Located in the newly popular German Village area and smells delicious. I ordered the rib basket and the sauce was fantastic. I also ordered the soul greens and was very pleasantly surprised at the balance and flavors (I normally don't like greens much). My only criticism was the ribs were overdone and dry on some pieces which made it chewy. There was even entertainment who took requests...nice place with friendly people and great prices.
Review Source:The night was cold and the belly empty as I prowled the streets of Germantown. I happened upon Smoketown USA, a different American choice from her brethren so here's the gist:
The Food:
LOVIN THAT MOJO! (pronounced moho). I decided on a Cuban sandwich with a side of potato salad and baked beans. The sandwich pleased my German sensibilities with its sour flavor (a pickle, mustard and a mojo sauce decorated pulled pork and ham). The potato salad you could actually tell had real potatoes. I'll never go back to that other stuff after tasting this one and the baked beans were spicy and sweet, in a word the food was nostalgic. I haven't had sides like that since I had dinner at my grandmothers.
The Atmosphere:
Like being back home in the country. The interior was beautiful with its exposed brick and it had a family atmosphere. It had yard sale style art decorating the place, all of which is for sale. The tables were quirky and vintage and the food was served on colorful platters. There's a musician named Billy who played (and does most nights) Â there and he's really good! He did a real homage to Denver
Anything Else?:
DO I EVER! The owner sat down with us and the other tables there. He pulled up a chair! He asked us who we were told us about himself and his wife and the place. It was the most amazing thing ever, no one gives that connection anymore. I like to see the face behind the place. It really touched my heart and I'll never forget that, what was so great was that it seemed genuine and not forced at all. It really just made me want to sit a while and enjoy myself and that's really what restaurants should strive for.
Overall:
SOLD! loved it.
My husband and I recently made our first visit to Smoketown, and I cannot believe we hadn't heard more about how wonderful a place it is. Everything about is just--I can't think of a better word than happy!
I agree that the barbecue is amazing, even for my husband, who is an avid ribs snob. It was fish Friday when we were there, so that's what I ordered, and it too was just about perfect. The sides were all well-made and complementary to the main dishes, and of course they made sure we didn't leave without amazing homemade cake.
It's obvious that there are many regulars who are like members of the family for the restaurant staff, but there were plenty of patrons like us who were just making the discovery. The owner made the rounds of all of us, and the rest of the wait staff were attentive and friendly as well. The nice singer-songwriter grey-haired hippie fellow singing in the front window was absolutely charming and obviously had plenty of fans of his own.
Love the atmosphere, love the food. It's just a happy place.
To say this place is delicious is a complete understatement. I love love love me some BBQ, and I'm really picky about it.
When my husband and I made our way through the 'hood to the Smokehouse, we were a bit leary of getting out of the car... THANK GOD we did!!
In one word? SCRUMDIDDLYEFFINICIOUS!!!!!! And THAT doesn't come close to describing it. We ordered half the menu so we could sample everything. There was NOTHING we didn't love. We even took a bottle of sauce for the road (which we are halfway through and absolutely ordering more!!)
This is the best damn BBQ in Kentucky, and you are a FOOL to miss it!
(My husband says try the SOUL GREENS. I'm addicted to the SWEET CORNBREAD!)
Smokehouse was an unexpected pleasure. Â Driving up the neighborhood and front was a bit questionable, but once I walked through the door, it was like walking into you favorite neighborhood haunt. Â The staff was very friendly and the owner came out to check on the customers, treating us like we were old friends of the family.
The BBQ was great. Â I went with the combination plate and everything was tasty and tender. Â The chicken was remarkable. Â Black with smoke but still juicy and very flavorful. Â
Don't let the outside fool you, it's what's inside that counts.
Though a little off the beaten path, turn on your GPS and let it lead you to this hidden gem. You'll be treated like a member of the family by the hands-on owner who wants to make sure that you're completely satisfied by your entire experience.
Vegetarians, don't be scared away by the meat. There are plenty of meat-free options on the menu. The house-made black bean burger looked delicious. I'll be trying it on a subsequent trip. On my most-recent visit, I went for the veggie plate. The only side with animal flesh is the baked beans. I chose mac and cheese, slaw and mixed greens. The mac and cheese was my least favorite, but still good and spicy. I like the vinegar-based slaw and wanted to lick the bowl of the mixed greens. The veggie plate comes with your choice of sweet or jalapeno cornbread. I went with the latter. It was decent, but a little too cake like for my taste.
