Memphis Smoke - CLOSED

2.5 star rating
50 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Cajun/Creole, Barbeque  [Edit]

100 S Main St
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Neighborhood: Downtown Royal Oak
(248) 543-4300
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good For:
Late Night, Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
About This Business:

Blending the comfort and intimacy of a lounge with the innovative sushi of Kon and Greg Kim, Sakana Sushi Lounge brings a taste of the world to downtown…   read more »

Review Highlights   

user photo
"I guess they often have live music at night." (in 10 reviews)
user photo
"...get there early enough, the rooftop is a great place for a..." (in 10 reviews)
user photo
"And free, live blues on a Friday night." (in 9 reviews)
  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites' | Facebook Friends'

50 reviews in English

  • Review from Solomon R.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Troy, MI

    4.0 star rating
    8/1/2010

    It's important to note my rating has no reflection on the food here... according to most Yelpers this place serves some ass-like food.  With that said, this is a great place grab a drink .  On my most recent visit I was able to enjoy some live music (mix of jazz and blues) and some well-made drinks.  

    Closer to 10pm I made my way from the main floor bar up to the rooftop.  Although you will find the typical Royal Oak "crowd" here (those who believe there actually in NYC), it's not as in your face as other places nearby, ie. Commune.  I would suggest getting there by 9pm on summer evenings as it did get crowded fairly quickly and seating is limited.

  • Review from Mitsuaki M.

    •  
    • 15 friends
    • 48 reviews

    Bloomfield Hills, MI

    1.0 star rating
    12/25/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Meh.
    Drove by this place a lot as it is on 11th and Main, a crowded intersection. We've been meaning to go, and finally had the opportunity to stop by. I should have read all of my peers reviews before doing to... The brisket was very dry, and there was nothing impressive about the food here.
    That being said, the live music is not bad, and it gets crowded with the music. More crowd reflects inverse-proportionately to the service and the service level went down greatly.

    TIP: DO NOT COME HERE FOR FOOD, COME FOR MUSIC AND DRINKS.

  • Review from Brian B.

    Royal Oak, MI

    1.0 star rating
    7/28/2010

    Have you ever had really over cooked chicken or ribs that took forever to chew.  If not, eat dinner here and you'll experience it.

    Place is terrible.  Staff is OK, not the friendliest, not the most prompt, but gets the job done.  

    The food is a disaster.  The only things I've enjoyed there have been the appetizers.  BBQ place it is not.  McRibs are a better option.

  • Review from Rebecca T.

    •  
    • 72 friends
    • 129 reviews

    Clawson, MI

    2.0 star rating
    8/14/2010

    Really Memphis Smoke?  $4.75 for a Bud Light draft??  I can buy a 6 pack for $4.75 (okay maybe not, but really close).  

    Glad my friend ordered the sweet potato fries and I tried one before I ordered some for myself.  If you're looking for good sweet potato fries, go to Lily's, you won't be disappointed.

    Looking forward to see if the Rosie O'Grady/Cantina Diablo's folks can do better when they take over the space.

  • Review from Dave S.

    Royal Oak, MI

    1.0 star rating
    7/28/2010

    Easily the worst BBQ I have ever had.  I went a few years back and thought it would be nice to eat upstairs on the roof and enjoy some fresh air.  Little did I know that my meal would be served in a styrofoam container with plasticware.  I was expecting so much more from the food.  Reading the menu it's seems hard to decide between ribs, pulled pork, brisket etc. and then all the sides to go with it.  However, once you receive  your food you realize it really wouldn't have mattered.  The food is so dry that even drenching it in one of their BBQ sauces can't salvage it.

    I gave them a second shot about a year later and it was literally an identical experience.  The food was terrible and when you get the bill it makes it that much worse.  Did I really just pay $40 for this?  I've heard rumors it is closing and reopening under new ownership or with a new theme.  That would surely be a welcome change.  Don't waste your time at Memphis Smoke unless you are going for drinks and drinks alone.

