Love the food the owners are awesome and had us try some of the things on the menu! The place was…read moreclean and cute lil vibe.

Situated in a historical building in the heart of Ashland Ky has great street appeal. When you walk…read morein it's a very relaxed vibe with tasteful decor. Our server was prompt and knowledgeable of the menu. I ordered buffalo bone in wings dry rubbed w/mild buffalo sauce as an appetizer, very good. I also had a Philly Cheesesteak, everything I like in a cheesesteak tender beef and a good mix in veggies and shrooms. My wife had the Kel's Burger cooked to medium well w/house made chips and aioli sauce. She was very satisfied. A great addition to Ashland's downtown

The last time I had come here I wanted to try this place; however, it was not a national chain like…read moreWings and Rings or Buffalo Wild Wings and so I was kind of wary (I still had it at the back of my mind to try it at some point). This time around, I tried it yesterday and it was not bad. Their wings are basically different from others because it seems like they make sure the naked wing (which may defeat the purpose of it being called naked depending on how someone terms it) is extra crispy. Then they seem to take the wing and douse it in sauce (which I love). Cost: So I ended up getting two- 6 piece wings, one with the Wango sauce and one with Mahalo Que. It was a Monday and so 6 wings for $4.74. The cost, even with the discount, is still priced on average with other wing places. I feel so bad that the $0.50 wings may be a thing of the past (although, Papa Johns did have an offer a few months ago where this was the case). Rivals like Wingstop and Pizza Hut have wings for either $1.00 a wing (which is outrageous) and around $0.80+, respectively. Online ordering: What I did not like about the actual online ordering was that none of the flavors were scaled on spiciness (mild to hot or hot to mild), they were just listed in some order (at least from the ordering page I had seen). The Wango was pretty spicy, could have used a forewarning for that. Nevertheless, the wings were good. Chain as a whole: Continued ranting about the chain as a whole; they, like Wingstop, also charge for everything. Some wing places give dipping sauces for free (at least one) and they include celery and carrots or celery all for around $10 (Wings and Rings, I think Buffalo Wild Wings used to). I did see that there is actually a separate combo that one could get this addition. It will be extra though. If one wants a specific type of wing, they charge that per wing (drums and flats). Wings and Rings was the first wing place that I was shocked to find that one could choose either or and not be charged extra (I like drums more than I do flats). I cannot state that the wings from here were better than Wings and Rings, Wingstop, or even Papa Johns (which one could find insulting since Papa Johns to some may not even be a place that should specialize in wings, they are a pizza place). Customer service: Now addressing the customer service, it seemed like it has gotten better. Or maybe not? When I went in, it was around 4-5 p.m. and so people were probably still at work and so one table was being served when I was there for my pick up order. I did have one server ask if I would like a cup of water, that was a nice gesture. Then I had another ask if I was being assisted. That was nice. I guess if the place is not crowded, it would make a difference if a server blatantly missed serving someone. Haha. For people looking at reviews, this is how I grade: 3 star does not necessarily mean the place I reviewed is bad, it is just average. 4 star means that there was something different, maybe the price is what I would consider affordable or one could customize without extra fees. This place would have been given a four if the wings were like $0.50. Additionally, they would have been given a four if they allowed one to select a type of wing like drums or flats for free (it is so subjective to grade on this, however, I thought I would never see the day that this would have been a possibility, Wings and Rings definitely addressed this aspect). 5 star is rare. The wings would have to be something that I would have never had before and pretty much the chain would have had to have the items listed under 4 star. It kind of stinks though that when I came on here to review this place, that the business already had a 3 star rating and even with that rating, the reviews for that rating were not really good.

Stopped for lunch for the first time at 1:30pm on a Friday. It wasn't busy but my experience wasn't…read moregood. It took 20 minutes to get waited on. I ordered a burger with the hot ranch and Mac and cheese and a mountain dew no ice. The soda came with ice, and the Mac was not even warm. The burger didn't have the hot ranch on it. I asked for it and 20 minutes later I just said screw it and ate it without it. While the burger was good, I was not happy with the service that never came. I understand Ice is a mistake but mistake after mistake and blame it on being busy. I will not be back

Had a great experience at Slim Chickens thanks to Zac. His customer service was top tiervery…read morefriendly, attentive, and made sure everything was right with my order. It's rare to see that level of care these days, and it definitely stood out. Give that man a raise!

Love slim chickens always get order to go very nice drive thru service. Food is super!read more

Good food, better atmosphere . Go on a Wednesday, they have Open Mike listen to some local talentread more

Wings were cooked very well. Crispy but not at all dry. Still very flavorful. Nice music with a…read morewell cooked meal.

