Smokin J's BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Northeastern San Diego

Smokin J's BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Northeastern San Diego

3

14035 Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064

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Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by Smokin J’s BBQ
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null
Smokin J's BBQ by null

Highlights

Nestled in Poway, Smokin J’s BBQ serves up Kansas City-style smoked meats and savory sides in a cozy counter-serve setup with outdoor seating.  

Featured in Eater
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14035 Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064 Get directions

smokinjsrealbbq.com

$10–20 · Menu

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14035 Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064 Get directions

+1 858 668 7131
smokinjsrealbbq.com
smokinjsrealbbq

$10–20 · Menu

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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@eater

"With other locations in the Gaslamp and Miramar areas, this locally-grown barbecue brand is run by the George brothers, including pitmaster Jeremy. Grab some family and friends and try one of their sampler platters, which features a pound each of brisket and pulled pork as well as a whole chicken, toasted buns, and four sides including mac n’ cheese and “bean crack”, a mix of navy beans smoked and smothered in barbecue sauce with nuggets of pork belly." - Darlene Horn, Candice Woo, Paolo Bicchieri

Where to Eat Barbecue in San Diego Right Now
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@eater

"Smokin J’s BBQ began as a farmers market vendor and mobile caterer before establishing its first restaurant in Old Poway Village in 2019. This weekend, from July 14 through July 16, the Poway location will be dressing up as a GTA restaurant called Burger Shot, offering themed food and drink plus limited quantities of Burger Shot Stallion toy cars and uniforms." - Candice Woo

Slow-Smoked Barbecue and Southern Cooking Arrive in the Gaslamp - Eater San Diego
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@eater

"After spending the last two and a half years as a mobile catering outfit and farmer’s market favorite, Smokin J’s BBQ will bring its barbecue home to Poway, debuting its first restaurant this weekend in Old Poway Village with the grand opening scheduled for Saturday, December 14. The company was launched in 2017 by pitmaster Jeremy George, who has worked in restaurants since his teens, including a barbecue restaurant in Virginia. George, who runs Smokin J’s with his brother Joshua, a five-time Paralympic medalist and six-time world champion in wheelchair racing, went to college in St. Louis, Missouri, and his style of smoked meat is closest to Kansas City barbecue. The new Poway eatery is adjacent to Smokin J’s beef provider, Filhart Beef, which gets its meat from a family ranch in Michigan. At just 625-square-feet, the space is small, but there are picnic tables out front and plans to take over the adjacent storefront which will have more dedicated seating. Out back, wood smokers will run day and night, turning out fresh batches of barbecue at lunch and dinner. The menu ranges from brisket, pulled pork, burnt ends to baby back ribs, smoked chicken, mac n’ cheese, Cajun fries, and fresh-baked cornbread. New additions include smoked and fried pork belly, collard greens, and slow-cooked smoked beans. George’s signature barbecue sauce is based on a vegetable blend that has been smoked for hours. Initially operating on Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the restaurant will feature rotating specials, include a rib of the month and seasonal items like smoked duck and smoked turkey. Hours will be extended when their expansion into the next door space is completed in March and a full breakfast menu will be added." - Candice Woo

Kansas City Barbecue Finds a Place to Land in Poway - Eater San Diego
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Google
Smokin J’s BBQ delivers some of the best barbecue in San Diego. The brisket is unbelievably tender and packed with smoky flavor, while the pulled pork is juicy and perfectly seasoned. The Sticky St. Louie Spare Ribs are a must-try, offering a great balance of sweetness and spice. The sides, especially the mac ‘n’ cheese and potato salad, complement the meats perfectly. Service is friendly, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it a great spot to enjoy a hearty meal.

Jeffrey Johnson

Google
The alluring smell of this place is undeniable. I could smell it as soon as I got out of the car. The person who helped take my order was amazing and made great suggestions. Don't be scared of the long lines, it moves quickly and they get the food out pretty fast. The TV dinner portion is perfect with one meat and 2 sides. The BBQ pulled pork was wonderful. The parking lot is a bit small but you can park on the curb in areas nearby and walk. I only saw outside seating if you are eating there.