I'm a dessert lover, so I needed to chase my savory with a bite of something sweet. The only option the day we were there was chocolate cake, so I ordered that a la mode. Whoa! The piece was huge, but I ate every last bite. I felt like I was at a birthday party. I left on a sugar high and immediately started making my plans for my next visit there.
A friend told me about this place, and advised I try it sometime. Â I found myself in the neighborhood, so we stopped by. Â
It's a very out of the way, little place, which does appear to be a thrift store with some booths in it. Â That is not far from the truth, as everything in there (except the stuff they need for the restaurant, I assume) is for sale. Â This we were told by the server, who was very friendly.
My companion got the pulled pork, with green beans and Spanish rice on the side, which was recommended by our server. Â While waiting for our meals, however, we were offered any samples we might like, and after trying the mixed greens, she changed the Spanish rice order to that. Â She enjoyed all of hers very much.
I had the Cuban sandwich, with green beans and jalapeno cornbread. Â The sandwich was incredible. Â Ham, pork, Swiss, mustard, and pickle. Â The green beans were great. Â The cornbread was good, but I think when I go back, I'll opt for the non-jalapeno variety. Â It'll go better with the food.
We just had soft drinks, but I see they did have at least beer. Â I also had a brownie for dessert, which was pretty standard, and we did get to try the coleslaw, which I'm guessing is on the menu as cabbage salad. Â It was really good, despite the fact that I prefer creamy coleslaw.
We were there on a Saturday night, 8:30ish, and there was just one party of about 6 or so in there when we arrived, and we left the place empty, which is too bad, because the food was really good and the service very friendly. Â I'll definitely be going back to try some other things.
Great food, owner came out and asked us how our lunch was which is always nice to have someone that cares so much he wants a first hand report! I love the sweet tea. Super fun place to eat. I ordered the Three Amigos: Pork, chicken, and beef sandwiches. You need to be a TRUCK to finish this platter. Seriously, you need a place to put all that food. I couldn't finish it and had to get a to-go container. I got the green beans and the soul greens. I loved the green beans. Soul greens were good but I wasn't prepared for the tomato in it. I haven't had greens that way before so it was strange to me. My girlfirends got the rib plate  and pulled pork sandwiches each. I got to sample the mac & cheese and their corn bread - both were good. I would definitely go back.
Review Source:I and a friend made a stop at smoketown on our drive thru louisville. It was a weekend night just before x'mas, and the place was quiet, which according to the waitress there is unlike what it usually is. But, I really didn't care for crowd or noise when the food is as yummy as it was here. Since we were having difficulty deciding what to order (actually it was what not to order since almost everything in the menu sounded good), ended up ordering their bbq sampler plate to split between two. Plenty of yummy goodness! All the bbqs were really good, but the pork ribs stood out , tender falling off the bone, and the right amount of messy, just like it should be. The sampler also came with 3 amigo sandwiches, which were way too much for us to finish. Their sides, particularly their jalapeno corn breads were really good! The staff here were particularly nice and friendly-- really loved this place and will go again if I am in that area.
Review Source:Came here with a group of 7 and boy was it great! Â The decor was eclectic but in a great way. Â We got to enjoy live entertainment from a solo guitarist. Â He was actually not bad and was open to requests.
The restaurant is similar to the traditional Germantown restaurants. Â It served rather traditional meals of ribs and cornbread. Â
Now the important thing.  The food.  We ordered the Flintstone (Beef) ribs with the side of jalapeño cornbread, mac & cheese, greens & potato salad.  I highly recommend trying the jalapeño if you can handle a slight kick.  Though it was still retaining the taste of a cornbread.  [It is of note that the cornbread is not the super traditional cornmeal bread, but one we see now with sugar in the ingredients]
The main couse of the ribs was delicious. Â They almost fell off the bones. Â However, it was quite big, so I did split it with my boyfriend. Â
The mac & cheese was good, I was not 100% what type of cheese was used.
The greens and potato salad (which was creamy) was good.
Their sweat tea is not bad. Â I would not recommend for a romantic date (based on my experience) but if you have been dating awhile, it is nice. Â People there seem to know one another, which I like.
