We came back to try smoky bones for the second. Time. What a difference compared to when it first opened. Had the pulled pork sandwich on brioche, which was fantastic with many sauces to choose from.. The grilled cheese with smoked brisket, also outstanding. I had a side of mashed potatoes and gravy which was very good. We sat at the bar and our server was fantastic and very friendly. Frank the kitchen manager came out to see how everything was. He spoke about some changes that have been made since the opening. We thought that was great that he took the time to come out and speak to us and make sure everything was up to par. We will definitely be going back. read more

First time customer and I was very happy with the whole experience. My salad was so delicious and the service was amazing. It's a little loud but I will definitely be back. read more

Food was excellent, service from Nydia was fantastic. Not at all crowded, and the manager even checked up on us. We'll definitely be back. read more

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The corn bread was amazing with the pecan butter. I loved the pecan butter so much that the waitress gave me some to take back home. The sauces on the table were all good but none were the rib sauce. My sister and I waited a bit for our food, they weren't crowded so not sure why it took long for our food to come out. Over all everything was delicious and I will be back! read more

Smokey Bones Rockford - American Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

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Food is good. On line ordering a hot mess !! Phone call orders also a hot mess!! Come on Smokey Bones get business together!! there's plenty of competition in Rockford get it together babies!! read more

Came here to watch football on a Sunday afternoon. Jackie was friendly and attentive at the bar. Food was hit or miss. The smoked wings were very tasty and the selection of BBQ sauces were great. The pulled pork Sammy was a disappointment. Soggy and no seasoning. Still, prices are good, especially the all day happy hour menu. read more

My mom and step dad brought my wife and I here for our birthdays and we had a great time. Drinks were amazing, food was incredible. My wife and I shared a whole rack of ribs which were amazing! My step dad got the bone grill option where he got many different meats to sample. It fed the four of us just fine! His ribs however were not as good as ours. I think all of his meats were a little too done my opinion. It was a Friday night and very busy but our waitress was very nice and helpful. It made a good start to an amazing birthday weekend! read more

Smokey Bones Rockford - American Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

The parking is free, convenient and plentiful with several handicap spaces right at the restaurant. Getting into the restaurant if in a wheelchair or using assistive devices might be difficult as the doors are very heavy. I have been there twice in 2 weeks with different people. The one consistent thing is the servers are spread very thin so it is difficult for them to keep up. The first visit our server was nice enough but was not very good at keeping up with her tables we had to wait for very long stretches no matter what we needed. It appears that at the start of the day they have one server for each side of the building. Both times most of the food was good however some was on the overdone side so those dishes were dried out. The baked beans are very good not to spicy but not overly sweet. The pretzels the second time were over cooked and hard. read more

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They were good at a point now that shit dookie and lazy.I went there a couple times and the waiting time was long but it was worth it but that when they first opened up but now it just isn't the same and the meals feel like they were microwaved or just old.At the end of the stick pretty shit. read more

We took our grand daughters out for dinner. Kids eat free on Wednesday!! The burger was delicious as was the chicken sandwich. Happy hour wine was upgraded to a very nice Josh cabernet with no upcharge! Ice cream brownie dessert was fresh, delicious, and shared. So many reasons that this place should be busier. Give it a try! read more

Our party of 3 waited for 20 minutes without having our drink or dinner order taken. We watched as several servers passed us, looked at us and continued on. One server eventually stopped and asked if we had been helped yet and said they would find our server. A second server then stopped by and said she would pick up our table but then proceeded to clean adjacent tables (while looking at us). With no service coming to our table, we decided to leave and enjoyed a nice meal elsewhere. read more

The 1/2 bbq chicken plate was absolutely delicious chicken was very moist bbq sauce is amazing. The brisket was good but not the best

Restaurant came highly recommended by a co-worker, we arrived on a Saturday night, not aware we should have reservations, but we were seated in about 15 minutes, so that was nice. Menu was typical of any BBQ place, no surprises; while staff was quick to get drinks, orders, refills, the food took nearly an hour to arrive to our table. We were seated at 5:15, food ordered about 5:25, not at our table until around 6:30 pm. Once the food arrived, the waiter did seem to forget about us and then we had to wait for our check. Overall, food was OK (cornbread and butter was delish) , service was OK, speed of service was greatly lacking. Not sure we will go back. We ordered the beef brisket and shredded pork meals. I've heard the wings are great, but have not tried them. I would say if you are in a hurry, this is not the place to go. read more