Dan

Google
How much meat would you like? Me: Yes I love American BBQ, so when my wife recommends a BBQ spot, I go all in! This BBQ joint is located in a really cute part of Poway near the Poway Midland Railroad Train Depot. There’s plenty of street parking as well, but there is a lot next to it with additional parking. You walk inside a small house to order and then take a number to your table. There are roughly 12 tables outside for dine in each seating about 4. Food came out in about 15 minutes, and all the workers were nice and friendly. We ordered half a rack of St. Louis pork ribs, half a pound of brisket, a pork belly TV dinner, with sides of fries, Mac and cheese, chili, and a smoked succotash. Everything was a little over $75. The Mac and cheese was creamy and cheesy, the chili was tender with very complex flavors, the succotash was decent, and the fries were super crispy and oily. Sides - 4/5 The 3 BBQ sauces were well balanced and flavorful - 4/5 The brisket was beefy, somewhat tender, with a good amount of fat. - 4/5 The pork ribs were kind of tough, but had a good Smokey flavor and was a good balance of lean to fat. - 3/5 The pork belly was so crispy, smoky, fatty, salty, tender, and flavorful. The most heavenly pork belly I’ve ever had in my life! - 10/5 The Pork belly was hands down the best thing here. Next time I come here, that’s all I’m getting. Highly recommend this place for BBQ overall.

Amuleya Paul

Google
If you're looking for authentic flavors and generous portions, this is the place to go. I tried the lamb tagine and it was so rich and aromatic, with spices that lingered in the best way. The bread was warm and fluffy, and the tea was served traditionally, which I appreciated. The interior was cozy and culturally detailed — a great touch that adds to the experience.

Amber Ellis

Google
Delicious and worth the drive brisket. Chose the grilled cheese and brisket sandwich, which was amazing. Ribs are great, too! Great atmosphere!

Inger Hedlund

Google
Absolutely delicious! We came on a Friday for an early dinner and it wasn’t busy at all. You order inside then sit outside. Since we were visiting, we ordered a little bit of everything. All the food was delicious and cooked well. I got the wings, I’d maybe suggest sauce on the side as they had a little too much for my opinion. Out of everything the ribs were our favorite and the hot link was our least favorite. The Mac n cheese was a hit for my kids. If you’re getting fries, make sure to get the Cajun fries, the seasoning was perfect. There is no kids menu, so make sure there’s something your kids will eat before you come.

Emily Fowler

Google
Easily the best BBQ in San Diego. We come every week and get burnt ends, brisket, coleslaw, and fries. Ryan has helped us every weekend and always gives us excellent service and good recommendations.

Bonnie Ye

Google
Their pork belly is to die for!!!! Crunchy and juicy...melt in your mouth!!! Sooooo good I ordered brisket, ribs, pork belly, mac n cheese and bean cracks. The brisket was tender and flavorful. Surprisingly, as a non-bean eater, i liked their bean cracks. They smoke the best right outside the restaurant. The inside space is small and no seating but outside seating is available.

Leeza D.

Yelp
Smoking J's was a smoking good time for our group. We came hungry after hiking the potato chip rock. I ordered the full rack of ribs and I normally eat about two bones but today, I had four bones and could have kept going if I didn't refrain myself. The rib was well marinated and well BBQ'd. My friends got the TV dinner with brisket, the burrito, and the pull pork sandwich. All were very delicious. We would totally come back for more good food and good fun with good company. Parking was easy. Seating was only offered outside and it was a bit cold even with the heater on. Service was fast and friendly. Please visit to create your own experience.

Daniel D.

