Can sit and people watch while eating.

Phenomenal food, friendly staff, very quick service. I ordered a plate of pulled chicken, brisket, baked beans, and french fries. EVERYTHING was on point. I gotta say the pulled chicken (with sauce) and the baked beans are the best I’ve ever had. Will 100% come back if I am ever in the area again.

We visit Texas quite often and always have ribs at well known BBQ's. Mike's ribs are as good as or better than anything we have had in Texas. I am a certified Memphis in May judge and also a KCBS contest organizer. Mikes ribs would win in both. The peach cobbler is also very good.

I ordered a bacon cheeseburger with everything on it. The cashier was a child between 10-12. She messed my order up. The bacon cheeseburger was missing bacon, tomato, pickles, and onion, also missing was the catsup and mustard. After picking up the missing parts, I was missing the catsup and mustard. They had another child working there. I was shocked when they charged me &1.50 for the bacon. By the way, I am disabled. It was a struggle doing all the extra trips. The burger was dry and bland. The loaded fries barely had any cheese.

Great barbecue! Traditional place and very good!! Very friendly service and clean place.

Well I am from Texas I like my BBQ so 3 stars is good for them because it is the best Bbq you gone get around the parts. I really like their baked beans, catfish is pretty good for being up north.

I love this place! The people are friendly & helpful. The good is wonderful! The owner waits on us alot & she even remembers my name!

Stopped here while in town for a sporting event and it was outstanding. Service, food, value all of it was great. Can't wait to get back next time I'm in town. Didn't know what to expect since it was in a mall, don't let that scare you away. Give it a try, you won't regret it.

Friendly folks. Clean place. Good service. Rib tips are great so are fries. Catfish fried just right. Don't forget Turtle cheesecake. Nice home style restaurant.

Ribs are great Tendrt with good sauce. Green beans canned. Potato salad store bought taste. Fish fried right and tasty. Definitely go back for ribs

Recently revisited Smo-King Pit. I was curious about their renovation and increased seating area. First, the meal: I ordered the brisket dinner. The brisket was terrific. Two sides came with the dinner so I ordered baked beans (they were awesome!) and the green beans. Well, I didn't get green beans as ordered, I was surprised to see I was given french fries. The fries were hopelessly soggy (I couldn't eat them). I give the mistake up to me and the counterperson both wearing masks. Unfortunately, the Pit was out of ribs (hey, it happens to a lot of BBQ joints). The brisket was really, really great. What I wasn't thrilled about was the newly increased seating area; it's out in the Mall itself. It's loud and people are walking past you while you eat; not something I'm happy about. Having said that, Smo-King Pit is the real-deal and I love their food. I'm hoping for ribs next visit.

I must say... The RIB sandwich with 4 bones is a must... Their sauce is right...I mean right.... Go get you some... Sorry...I ate it so fast that I didn't take a pic.. Lol

Great food and great service. This is my favorite place for BBQ. Make sure to get the banana pudding for dessert.

In Peoria for a Drs appt and debating what to eat. Decided to eat here. Apparently I missed the sign of the restaurant and drove to the JcPenny entrance and was told where it was located. I tried calling to ask where they were located in the mall but received a message to refer to the website to place an order. It would have been nice had someone answered so I didn't have to walk across the mall but I guess I could consider that my exercise for the day. My friend ordered the catfish and it was her first eating there and enjoyed it very much. I ordered the catfish and rib tips w the sauce on the side. I enjoyed the fish and tips. I definitely would eat there again. I also ordered the peach cobbler which was also good. The customer service was beyond exceptional. I appreciated the friendly cashier who actually acted as if she enjoyed her job. A lot of places lack great customer service....heck many lack basic customer service. The food was hot and fresh which was appreciated as well. I would give them a 10 out 10 !!! Please continue serving excellent food and providing exceptional customer service !!!

Good good, friendly staff, upgraded seating. Nice little place with good BBQ. Highly recommend

Warm and friendly place for a late weekday dinner after long day of travel. Enjoyed a hearty dinner with good portions of brisket and pulled pork that go well with the flavorful & tangy bbq sauce. Green beans were classic and yummy too. Overall a great value. Didnt try the ribs yet, maybe next time, yelp reviews were pretty positive on that.