I knew being right around the corner from this place, we had to stop in. The owner is one of a kind, goes out of his way to make sure you feel welcome. He is the kind of guy you want to do well, which may be why the reviews are so good on here. I did love the sauce, even bought some on the way out. A very unique place in that everything in there is for sale, literally for sale. If you like the chair you are sitting in, take it home with you. Now on to the food.We tried chicken breast, ribs, mac n cheese, greens, pinto beans,potato salad. Ribs were very good, fell of the bone with good smokey flavor. Chicken was ok, not exactly hot, the skin was nice n smokey but not crisp just cold and really not worth eating. The breast was huge, which may be why it was only warm at best. The sides were all just average at best, none very hot, none flavored particularly well either. Yeah we left full and satisfied, but based on the reviews I was thinking this would be the only BBQ i think of when I want BBQ. After this visit, I would stick to Famous Dave's. I really wanted to like this place since BBQ is maybe my favorite food. I think they made an error in location, this place would do much better on Bardstown road. I think our experience was not the greatest due to it being a slow night, and the food just didn't come out like it should. You HAVE to produce the same food every time. Now I am left with a bad impression, but will definitely try again to see if I just got unlucky
Review Source:So after seeing SO MANY reviews on Yelp and having an opportunity to take an Out Of Towner friend to enjoy some KY BBQ I decided to check out Smoketown USA. I was DEFINITELY Impressed! The Catfish and Fries on Fridays was just lovely and my friend just raved about her mini sandwich platter with greens and macaroni and cheese. It came with one pulled pork one chicken and one beef brisket slider. I will definitely be back next time I am in that part of town. Staff is very friendly as well which is always a plus!
Review Source:This little place is truly charming. Â Our first sign that my husband and I would like Smoketown was the beer list - no draft, but an adventurous list of bottled beers - micros I had never heard of too. Â It is a BBQ joint, so we had the pulled pork and pulled chicken and they were both very good, but the sides really made it. Â My husband loved the mac and cheese; the greens did it for me. Â Not your usual greens, zipped up with tomatoes, black eyed peas and something slightly spicy - these will keep me coming back. Â And the jalapeno corn bread - mmmm mmm. Â Â Billy provided entertainment - he does sound just like Cat Stevens as mentioned previously and he happily greets everyone as they enter and bids them goodbye on the way out. Â The staff are genuinely friendly - not fake sweetie - honey stuff, but helpful and will even chat with you if you are receptive. Â The building is ' sorry ' have to do it - 'adorable'. Â I enjoyed the artsy / kitschy decor. Â I am already have a list of folks I want to invite and share this fun, good-eats find. Â Think I will try the ribs next time. Â They have a few non BBQ items too. Not sure if it is every Friday, but this Friday was free dessert Friday - ye-haw!
Review Source:Rushed into Smoketown USA for a quick lunch with my girlfriend and her nephews. After I saw a table of about 15 men out on the town for lunch. I was in a hurry to eat and get to work so I expressed my concern to the waitress and told her I had to be at work within the hour. She assured me it wouldn't be a problem and it wasn't and we received friendly/entertaining service, great food and a speedy delicious meal.
Everything in the restaurant is for sale! Art on the walls, salt and pepper shakers, tables, seats, bowls, plates, etc. Which I found extremely entertaining.
I recommend the booban. It's a chicken ruban that was just fantastic with smoketown usa's sweet BBQ sauce. I almost bought a bottle for the house since it was so tasty. I'd mostly likely have the booban again next visit or go for the ribs. Â
Great spot, kids under 7 eat free, friendly service, excellent food with an unique hodgepodge atmosphere.
OK, you asked nicely. So, here goes. It's good. It's everything I expected. The service is ultra friendly, the restaurant decorated in yard sale kitsch, and the food is tasty but... not spectacular. It's not the best BBQ in Louisville, and I haven't even had that much local BBQ. I just know that among the ones I've had, Smoketown ranks maybe 3rd.
Smoketown has a lot going for it though. On this particular weekend, it was the 5th Annual Chili Cook-Off and local yard sale. And a band. And a bouncy. Can't forget the bouncy. And to top it off, for the dinner crowd, namely "this guy", a musician who sounded remarkably like Cat Stevens, if Cat Stevens had never become Yusuf Islam. I was even able to get my youngest to request "Father and Son" before we headed off for another adventure.