Yelp
How much meat would you like? Me: Yes I love American BBQ, so when my wife recommends a BBQ spot, I go all in! This BBQ joint is located in a really cute part of Poway near the Poway Midland Railroad Train Depot. There's plenty of street parking with more parking in a lot next to it with You walk inside a small house to order and then take a number to your table. There are roughly 12 tables outside for dine in each seating about 4. Food came out in about 15 minutes, and all the workers were nice and friendly. We ordered half a rack of St. Louis pork ribs, half a pound of brisket, a pork belly TV dinner, with sides of fries, Mac and cheese, chili, and a smoked succotash. Everything was a little over $75. The Mac and cheese was creamy and cheesy, the chili was tender with very complex flavors, the succotash was decent, and the fries were super crispy and oily. Sides - 4/5 The 3 BBQ sauces were well balanced and flavorful - 4/5 The brisket was beefy, somewhat tender, with a good amount of fat. - 4/5 The pork ribs were kind of tough, but had a good Smokey flavor and was a good balance of lean to fat. - 3/5 The pork belly was so crispy, smoky, fatty, salty, tender, and flavorful. The most heavenly pork belly I've ever had in my life! - 10/5 The Pork belly was hands down the best thing here. Next time I come here, that's all I'm getting. Highly recommend this place for BBQ overall.

Samantha M.

Yelp
Updated review. We got their Christmas Eve takeout. We had a pick up time of 11 am (first one of the day) and they were BUSY! It did take 20 ish minutes and their was confusion about what name it was under. I think they were still figuring out the kinks/process so the delay would not deter me from ordering again. The meat was delicious. The sides were okay. Probably wouldn't order corn bread again (a little dry). The beans were good, but Mac and cheese lacked flavor. Fan favorite was ribs!

Venus G.

Yelp
This place is all hype. The food definitely looks good, presentation and all. Dry flavorless food, chicken, ribs, brisket broke apart and was crumbling. It was weird. The fries, corn bread and blueberry cobbler was not any better. The only thing that lived up to its name was the bean crack. The only thing that I enjoyed. They got the 2 stars for the beans and the charm in this area.

Sheila C.

Yelp
The BBQ was good. The coleslaw wasn't my favorite, but the mac n cheese was great. They give you tons of meat on your sandwich, I think we made 3 meals out of it, LOL. Service is very efficient and very friendly. Cute outside seating. I would definitely go back and try more food here!

Anthony A.

Yelp
So I had to come back for an update. This time I had the Two Taco Plate. Wow, amazing, knocked out of the park good. I ordered the brisket and pork belly tacos. So first of all, they heat up the corn tortillas to a light crisp. That is the best way to have them in my opinion. The brisket was outstanding. You taste the smoke, mixed with the chimichurri sauce, and pickled onions. This is such a great combination. The smoke meat balances out the pickling of the onions. Now the pork belly fills you mouth with a smoked juicyness that only Smokin J's can do. In all the meat they have. Always ask for the fatty cuts. The fat makes all the difference. See you all next review.

Amanda C.

Yelp
The western charm of this place really adds to the vibe and makes it stand out from other BBQ joints. Gives you a sense of stepping back in time. I love the old town area of Poway and it's so fun to walk around here after you're finished eating. The food here was just fantastic too! The pork belly and brisket were both melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They were cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of smoky flavor. I couldn't get enough of them. The Cajun fries were another highlight. They came in generous portions, perfect for sharing. Dipping them into the extra BBQ sauce was so much fun and added an extra kick to every bite. The BBQ sauce deserves a special mention--tangy, sweet, and absolutely addictive. It paired wonderfully with everything on the plate. The overall experience was enhanced by the lively yet relaxed atmosphere. We enjoyed sitting at the wooden tables. Such a great spot to enjoy some top-notch BBQ.

Char B.

Yelp
Great BBQ restaurant with only outdoor seating on a cute patio adjacent to the parking spaces in the lot. There's also street parking all around. My fave is the burnt ends but we also got Brisket, Mac n cheese, pulled pork, and cornbread. Good selection of meat and friendly, quick service. Inside is standing room only and really just for ordering but with cute bbq decor. We've been twice and I'm sure more to come.

Alicia W.

Yelp
Parking: small lot and street parking. Came friday 6pm and found parking easily and no line. Food came out in less than 10 mins. Smokin J was soooo good! Super tender and juicy brisket with crispy pork belly that was juicy one u bit into it. Id def get this again. Chicken tv dinner was not dry, good flavor. Ambiance: outdoor seating only. You order at the cashier and they bring the food to your table. Casual.