  • Review from dea a.

    Houston, TX

    1.0 star rating
    Updated - 7/17/2008

    I went back to have dinner here and everything, and I mean everything, was a fail.

    The beans? Sugared crap.
    The pulled pork? Dry dry dry dry! Disgusting! Chewy! Gross!
    The chicken? Unpalatable.
    The ribs? Bland and dry.
    The collard greens? Really strange.
    The garlic mashed potatoes? Had a serious garlic bite, GLUEY, dried out, scooped into an ice cream shaped formation. Awful.

    I'll never go back here to eat again. That was almost as bad as Little Tree across the street -- maybe 11 mile and Main street is a cursed corner for food?

    Listed in: the worst of detroit

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      7/5/2008

      I don't get why a sit down restaurant brings food to you out in plastic to go containers?

      We were on… Read more »

  • Review from Joe T.

    Sterling Heights, MI

    2.0 star rating
    4/2/2009

    I'll be brief and quite honest. The BBQ served here is very generic and middle of the road. There's nothing here - no food or dining experience - that makes a culinary warrior leave thinking "Wow - I can't wait for the next time I come back here!" Nope. What you will find are average portioned Middle American BBQ dishes that are made in a very mediocre fashion. It seems to me that the key to success that they have adopted to survive is by dimming the lights, putting music on (whether live or stereo), and having a loud and happening atmosphere to keep people having fun.

    If you are coming here solely for really good BBQ - then I must forewarn you that you may be disappointed. If you are coming here with a group to enjoy some BBQ food in Royal Oak (as the options are limited to this venue in the immediate area) while in the company of good people, drinks, and laughter - then you may be able to compromise with the average cuisine the dish out here and let the ambiance suffice for the food.

    Lastly - I was not too fond of the brief and snappy service either. I make it a point to be very respectful and kind to staff - and when they are snappy in return, it really makes me question their ways.

  • Review from Valerie G.

    Ferndale, MI

    2.0 star rating
    11/18/2009

    If you are looking for amazing barbecue- you probably should not come here.  The food is edible, but not amazing.  They occasionally have some decent brews on tap, but their prices sometimes seem a bit unnecessary.

    What they do have going for them?  The live music- You can catch some pretty good tunes.  Also- even though I hate myself for enjoying it - I have had a few pretty good nights up on the roof in the summer.  It gets a little ridiculous on the weekends, but it all depends on what you enjoy.

    If you are on the roof, you are going to want to go ahead and use the bathroom downstairs in the main restaurant.

  • Review from Nick Z.

    Savannah, GA

    1.0 star rating
    1/28/2009

    Let's get the positive out there. I enjoyed the sweet potato fries.

    There. Now that we've done that, let's talk about the bad. Beer selection is good but there are bars down the street with better prices and selection. So clearly the reasoning to come here is the food, right?

    Right?

    Welcome to Memphis Smoke, the absolute worst barbecue joint I've ever suffered through. Their ribs are downright nasty and the catfish is, again, some of the worst I've had. Pulled pork is an abomination to the dish as well. I don't know what these guys do to all their meat but it tastes like they went in and purposely removed all the flavor. Then they dribble a little bit of watered down sauce on it and serve it up to you.

    I love barbecue and I have half a mind to call the Royal Oak Police Department because Memphis Smoke has committed a hate crime on my plate. Alas, poor palate, I knew ye well.

    I wonder if they left the flavor back in Memphis ...

  • Review from Kiarash Z.

    •  
    • 195 friends
    • 663 reviews

    Lima, OH

    4.0 star rating
    3/16/2008

    Oddly enough, I only have had the calamari. It was meaty and well prepared with a tasty dip. Memphis Smoke serves Bell's beer, which made me very happy. And free, live blues on a Friday night? Heavenly.

    Also, extra points for allowing indoor smoking and having laid-back security. I wish the patrons weren't so overwhelmingly ... yuppie.