Tonya T. Unprofessional Manager Behavior: I called in an order with Alexis from the Rockford location. She told me about a special where you could buy one and get one free. I told her that I would be using a coupon today. She told me to apply it before I pay. We went to pick up the order, and the cashier had to call the manager because she couldn't get the coupon to go through the system. I asked if they would take the free item off. The unprofessional, unpleasant manager said," Just a waste of food. I apologized and told him what Alexis told me about using the coupon, and he stated that he didn't care. The manager was publicly yelling until the cashier left, and guests in the restaurant started staring and listening. I did bring it to the manager's attention what was happening around us. He kept repeating "just a waste". I finally left and went across the street to buy food for the 3 homeless guests. One of them gave me the coupon. Recommendation: allow a person to order additional food and pay for the complete order before assuming that other food was not wanted. Listening is a skill! read more

This is the worst place to eat at. It took them 2hrs to serve me and my family, and kept messing up our orders. By the time our food came out it was cold and old, and when we asked to get it fixed it took them 50mins just to get it fixed. We got to this restaurant at 5:30 and left at 10:00. I DO NOT RECOMMEND COMING HERE. (I wish I could give it -10 stars read more

Great place to have dinner! Drive out from Chicago twice, it's that good! The baby back ribs are amazing! The kids menu has good options also! Everything we've tried was great! read more

Smokey Bones Rockford - Baby back ribs meal - American Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

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Visited from out of town and was recommended , the service was amazing as well as the food was to die for. A returning favorite for when we are in town. read more

Beautiful facade, beautiful interior. I arrived about 11:20am on a Tuesday, the parking lot was empty, except for 1 vehicle. Waiting, I doubled checked the hours. Ok, 11am opening. I went up to the doors about 11:30, still wondering if the website has not been updated. Open! Checked in and noted there was in fact 1 customer, sitting alone at a large table, clearly waiting for a large group. She sat me, as a single diner in booth directly next to this impending luncheon party. I'm leaving about 12:15; while my meal arrived quickly, I ordered a baked potato and salad, it took awhile for the server to attend to the large party, by time she was able to check on me, it was time to leave. My meal, while quick, the potato was over cooked and the bbq pork was very dry. Since there appeared to only be one server, I dealt with the lackluster meal, then waited until the server was able to present the bill, as mentioned, she had a fairly large party she had been attending to. I have heard fantastic reviews on the food, so I'm disappointed that it was not up to par of those I know. read more

First time at Smokey Bones, food was very delicious. Me and my been wanting to come her for awhile, I had the smoked turkey platter w/ mac n cheese y wife had the Brisket platter. Everything was excellent! Our waitress was Rebecca, she always checking to make sure everything was okay. You did a great job Rebecca, thank you! SMOOTH BOURBON BLACKBERRY LEMONADE was read more

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Delicious and stock full of options. Haven't been disappointed either of the two times I've been.

Please do not come go to this establishments, we waited 15 minutes to get a glass of water then crickets. The host and to the table and offered an apology, but still our waiter was either not there but you would think someone would serve us the customers. We left after not being served while everyone else got service, now I do not want to say it's because we are of color but we were treated as such, in this place color seemed to matter, money money spends not concerned with individual ignorance. read more

Tried this on a whim. I was expecting flavor. What I got was good drinks and bland food. I did try the 4 sauces available. The only one with flavor was the mustard. I originally thought someone was playing a prank by making the sauces tasteless. The bartender was good, thorough and honest when u asked for suggestions. read more

I was in town on business and like to try new bbq places when I'm traveling. It only had 2.5 stars which I was hesitant about. Reviews said poor service, tasteless food, etc. It was Monday night 8:00 so when I walked in there were only a few people in. I had to wait for about 30 seconds to be seated. No big deal. Zoe was my waitress. She greeted me with a smile, explained the menu and answered all my questions. She was attentive and checked on me often. I do not know if the poor reviews were just weird people or just ornery. I felt the ribs were great, the garlic bread was awesome, the beans were perfect and the broccoli was excellent as well. Zero complaints. I had a hard time stopping before I stuffed myself. I went back to the hotel with a box for lunch tomorrow! I will be here til Thursday and probably come back. read more

