Mojo Smokehouse & Ales

It had been a while since we weren't big fans.  Had the pinpoint buy 1 get 1 so we ventured back.  Now I remember why we don't frequent the place.  The buns are so dry and fall apart that you have to have a gallon of BBQ sauce just to get it down.  Fries were mushy/soggy.  Meat had no smokey flavor!  The place has an identity crisis do they want to be a nice BBQ place or a craft beer place or a local hangout?!  The layout and seating changes every time we visit.  If you are looking for good quality BBQ look elsewhere.

I come here quite often, espcially in the summer...as it's only a 7 mile bike ride from my place and directly off of the keystone trail.

I usually don't have a problem with this place other than the wait staff, sometimes it feels as though you're bothering them and other times not....it really depends on the server, sad but true (i'm refering to a blonde haired girl-- she seemed mad that we wanted to sit out on the patio at 4pm on a 78 degree day).

Anywho-- the beer selection is usually great, and mostly if not all on tap beers are local (bonus!).  Their patio area is very comforatble and very nice to sit on and listen to concerts going on in the park accross the street.  The food's not bad, but not awesome either-- honestly I come here for the good beer selection and patio experience.  It's the only one in the little shopping center that you can sit out on the patio, get a beer on tap and food. (LIV lounge has good drinks too but doesn't serve food to my knowledge, also mai thai is good food but no patio). Jones bros has this too but to my knowledge doesn't have beer on tap :( too bad because their salads/sandwiches are yummy!

So this place is the obvious choice. Patio, view/ear shot of concerts, and yummy beer. Nevermind that the food is just ok-- the rest of the experience is enjoyable (as long as the young blonde isn't your waitress, or at least not in a p.o'd mood becuase you wanted to sit outside).

Friday night 9 p.m. the craving for a giant plate o' meat takes over. Like a beacon in the night, the red glowling Mojo's sign beckons the three of us with promises of slow smoked meats and hot, crunchy fries. Despite my best attempts to avoid this place (similar to Sarah G and Matt M), I give into the weak-willed carnivore in me.

Our experience kicks off with an extensive discussion surrounding cocktail choice - not because Mojo's is the haven for craft cocktails, but because our waiter made the mistake of stating they had "every vodka" and an "awesome selection of beers" which turned into not carrying the desired vodka or the particular style/type of beer desired. Alas, we managed to settle on some substitute beverages to improve our focus on the task at hand - MEAT!

First up, impulse buy of Crispy Dill Pickles with Red Pepper Curry Aioli ($7). While the pickles were crispy and straight outta the fryer with a hint of heat (spice and temperature, mind you), it's not my favorite fried pickle ever. Note to fried pickle consumers: Cut in half PRIOR to shoving in mouth to avoid liquid molten pickle juice burns.

The main event consisted of the Mojo French Dip with fries ($9) and the 2 Meat platter with 1/2 slab of baby backs, beef brisket, side o' fries and cornbread ($17). While everything was decent, we all agreed that we should've just gone with the ribs. Everything else was a-okay, but the ribs were the best option of the evening.

All in all a better than expected experience with attentive service and on par prices. We left Mojo's content with full bellies and the scent of BBQ lingering about our winter coats.