  • Review from Caroline M.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    5/27/2010

    Blame it on the barley pops, but I loved this place. This was one of the last stops in downtown Royal Oak for one of my best friend's recent bachelorette shindigs. Granted, we stopped here towards the end of the night, so my mind was a little clouded from the liquid nourishment I had been consuming but I think that's probably the most acceptable state of mind you should arrive in a place that has that smoky-bar-essence/bluesy-music kinda feel.

    The food is meh. Someone from our group ordered a few appetizers which were nothing more than "commercialized BBQ" as one reviewer put it at best, but... the music!

    The music.  I (among many others!) was out of my seat the whole time when the funky, bluesy band was at it. A little bit of history: I did read that Jack and Meg White met here while Meg was bartending, which could add some cool factor points for some people.

    To fully appreciate the best quality of Memphis Smoke come with a fun group of friends when there is scheduled live music. Drink some cheap, American beer. Get out of your seat. Don't focus on the food.

  • Review from Dana Z.

    Alexandria, VA

    2.0 star rating
    9/3/2010

    I reeeeeeeeeeally don't understand how people have rated this with 4 or 5 stars.  Maybe it's because I live in Virginia and I know what real BBQ is so perhaps I should cut Michigan some slack for their attempt (just like I would never order a Philly Cheesesteak anywhere but Philly)

    The service was below average, just like their BBQ.  But I do give them a point for the cool upstairs patio section, which I suppose would be the only way to get me back there.

  • Review from Brian M.

    •  
    • 27 friends
    • 71 reviews

    Detroit, MI

    2.0 star rating
    4/2/2009

    In all honesty, this was my first time visiting Memphis Smoke, and, unless I frequent the area more, I don't believe I will become a regular there.

    I ordered the ribs, and I should have known something was a bit odd about the establishment when the waitress asked me if I wanted them "wet" or "dry." OF COURSE I WANT THEM WET! IT'S BARBECUE RIBS, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

    At any rate, my chief complaint with the meal was that the side portions were rather large compared to the food portion. However, I will give them this: it was not expensive, but I've gotten better deals at carryout establishments in the city (see my review for Uptown Barbecue in Detroit). My date ordered the Cobb Salad, and it was huge! Needless to say, I take it most of the patrons don't come for the food, considering it was practically dead in there around 5pm on a Wednesday. Then too, if it were about the food in there, they'd probably be out of business.

  • Review from Emily D.

    •  
    • 6 friends
    • 30 reviews

    Taylor, MI

    2.0 star rating
    3/23/2010

    My boyfriend and I went here on Saturday for our anniversary. We had never been and heard good things from people we talked about it with. We had a 7:30 reservation and expected to stay for the live music later.

    We got there a little early and sat at the bar and had a drink. The bartenders were not very attentive, but it was fine.

    We sat down. and ordered our drinks and the pepper-jack cheese sticks for our appetizer. When they came about 10 minutes later, they were extremely overcooked and crunchy. One of them didn't even have any cheese in it!

    We ordered our dinner and salads after eating our appetizer. We waited about 20 minutes and the salads finally came. We both got the Caesar salad, and I was a little disappointed. The salad was fresh, but the croutons were small and soggy, and there were way too many on the salad.

    Literally TWO MINUTES after our salads arrived out dinner arrived. I hate that! Give me some time to eat the salad! Anyways, I got wet ribs with coleslaw and mashed potatoes. The ribs were not juicy at all, but the BBQ sauce was okay. Overall, I was not very impressed. I was expecting a lot more out of a BBQ joint. The mashed potatoes were good, though. The coleslaw obviously came from Gordon's Food Service or something similar, and you could tell it was straight from the bag. The cornbread was okay, but I didn't like it enough to finish it.

    My boyfriend got the prime rib and the sour green beans. The green beans were horrible! Bad flavor and super soggy. His prime rib was cooked right, but it was barely seasoned and had little flavor (I tried it). The "horseradish" that comes with it is actually horseradish sauce and was lacking the kick I look for.

