Smoak BBQ - Rochester

The food is AMAZING! The kids meals are large portions that are reasonably priced at $7. My kids couldn't even finish them and that is for 3 growing boys. I had the Tornado sandwich and it did not disappoint in the least bit. I do feel, the sides weren't enough, I did have 1/4 of my plate open. Then again, the sandwich does fill you up. My wife had the brisket with two sides and it was hard for her to focus on what to eat, it was all so tasty! My mom had the brisket tacos with a corn tortillas and she said it was the best brisket she has had outside of Texas.

10/10 would recommend. They followed CDC guidelines very well, and the wait staff was very friendly.

As a born and raised West Texan, I take barbecue very seriously. Naturally when I moved to Rochester a few weeks ago I had to try to find somewhere to get my brisket fix. I saw Smoak advertising “Texas style BBQ” and of course was interested. With low expectations (how could a BBQ joint in MN stack up to what I’m used to in TX?) I ordered the prime brisket, Cole slaw, Mac n cheese, and corn bread.

I was pleasantly surprised and happy to be proven wrong by this place. The brisket is extremely similar to some of the best spots in Texas. It’s tender, smokey, and has just enough fat. The sides were very good, and the cornbread was one of my favorite parts. I’ve now picked up food from Smoak twice in just a few weeks and it was just as good both times. I would encourage anyone who hasn’t had Texas style brisket to try it. So glad this is in Rochester to make me feel like I’m home in Texas!

Staff was very friendly and helpful. Also very knowledgeable about menu. Presentation of drinks was cool, rum drink was delicious however the Smoked Old Fashion was straight whiskey (fine for me as Im a connoisseur) watered down a bit....plus I dislike when "sundae" cherries are used instead of gourmet. It doesn't justify the $12 price. Good effort though.
Brisket, ribs, mashed potatoes were dishes that shined through for sure. Then, there were the collard greens. Truly southern tasting, best I've ever had in the northwest...somebody put their foot in it! Now if they only had grits...

We stumbled into this place because we were staying at a nearby hotel and it was great! The pulled work platter was fantastic! We tried a couple of the barbecue sauces I love them both. Potato salad was good and the baked beans were awesome! we enjoyed it so much that we returned the next day for lunch and had some brisket. It was also delicious! Service was very friendly and amazingly fast. we highly recommend it and we look forward to returning on our next trip here.

The atmosphere was my favorite thing here. Will definitely be back because of that. Our service was fast and friendly. Food was good my husband thought the ribs were the best meat and the chicken was more dry.