Dale's Smokehouse was my latest Sunday barbecue adventure, and let me tell you--it did not disappoint. From the outside, it looked decent enough to warrant a stop, and since it's right next door to Grinder's Seafood (seafood lovers, your review is coming next), I figured why not make the trip worthwhile? When I walked in, three ladies were sitting at a small table, and one immediately got up to greet me and take my order. After checking out the menu, I decided on the rib and chicken platter--which does not come with sides--and the rib dinner with green beans and sweet potatoes. Of course, I couldn't resist adding an extra side of potato salad. While waiting, I took in the atmosphere. Dale's has more of a country store vibe than anything fancy, but that just made me think all the real effort was going straight into the food. And clearly, it was. My order was prepared and packed up quickly, but I didn't get the full experience until I made it home--and MAN! The portion sizes were huge. Definitely enough to get your money's worth. The ribs were tender, the chicken was perfectly charred and seasoned, and the sides absolutely delivered. That potato salad especially? Spot on. Dale's may be tucked away in old Indian Head, but it's absolutely worth the trip. If you're in the mood for hearty portions, flavorful barbecue, and no-frills comfort food, this spot deserves a visit. I'll definitely be back for the pork BBQ. Enjoy! read more

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I came here while driving by and I need lunch and figure this was as good of a place as any to stop in. I love barbeque so figured it would be a good stop. When I parked I think I was the only non pick up truck in the lot, take that as you will. When I walked the place was mostly empty except for one table in the back that was completely full of some dude just sitting around eating. It almost looked like they where having a meeting of some sort and they paused their conversation when I walked in. It was odd. The staff here was pretty nice. Having never been here before I wasn't sure what to order and they didn't seem to rush me. I ended up ordering ribs and she told me since I was sitting down they had all 3 of their sauces at the table. They ribs came out pretty quick and they where all okay. Not the best ribs I have every had not the worst. I thought the sauces where good I rotated which ones I was trying. All in all I thought this place was okay. I don't think I would go out of my way to stop here but if I was passing by and needed some food I don't think I would pass it up. read more

Pretty good ribs , some of the rack was smaller than the other but it was still good ! , got a half order with potato salad , also highly recommend the potato salad. ( UPDATED MENU BELOW ) The menu on here was 10 years old and I didn't realize that till ordering , never the less that wouldn't have stopped me from ordering just had the prices a bit off. I'm from out of town so this isn't an everyday place for me to go , but I would definitely eat there again. Fast service , cool little inside area , and two helpful ladies behind the counter. read more

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I placed the order and as im standing at the counter the lady in the back is preparing the order. The cashier goes to the back to hold the conversation with the lady the cashier has no gloves on and was carrying the bowl of potato salad. With no gloves, then the potato salad that got on her hand, she licked it off her fingers turned around and continue the conversation with the food prep lady, and as they're talking, the cashier burps over the food says, excuse me and fans in front of her face over my order. I then left the store, called the store back to explain to them why I left and the food prep lady said none of this occurred. She stated that no one burped, and no one was fanning the burp over the food. If this type of behavior is covered up by the manager, I can only imagine what goes on when no one is present I will never eat at this place ever again and if you ever see the cashier, you will understand why I didn't want my order again after she burped over my food read more

This is my spouse favorite bbq place to go for ribs almost weekly so he is a well known regular. The owner is so generous with the portions she gave him.. Her bbq ribs are well trimmed, juicy and meaty. We love to support this local business. read more

The best Barbeque I've EVER HAD. I recently moved to Indian head from northern Virginia and have been trying out all the food nearby to find food similar to the stuff over there, but this food totally outshines all Barbeque places I've ever been to. The ribs were SO delicious, even when I was full I didn't want to stop eating. Would definitely return and come back with friends!! read more

Dale's Smokehouse - Ribs with potato salad and baked beans. SO TENDER AND FLAVORFUL - Smokehouse Near Me - Indian Head, Maryland

Excellent food and friendly service from a local family run business. They don't always have it but try their smoked baloney sandwich if available. It's delicious. read more

Best Ribs I ever tasted!! Customer service is great and don't wait long for food in and out real fast

Everything here is incredible. I have been everywhere trying to find ribs as good as these, but no luck. Chicken is also delicious. The seasoning used is fantastic. All sides are the bomb, especially mac and cheese and potato salad. Servings are large and always have leftovers. The place is immaculate, and the owners are lovely people who take pride in cooking. read more

It's getting warm out & I've been craving juicy tender ribs & Dales Smokehouse has it!!! Soon as you walk in, you're greeted with the delicious mouth watering smell of bbq ribs. It's very clean & modest inside. I ordered the rib dinner for $12.50 which comes with several big pieces of ribs, & 2 sides. For this price you're getting a huge portion. Most places will charge double the price. The ribs aren't drenched with sauce & I feel that speaks for itself. There seasoned well, tender & juicy & you can get mild, hot or sweet sauce on the side. First time for my sides I got potato salad & green beans. Potato salad was good, green beans were mediocre. Tasted like it can from a can. 2nd time I got green beans again & macaroni salad. Macaroni was average. Mostly just like the ribs read more