Megan G.

Yelp
Been to this restaurant two times now and it is a pretty solid BBQ spot. The service has been friendly and helpful and it's got plenty of outdoor seating (dog friendly). I've had the Smokin J's sandwich (one of their most popular) which was a heavy one but good if you're into that. I've also had the boneless rib sandwich which was a little disappointing since it was supposed to come with pickled onions and I couldn't find them on my sandwich. For sides, the Cajun fries were good just very salty and the mac n' cheese was disappointing, flavorless and had a chalky texture to it.

Judith N.

Yelp
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....

Maynard O.

Yelp
My wife and I were in the area and discovered this spot through Reddit, so we decided to give it a try. We found plenty of parking and, surprisingly for Labor Day lunch, it wasn't too crowded. The seating area was average, the ambiance was normal bbq joint, and the service was amazing. As a backyard smoker for a few years, I'm pleased to say this place has earned my seal of approval. We opted for the 3 x 3 and added pork belly for just $4 more--highly recommend this addition. We also tried the Cajun fries, which were generously portioned. The two of us were satisfied, though if you're very hungry, you might consider upgrading to 8oz sides or ordering the TV dinners individually. The brisket was wonderfully smoky and moist, with a delightful crunchy bark. We got some slices from the point part of the brisket, which is the better portion of the meat and much fattier. I wanna say they don't wrap it in the smoking process because of that crunchy bark. I'm tempted to skip the wrapping in my smoking process to preserve that perfect, crunchy bark, like Smokin J's does it. The rub on the chicken had me weak--it's not often I enjoy smoked chicken, but this one may have changed my mind. The pulled pork was moist and flavorful, and had that rub flavor in every bite. Pairs well with the bread, coleslaw, pickled onions, pickle and bbq sauce. The standard barbecue sauce was on point, even though the food didn't really need it at all! This place really is one of the best bbq joints in San Diego. I'm for sure coming back next time I'm in the area.

L A.

Yelp
This place is awesome. The food is great, staff is very friendly, and plenty of parking. This has to be the best bbq spot in San Diego county. Recommend the tv dinner brisket or get a platter either a little bit of everything.

Vixnee e.

Yelp
Overall the food was very good, the barbecue sauce that came with the meal was delicious & the swell definitely hit the spot! For the loaded fry's it's Cajun fries, Mac & cheese, & meat of your choice (we chose chicken! You have the choice between dark or white meat for an additional charge of $2.50) Service was quick and easy. The seating is outside, they do have fans/umbrellas for hot days and the tables were very clean. ** They do offer military discount **

John G.

Yelp
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!

Ajae R.

Yelp
Amazing spot located in Old Poway. Plenty of shaded seats/tables right outside. Everything tastes great, but my personal fave is their burnt ends. Try their TV dinners, you won't be disappointed.

Bonnie Y.

Yelp
Their pork belly is to die for!!!! Crunchy and juicy...melt in your mouth!!! Sooooo good I ordered brisket, ribs, pork belly, mac n cheese and bean cracks. The brisket was tender and flavorful. Surprisingly, as a non-bean eater, i liked their bean cracks. They smoke the best right outside the restaurant. The inside space is small and no seating but outside seating is available.

Marcus F.

Yelp
Very good BBQ that's worth the drive to Poway. The Smokin J's Sandwich - Brisket, pork belly, and slaw piled high on a toasted brioche bun. It was an enjoyable flavor bomb that had some of the best pork belly I've ever had. This is a MESSY experience for sure, so be sure to grab a fork. The sides are equally tasty. I've been to Terry Blacks Barbecue in Austin Texas and I thought Smokin J's was better. I'll upgrade to 5 stars if my next visit was just as good as my first one. - I've seen their gift cards at the Costco off Carmel Mountain Road. But I haven't seen them at other Costco locations. - This small place is very popular even during off hours. There's a large park across the street with plenty of places to sit and eat.