    By the time we were done eating it was almost time for the show to start. We were looking forward to hearing some good blues, but we were so underwhelmed from dinner we just decided to leave.

    I might go back just for the music some time since we missed it Saturday, but I won't be going to back to eat. I can get better BBQ at Famous Dave's.

  • Review from kelly w.

    •  
    • 478 friends
    • 297 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    2.0 star rating
    4/10/2007

    i am a little appalled that people referred to the food as "tasty" and "pretty damn good."

    Perhaps the chef was having a bad night, but from the talk of the town it appears he has a bad night fairly often and Dave N. and Katia M. just went on his "good nights."

    A fellow diner ordered a onion basket. Please make a note: there was no basket involved and i guess you could call it onions... They came out so badly burnt to a crisp that she was having trouble sticking a KNIFE through it. As we all know, knives are sharp and their main purpose is to pierce or cut objects. None of this occurred.

    So, no basket... this wasn't the only misleading menu item. If you order the Cajun Beef Tips, please know that they are NOT pan-seared as mentioned on the menu, but rather Fried little bits of chewy meat. If I wanted chewy meat I would go to a shitty Chinese restaurant (Sorry to be so crass, but I was severely disappointed).

    So why am I giving this place 2 stars? I will tell you. First star goes to the blues band that was playing there. yes and yes. it was pretty impressive. Second star comes from another item mentioned on the menu: a Gilligan "type" hat. Now from the past experiences I am not quite sure if it is Gilligan at all, but it made me laugh. cheap thrills I suppose.

  • Review from Morgan D.

    Pittsburgh, PA

    2.0 star rating
    8/2/2009

    We decided to try Memphis Smoke after finding an Entertainment coupon for buy one get one free up to $7. We go inside and look at the menu only to find that there are absolutely NO items on the menu under $7. We asked the server about this and she just shrugged. Way to trick people into the restaurant!

    We decided to eat anyway. The food was really quite mediocre. How can a restaurant call itself a barbecue joint and only have ONE type of barbecue sauce?! It wasn't bad, but it really wasn't amazing either, especially considering I can eat at Slow's for the same price and get waaaay better barbecue.

  • Review from Sal G.

    Miami, FL

    1.0 star rating
    11/9/2009

    Why? Why? Why?

    With the multitude of different types of barbeque present in the US, you would think that at least one of the types would be done well here.  I am a huge fan of dry-rub ribs because they are usually so full of flavor, so moist, and just darned good.  Memphis Smoke has killed this genre of BBQ, though.  The ribs were dry and tough.  The seasoning was just Chili powder.  Really?  What in the world were they thinking.  I couldn't finish the meal.

    Some novice decided they wanted to open a restaurant, but I don't even think they try the food.  Nothing was balanced with the exception of the Buffalo Shrimp.  I liked the Buffalo Shrimp.  I can give a star for those and the service.  I really don't want to remember any more of this place, though.

  • Review from Tiffany D.

    •  
    • 41 friends
    • 155 reviews

    Detroit, MI

    3.0 star rating
    11/8/2008

    The third star here is definitely for rooftop deck in the summer.  It's got a great atmosphere up there and it's great at night.

    The food however is a different story.  Go safe and get the burger... everything else is blah to meh.  A few weeks ago the food took a long time, served cold, and the live music made it impossible to communicate.

  • Review from Misty J.

    Detroit, MI

    1.0 star rating
    11/10/2010

    Wildly disappointed. The brisket is super dry and tough. The dry rub ribs lack flavor and the mac and cheese reminds me of the now defunct Wendy's super bar. Which was my fav part because the Wendy's super bar was my number one spot to eat when I was 7. Sad. The greens were pretty good, but who goes somewhere to eat a side dish?

  • Review from Jenna S.

    •  
    • 662 friends
    • 886 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    9/1/2008

    Great!