Dale's Smokehouse - Rib dinner with 2 sides. Collards & macaroni salad (not pictured) - Smokehouse Near Me - Indian Head, Maryland

Hands down, the best barbecue in the state of Maryland. Dale's has been a staple in the small town of Indian Head, MD for decades, that doesn't just happen by chance. Phenomenal food served by no nonsense locals. The fall off the bone pork ribs are a solid first order, next I'd go for the 1/2 slow cooked chicken. All sides are made from scratch and each one better than the last..potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, sweet potatoes and more. Call ahead and earlier in their business day to place your order...these are slow cooked delicacy's in high demand. Stop reading this and go see for yourself. read more

I've been going here for years. Unfortunately, in the past 2 years or so (really, it seems like since George's closed and they lost their competition) the food has gone considerably down hill. Ordered ribs and chicken today....ribs were dry, seemed old and half of them were more fat than rib meat. Chicken was beyond dry. Like hard to swallow dry. Sides (green beans and sweet potatoes) were straight from a can. Like nothing added whatsoever. Honestly, really disappointing and I see no need to go back. read more

We go kayaking nearby and like to couple it with some local chow. Had tried George's which we liked, but thought we'd give Dale's a try. Got a slab of ribs and three standard sides: coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans. The ribs were on the tough side, and seemed like they were still cooking them after parboiling. The beans seemed like they were right out of the can. It wasn't bad, but we'll go to George's next time. read more

If I could give ZERO STARS, believe me, I would. Some of the lowest quality food I have ever had the displeasure of paying hard-earned money for. Meats that taste as if they are overcooked, dry, and I know for a fact are saved from several days beforehand. Inedible sides, cole slaw and potato salad that is served about to turn; and if you thought George's was bad, brave yourself for the filth that this place wallows in. Tried 4 times over a course of 3 months to order the sliced beef, and EVERY TIME they "claimed" to be out?!? Poorest excuse for a bbq restaurant in an already food/deserted area. Don't waste your time & avoid this place if you don't want to catch Coronavirus , very unclean. read more

Whatever you do, DON'T order the greens! They are straight out of the can, no seasoning or anything. By far the worst tasting greens in all of the BBQ spots in Southern Maryland. I should've went to George's! And, I'm smacking myself now as I put a pot on the stove and attempt to make these taste good, which defeats the whole purpose of takeout. read more

Excellent ribs, excellent sliced pork, yummy chicken... I love all of the meats here. The sides... eh. Potato salad is yellow mustard based. Coleslaw and baked beans are pretty standard. The sauces are excellent - tomato based. They have a hot and mild variety, and the hot variety tastes like peppers, not just heat. We picked up a huge to-go meal for a party one night, and the service and food quality for that was excellent as well. You get a TON of food for your money - generally two entrees are enough for my husband and I for two meals (or more). Highly recommended. read more

Great pork barbeque with a little kick. Good sized portions at a good price. Dude in the kitchen is fast with no nonsense service. Great find and glad the place is so close by my residence. read more

Let me start of by saying that it is embarrassing, shocking, and fairly misleading that this place is even labeled as a proper "smokehouse". Our experience here was awful. I have been in some backwoods greasy spoon bbq places in the past, but this was by far the worst. The only reason we even stayed and ate was because my father-in-law ordered before we could run out of there. The pro's: Absolutely none. This place is dreadful. The con's: The food was terrible. I ate some random sliced pork thing that had no flavor and was barely warm. The mac'n cheese was 90% pepper, as were the beans. They didn't serve pulled pork, cornbread (on Saturdays for some random reason), sweet tea, or have an ice machine? Seriously, no ice. How is this even a smokehouse if you don't have those things? We will never be back, nor should anyone else. read more

This is one of my favorite rib joints in the country! In fact I'm going to have to go buy a Slab right now!,, read more

We love your food and have been long time customers but it is incredibly frustrating when you are not open when the web says you are. We went on Wednesday at 4:30 and closed. It's also frustrating that you run out of food before closing. I hope you plan food quantity based on your hours and the demand and operate accordingly. We will continue to patronize because we support small businesses in Indian head. I hope you take the criticism as constructive. read more

I wanted to try a different bbq place in MD. So I tried it and it was really good, but sorry George's is still the King on the block in my book. I would DEFINITELY still choose this place (Dale's) over many others! read more

This food was nasty. I heard every ranting & raving about it, to my surprise it didn't make the cut. I ordered bar que chicken with side order of yams & collard greens...okay the chicken was not cook all the way I saw blood WTF...the yams were nasty tasted old...OMG the collards one of my favorite veggies it tasted like it was just blanched in some water no season no taste...since, I was home did not feel like driving back I just threw in the garbage were it belong...If you are looking for the real southern food, don't go here.... read more

Best ribs in town. We're from Florida and we stop and get there ribs when we in town.

