Social Profile: 
✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
… View more
Family-owned BBQ restaurant located next to Old Poway Park in Poway, CA, Smokin J’s BBQ is known for serving the best barbecue in Poway, smoked low and slow to perfection. We specialize in brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and ribs, all cooked in a direct-flow smoker fueled by California white oak for bold, authentic flavor. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and catering, we proudly serve expertly smoked, artfully sauced barbecue made fresh daily. Enjoy generous portions, friendly service, and a true passion for barbecue in every bite. Whether dining in or catering your next event, Smokin J’s BBQ delivers unforgettable flavor and quality.
Basic counter-serve featuring smoked meats, sides & housemade pecan pie, plus delivery & take-out.
Hours
| Friday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–7 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–8 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 14035 Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064
Phone: (858) 668-7131
Website: https://www.smokinjsrealbbq.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Smokin J’s BBQ
Family-owned BBQ restaurants in Poway, CA and San Diego, CA. Serving slow-smoked bbq for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and catering.
Order Smokin J’s BBQ (Poway) – Menu & Prices – Uber Eats
14035 Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064 $ • BBQ • Sandwiches • Burgers • Group Friendly x $0 delivery fee Other fees x Enter address to see delivery time.
Smokin J’s BBQ Delivery Menu | 14035 Midland Rd Poway – Grubhub
What happens to a California burrito when you make it with the best brisket around. Brisket, pork belly, Cajun fries, slaw, and BBQ sauced wrapped up in a flour …
Last Updates
Reviews
James Randorff
TL;DR: The food here is a solid 4/5, but the service experience was closer to 2/5. Overall, good barbecue with some standout dishes, but the front‑of‑house communication needs improvement.
———
My family and I visited Smokin’ J’s BBQ in Poway and had a mixed experience. The food was quite good, but the service left us frustrated.
When we arrived, we found a table, grabbed menus, and decided on our order. At the register, I discovered they were out of chicken (among other items), which meant my daughter had to run back out to the table so my wife could change her order on the spot. Later, when I went back to order more mac and cheese for my son, I noticed chicken had been taken off the “sold out” list, and the cashier casually mentioned they, “almost always have wings, even when chicken is marked unavailable.” That would have been helpful to know earlier.
On the food side, everything we tried was really good. The brisket salad was the standout — fresh, hearty, and flavorful, with lots of tender, smoky brisket, a variety of fresh vegetables, and shaved parmesan. My daughters loved their sandwiches (the “Smokin’ J” with brisket, pork belly, and slaw; and a grilled cheese with pork belly), and my son devoured his mac and cheese and salt fries. The smoked‑then‑fried wings we eventually ordered were excellent.
In short: the barbecue is worth the trip, but the service and communication need tightening up. With better consistency at the counter, this could easily be a 4‑star (or even 5-star) spot.
… more———
My family and I visited Smokin’ J’s BBQ in Poway and had a mixed experience. The food was quite good, but the service left us frustrated.
When we arrived, we found a table, grabbed menus, and decided on our order. At the register, I discovered they were out of chicken (among other items), which meant my daughter had to run back out to the table so my wife could change her order on the spot. Later, when I went back to order more mac and cheese for my son, I noticed chicken had been taken off the “sold out” list, and the cashier casually mentioned they, “almost always have wings, even when chicken is marked unavailable.” That would have been helpful to know earlier.
On the food side, everything we tried was really good. The brisket salad was the standout — fresh, hearty, and flavorful, with lots of tender, smoky brisket, a variety of fresh vegetables, and shaved parmesan. My daughters loved their sandwiches (the “Smokin’ J” with brisket, pork belly, and slaw; and a grilled cheese with pork belly), and my son devoured his mac and cheese and salt fries. The smoked‑then‑fried wings we eventually ordered were excellent.
In short: the barbecue is worth the trip, but the service and communication need tightening up. With better consistency at the counter, this could easily be a 4‑star (or even 5-star) spot.
Kimberly Floyd
Great BBQ place in Poway. Service was helpful and friendly. We ordered brisket, pulled pork and burnt ends, potato salad, beans, Mac n cheese, and brisket chilli. Everything was delicious. We ate outside under umbrellas. They sell their rubs and BBQ sauce too in gift shop too. We’ll be back.
… moreKristen Fore
We ordered take out and it was delicious! Staff chatted us up while we waited for our food. The brisket melt was delicious, recommend! Boneless rib sandwich and grilled cheese were also excellent. Not sure you could go wrong with anything really. The food has great flavor, unlike another local BBQ place that tastes like liquid smoke, Smokin’ Js is real flavor and so delicious. Now if you like bananas the banana pudding is so freakin GOOD! No joke, treat yourself!
