We like to try a variety of restaurants but since Smokey Bones was a sports bar we really hesitated to try it with the kids since sports and beer go hand in hand. We found Smokey Bones was suitable for a family and seemed like any other family restaurant during the lunch hour the times that we have gone. This restaurant specializes in smoked barbecue. The meat is smoked over hickory wood which leaves the meat with a pink tint and a lot flavor. BBQ sauce sits on the table so individuals can add the amount that they want.

Smokey Bones is owned by Darden restaurants who also owns familiar restaurants such Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and Bahama Breeze. The outside of the building looks like a mountain lodge yet the interior looks moderately sporty.

We have been to Smokey Bones a few times and in general have had pretty good food and pretty good service. There is a decent size selection however there are only a couple things that interest me on the menu. The ribs are said to be award winning however knowing my manners I refrain from ordering finger-licking foods. I have been unable to figure out who deemed the ribs award winning.

I made the mistake of choosing the $8 Lodge Salad which sounded better than it ended up being. It was made of romaine lettuce, field greens, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, sesame crunchies, toasted pecans, roasted green peas with asiago, jack and cheddar cheeses, and Santa Fe dressing. Chicken or shrimp can be added. The salad was very large and though it would have been great as a side salad I really didn’t like it as a main course and left quite nauseated after trying to eat a whole bowl of it.

I’ve tried other things that I have liked such as the chicken fingers, pulled pork, and chili.

My husband favors the hand pulled pork platter with fries and slaw $9. It’s a generous portion with tender meat. The service is fast enough at Smokey Bones that my husband stops there at times while on his lunch break. Their lunch specials are served until 4PM.

There are sandwiches in the $6-$9 range such as burgers, catfish, buffalo chicken, and grilled chicken. There are dinner selections such as a 10 ounce sirloin for $11, grilled chicken breast for $9, a half rack of Award Winning Baby Back Ribs for $13 or a full rack for $18. Smoked St. Louis Style ribs are $11 for a half rack or $16 for a rack. There are a couple selections for steak such as an 18 ounce Ribeye for $21.

They serve Coke products and have a selection of alcohol as well. They have 10 beers on draft, 8 wines, and some mixed drinks.

The waitresses have always been pleasant though like many of the Darden restaurants the waitresses spend more time at your table than needed. Service is pleasant but the dining experience is always longer than expected.

Nearly all of their menu is unhealthy and the serving size is large. Orders haven't always been correct when asking for modifications and the coffee isn't hot. We took guests to the restaurant before and they were not impressed.

I have to really be in the mood to go to Smokey Bones because the place if fairly noisy with a busy atmosphere. There are many TV’s and they can be seen from any seat. There is an audio box on your table to tune in to the station you want. Sometimes the televisions are playing things that I don’t want my children watching such as the news.

Smokey Bones offers children’s menus, crayons, and high chairs to accommodate children. We always go at lunch hour before the bar picks up so I'm not sure what it's like at night or during game time.

General Information
Website: www.smokeybones.com
Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM Sunday-Thursday; 11 AM - 11 PM Friday-Saturday
Payment: Cash, Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express
Locations: http://direct.where2getit.com/cwc/apps/w2gi.php?client=smokeybones&template=search&map=view_usa_shadow_40

Recommended: Yes