Diana R.

Yelp
The brisket (fatty) was delicious and didn't need any sauce. The fries were/ brisket was also delicious. I'm glad they have been consistent with their food quality. We were able to order the food from their website, pick it up and walk 3 mins back to Mission Cellars to enjoy with our wine. So good!

Jenelle s.

Yelp
Came in with a big appetite after a hike. Walked in to order and then chose a table outside to eat. We brought our dog because they are dog friendly. After a short time, they bring out your food with a giant container of BBQ sauce. The food was DELICIOUS. Best BBQ in San Diego. The Breakfast J-tito: Smoked brisket, over easy egg, cheese, tater tots in a toasted tortilla. So much flavor in one bite, and adding the BBQ sauce is dangerous. The Bean Crack: delicious beans and meat! Nothing else to say! The tables outside are cool and covered by shade. There is plenty of seating. Will come back again!

Chancie H.

Yelp
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.

Yvette S.

Yelp
We visited on a SJ BBQ on a Sunday afternoon, lucky for us it was quite empty, winning! Patio area was clean and had plenty of outdoor seating, no indoor, which is visible from their site-Yelp! We were greeted upon entering and ordered quickly. Merchandise was located inside for purchase, which we looked at while waiting. Nice relaxing vibe with good BBQ. Their BBQ sauce is Smokey and peppery I.m.o, I favored it next to ketchupy/ sweet bbq sauce. Ordered: 3x3, 2 grilled cheese with fries and a brisket melt. I lived the spicy brisket melt, it was gooey, sweet and spicy. The crisp pickles were so good! A great texture combo, the jalapeño kick was unexpected but so delicious. Overall I enjoyed it as did my family, nice spot to take family or just have a beer with a friend.

Megan C.

Yelp
If you're looking for some authentic Texas style BBQ in San Diego then this is definitely the place to go! Their brisket is so juicy and melts in your mouth. We usually go for the sandwiches when we come because the only meat options are a little too much meat for us. But their sandwiches are really tasty. Today's special was the spicy brisket melt and it was sooo good- had melted cheese, pickles, and the brisket was so tender. I also always recommend their chimi fries! Their fries are cooked perfectly and it's topped with chimichurri and more brisket. Although it's a little pricey, you can tell they put a lot of effort into cooking their meats. The place is in the middle of Old Poway and they have cute seating outdoors. Their service is really quick as well!

David N.

Yelp
The Smokin J sandwich with delicious smoked brisket and crispy pork belly is among the best BBQ sandwiches I've had anywhere, and I've spent a lot of time roaming around the great places in Texas. The fries are fantastic, kind of buttery, and their housemade ketchup is perfect. Only one BBQ sauce, but it's great.

Joshua T.

Yelp
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.

Jacquie R.

Yelp
Some of the best BBQ I've had in north county. I'm not big on super sweet BBQ that's laden with sauce so Smokin J's is right on the line for me. I loved their burnt ends! The slaw and succotash was good as well. I'm a cornbread fiend and found this to be somewhat mediocre. The cajun fries were a bit too salty. The iced tea was PERFECT. Outside seating was incredibly enjoyable on a summer night.

Sergio G.

Yelp
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!

Raymond N.

Yelp
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.

Anthony D.

Yelp
I was expecting a bigger location since I think about BBQ joints in other parts of the U.S. are typically quite large with a lot of seating, Smokin J's is fairly small with some outdoor seating. You order inside a small area and they bring the food to you. Service was quick and friendly. The 3x3 Combo Platter is a great way to try a variety of their meats. Overall I was a bit disappointed in the meats. The best one was definitely the chicken. Tender and flavorful. The pulled pork was pretty dry and just okay. You really needed to add bbq sauce to this. The brisket was not tender/juicy/moist at all. The cut itself didn't have that layer of fat marble which would've added that moisture and tenderness. We ordered a cut of the pork belly too and this was actually the next best cut of meat next to the chicken. The sides were a mixed bag. The bean crack was decent and I enjoyed the chunks of pork in it. The coleslaw was nothing to write home about. The Mac and Cheese looked the best, but was not seasoned at all and lacked any real flavor and was our least favorite. The best side was the one we added which was the candided yams. Really delicious and cooked great

Romina T.