So, why, if I had what sounds to be an enjoyable time does Smoketown get merely three? Because BBQ is almost always about the food. End of story.
- 30 -
My in-laws were in town for a conference, and since Louisville is such a short drive from Nashville, my husband and I entertained them for the weekend. Around lunchtime I was hungry, and when I'm really hungry I want nothing more than yummy, messy, barbecue goodness. This place topped the list for the area so we headed over.
I couldn't decide whether to give this place 4 or 5 stars, but since the owner was so nice and gave us such great service, I bumped it up to a 5. Everyone at my table had something different and all were very impressed. I ordered the pulled chicken, as I always and while its not the best I've ever had, its pretty darn close. The sides (jalapeno cornbread, mac and cheese, and greens) were all fabulous. The food was so good, I asked for seconds. Next time I'm in Louisville, I have to come back! Smoketown, you've gained another fan.
Found this restaurant on Yelp. Â It was very good. Â It is located in a shady part of Louisville. Â Definitely a 4 or 4.5 star but not a 5. Â
Pork Ribs a 5. Â They were very meaty. Â Sauce is fantastic; we bought a bottle too. Â The beef ribs get 3.5 stars; tough to bite. Â The pulled chicken was disappointing; 3 stars. Â The pulled pork gets 4 to 4.5 stars. Â The brisket gets 3.5 to 4 stars. Â I definitely have had better brisket around the country.
The sides could be better. Corn bread 3 stars. Â Baked Beans 3 stars (needed more taste). Â Green Beans 3 stars. Â Mac n cheese 3 stars at best. Â Potatoe Salad 3.5 stars. Â Needed Okra and a potato (fries, sweet potato fries, sweet potato, etc.). Â
They gave us free deserts. Brownie and German Chocolate cake was very good. Â Excellent Sweet and Regular Tea.
Service was very good. The owner is very friendly and walks around. Â We stayed after 10PM closing. Â They live above the restaurant. Lots of family friends came in after 10PM. Â
Very reasonable pricing for dinner and bottles of beer. Â Large portions of main dishes.
Hands down, a great barbecue joint!
My wife and I were headed to Chicago from Nashville last month and wanted to break up the trip with lunch in Louisville. Â Given that nothing beats barbecue on the road, Smoketown USA, with its fairly easy access to and from the interstate, looked about perfect.
The vibe of Smoketown USA was great: relaxed, friendly, and eclectic. Â Eric and his wife made us feel like welcome guests; they care about their food and their patrons, and it shows. Â
As for the food, everything was top notch. Â We ordered the Three Amigos and a pulled pork sandwich with sides of mac and cheese, slaw, greens, and potato salad. Â All of the meat was perfectly smoked - tender and tasty. Â As good as the sandwiches were, particularly after adding a topping of slaw on each, my wife and I may have been more impressed by the sides. Â The cabbage slaw was excellent, vinegary and tangy. Â The mac and cheese was solid, a creamy, cheesy homestyle, and the potato salad quite good, not heavy and incorporated green olives for a nice taste. Â In our opinion, the greens were the belle of the ball. Â They were cooked and seasoned just right, but added black-eyed peas and tomatoes for a perfect twist on the traditional style.
All in all, Smoketown USA was better barbecue than we could have hoped for on our trip to Chicago. Â In fact, we enjoyed it so much, we made a point of stopping again on our way home to Nashville (and Eric's wife remembered us from the week before).
I finally got around to trying Smoketown USA and am so glad I did. I went with a friend in town from my home state of North Carolina and when the owner found out we were from another BBQ loving state he pointed out the main difference: their BBQ sauce is sugar based. NC has a huge rivalry between vinegar based eastern BBQ sauce and tomato based western BBQ sauce. Ok, maybe not as huge as Duke vs UNC or UK vs UofL. Regardless, he relayed the interesting tidbit that western Kentucky also boasts a vinegar based sauce. Yay regional differences for making BBQ forever interesting!
I liked their sugar based sauce quite a bit (but unfortunately saw it's #1 ingredient was high fructose corn syrup), but what I enjoyed more was the down-home atmosphere that wasn't uber country. It's filled with kitchsy knick knacks like several salt and pepper shakers shaped like various figures sitting on the register counter. Decoration? What?! No, they're for sale. The table you sat at with the mismatched chairs--also up for grabs. According to our server, about once a week someone buys a table or chair. Pretty cool. If you've got a space, why not use it to the fullest extent?! Love it.
