We drove by Smoke Monkey on a little tour we were in the area and stopped in for lunch. I ordered the jalapeño sausage sandwich. The amount of sausage they give is a lot but the casing was super tuff and not much heat in the meat and the bun was soaked in butter. The place is cool with a lot to look at and a great outdoor eating area. My wife ordered the pulled pork which was dry and not very flavorful and her bun was also soaked in butter. She did like the Mac and cheese though. We ordered a couple of mini pies before we left and my wife said there was not enough fruit in it and dry. read more

We came across this place while we were driving around Rockwall and are so glad that we stopped here to grab lunch. At the time they had a buffet that looked pretty good so we all decided to get it. The sides were probably some of the best sides I've ever had from a barbecue restaurant as well as the pulled pork. They have a huge outdoor area as well as a kids playground. Overall 10/10!! read more

We waited 30 min in line to be told you were sold out of everything.,at 7PM on a Saturday night! Was this bad planning or what? Even if you had sold out of some things you should let your patrons in line know so they don't waste their time waiting around! read more

Not what it used to be. Ordered several items to go. Got home and realized that they forgot the dessert. Called them the next day, and they acted as if they couldn't care less.what we did get was mediocre at best. Never going back. read more

Came here for my mom birthday and what a disappointment..... over priced for food that is not good at all. We got the brisket and buffet catfish. The brisket was so dry tough and cold it was as if they just opened a Walmart pack of meat. The catfish was all bread no actual fish at all. The sides were good that was the only thing that was decent. The cashier was also was overloaded as we were trying to order she got inturppted about 5 times and it wasn't a "I'm sorry give me one moment" she just started talking back to the employees while we were talking to her. I get there's lots of "fires" to put out in the service industry but customer service always comes first if you want to keep your customer. I'm never going back. Overpriced,bad customer service, poor food quality read more

Had a family meetup for the holidays and it was a great space for everyone. BBQ plates, fried fish and the buffet meant everyone got something they liked. The outdoor play area was great as the younger kids all enjoyed playing outdoors while the adults were able to sit and talk for several hours without any interruptions. read more

The bathrooms were port-a-potties in a trailer. They smelled so bad, gagging was inevitable. It was dirty everywhere else, too. The food is out and exposed in a dirty room with a line traveling through it. Not sure if I've ever been in a bar or restaurant this dirty before, and we lived in the French quarter of New Orleans. read more

They have a large outdoor area great for social distancing. You can either order off the menu or use the buffet on sundays. We ordered off then menu. The potato with brisket on top was really large and yummy. Green beans are really garlicy and so good. Brisket sandwich was good also. They have beer and whiteclaw. read more

Smoke Monkey - Brisket sandwich with mac and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Rockwall, Texas

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This is some of the best BBQ around! The brisket is very tender and smoked to perfection. The service can be slow at times but only because it's a popular place to eat. The music is good and the remodel is on point. Will be coming back (again). read more

Drive by and had to stop!!! It's so darn cute!!! The menu was amazing and the food was better. 4 different tea selections! The buffet was amazing. The pulled pork sandwich was drool worthy!!! Will be back to try the pies .....and the night life. We came on a Saturday afternoon and it was perfect bbq for my tummy! Staff was so sweet and helpful!!!!!! read more

over all food is not bad if you get it fresh , after setting in warmer table goes left quickly - it dries out at least they keep it hot not like Chinese do by letting it get cool to last longer the peach cobbler is awful too much almond extract - ice cream is fair if it was frozen tends to be runny read more