After Big John's Ribs put themselves out of business, The Smoking Pit became the BEST rib joint in Peoria! The Smoking Pit is located in a mall on the north side of Peoria. Don't let the location fool you - this place is well worth the stop. The rib dinner is very good and quite filling. The rib tips dinner is very good,too, with a smaller serving. The staff is friendly and prompt and you won't wait long to be served.

Inconvenient and out of the way, The Smo-King Pit sits in the Northwoods mall. Two friends had recommended this place, so a small group of us trekked over to the mall to give it a shot. If you hear mall food court and BBQ, whatever you're imagining is probably an accurate representation of The Smo-King Pit. The restaurant sits in the food court with a few small tables and booths, as well as a counter where you can eat, but it's cramped to say the least. The waiter was friendly, and when he brought over the menus, he gave us a quick run down of his recommendations. We started with an appetizer - fries with brisket, cheese, and jalapenos. Unfortunately, the waiter forgot to put the order in, and it was some time before it came out. For this error, he gave us half off the appetizer, which was a nice gesture. When our appetizer was ready, the fries were pretty standard fare, albeit a bit soggy and cold as if they'd been reheated, and the brisket was nothing noteworthy. I ordered pulled pork for my dinner. The food was brought to the table hot, which was an improvement over our appetizer, but it was largely tasteless and bland. The color of the meat was a shade of grey, and didn't look especially appetizing. The flavor and color led me to believe that this food had been sitting under hot lights or otherwise kept warm. The BBQ sauce didn't really add much flavor or spice, and wasn't memorable. Lastly, the costs for our meal, even with the half-prized appetizer, were high given the quality and portion sizes. The folks at The Smo-King Pit are friendly, and maybe it was an off night, but the food leaves a lot to be desired. I'd skip it.

We were traveling through Peoria and found this gem, a bit off the beaten path in a mall. We have traveled the country extensively and regularly travel to Kansas City. These are the best ribs we have had in years. Falling off the bone with just the right amount of smoke. We also split the brisket sandwich. We asked the owner which meat he liked. He said pork was the most popular, but his favorite was the brisket. We had the brisket and it didn't disappoint. Some creative takes on the standard sides as well. Great, attentive staff and amazing food. Get the ribs.

This is a local owned business and one of the best restaurants in town. Everything is delicious. These are great people. The loaded fries with your choice of meat are fabulous. The club sandwich is the best sandwich I've had. It has a thick slice of turkey on it. You can't go wrong with any pick of the menu. Everything is wonderful. Great service also.

Very delicious Barbecue inside the mall by the old sears. I had catfish and pulled chicken and my husband had the rice bs and catfish. Everything was tasty and tender! Catfish was very crispy. I had the banana pudding for dessert! The best! We will return! The employees were very nice and helpful!

I don't know which is better; the food or the wonderful people who own this business. I leave blessed every time we eat there. God bless you

I was a little dubious of this place at first since it was nestled inside a mall, but after dining here this week I can say with confidence this is the best BBQ in Peoria, possibly Central Illinois. For $10 you can expect tender, succulent fall-off-the-tendon Rib Tips, slathered generously in tangy, sweet bbq sauce. The portions are generous and come with one or two side items and a slice of white bread. At my most recent visit, my friend and I got the above mentioned, praise worthy Rib Tips and a whole rack of ribs, which happen to be doused in the same bbq sauce and were equally delicious. The sides complimented the meats well, although the green beans were on the slightly too salty side. Baked beans were very good, probably because it was laced with bacon (always a good idea). Fries were crispy and golden. Can't wait to go again!

This place is legit. I got a full rack of ribs and fries. Intended to eat half and save the rest for tomorrow. I ended up eating the entire rack. Fast, friendly, and efficient service. Excellent ribs!

