Tucked away at 552 Lincoln Dr in East Bethel, Minnesota, Smokey’s Pub N’ Grill is the kind of place you might drive past without a second glance. But once you catch a whiff of those slow-smoked meats drifting through the air, you will want to hit the brakes fast.
With over 3,000 Google reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this cozy BBQ tavern punches way above its weight class. From Memphis-style ribs to a lineup of homemade sauces, here is everything that makes Smokey’s a must-visit spot in the North Star State.
The Memphis-Style BBQ Philosophy Behind Every Bite
Before the building, there was a passion. Smokey’s Pub N’ Grill was built on the bold, no-nonsense traditions of Memphis-style BBQ, where the meat does the talking and smoke is king.
Memphis BBQ is all about dry rubs, slow cooking, and letting natural flavors shine before any sauce even enters the picture.
Co-owner JT has been known to walk around the restaurant chatting with guests, sharing the story of how a love for smoked meats grew into a full-fledged family-run restaurant. That personal connection shows up in every plate.
Reviewers consistently describe walking through the front door and being hit with an aroma so thick and inviting it practically drags you to your seat.
That scent is not an accident. It is the result of a serious commitment to doing BBQ the right way, every single day.
Smoked Beef Brisket: A Fan Favorite Worth Talking About
Few menu items spark as much conversation at Smokey’s as the smoked beef brisket. When it is on point, reviewers describe it as falling apart at the touch and bursting with deep, smoky flavor.
One guest raved about ordering the Brisket Philly and calling it “out of this world” after drizzling on the house specialty sauces.
Another first-timer ordered the Brisket Platter and described it as tender and flavorful, saying they would absolutely return. The brisket has clearly earned its place as a centerpiece of the menu.
Some visits have produced mixed results, which is not unusual for a cut that demands precise timing and temperature control.
On a great day at Smokey’s, the brisket is exactly what BBQ dreams are made of. Show up hungry, order it with a side of their signature smoky sauce, and prepare to be impressed.
Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs That Keep People Coming Back
“The best barbecue ribs I have ever tasted in my entire life” – that is a real quote from a recent Smokey’s customer, and it is hard to top that kind of praise. The ribs here have developed a loyal fan base among guests who drive from neighboring cities just to get a rack.
One reviewer stopped in before an ice fishing trip and walked away raving about the ribs, promising to return. Another couple sat on the outdoor patio with margaritas and declared the ribs a reason to come back again and again.
Moist, tender, and seasoned with a dry rub that builds real flavor, the ribs represent Memphis BBQ at its most satisfying.
Pair them with a cold craft beer from the 100-plus beer selection and you have got yourself a meal that feels like a mini vacation right in East Bethel.
Pulled Pork and Pulled Chicken Worth Every Mile of the Drive
Not every smoked meat gets the spotlight it deserves, but the pulled pork and pulled chicken at Smokey’s have quietly built their own devoted following. Multiple reviewers single out these two proteins as the standout options, even when other items fell short on a particular visit.
The pulled pork is described as having real smoke flavor and a satisfying texture that holds up well even when the kitchen is slammed. One guest called the pulled pork on the Hog Melt sandwich “perfect,” while another said the pulled pork from their platter was genuinely superb.
The pulled chicken brings a lighter, juicier option for those who want something a little different from the usual BBQ lineup.
Both proteins soak up the house sauces beautifully, which takes the flavor to a completely different level. If you are on the fence about what to order, these two are a safe and delicious bet.
Smoked Andouille Sausage That Adds a Southern Kick
Andouille sausage is a staple of Southern cooking, and Smokey’s brings it to Minnesota with confidence. Featured on the Ultimate Platter alongside brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and pulled chicken, the smoked andouille adds a bold, spicy punch that balances out the richness of the other meats.
One reviewer described biting into the smoked andouille as part of the Signature Wrap and feeling like their taste buds had “exploded.” That kind of reaction tells you everything you need to know. The sausage carries a deep smokiness that complements the other proteins without overpowering them, making it a smart addition to any shared platter.
For guests who enjoy a little heat in their BBQ experience, the andouille is a must-order. It is the kind of item that surprises first-timers and becomes a non-negotiable for anyone who returns to Smokey’s a second time.
Six Homemade BBQ Sauces That Change Everything
Here is a fun detail that sets Smokey’s apart from most BBQ spots: every table comes stocked with six different house-made BBQ sauces. Smokey, sweet, golden white, spicy, and pig pickin’ are just some of the flavors waiting for you to explore.
Guests routinely describe spending half their meal dipping and mixing sauces to find their perfect combination.
One reviewer admitted to dipping “everything I had in all of them,” while another mixed two sauces together to create their ideal flavor profile. The smoky BBQ sauce has earned a particularly devoted following, with one guest going out of their way to say it was their absolute favorite.
Having six distinct options means you are not locked into one flavor experience throughout the meal.
Whether you like sweet, tangy, or fiery heat, there is a sauce at Smokey’s that will make your plate sing. Sampling them all is practically a requirement.
The Ultimate Platter: A Meat Lover’s Dream Come True
If you ever want to experience everything Smokey’s has to offer in one sitting, the Ultimate Platter is your answer. Packed with brisket, pulled chicken, pulled pork, ribs, andouille sausage, corn muffins, and cowboy baked beans, this platter is an all-in-one celebration of Memphis BBQ tradition.