Great smoke house nestled into the country side of NTX. This is the type of place that if you blink when driving past, you might miss it....despite the large bbq trailer in from that says...barbecue.... The place is large, with a nice outdoor sitting area that has live music from time to time. There's a large playground for the kiddos to enjoy which includes some kind of large inflated slide. There's enough room for a gaggle of kids to play all at the same time. Walking in, they had a buffet severed which included about 20 items such as chicken strips, beans, gumbo and fried shrimp (there was no bbq that I saw). The family members that I came with enjoyed the buffet...I went in for a 2 meat plate. Brisket, ribs and a side of sausage for the table to share was what I ordered. The brisket was on point, great bark, juicy and had a great taste. The ribs were a dry rub rib and were smoked well. The sausage was a bit salty for my taste, but was done well and enjoyed by the whole table. The plate was severed with 2 biscuits which were shared amongst the table......2 sides of my choice from the buffet were offered.....all in all, 2 thumbs up for the service, pricing and quality of food, see you guys next time- read more

Smoke Monkey - Brisket, ribs, jalapeño sausage.....definitely try the brisket! - Barbeque Near Me - Rockwall, Texas

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Now, I've had a lot of BBQ in the Dallas area that was barely edible, at best. But this spot was down-right tasteless and season-free! Of course I only went once. Are you kidding me? Those ribs we're so bland that I thought I had caught Covid and lost my sense of taste... until I shared them with my family. They were also disappointed in this unappetizing bbq. There's more flavor in a bottle of water. As for the side dishes... we'll "no comment". Horrible! This was the first time I couldn't force myself to eat overpriced food that I had paid for and had driven over 25 miles to try. I had to trash them. Nobody at the house wanted them. read more

Food is amazing , staff is friendly, prices are reasonable have outside seating , dine in and & take out

Environment was cool. 2 stages for music, outdoor seating, play area for kids, oversized cornhole with basket balls. BBQ was trash. Brisket had a minimal smoke ring, chicken was rubbery, ribs were also dry. Employees were polite which was pleasant. Be prepared to pee in the bushes outside as the portable bathroom they have is the origin spot of covid19. read more

In Rockwall, yep stop here. We stopped for a good visit. All you can eat catfish, fried shrimp buffet... great taste. It's a wonderful feel and nice people. We don't live far from here and passed by several times. Good BBQ and full a flavor sauces. read more

Smoke Monkey - Fried Cat fish - Barbeque Near Me - Rockwall, Texas

Amazing BBQ!!! We're from California and some family took us here our last visit. Thee best BBQ I have ever have. Driving farther than we have the entire trip because we had to go back! And introduce our little girl to real BBQ. They have a new kids area with a full on playground and chairs for the parents to sit. So delicious again. Perfect way to end our trip and head home full and happy. Thank you for such wonderful and welcoming service. read more

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The perfect place for my birthday dinner. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs were all delicious, juicy and tender! Alot of food and the price was perfect. Definitly will be coming back read more

Adding a review to give you a heads up. This was one of our favorite BBQ restaurants. We took out of town guests, went for special occasions, and ordered it to go a couple times. It was great, in my opinion the best BBQ in Kaufman County. Unfortunately, when we went back last night we discovered they were no longer selling BBQ. It's now a buffet and the pulled pork is descent, but if you're not a fish eater, it'll be hard to get your money's worth. They still have a playground & live music. That's nice, but I wish they still had the great food we loved. read more

I used to drive by this place and wonder, what was this building with an old bounce house, that could possibly give a kid tetanus (ok, joking), buffet,and a silly name like that! How on earth can this place be taken seriously? Then one day, I saw a sign that said crawfish, and my interest really peaked! I yelped it of course and though, nah their crawfish will be horrible, it's a BBQ place. I'm a Louisiana girl and know food crawfish! Well, never ever judge a book by its cover, as places like these tend to really be the best! They have really great seasoned crawfish, and delicious bbq as well. Bacon in my green beans??? Um yea!!!! Crawfish in TX that's actually really good? Amazingly flavored catfish? Slow cooked juicy brisket? Fall off the bone ribs Delivery to my house? I need stop eating here because it's making me a lil extra curvier than I should be! Y'all gotta stop with the goodness! read more