A very filling meal for under $10 is always a nice treat. I'd totally come here again on some random weeknight to have a solid and relaxing meal that I didn't have to cook. Like I said before, its not toooo southern. There's even portabella mushroom sandwich options for vegetarians. I count myself a stranger to southern food (yes, despite being from NC) and while the sides were typical of southern style food, I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed them. They weren't ridiculously greasy or carb-y feeling like your typical down home cookin'. I even tried the soul greens and actually liked them a lot. Enough to make me want to try to cook them myself. Woah.
Smoketown USA is still hoovering at the cusp of 5-stars, but it's pretty darn close.
Just like last time, the beef ribs were amazing. Seriously, the best beef ribs I've ever eaten and they're HUGE. Same with the sides. The soul greens, the green beans, and the tex-mex pinto beans are all on point.
Last time I complained that the pork ribs weren't tender enough. This time, they were right on. Not the best ribs ever, but still pretty darn good. Tender, juicy with a nice pink "smoke-ring."
Unfortunately, the star of the show last time around (the smoked wings) came up a bit lacking on this occasion. Smaller, a little overcooked and didn't have the same spicy "punch" like last time.
All this to say...we may have to go back to Smoketown a third time, just to see if it can break the 4-star barrier.
My family and I went to Smoketown USA for a late lunch during a short visit to Louisville. Â I knew we were in the right place as soon as we walked in. Â The decor is simple but eclectic and very comfortable. Â The owner is very inviting and passionate about his work (and life in general). Â Between him and the woman working with him, the service was excellent.
We ordered the Brisket Sandwich, Pulled Pork Sandwich, St Louis Style Ribs and Black Bean Burger. Â I would rate each top of the line. Â My daughter, nearly a vegetarian, was especially appreciative of the Black Bean Burger. Â Even the sides were memorable; especially the Mixed Greens.
There were a few critical reviews that almost made me pass on this place but I'm glad I didn't. Â It was outstanding. Â I've been traveling on business for 20 years and have had barbeque all over the country. Â Smoketown USA is right up there with the best.
Very delicious, simple, no frills bbq. The food is all super fresh and the sides are no joke. The dessert may be a special of the day so I would mos def try it. I say go for the pork. Practically everything in the store is for sale so if you're looking for some swag for your pad or ornate bathroom then take a look at the walls. Â The gent who owns this place will probably be wearing overalls and ask you very deep philosophical questions. Don't be offended. Answer the questions as best as you can.
Review Source:It's been a very long time since BBQ has excited me, Smoketown did that for me today! Â I really love that sweet, tangy smokey BBQ sauce.
I loved the eclectic decor. Â The place looked more like a quaint coffee shop than a BBQ joint. Â But I knew I was in for a treat when I saw rolls of paper towels on the tables. Â Hubby and I had the following:
Smoked wings; Â OMG...these are so good! Â Perfectly smokey and sauced, tender inside and slightly crispy outside. Â I could still see the spicy rub on the wings. Â I devoured these with amazing speed.
Riblets: these are like the riiib 'tips I'm used to eating. Â But these are so much more tender!!! Â Even those "bones" (you'll know what I'm talkin' about if you like riiib 'tips) were meltingly tender...just kinda met my teeth and went away. Â And they are so much chunkier and juicier than the ones I used to gnaw on. Â Wow. Â Too bad I ate too many wings before this. Â I could only eat 2 out of the 5 chunks there...I'll be hitting the rest of them after I'm done writing this.
Hubby had their pulled pork sandwich and really liked it. Â The pork was not cooked with that yummy BBQ sauce, but it was poured on top. Â Hubby kept dousing the sandwich with sauce. Â He said the meat was tender and smokey.
Food: 5 stars; service: 5 stars. Â The owner came around to talk to every customer in the place. Â I would give this place 5 stars if the sides were spectacular like the meat. Â The mac n cheese...meh...I have had better, more buttery versions. Â The potato salad...meh. Â So 4 stars overall. Â
BTW, make sure you get good, clear directions when you go. Â Or you could be driving through some iffy blocks like we did. Â But it was totally worth it.
