Joe's Lake and SHELTONS SMOKING BUTTS BBQ

Great food, great atmosphere!! JT and Morgan have poured their heart and soul into this location to make it a family establishment that families can continue to enjoy for years to come. From great smoked food, great atmosphere and conversations with locals, to summer evenings on the lake.

The food was great, atmosphere was family oriented, and the service was impeccable. Huge fishing lake that you can pay to fish. They were pulling out 25lb catfish like crazy. You can even rent rod there. Do yourself a favor and give them a try!!

Tyler Shelton and his wife used to fish at Joe’s Lake when they were kids. Now, they’re the owners and have remodeled the building built in 1955, opening Shelton’s Smoking Butts BBQ and Catering, as well as trying to make the fishing lake more targeted at families with kids. Tyler had run a machine shop thru the week and a food truck on the weekends. He’s given both of those up to really focus on building Joe’s Lake back up. The menu is diverse, reasonably priced (Tyler dropped some of the prices based on better wholesale prices he’s getting), and generous with the helpings. We started with the Fried Pickles (16 with Ranch Dressing, $8) and Hushpuppies ($3) as appetizers- both were done perfectly and tasted great. For entrees, we moved on to the Brisket Plate with Rings and Loaded Baked Beans ($18), the meat was perfectly done with burnt ends and moist finish. All the sauces are served on the side and house-made, we preferred the original which has a bit of bite to it. The Smokehouse Burger Plate was incredibly thick, but done to order- we had to take half home. Both the Smokehouse Loaded Fries (house seasoning, topped with pulled pork, bacon, nacho cheese, bbq sauce and chives, $12) and Chicken Tender Plate ($12 includes two sides) were a hit with the younger folks in our group. Tyler also brought a sample of the wings ($15 includes two sides and drink) which were a very pleasant surprise- they were smoked perfectly with a taste that suggested they were brined, as well. In short, the brisket alone was worth a return trip, but the wings were even better! We enjoyed the fishing before lunch, though we only brought one large catfish to the shore. Keep in mind that the work on the original building, and the fact that it is a fishing lake with a restaurant, keeps it a bit of a rustic experience. Restrooms are clean, staff very friendly!

1. I never write reviews but after stopping in I had to write one
2. I live just down the road from this place and drive past it every day. Today was the first day I stopped by to try it out and I’m pretty upset I haven’t stopped more!!!! Staff was so friendly, food was great, sauces were amazing! I got the brisket, okra and MacNcheese! The other person with me got the Philly grilled cheese, onion rings and okra! All of it was phenomenal. The fried stuff was cooked perfectly, the meats were tender and delicious and the smoked Mac and cheese was delicious and you could taste the Smokey flavor! Can’t wait to go back and try it again! If you are in the area stop by NOW!!!!

As a long time resident of the Greater Sugartit area I was delighted the restaurant opened in this spot. I tried the very tasty pulled pork sandwich and the brisket. The sandwich was delicious along with the mac & cheese and sweet potato soufflé . I will definitely be going back and try more items on their menu.. I recommend the pulled pork anyway they serve it!