Worst experience I've had especially being with my Mother and Father. Several employees could be seen, one at the door, with no directions. Sanitizer and gloves at the beginning of the line so we sanitized. We start the line and then a Tall Hispanic lady started yelling at my Elderly Mom and Dad about how to put the gloves on first and saying other stuff. I'm only catching some of the conversation since she also yelled we had to pay first. Keep in mind, there are other employees we walked past first before getting to the line. I had some choice words to her but also keep in mind I didn't get a chance to tell her how I really felt about her mouth . (Trying not to embarrass my Mom and Dad any further. Anyways... the chicken was raw, fish and shrimp were undercooked as well. I'll never be back and I'll also make sure everyone I know, knows about the service and food from this day read more

Smoke Monkey - Slightly pink chicken - Barbeque Near Me - Rockwall, Texas

A heck of a deal with the loaded smashed potatoes, for $10, can't be beat. I got the pulled pork potato - had so much pork, I couldn't see the potato! It was all cooked perfectly and the sauce was aweso too. Recommend to anyone looking for some amazing bbq. Creamy Mac and cheese, crisp fried okra, excellent hush puppies, nice waffle fries. Vanilla buttermilk pie is a tasty end of the meal treat, if you have room! House made rolls are nice and fluffy as well. Just go already! read more

Smoke Monkey - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Rockwall, Texas

We recently moved back to Rockwall County after 23 years moving around the country. So many changes to this former small bedroom community, not all good ones. On a very positive note, Smoke Monkey has arrived. About half way between Rockwall and Terrell on 205, Smoke Monkey offers good barbecue and although we have not tried yet a rotating buffet option. Back to BBQ, the brisket is tender and flavorful, the jalapeño sausage is on point, smoked chicken moist and flavorful, and the ribs have just enough bite to them. Sides are great too, highly recommend the creamed corn. Rolls/buns are even branded. Sauce is a nice compliment to the smoked flavor. They also ha e live entertainment on select nights. Great to be back in Texas and have Smoke Monkey so close. Will definitely be in our restaurant rotation. read more

Oh, the pain. I'm so full. I can barely type this. Firstly, what a great name. Smoke Monkey. As soon as I see it on Yelp, I know this is my dinner destination. 20 minutes from the hotel. I don't care. The owner (Brent, in the picture below) greets us IN THE PARKING LOT. Welcomes us to his restaurant. Amazing. The decor is eclectic and weird and matches the name perfectly. My teammate and I order a sampler platter for two and a side of ribs. Yup... ribs... on the side. Mountains of meat come out. Piles. Heaps. I refuse to eat the rolls or sides because I'm going to make a dent in this gargantuan pile or pork, chicken, and beef. Then I spy the BUFFET of sides. Unlimited potato salad, pickles, onions, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, baked beans, green beans... I cave. I'm considering relocating to Terrell, TX just to eat here again. read more

Smoke Monkey - Barbeque Near Me - Rockwall, Texas

Great place to come for good ol fashion comfort food. I have never been here until now. Came here on a Friday night and got the catfish dinner. Was not disappointed. Great prices, and great food. Will come back. read more

Friday and Saturday buffet is legit. It is a bit expensive ($19) but that includes a soft drink, and all you can eat shrimp, chicken, and fish with sides and a dessert. My kids like to play outside here also. read more

Our second time here; our first time was take out. Friday nights they do like music so we had a little date night. Loads of seating outside and the weather was perfect for good music, cold beer and good food on one of the rare, cool, DFW evenings in that brief window that passes for spring: Outdoor bar, play area for kids, a crayfish boil and Friday nights is a catfish buffet, all you can eat. She got brisket, I got the catfish. Buffets can be quantity over quality but everything was good and plenty. Hush puppies were jalapeño and flavorful. Catfish was large and crisp. Chicken strips and Nashville hot chicken also done well. And I can't forget the friend shrimp. Usually those are the puny, 80% batter, popcorn shrimp. Not these. These were medium sized, deveined and lightly battered. Plenty of sides and all the starch and carbs you want. But let's face it, if you're hitting the all you can eat fried fish buffet, you aren't counting calories and carbs. Her brisket was moist and tasty. It had too much fat for her, or as I call it, lots of flavor. We had a good time and will for sure be back. read more