Guests who ordered it noted they had “LOTS left over but worth the price for sure,” which tells you the portions are seriously generous. Sharing this platter with a friend or two makes for a lively, interactive meal where everyone gets to try a little of everything and debate their favorite bites.
The variety also gives you a chance to see which proteins are hitting hardest on any given visit.
For first-timers who cannot decide what to order, the Ultimate Platter is the most efficient way to get a full picture of what Smokey’s kitchen can do. Order it and come hungry.
Redneck Beans and Cowboy Baked Beans Worth Raving About
Ask Smokey’s regulars what side dish they cannot leave without, and baked beans will come up more than almost anything else. The Redneck Beans have been called “the best” by multiple guests, and the Cowboy Baked Beans on the Ultimate Platter consistently earn their own shout-outs in reviews.
One longtime customer who described himself as a 20-plus-year BBQ enthusiast with four smokers at home said the beans were the best thing on his plate during his visit. That is high praise from someone who knows their way around a smoker.
Rich, hearty, and packed with porky depth, these beans are far from an afterthought. They are a legitimate reason to visit all on their own.
Side dishes can make or break a BBQ meal, and Smokey’s clearly takes them seriously. Whether you call them Redneck Beans or Cowboy Beans, just make sure you order them.
Over 100 Craft Beers to Pair With Your Smoked Meats
Good BBQ deserves a great drink, and Smokey’s delivers on that front with a craft beer selection that clocks in at over 100 options. Whether you are a fan of hoppy IPAs, smooth lagers, or rich stouts, there is something in that lineup to match whatever is on your plate.
One reviewer specifically praised the beer selection as one of the best they had seen at any local restaurant, giving it a 10-out-of-10 mention alongside the food. The Northern Soda Company Root Beer on tap also gets its own fan club among guests who prefer a non-alcoholic option.
The owner even responded to a review about it, calling it “THE BEST” in all caps, which feels very on-brand for a place this enthusiastic about quality.
A cold craft beer alongside a rack of ribs and a smear of smoky sauce might just be the perfect Minnesota evening. Smokey’s makes that easy.
The Outdoor Patio Experience That Elevates Every Visit
Smokey’s is not just about what is on your plate. The setting plays a big role in why people keep returning.
The outdoor patio gives guests a chance to enjoy their smoked meats and cold drinks in the open air, which feels especially perfect during Minnesota’s warmer months.
One reviewer described sitting on the patio with her sister, eating ribs and sipping margaritas, and declaring it an experience they would absolutely repeat. The patio adds a relaxed, social energy to the meal that turns a simple dinner into a genuine outing.
Pair that with the rustic wood interior visible through the windows and the ever-present scent of smoked meat in the air, and the atmosphere becomes part of the appeal.
One guest even compared the vibe to something straight off Beale Street in Memphis, which is about as high a compliment as a Minnesota BBQ joint can receive.
A Family-Run Business With Heart and Hospitality
Something about a family-run restaurant just hits differently. Smokey’s is owned and operated by a tight-knit group of four family members, and that personal investment shows up in the way the place is run.
Co-owner JT is frequently mentioned in reviews for greeting guests personally, sharing the backstory of the restaurant, and making first-timers feel like regulars.
The story of how a passion for smoked meats grew into a full-service restaurant resonates with guests who appreciate knowing where their food comes from. One reviewer described chatting with JT as a highlight of their visit, calling the conversation warm and genuine.
That kind of hospitality is not something you can fake, and Smokey’s clearly has it in abundance.
When the people behind a restaurant care this much, it tends to show up in the food too. Smokey’s feels like a place that was built with pride and runs with purpose every single day it opens its doors.
Standout Menu Items Beyond the Basics
Smokey’s menu goes well beyond a standard BBQ lineup, and the creative items are worth your attention. The Hog Melt, a sandwich loaded with pulled pork and melted cheese, earned a rave review from a guest who called it “perfect.” The Brisket Philly has been described as “out of this world” by someone who sampled it on a first visit and immediately became a fan.
The Signature Wrap packs the entire Smokey’s platter experience into one handheld item, featuring brisket, pulled pork, sausage, rib meat, and cheddar cheese all rolled together. One guest compared eating it to a food adventure worthy of a Guy Fieri show.
The Firehouse Burger gets bonus points for actually delivering on its spicy promise, which is rarer than you might think.
Exploring beyond the platters reveals a kitchen that enjoys being creative. There is genuinely something for every appetite hiding in that menu.
Why Smokey’s Is Worth the Trip From Anywhere in the Twin Cities Area
East Bethel is not exactly downtown Minneapolis, but that has not stopped BBQ fans from making the trek. Reviewers have driven from Duluth, Lino Lakes, and beyond to sit down at Smokey’s for a meal.
One group of friends stopped in on their way back from a road trip and walked away calling it a highlight of the journey.
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday, with hours running from 11 AM to 10 PM on most days and until 9 PM on Sundays. Monday is the only day they close, so there are plenty of windows to plan your visit.
With a 4.6-star rating across more than 3,000 reviews, the consensus is clear: Smokey’s earns the drive.
Whether you are a local who has somehow not made it yet or a visitor passing through Minnesota, 552 Lincoln Dr in East Bethel deserves a spot on your BBQ bucket list. Go hungry and leave happy.
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