From the moment you step inside, the aroma hits first: a deep, hickory-laced perfume that signals…read morehours of slow devotion rather than shortcuts. This is barbecue that announces itself honestly. No gimmicks, no pretension--just meat treated with respect. We started off with the Texas Sausage Sampler which includes 3 Sausages. Jalapeno Cheddar, Hickory Smoke and Original Old Fashioned. Served with Carolina Gold Sauce, Mustard and Horseradish. The sauce is outstanding. Smoking J's Rib House in Ashland, Kentucky, is the kind of place that reminds you why barbecue isn't just food--it's culture, patience, and pride rendered in smoke and fire. The ribs are the undisputed star. Thick-cut, generously portioned, and lacquered with a bark that balances sweetness, smoke, and spice, they arrive with that elusive perfection every pitmaster chases. The meat pulls cleanly from the bone without collapsing into mush, proof of disciplined temperature control and timing. Each bite delivers layers: smoke up front, pork richness at the core, and a restrained tang from the sauce that enhances rather than smothers. Brisket lovers will find plenty to admire. The slices boast a pronounced smoke ring and a pepper-forward crust, with fat rendered to a buttery softness that melts on the tongue. It's assertive, confident barbecue--unapologetically Southern, yet precise enough to impress even seasoned purists. The sides refuse to play second fiddle. Mac and cheese was amazing, creamy with a baked top that adds texture, while the baked beans carry a subtle smokiness that echoes the pit rather than competing with it. Coleslaw provides a crisp, cooling contrast, cutting through the richness exactly as it should. What truly elevates Smoking J's, though, is its sense of place. This isn't barbecue chasing trends or Instagram aesthetics. It's barbecue rooted in community--food that feels earned, familiar, and deeply satisfying. The atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming, the kind where regulars are greeted like family and newcomers are quickly converted. Smoking J's Rib House doesn't just serve great barbecue--it reinforces why Ashland deserves a seat at the table in Kentucky's smokehouse conversation. It's a destination for locals, a worthy stop for travelers, and a reminder that when barbecue is done right, it doesn't need to shout. The smoke speaks for itself.

Service was slow, food was mediocre at best. Salad came out after filet medallions (a stretch to…read morecall it filet) for one of our group. One and done!

The waitresses were very nice and friendly. I noticed the place must attract a lot of locals,…read morebecause I heard many were called by name, or the conversations referred to past visits. The place was clean. I ordered traditional hot wings and onion rings. I wish I had ordered the wing sauce on the side. They were like being smothered in soup. But, otherwise, good! I will probably be back when in the area.

DISCLAIMER: I have had really good BBQ and I have made really good BBQ…read more Have you ever really wanted something so bad but what you got was so disappointing that you still wanted what you wanted in the first place? Well, that is the feeling you will have if you want BBQ and you come here. The customer waiting motioned to me and said, "what ever you do, don't get the mashed potatoes, they are too salty to even eat". Then I told the waitress I was struggling between the pulled pork and chicken which she replied with "if you are going to get any of the meat, the brisket is the only thing worth eating". That was a story made up, the lukewarm to cold brisket was fatty and flavorless...no smoke ring, no crisp, no flavor...gummy and tasteless. My son had their mixture of with a split with pork, chicken, sausage, and mac and cheese. He asked for no slaw and extra mac and cheese instead. The kitchen person came out yelling over to the waitress "did anyone tell them it is just a spoonful so there is no "extra" for not getting it (with air quotes) for her emphasis...we are sitting up front and can hear and see it all. Rude service free of charge. The baked beans were average for canned baked beans microwaved, as we heard the microwave go off and then our food came out. The Mac and cheese was even rejected by our 3 year old granddaughter, so that should be alarming by itself. The potato salad was much like what is in the buckets from Sam's Club. So overall, disappointing would be an improvement. The team was lacklusting, the food would be more satisfying if we chewed on napkins and plates. The service rude at best. The pricing was overreaching. Save your tastebuds, save your money. If this is your last option, it is a good time to start fasting instead of punishing yourself.

The staff is super sweet, the food was amazing and they were quick during a huge rush.read more

For part of my order I ordered 6 traditional wings. I wanted and paid for all flats, and I also…read moreasked for the sauce to be on the side. I got 6 traditional all drums with the sauce on the wings. When I said something to the runner she refused to have it fixed for me because they were too busy. I wasn't a happy camper.

A variety of foods are offered without being overwhelming. Many items are made by the owner and are…read moreexcellent choices! Mushrooms, buffalo chicken dip, and the sauces for the wings to name a few. Coldest beer in town with a frosted mug to boot! Nice atmosphere for either a family dinner or watching sports at the bar. Also has an outdoor deck for summertime!

Stopped in for lunch. First time there. Service was good. Food was great! And even got to meet…read moreRed!! Will definitely come back.

Two stars because the waitress was nice. Food was really awful.. we were just passing thru and…read moredidn't want fast food. Save your time and go thru a drive thru. You have to park on the road which is fine if there is a spot. I would NOT recommend this place.

Go here over Buffalo Wild Wings.. food is way better and no addicts working here.. I only gave it 4…read morestars because the professional of young girl complaining about previous customers and not getting a tip. This place has a lot of potential... Just need to have higher standards in choosing employees, they are the face of your business

The food here can be really good or really bad, it just seems to depend on the people cooking. They…read morealways take good care of their customers and get you in and out quickly. They generally keep the dining area clean and tables cleared.

I can't believe the customer service sucks. My fiancé went in to pick up our food, and the dude…read morelaughed at him for how much he got. What a fucking ass hole. Don't eat here!