Smokey Bones Rockford - Ribs - awesome, broccoli - perfect, beans - fantastic, garlic bread - in my tummy! - American Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

Has food, has lightbulbs, tables, chairs, and even drinks. Even had parking spots, won't believe it also is free besides the food part. read more

Smokey Bones Rockford - Fries. - American Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

Had dinner at the bar last night. Eddie was the bartender and could not have a sweeter guy! So helpful and friendly! Will definitely be sitting at the bar again if he is working ! read more

The donuts are really good. They reminded me of a cider mill to be honest. Mac and cheese was decent. Service was good. Nothing to die for but not bad. read more

Smokey Bones Rockford - BBQ Smokehouse Mac - American Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

The food is ok. The service here is terrible. The waiters and waitresses disappear in the back forever, they are not attentive, and the food will come out cold or wrong. It's obvious that this place does not care about its customers, making money, or its rating on yelp. Good luck Smokey. You'll likely be closed in the near future. read more

The atmosphere was amazing. Our waiter Alex was awesome for us. The food was really good

It was Monday, expectations were low and met as such. Friendly and attentive staff, just not great bbq on a Monday.

I'm so glad we didn't listen to the reviews. The Pork Belly Popsicles are amazing.The BBQ Nachos as well. We had the baby back ribs,pulled pork and chicken. Everything tasted amazing. We had the dark meat and it was juicy. The coleslaw was my favorite side. We love BBQ.This is definitely the place to get it.Amber, our waitress was attentive and great. read more

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Their Smokehouse Chicken Sandwich was all cartilage pieces and different from what was shown on the menu. Came with lettuce, pickles and onions instead of onion tanglers, sauce & cheddar cheese. Just a really gross sandwich and a disappointing experience. read more

Smokey Bones Rockford - Smokehouse Chicken Sandwich - American Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

Smokey Bones is one of the best BBQ chain restaurants I've ever ate at! I'm not big on chain food but this place is definitely an exception. I ordered the BBQ chicken meal...bomb!!! The chicken was juicy and tender, the sides were tasty. I'm super picky about my baked beans and this placed pasted the test. Lol. My friend ordered the brisket and pulled pork meal. The pulled pork was cool. Needed more flavorful in my opinion. But that brisket though! Okay it was nice, tender, juicy brisket that you could tell was slow cooking for hourssss. We ordered the mini doughnuts for a dessert and they did not disappoint! The best part was the cinnamon sugar that you shake with the doughnuts in a bag. If you don't understand what I'm saying that just means you have to order it to get what I'm talking about. Lol. Long story short, if you have a big group, family night, or dinner with coworkers this would be the perfect spot. read more

Smokey Bones Rockford - BBQ Chicken - American Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

I ordered a plain, well done, bacon cheeseburger and it came out raw. My drank was also flat, but the fries and barbecue sauce was good.

The second star is for our server Justin who was the lone shining star. Of all of the food, the only thing that was good (not great, but good) was the St Louis ribs (Memphis rub is better than the standard sauce-glazed but both are ok). The tacos (my wife had one of each) were dry. The steak in the steak taco was grey and disgusting. The biggest offense was the brisket. Not only was it very dry, but the kitchen staff doesn't even understand how to cut brisket. It's supposed to be AGAINST the grain. And when someone specifically asks for point (fatty) portion and says they don't want any meat from the flat, you should know what that means if you work in the kitchen of a BBQ joint for crying out loud. And if you don't then you should ask. I even went out of my way to introduce myself to Nikesha (sp?) the manager and we talked about the brisket before we ordered - and they still screwed it up. And no she didn't come back to talk to us when we complained - she avoided the dining room. On top of all of this it's one of the most expensive places in town. Corporate if you're reading this it's already time for a leadership change and retraining for the kitchen. You should be embarrassed about how bad this location is. read more