Simply the best. Our first order became a nightmare that they forgot about, but soon turned into a fairy tale. The only thing that prevents me from ordering more is my health...I'm writing this from the bench in my house while I catch my breath. Cant go wrong with chopped brisket or smoked chicken. read more

Super delicious!!! New to the area and we have been looking for our go to BBQ place ... and yay we found it!!! Everything was perfect from the service to the food!! read more

Smoke Monkey - Barbeque Near Me - Rockwall, Texas

Oh my goodness! I love BBQ potatoes and this joint doesn't disappoint. Plus the potato salad, tomato salad and apple pie are awesome. I've officially found my favorite BBQ place! read more

Wow! Newly renovated. THE FOOD!!! The brisket, yummy, tender, The pork, juicy and splendiferous! Catfish, make you smack your momma. Even the yard bird is delicious! You gotta try this stuff!!! Ummmummm goooooddddd read more

Currently wearing one of their shirts as we speak. The food is great. Atmosphere is so fun and kid friendly! Our kids love hanging out here!!! read more

Only think good here is the potato salad and customer service. Staff if nice and friendly but the food is horrible!! Worst food I ever tasted...ewww, ribs was not cooked. Brisket was tough, sausage link not cooked enough. I will not be back. Don't waste your money. read more

Ordered our meal online and arrived when it said it would be ready. Arrived and the food wasn't prepared. We ordered $165 worth of food and asked for 10 plates. They gave us an irritated look and said no, we're gonna have to charge you for that. The worst part was when one of the waitresses used her fingers to pick food out of her mouth then proceeded to put gloves on without washing her hands....during a pandemic. Terrible customer service and even worse food. Our family was excited to finally try this place as we live down the street but will not return nor recommend. read more

I love the location, just off the road and easily accessible. But the food is absolutely delicious. And not only their BBQ, but pretty much everything they serve. I go in for the Mexican buffet, the fish and their home style cooking too. It's all so good. And I especially love their macaroni and cheese. read more

Meat is really good. Fixing could use a little improvement. I haven't eaten there in over 18 months. So, things cold be totally different. read more

A local gem -- it is a family friendly, traditional BBQ place with an outstanding selection of meats, fried fish and sides. Indoor or outdoor seating the Smoke Monkey team is committed to quality service. The fried fish & shrimp is old school Southern comfort. The brisket is always on point. Try it out, you will not be disappointed and is worth the journey from the urban Rockwall and Forney to spend some quality time in a relaxed and quiet rural setting! read more

I had driven by here several times and finally decided to give it a try. Took my wife and mother-in-law and had a pleasant time. I had the pulled pork sandwich and it had plenty of meat. Overall goo experience and had friendly staff. Will be coming back! read more

Great find in the middle of Nowhere, Texas (which is where the great BBQ hides) I discovered Smoke Monkey. Primeval BBQ action in the middle of Texas? If they're making sausage and pulled pork like this, you'll find me here! They cover all the major food groups here (Sausage, Brisket, Pulled pork and chicken) so you'll know you're getting a balances meal when you eat here! WHEN YOU GO- Service expectations were, not surprisingly surpassed. While I'd expect nothing less from an independent Texas BBQ joint, they really make you feel like a regular on your very first visit. If you're buying for a large group talk to your BBQ professional about the best way to package it up- family packs to go or by the pound with separate sides. If it's just for one or two take a look at their mashed potato bowls. If your feeling brave for for the Ring of Fire bowl and get a large milk on the side! read more

Great green beans! I haven't had a bad meal there.... They have plenty of room and good food.