SmokeWorks

I just tried SmokeWorks on Saturday when I had friends in town and absolutely loved it and our waitress was amazing! So on Monday, I suggested it to my co-workers so they could try it. I ordered the exact same thing as I did on Saturday which was the Pulled Pork Tacos, Mac and Cheese and a side of corn bread. I asked for no slaw on my Pulled Pork Tacos and was brought my food with the cowboy caviar (not listed as an ingredient with the Pulled Pork Tacos). I said something to the waitress and she disagreed saying that it is on the menu instead of just apologizing and making sure it was fixed. Also, the Mac and Cheese had a completely different consistency the second time versus my first visit. All in all, I definitely suggest trying this place out! The atmosphere is awesome, the background music is fun and the food is good! I just didn't appreciate how the waitress today handled my issue. Attached is a screenshot of the menu item I ordered.

To start, I really loved what they have done with the space, it was very aesthetically pleasing--Lots of rustic modern elements, and overall
Good atmosphere. our server was also amazing! Very sweet and attentive.

As far as drinks, my friends got mixed drinks which they loved, i got an old fashioned which was pretty good. I would have ordered a neat pour of bourbon, but MAN, as a bourbon drinker and someone who knows pricing around town, and ballpark of a lot of bottles, the prices are SO high. There also wasn't a selection that I was excited to drink, but for others it may be exciting. I clarified what the pour amount was, which was 2 oz, a pretty normal pour across town. a Makers 46 for $13, Basil Hayden’s for $16 .....I can get higher-end pours for that price elsewhere in town. Or go buy a bottle. i have posted only one page of their menu to show pricing.

The food was OK. I got the pulled pork platter and thought it was a little dry and a little bland. Wouldn't necessarily go back for it, but am also open to try the food again, since other reviews seem to love it, so i may have just got a drier serving. My cornbread was also a little "too done"—I've looked at other reviews with photos and mine was a little more burnt.

Interested to see how this develops. I know unless the bourbon prices drop or they get a more interesting selection, my husband and i wont frequent here.

I stopped by Smoke Works on a more leisurely afternoon, knowing it opened a mere week or two ago and hoping it would be great. Overall, I loved it—the very best (and most unique) BBQ place in Southern Indiana. My rating criteria are almost exclusively based on atmosphere, service, and food, all of which earned high marks; Max was an incredible server, exhibiting much-wanted enthusiasm while still being attentive and professional. The food was, yes, the best in the city and the Southern Indiana region, with four standout sauces to pair with authentic ribs, pulled meat, brisket, and more. Diners can pick from large trays which include not just the meat, but also sides, cornbread, and decorative ingredients. Well-done (no pun intended)!

Lastly though, I really want to highlight the atmosphere I saw and felt in the restaurant. The key word is actually “restaurant,” as opposed to “joint” or “stop” or “hole” (I don’t know if anyone even uses those terms, however!). But because of this true “restaurant” feel, guests are essentially hit with an unexpected mindset: Barbecue CAN be slightly more, dare you let me say, upscale. I mean what do people think of when someone says they ate BBQ somewhere out of their house? I bet loud, social, small, possibly low-lit, wooden shops come to mind. At Smoke Works, though...and maybe I’m speaking nonsense...the idea of a rack of juicy, fresh ribs or slabs of rich, seasoned pork is taken to a higher, more almost serious level. Like pizza or pasta usually is in Italian sit-down places. I suppose it might remind us that folks can choose a hopping, shed-like, old-school eatery, or they can choose a different style that’s found at Smoke Works. It’s awesome to have a nice, clean, ordinary-restaurant-type setting for barbecue in town.

With the atmosphere, food, and service all in mind, Smoke Works is undeniably 5 stars. Please come for the most scrumptious meats around, and in a wonderful environment. Thank you, and I’m returning!