Awesome food--we loved the pulled pork, loved the ribs, the Cole slaw was super delicious, and the…read moregreen beans were great too! The large smokers caught our attention as we were passing by, with smoke billowing out--and the aroma of delicious smoked meat made us turn around and stop in. They were so nice and helpful with the food choices, and a special touch was the cook presenting the food to us before bagging the boxes for us to go. He was also very helpful in suggesting a cool (and apparently little known) picnic spot by the river! Perfect! I can't wait to go back! If you love BBQ, this place is the real deal.

Food was ok the first time I went but the service was good. The woman that served us made up the…read morefoods lack of pizazz! The second time the food was fantastic. Fall off the bone ribs. I mean so tender moist sauce in my beard and all over my face! Some local sports highlights needs improvement!

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.

Visiting my family in Ohio, they asked to take us to this BBQ joint for some lunch. I was…read moresurprised how big this place is on the proximity of the size of the town...but it looked to be doing great business on a Thursday afternoon. They got some fried pickles for the table and shared with us...these were pretty good. Hub and I decided to split a three meat plate for 20 dollars...a bargain with all that food...it came with two sides. We picked the Mac and cheese and the baked beans. All the meats were fabulous as were the baked beans and cornbread...the only thing that fell short was the Mac and cheese...but this is just a side and not the star. When we come back I will ask to come back here..I,was pretty impressed!

Great place for Bbq products, better than most in the area, service has always been good as wellread more

L&R BBQ has delicious food, great service and they are very accommodating. I've never been…read moredisappointed at L&R BBQ.

Second time we have been here . Good food good atmosphere and good service the only thing that is a…read morelittle issue you is they don't have fountain drinks

Great food and friendly service. Pulled pork salad is delicious. BBQ is good as well.read more

Visited 317 Steak House and honestly, it was a really good experience. The place has a classy but…read morerelaxed vibe, which I loved. The service was warm and attentive without being over the top, they really make you feel taken care of. The food was solid. My steak was cooked just the way I asked, juicy and flavorful, and the sides were delicious (the kind you actually finish). The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I felt the timing on the courses could've been a little smoother ,not a big deal, just something they could improve. But overall, it's definitely a spot worth visiting. Good food, good ambiance, and great for a nice dinner out. I'd absolutely go back.

What an absolutely wonderful experience. Food was absolutely fantastic from the broccoli cheese…read morebites, bread, salads, steaks and sides and don't forget about the homemade cheesecake! Service was incredible. Justin was the most personable and attentive server I've ever had. Very nice dining area, beautiful and comfortable. Overall a 10/10! Run, don't walk to this place!!!

Best food in madison/Danville. Not a chain restaurant... what more do you need!…read more Friendly staff and quick food. Locals seem to like it

I randomly stopped at this place for lunch on my way through town. The ribs and Mac & Cheese are…read moreamazing. Get the spicy sauce. It's not too spicy, just right. The owner was really cool too.

All of the 5 star reviews should tell you everything you need to know!…read more My husband and I stopped in and we needed to pick up some take out to feed 5 adults. The guy in the back offered to sell us meat by the pound rather than getting the combo platters so that's what we did. We got a pound of each: brisket, pulled pork, and pulled chicken. We got 2 sides of Mac n cheese and 2 sides of the loaded potato salad. Everything was excellent and top notch!! I'm really picky about Mac n cheese and Mo Betta's was some of the best I've ever had. We also brought both of their bbq sauces home and they were both delicious. The place was clean and the service was super friendly! I'd definitely go back!!

Best barbecue I have had in a long time. I couldn't stop eating it. I recommend at least trying it…read moreif you love barbecue cooking

Great food and great service! Best BBQ in the Kanawha…read moreValley! I go there for lunch on a weekly basis!

Always good, always reliable. Service is fast. Employees are friendly. I love everything on the…read moremenu. The ramp burger is my jam. It is soooo good. Ramp Burger, fire crackers fries, and a drink are around $20.

This place has been around forever, nothing to look at, but food & service is the best. Everything…read moreis awesome, but my favorite is baked steak & gravy.

This place is family owned for nearly 100 years! It shows in the friendliest service and some the…read morebest breakfasts, lunches and dinners with comfort food around! I love the burgers and fries but believe it's the best scratch breakfast joint 6-days a week in the greater Charleston metro area! Go!!! Tell Mike the owner I sent you!!!!

Ok... alright... South Charleston, W. Va. I see what you're doing…read more Was passing through on my way home to SC and I yelped "soul food - Charleston, WV" and this popped up. Since I really only eat one big meal a day I was hoping this'd do. I gave it a shot. Had to park behind the restaurant because I didn't see any parking up front. Nice place. Looks like at night it could be a jumping little spot for drinks. I ordered something simple, fried chicken with yams, greens, and Mac. Great choice! Food was hot and tasty. Good portions too at a decent price. I only had water. If I come back up here I'd hit it again. It's not in the cut but across the river. Good food and good people.

When I search for a soul food restaurant, I search for food with soul, not food that warms my soul…read more (There's a difference to some people.) The chicken was good, but I expected more seasoning. The greens&yams were phenomenal. The rolls seemed small and store bought, so I wasn't thrilled about that. So all in all, it was pretty good, but I wouldn't say excellent. The waitress was super sweet, and they had a station playing on TV where MJ was still black, so that ups the score for me! The only other complaint I had was that they didn't have grits, and that's what I was really wanting that day. Had to go get them from my usual place after I left. Oh, and the inside of the restaurant was really clean too, which I appreciate. As everyone on here has pointed out, it is a black owned business, so go eat some good food.. and if you have a problem, tell someone, I'm sure they'd accommodate, they seem like good folks.