Stopped in Peoria on our way home from vacation. After reading all the great reviews on Yelp, we decided to give it a try. It was just okay. Prices were great. 1st bite of my salad had a 'bagged lettuce/preserves' taste. Even though it was a good sized portion for only $1.69, it was gross. I had 1/2 rack of ribs. Very tender & fall off the bone. Seasonings were just average. Same with the BBQ sauce. (guess I'm just spoiled with what we make at home!) I don't know what they do, but the canned green beans were delicious! If I would ever be in Peoria again, I probably would not go back.

I'm full of regret.. regret that I haven't gone in here sooner after walking by so many times - ITS SO GOOD!! I've eaten quite a lot of BBQ in my life, to a nearly sickening extent, and I can pledge, with my right hand on my barbeque sauce, that this joint stands above the clouds of hickory smoke goodness. The staff was super nice and the head chef guy takes personal pride in customer satisfaction. Even the sides were fab. Highly recommend!!

The Not so great Saturday BBQ Dinners my mom and I had the create your own two meat dinner the food was not good at all BBQ lovers Beware

Great bbq, great service. Inside or outside dining. Smoked rubbed chicken wings to die for.

Hands down best kept secret in Peoria!! I've had just about everything they make and I've never been disappointed. Good Christian family. Healthy family environment!!

Passing through Peoria with a traveling show and wanted something a bit heartier than Chick-fil-A after a day spent on airplanes, so decided with a couple of guys on BBQ after reading rave reviews. The tableaux was a little disappointing. One poor guy working by himself and although we were the only table he was also handling takeout orders and probably trying to do his closing side work at the same time. He was unfailingly polite the entire time, so I place no fault on him, but maybe his support shouldn't have been cut so soon. Our food left a bit to be desired. Not as hot as you'd like (food safety concern), green beans very soft and mushy, all of it kind of gave the impression that it had been sitting around all day and then was hastily prepared. I realize we were there at 8pm on a weekday but sadly it shouldn't be a factor. I'm awarding a dim third star because the service was good and the food was cheap, but overall improvements can be made. Oh, and hope you're a Christian if you decide to eat here, otherwise the paraphernalia on the walls will make you feel like the atheist at a church potluck.

Very disappointed I should've known every time I've been to a rib place that puts their sauce on the ribs It's been a disappointment I think they put their sauce on the ribs so they can hide the ribs themselves. I didn't taste any smoke at all they just were not any good. The fries were greasy the baked beans were good and the people were very nice It's just that the food was not

I saw this place on Yelp and had to see it for myself. This is a great example to not judge a place by its location, yes it is inside the mall. By the front door was a chalk board with the title special of the day, pulled pork sandwich for $5.99 with one side. I ordered the sandwich and the person behind the counter recommended that I get a side of the barbecue sauce to use as a dipping sauce for my fries. The pork was very tender and had a little smoke flavor. The sauce was the star of the sandwich.

The sauce here is great!!! A nice family owned restaurant with really good food. Much better than one would expect from a mall eatery. The sauce is soooo good that I have family members ship it out to California.

Rude counter help. Poorly organized. Terribly bland BBQ. If you decide to take a chance on this place, just get the rib TIPS. They are at least edible. Take a pass on the pulled pork and the brisket. This place is a BBQ disappointment.

Best bbq in peoria. Been coming here cor years and still can't decide what I want off the menu. Too many great choices. The ppl that work here are very friendly and prompt with their service. Never a disappointment

I know from experience the catering is great. I just had the rib tib dinner [which I cannot stop from ordering]. My vote for the number one rib spot in Peoria. I also bought extra BBQ sauce because its kind of addictive . This is Dave B. (Val is one of those Vegan type people] not that there is anything wrong with that

This place is amazing! The ribs are really good and the catfish is really good! I have eaten BBQ from several different spots across the US and this is definitely one of my favorites. This is a family owned buissiness and they truly make you feel like family! The sauce is delicious also!

Y-U-M! What a surprise to find this place located inside of the mall, and to hear they have been there for YEARS! We stumbled upon this place during a recent visit to the mall, and found that it came highly recommended by almost anyone we asked. The service was very relaxed, but friendly, you may want to set aside a little extra time to enjoy the experience. It's a very small place, and the menu is simple! You can easily grab a filling meal for under $10, and all of the food is quality, home cooked BBQ. This is a sit down restaurant but it is NOT located near the food court. If you can't find it, just ask anyone...literally anyone! The locals know it, and know it well, and all of the shop keepers too! Next time you are at the mall, do yourself a favor and skip the pretzels and food court, head straight for the BBQ!