… moreBen D
This BBQ spot is one of the highest-rated places near Poway, and after checking it out, it truly deserves the praise. No matter when you go, there are always people dining there. The seating is outdoors with several tables, and parking is super convenient. The food comes out fast—usually within 10 to 20 minutes—and everything I’ve tried so far has been excellent.
The meats are truly slowly smoked, especially the brisket, which is incredibly fresh and flavorful. I’m also a huge fan of their cornbread; I order it every time. Paired with their special house-made cream, it’s absolutely delicious.
On my first visit, I ordered quite a bit and found that around $20 per person is more than enough to leave you full. You can also grab their home made soda or different beers to make your meal more fulfilling.
Overall, it’s a quick, comfortable place with authentic BBQ flavors and no compromise on taste.
… moreThe meats are truly slowly smoked, especially the brisket, which is incredibly fresh and flavorful. I’m also a huge fan of their cornbread; I order it every time. Paired with their special house-made cream, it’s absolutely delicious.
On my first visit, I ordered quite a bit and found that around $20 per person is more than enough to leave you full. You can also grab their home made soda or different beers to make your meal more fulfilling.
Overall, it’s a quick, comfortable place with authentic BBQ flavors and no compromise on taste.
John A Mancini
Went here with a couple friends last weekend and had a pretty solid experience overall. The place had a laid-back vibe, nothing fancy, but it felt comfortable and welcoming. The barbecue smelled great as soon as we walked in, which is always a good sign. I ordered the brisket plate with sides, and the meat was tender with a nice smoky flavor. Portions were fair for the price. Service was friendly, though it took a bit longer than expected since it was busy, but no one seemed rushed or annoyed. Tables were clean and the atmosphere was relaxed. I’d say it’s a good spot if you’re craving straightforward BBQ without any hype.
… moreIsabella Seely
We were excited to try this place out after seeing the good reviews as we are from the south.
Unfortunately for us, our cashier lady was rude and seemed annoyed at any questions we had to ask about the menu. Not sure if she was chewing gum, but she was rolling her eyes at us. Decided not to leave a tip and hoped whoever brought our food would be anyone but her. Another lady came out to bring our food and she was nice and helpful, but soft spoken so it was hard to hear her over the music.
The food showed up and while it looked good, the taste left much to be desired. The BBQ had little to no flavor and was dry. The cornbread was also bland. Heard someone from inside complaining about their customer pet peeves. Just left an even more bad taste in my mouth.
Seems like a cute place and a nice vibe on the outside, but it’s a one time experience for me.
… moreUnfortunately for us, our cashier lady was rude and seemed annoyed at any questions we had to ask about the menu. Not sure if she was chewing gum, but she was rolling her eyes at us. Decided not to leave a tip and hoped whoever brought our food would be anyone but her. Another lady came out to bring our food and she was nice and helpful, but soft spoken so it was hard to hear her over the music.
The food showed up and while it looked good, the taste left much to be desired. The BBQ had little to no flavor and was dry. The cornbread was also bland. Heard someone from inside complaining about their customer pet peeves. Just left an even more bad taste in my mouth.
Seems like a cute place and a nice vibe on the outside, but it’s a one time experience for me.
…….
Smokin J’s BBQ delivers some of the best barbecue in San Diego. The brisket is unbelievably tender and packed with smoky flavor, while the pulled pork is juicy and perfectly seasoned. The Sticky St. Louie Spare Ribs are a must-try, offering a great balance of sweetness and spice.
The sides, especially the mac ‘n’ cheese and potato salad, complement the meats perfectly. Service is friendly, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it a great spot to enjoy a hearty meal.
… moreThe sides, especially the mac ‘n’ cheese and potato salad, complement the meats perfectly. Service is friendly, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it a great spot to enjoy a hearty meal.
Jim Heck
This place is top notch. The food is silly good. Best chicken wings I have ever had, and I like to consider myself a wing snob.
Arianna was incredible, and guided us through the menu, reccomended a cheese burger, which I don’t even think about at bbq joints. It was delicious.
Go here. Go her3 now.
… moreArianna was incredible, and guided us through the menu, reccomended a cheese burger, which I don’t even think about at bbq joints. It was delicious.
Go here. Go her3 now.
Angela Lin
The corn bread is amazing here! Skip the sodas they taste artificial and are unnaturally colored.
This place is walkable to the nearby park and is surrounded by other cute shops
… moreThis place is walkable to the nearby park and is surrounded by other cute shops
Spice of Life
Oh boy. Now another favorite bbq spot! The brisket is melt-in-your-mouth delicious!! They’re cold. Spot is delicious. Also because it’s not super sweet like other places. Yum!!
… more