Dales has amazing food. I love their mild and hot BBQ sauce. Their sides are homemade and always great.

Had a quick lunch of minced BBQ pork on a bun with potato salad and cole slaw. There are extremely few options at the end of 210 South so you'd be crazy not to eat here. Try it out. Being a potato salad purist, I must highly recommend their fare. The BBQ was nice but next time I think I'll get something not minced...better on the bone. read more

I only tried the beef sandwhich, and an iced tea. Not impressed at all. It's not Phil's (San Diego) mmmm!

Staggered in for some lunch after a 45 mile bike ride... I had the half chicken dinner with greens and green beans. It was delicious and the portions were ample! ...45 minutes later I staggered out, completely full! read more

I must say I was disappointed with my visit, especially after reading so many rave reviews! First, the good news. Nice young lady at the counter, good quick service (only two other customers in early afternoon, not a good sign). Half rack was generous portion. However --- the rub is over-salted. The potato salad was OK, just generic grocery deli stuff. The sweet potatoes were not so good, a couple of chunks of sweet tater swimming in a sort of a pumpkin pie soup. The sauce (on the side as requested) was more like a red asian dipping sauce than a legit BBQ sauce. Finally, the price is not any special bargain at $13.50 for the half rack w/sides. Maybe the place is OK if you what to order and what not to, but I wasn't too impressed. Might try George's next time in the area. read more

My favorite place when I'm in the area. I usually get the sliced pork But last week took two co-workers and they ordered the rib sandwich. It was unbelievably good. Much better than the BBQ down the road. read more

This review for the ribs only. I got a full slab, and they were amazing. I didn't try anything else, so I can't comment on that, but as far as the ribs go, they are right up there. read more

On my way back to get more ribs . My first time was last week & I fell in love . They were so tender & seasoned great as well . Just called in an order for 1&1/2 more slabs! read more

Absolutely, 100%, the best ribs I have ever eaten! Smokey, delicious, tender, meaty and flavorful. Not a fan of the sauce, but it doesn't matter, they taste so delicious that no sauce is needed. Who would want to disguise this amazing, tender, yummy flavor with sauce, anyway? The ribs are AWESOME! I have driven many miles, from St. Mary's County to go to Dales, only to get there and find that they have sold out or that they closed early. Their hours are very sporadic, especially late afternoon/early evening. This forces us to go down the street to George's, but George's ribs are only so-so, at best. Dale's chicken is great, too... and as for the reviewer who thought it was undercooked, she apparently does not know what real smoked chicken should look like. Don't know what the potato salad and other sides taste like... don't care. I go to Dales for the RIBS! I wish Dale's was in St. Mary's County... I would eat there 3 times a week, at a minimum! read more

Best BBQ place around Indian head. Everything is cooked that day. Not like other places around the town. You can call and place a order and they will hold it for you. Very welcoming, and try to even smoke more items so they can take care of the customers. The green I tasted are great and I'm a picky eater. Mac and cheese was amazing and they have the smoked turkey during the week which is to dye for. For a place in a little town it's a top choice on my list. All around better place then one other place I tried down the street. read more

Good minced pork BBQ and sides. Prices are a little high. I'm hoping George's reopening (just up the road) causes some good competition.

Dale's Smokehouse is the best bbq in western Charles County. I especially like their minced bbq sandwiches, bbq chicken, and potato salad. Only one complaint, make sure you get there early. The closer you get to closing time, the less selection you have. It can be very disappointing when stopping for dinner. I don't think there has been a time yet when I have gone in there and they have everything on the menu. read more

By far my favorite ribs in the area. We regularly drive out of our way to get a rack of them. I don't love their sides or chicken, but the ribs alone are worth the 30 minute drive. read more

Food smells and tastes awful. Plus no French fries. You're better off going a few hundred feet Dow. The road to George's. It's the little shack all beat to hell with a small interior and no asphault. George's is the best in the area. read more

Ribs: A+. Coleslaw: A+. Go on Thursday, because it's mac-n-cheese day. Extremely generous portions, but no need to hurt yourself; the leftovers taste just as good the next day. Friendly service and clean. If you're in the mood for barbeque, it's well worth the drive. read more

My favorite restaurant! The following are my favorites! The ribs are meaty & moist with a wonderful rub on them! The Mac & cheese is homemade with a little spicy back burn to it! And the potato salad is the best I've ever had! Dale & Pam are so warm & welcoming! Very reasonable prices, too! Love this place. Consistently amazing food! read more

Their food is amazing. The ribs are always cooked just right, their hot and mild sauce is put in cups so you decide how much you want. Their potato salad is great. Their chicken is great. It's a great place to get a great meal! read more