Long waits, watered down drinks, sloppy service and crappy food! One of those times I truly wish YELP didn't require a one star minimum!! Do not waste your money here! With the building being new it was pretty clean yet its tables are far too close and cramped for my taste. But this is not why I genuinely despised my visit. Quick Note: The server herself was actually very sweet and attentive. I apologize I do not remember her name. Let's start from the beginning. It literally starts with the delivering of our water. My water shows up to the table and is placed in front of me with an old cardboard coaster IN IT! Folded in half and crammed inside as if it was done in a previous table bussing and didn't come out before, during, or after the washing process. (If it was washed at all) Then it wasn't caught by anyone prior to being filled with ice and water and delivered to the table. This was my first impression of my experience and it snowballed from there. We ordered drinks of several different styles and after it took nearly 30 minutes to arrive they were dreadful at best. Rum and coke tasted like water. Not even a coke that lacked liquor, like a glass of ice that lacked everything. Moscow mule was similar and the fancy peach tea also tasted like peach water. Very disappointing especially given how pricey they were! Our appetizers came out after quite a while and the fried pickles weren't even cooked all the way. A while later our food comes out. I ordered the "Samual Adams beer battered fish and chips and was super excited for it given the description. I was blown away with what I actually got. Soggy and gross is all I have to say. What was expected to be a large portion of crispy white fish showed up looking like some general store frozen fish fillets that had been fried and then fried again because it sat too long. I cut into it and grease literally poured out. We did get to meet the manager and his response was filled with excuse after excuse of why it was ok that the food, drinks, and service were poor. Having been a restaurant manager before I know that even a new establishment like this should not have been so poorly run unless it completely lacked proper training. I recommend they close down and give the staff a couple more weeks of training before opening back up. Also, maybe up their standards a bit as well. read more

Smokey Bones Rockford - "Fish and Chips" more like Walmart TV dinner! - American Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

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This was my first time eating at this restaurant. I was with my 14 year old son and we stopped in for a quick dinner. First off, neither me nor my son had anything BBQ related so I can't help you there. I had the 10 oz. sirloin steak cooked medium and my son just had a bacon cheeseburger. My son stated his burger was really good, however my steak was not so good. The steak was cooked OK and to my request but it had no flavor whatsoever.it was tender and juicy to be sure just without flavor which confused me a little. And yes I know it's not really a "steakhouse" but if you have steak on the menu it should be good. Anyway, the service was fine and it didn't take too long to cook our meals so there are no complaints there. Nothing really stood out though either as being exceptional. I can say I've had better steaks at Texas Roadhouse. read more

Smokey Bones Rockford - USDA Choice Sirloin - American Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

Walked in with my bf at 9:25pm, restaurant is posted to close at 11pm. Was turned around at the door because they were only taking pickup orders. Weird because the restaurant was empty and seems like they needed the service. Won't be back read more

I loved the franchise years ago and was sad most all in the area had closed up. I was excited Rockford was getting a new one, but had been hesitant to try this due to the less than stellar reviews already posted. Went for lunch with my father on 8/8/19 right as it opened. Great service (I apologize for not remembering the waitress's name) and excellent food. Pulled pork lunch special was very filling for the price. Went back for lunch again today with my father. Our server (Haley) was excellent and the food (pulled pork & smoked chicken) were outstanding and server in a timely manner. Will definitely go back again in the near future. read more

Smokey Bones Rockford - Pulled pork lunch special with fries and baked beans. - American Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

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5 star service, 2 star food. Wendy's hands down makes a better looking and better tasting pulled pork. What I had looked and tasted like high school cafeteria food. Again, service was great though. They're rocking it for having just opened and the sauces taste good. But seriously - licking lines of sauce off my knife was as good (if not being) than my food. Better options in the area include: Tavern on Clark, Outback Stake house, Longhorn, Five Forks, and Wendy's. read more

Smokey Bones Rockford - As unappetizing as it looks. $10 pulled pork sandwich & potatoes. - American Near Me - Rockford, Illinois

Food was amazing, drinks were amazing, and service was amazing! Shout out to Frank for making me a Peach Mule! read more

Smokey Bones Rockford - Peach Mule - American Near Me - Rockford, Illinois