The chicken could have been barbecued better. Went there based on Yelp reviews, wasn't impressed.

Inexpensive but not great BBQ. I really wanted to like this place and I'm from Chicago so I've gotten used to disappointments in Peoria. In this particular case I think you can do better in Peoria by going to the BBQ chain restaurant Hickory River. The food was bland and, as another reviewer pointed out, overly gristly. I had the ribs and the brisket withe cole slaw and baked beans. I guess if you had to eat in the mall it isn't a bad choice. Jon

This place was AMAZING!! Came here from Chicago to visit family, and we were incredibly surprised to find BBQ in Peoria that was honestly just as good as our favorite spot in the big city (Smoque, which has won all sorts of awards/accolades)! The brisket was to die for (meat was tender, bbq sauce had a great flavor), the beans had a great flavor and kick to them, but the catfish... I have NEVER had catfish that good in my life! The breading was perfectly crisp and flavorful, and I would have ordered a second helping if I wasn't already stuffed full with all the other good bits. :) Loved the family restaurant feel in here too - woman who greeted us was super friendly, and other customers there (a few overheard us mention that it was our first visit) were quick to jump in and talk about how good the food was! Will definitely be happy to return upon our next visit. :)

This is my favorite place to eat everytime we come to Peoria, we make sure we stop here to eat! If you haven't been here before next time you come to Peoria it's a must stop for lunch or dinner!

This place could easily compete with some of the highly regarded BBQ spots in the country! I'm still trying to figure out how you make fall off the bone ribs in a mall!?! And the catfish was just as good! Now the BBQ doesn't have as strong of a smokey, hickory flavor as some of the top spots, but will definitely be back!!

What a pleasant surprise for a restaurant in the mall, this is easily the best BBQ I have had in Peoria. The staff was friendly and casual, the food was delicious and creative (I had a "taco fries" appetizer, it was like nachos on fries...yummo) The Smo-King chicken was simple and great. I will be returning for this dish again! The prices were reasonable, and I felt satisfied with what I paid! This seems like one of Peoria's secrets, and I want you to know about it, because I don't want them to go anywhere!

We were passing through Peoria and chose this restaurant because of the star rating on Yelp (4 1/2 stars). Small restaurant inside the mall (upper level by Sears). Friendly staff and quick service. Food was so-so. I had beef brisket nachos. The chips were nothing special and it looked like the cheese sauce came from a can. Beef brisket looked more like roast beef. My husband had the pulled pork sandwich and baked beans. He also said both were so-so. The BBQ sauce they provided had a nice tang to it. Would probably pick a different place to go next time we are in town.

Food was pretty good. Rib tips and pulled pork were great! Sides were ok but seemed like they had been purchased at the grocery store down the road. I'd go back and just get fries instead of the other sides.

Food is always great. I always get the ribs (can't go wrong with it). For what you pay you will get filled up. Restaurant is family owned and will always treat you with absolute kindness.

Stopped by This place on a cross country trip to help my son and his wife move to attend law school. Loved this place. I had a pulled chicken dinner and it was awesome. There were five of us and the meals ranged from brisket to pork and all reported a fabulous meal. The staff were friendly and demonstrate a sense of humor and a genuine concern that our experience was the best it could be. Loved this place and wish we had one where I reside. If in Peoria, try it.

Ive never found nachos to be worthy of praise but their nachos are different. I think they make the chips, could be wrong but they tasted fresh. Half order makes a great post flight nosh session. Waitress was really sweet last night, wish i had gotten her name.

Happened across this cute little place thanks to Yelp reviews, and it didn't disappoint. Definitely choose the rib bones and the catfish. Delish. And the servers were incredibly friendly and helpful.

I really like this place. I always order the rib tip combo. It 's always tender, full of flavor, and the price is extremely affordable. The staff are super friendly and very efficient. I live in Georgia but Peoria is my home and when I'm home this is where I go for BBQ.