So a few disclaimers. Â One, I'm from the North (Ohio), so half of you will likely disregard my review on the basis that I know nothing about BBQ. I enjoy good BBQ but I am by no means a BBQ nut. If someone tells me about a place that has good BBQ and I'm able to check it out, I do. I don't go out of my way for it though. Â That said I've had a lot of BBQ and good BBQ and I can easily say this by far blows everything I've had away.
I ordered a half slab of ribs, a 1/4 lb of pulled pork and 1/4 of brisket. Â All three meats were the most tender, juicy fall off the bone delicious I've had anywhere. Â Often times you go to a BBQ joint and you find that one of the meats is far and away the winner. At Smoketown USA everyone leave a winner cause it is all so damn good.
They have their own sauce which was pretty good but I much prefer to go light on any sauce when it comes to BBQ because too much and it hides the great flavors of the meat. Â I fully believe the meat should stand alone. If you don't like the BBQ with little to no sauce then it isn't good BBQ.
The other cool thing was the hospitality. Â The owner came over and chatted us up several times throughout the course of the meal, he explained his philosophy and why he wanted to open the restaurant. Â Very hospitable, a nice touch for sure.
The only other words of wisdom I'll give you is that if you are expecting it to be in some fancy neighborhood you will be disappointed. Â While the neighborhood seemed very safe it had the appearance of being a little rough around the edges. Â I don't believe enough so to scare you away from checking it out but those of you suburbanites who are afraid of any sort of urban setting you've been advised.
Bottom line, this is the best damn BBQ I've had to date, if I ever come back to Louisville I WILL make a stop here, it is well worth going out of your way for.
I LOVE THIS BBQ!!!!!!!!!! i was so excited to find some good bbq while on my route from ohio to cali. Â found this place on yelp. (thanks yelp!)
My mom and I had the bbq chicken and my husband had the ribs and we cleaned our plates! the mac n cheese was another thing you cannot miss on the menu. Â i also ordered the green beans which were surprisingly delicious... although they were canned :( but the were the best canned green beans i have ever had because they doctors those babies up! Â (and i hate canned veggies) Â The coleslaw was also very good and spicy!
Anytime you travel through here you must stop by, i know i will. this place does good bbq and they mean business.
plus the interior deco is so different than any other place so at least if you dont come for bbq, come for the good live music they have and drinks.
Smoketown USA is my favorite barbecue in town! Spare ribs were as good as they get, soul greens with blackeyed peas and pintos on the side give it a southern feel, and to top it off- FREE DESSERT FRIDAY! They have dang good iced tea here. I even loved this place when I was vegetarian- all sides are veg and they have a few sandwich choices for non-meat eaters as well.
The owner always says hello and is really friendly- the atmosphere is great in the civil war era brick building and is decorated really cute. There was a guy playing requests and covers on Friday night that was really entertaining! This place is so Kentucky, and I love it.
Came to Louisville on a business trip and decided to try and Yelp something good - mission accomplished!
This place knows how to do BBQ! Tried the greens for the first time and was pleasantly suprised, they were a little spicy and packed full of flavor. The ribs were cooked perfectly (falling off the bone, but not overcooked) and the sweet corn bread muffin & mac n'cheese were delicious as well.
The owner stopped by to chat with us a bit and welcome us into his restraunt. We asked about the greens and he gave the credit to his wife for her creative and unique recipe. Overall great experience and would definately recommend this place as a must if you are looking for great BBQ in Kentucky!
I had the pleasure of eating at Smoketown USA several times since before I lived in Kentucky. Since moving to Louisville I continue frequent this place. Every time I have guests in town, I make a point to treat them to the Smoketown USA BBQ experience. Note that I say experience - it isn't just about great BBQ.
Where to start? Everything here is great. The people. The atmosphere. And of course the food. I've dined when I'm the only one there and I've endured long waits (well worth it, of course). Upon entering the restaurant, you'll be promptly greeted by Jewish Redneck or one of his staff. They make you feel like family.
Now onto the food. I'm a rib type of guy. Whenever I go to a BBQ joint I always order ribs. More often than not, whether or not there is a subsequent visit can be determined by the quality of ribs. And let me tell ya. This places does 'em up right. I typically get the spare ribs (or I'll pair the baby backs with some brisket). Â The sauce is mild-sweet (not that they even need sauce). But the dry rub is where it's at! It's spicy and the sugars caramelize on the exterior of the ribs, developing a bark that is as tasty as it is beautiful. Beneath the bark is an amazing smoke ring. You can tell this is good ole fashioned BBQ. It's smoked, not baked. The meet is always tender and juicy.