Yelp
We met some friend here on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to fulfill our BBQ cravings. It is located in Poway and there was plenty of parking . The servers were so friendly and were helpful while we're were ordering. The food here is delicious! Kids loved it so that is also a win! Meat was cooked perfectly, and all sides were delicious. We will definitely be coming back again!

Vida K.

Yelp
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.

Andrea R.

Yelp
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.

Cheryle L.

Yelp
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.

Larry C.

Yelp
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!

Ethan C.

Yelp
All around, great place. There is food for everyone, friendly staff, and an amazing scent of wood fire. I'd highly recommend a TV Dinner to anyone who hasn't been here before. Food 4.7/5, Service 5/5? Ambiance 5/5.

Giena L.

Yelp
Yummmy, tender brisket. Flavorful sides. Sadly they were out of the mac and cheese by the time we got there. Nice outdoor seating. Friendly staff. Looking forward to my leftovers.

Joseph A.

Yelp
We hired Smokin' J's to cater my retirement party to feed 110 people. Tommy, the catering manager was great with communication when placing our order and was able to have a good estimate on how much food we would need to feed a certain amount of people. They arrived timely to set everything up, provided chafing dishes, burners, plates, napkins, utensils, basically everything we needed. Food was excellent and stayed warm for the entire party. It went without a hitch!! Thanks for making this a worry free experience!! The food got many compliments from my guests so bravo!

Tim O.

Yelp
Burnt ends, brisket and pulled pork are fire . They also have some great sides (bean crack, mac and cheese, and fries are all great). They also have happy hour with a few beers on tap. U order at the front and there's a casual outdoor seating area. Good portion sizes too, not too big but still filling.

Sharon L.

Yelp
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.

Gary H.

Yelp
This is my first time ordering from Smokin Js. I was looking for ribs and couldn't find a place locally in Encinitas so I placed an order. To sum it up, I'll be placing another order soon enough as the food was fantastic! Their baked beans and pork belly were amazing. Their ribs came with sauce but frankly, they didn't need sauce; they were delicious as is. I did try the sauce and that was pretty lip smacking good too. This is def a gem.

Jeff F.

Yelp
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.

Jerry H.

Yelp
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!!!

Donovan G.

Yelp
New favorite BBQ spot. Small and personal with very friendly staff. Nothing could have been better. The meat, veggies, and fries 10/10. The ambiance, location, vibe, music, service all excellent. I will be coming back and I will be bringing friends. If you're debating going here, do it. Like I said. My new favorite spot.

Erik S.

Yelp
Great food and service! Definitely will be coming back as the food was very tasteful, the staff was nice and had a great attitude

Corey S.

Yelp
Bbq was great. I went here about 3 times in my time in san diego. I was pleasantly surprised as someone who lives in texas and bbqs himself

Karen W.

Yelp
Food and service was great. They also smoke everything in the back. You order inside and take a little table number with you so they know where to bring the food. We enjoyed everything -- even the beans/coleslaw which I usually am indifferent to. 3x3 was nice way to try a variety of the meats. If you're not really hungry and just want a snack you can definitely share with other person. You may order more after you try it though because it's GOOD. There was a special on the menu, the spicy brisket melt and it was so packed. It was on the saltier side though and I couldn't finish it. Will definitely be back!

John R.

Yelp
Smokin J's isn't smoking anything except brisket and all that! The best around. Nice to have here in town.

A J V.

Yelp
It was freezing the night we went, it's only outdoor seating to my knowledge, but they fired up the outdoor heaters. The staff were personable and nice. The BBQ was good, especially for the Poway area.

Robin D.

Yelp
Just had a wonderful lunch at Smokin J's in Poway. I had the luscious brisket sandwich, my husband had the burger and my son in law had the tacos. Everyone loved their food.