Everything I've had here is excellent. I chose to focus on the ribs because they're my meat of choice - and I know they're difficult to do up right. The pulled pork, pulled chicken, ribs, brisket, etc. They're all good. Don't forget the cornbread. They serve two types - sweet and jalapeno.
Smoketown USA offers several sides - baked beens, green beans, mac 'n cheese, greens, slaw, etc. The sides leave a little to be desired, but not enough to take it below a 5 star rating in my book.
Did I mention Fridays they have live music and free desert?
If you're traveling through or you've lived in Louisville for years, this is a place you can't miss.
Superb! I have been several times lately and have sampled much of the menu. With FABD, Doc Crow's and Hammerhead's, this place is one of Louisville's big 4 for BBQ. Succulent ribs, flavor loaded brisket and very nice pulled pork. Also, the sides are nice, the black bean burger is flavorful and substantive and the catfish, only available on Fridays, is breaded lightly and fried just right..
The atmosphere is eccentric but unpretentious and the ownership and staff are friendly. Bravo Smoketown USA! A true gem of Louisville.
My boyfriend and I traveled from Atlanta to see a comedian at  the Kentucky Center. He was dead set on having some good BBQ so we "Yelp"ed it of course! This place deserves its stars. The food was amazing and the people there love their business.
He had the Three Amigos (pork, chicken and brisket mini sandwiches), mac-n-cheese, and sweet cornbread. I had a leg quarter with mac-n-cheese and green beans. I wanted to try the "soul greens" but they were spicy. I don't care for spicy greens but I hear they're excellent as well. :) Everything we had was delicious, the BBQ was tender and the portions were just right.
The cornbread deserves it's own paragraph. O.M.G. I don't know what they put in the sweet cornbread, but to sum it up...we got 6 more pieces to take home to Atlanta. It's been 3 days and we're still eating amazingly moist cornbread. YUM.
Oh and they have Pepsi products. :) Refreshing coming from Atlanta.
Go there!
FINALLY! It only took three trips to/through Louisville to get to Smoketown USA when it's open.
That being said, this place was worth the wait. Not as fast a setting as Mark's (which definitely feels more chainey, even though they're local too), but with more character than FABD (the yard sale component is hilarious). The food at these three places is kind of like comparing apples to oranges to bananas.
Well, the food was pretty darn good. I overcommitted myself and got a half slab of pork ribs, with the cabbage salad (aka a vinegary, sweet cole slaw) and soul greens (aka cooked mixed greens with beans and tomatoes). The other reviewers were right - get the mixed greens, you won't regret it.
My dining companion ordered the smoked wings (a showstopper right here, so smokey the meat was falling off the bone!) and a rib plate (smaller portion of ribs). My favorite thing about ribs is when they are smoked enough that the bones become pliable and the marrow comes out. Smoketown did justice to the ribs and they were tasty!
The one thing that was a downer here was the sauce. I thought it was a little too sweet, and scraped much of it off of my ribs. Looking at the label, the first ingredient is high fructose corn syrup -no wonder I thought it was too sweet.
Service was attentive, quick, and not intrusive despite being some of the only patrons at 11am. Smoked wings, a rib plate and half slab of pork ribs + tax & tip set me back around $40. Overall, I enjoyed my lunch at this local establishment
4.5 stars
Best ribs I've ever had. So tender and flavorful. My husband actually ate the bones. The pulled pork sandwich was great, but not as much of a standout. The baked beans and potato salad (spuds were perfectly cooked, with that not-too-mushy/not-too-chewy texture) are top shelf.
I really wanted to give this place five stars after the second visit, but between the pulled pork and the service disaster I feel four is more fair. Our order got messed up and it took about an hour to get our food. We were en route from Michigan to Chattanooga, so the delay was kind of a pain in the butt. However, the owner was really apologetic and the food was still quite tasty (even though it was a bit cold), so I won't hesitate to go back. It's worth driving an hour out of our way whenever we make that trip.
Plus, the indoor yard sale offers plenty of eye candy while you wait for your grub. We scored a sweet retro clock during that first visit!
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