    Good beer.
    Great appetizers; good portions.
    Even better barbeque.
    Pulled pork = good.
    Good desserts.

    I'll definitely go back.

  • Review from KATRINKA D.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Troy, MI

    5.0 star rating
    3/3/2009

    Can you say, "HOT SPOT".
    I just wanted to say that I went to Memphis Smoke Saturday Night (02/28/09) and it was standing room only. I went to see the band/ entertainment and relax. I had to wait to get in because they were full to capacity; never got in. It was fun and exciting though and I wanted to get in so bad! I am going to try again this week, but this time before 9:00 PM. Hopefully the same band is there. How do I find out?

  • Review from Linnea H.

    •  
    • 20 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Allen Park, MI

    2.0 star rating
    6/25/2010

    I may be a self-proclaimed BBQ snob but I will give anything a chance.  This place looks great, has a great vibe and a wonderful location right in the heart of Royal Oak but that is about it for the pros.

    With my experiences, BBQ places usually stuff me silly with food but this place had small portions (cleaned my plate and was still looking for more (and I'm petite)), the food was just ok (nothing special about it), and the music was loud and horrible (it wasn't even blues nor rock)!  

    I guess if you're in Royal Oak and in the mood for it - then it will be a valid option but I don't see myself returning to Memphis Smoke any time soon.

  • Review from Dane K.

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    10/18/2007 1 photo

    Somewhat mediocre food that's at least somewhat reliable...  The atmosphere at times is somewhat interesting.  I guess they often have live music at night.  Their upstairs deck has cool giant mushrooms that make the place look cool.

    I never really leave here feeling like I had a great meal, but I'm generally satisfied.

    I usually get some form of pulled pork, it's hard to screw that up too badly...     This past visit I had the ribs... with a dry rub and sauce on the side (which is how many places in Memphis do it...).  The ribs were edible, not great though.  One end was burnt and I think I was just eating them for the sake of eating...

    Sides here are pretty unexciting. Fries weren't good, though crisp..  Cole slaw wouldn't float in Memphis. Honestly I only ordered them because I hadn't looked at the sides list but wanted to order quickly since the band was so loud I couldn't really communicate well with the waitress. So I more or less just pointed to things.

    There was a live band that was pretty good, though I kept laughing because the lead guy was a total nerd...  There weren't all that many people there to watch them, and it wasn't that early or late (10pmish)... I got the sense that half the people in the room were friends of the band.  

    Overall this place has BBQ that's on par with your average TGIFs... so it's not great, not bad, just OK...  It seems to be one of the few options for BBQ in the area, which is probably the only reason I end up there.  

    Oh, and the Barenaked Ladies have played here a few times...?????

  • Review from Toni C.

    Ferndale, MI

    1.0 star rating
    6/8/2009

    If you care anything about the environment do yourself a favor and avoid the rooftop of Memphis Smoke.

    I met up with some friends for some drinks here because it was nice out and they have a rooftop bar. Let me tell you that is about all this place has going for it. Like other places that have good "real estate" this place would have went out of business a long time ago if it wasn't for it's facade and 11 mile and main location.

    As we were sitting there I keep seeing people getting food served to them in these thick plastic containers with lids attached. Even people getting small salads had them served to them in plastic containers with lids. Now I understand they my not be able to use glass because it's a rooftop but don't you think some washable plastic or even paper plates/containers could be used. I've been on rooftops before where they used regular plates, maybe it's a city of Royal Oak thing. There were trash cans all over the place full of these plastic carryout style containers everyone was eating out of. It was one of the most wasteful things I've ever seen!

    On top of all that my Labatt draft in a plastic cup was $5! Not to mention when it's crowded up there it's like Spring Break '09. Oh yeah, the bathrooms are pretty nasty too.

  • Review from Ria S.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Addison, TX

    3.0 star rating
    12/4/2008

    I wanted to go for drinks and my boyfriend wanted to go for ribs so we picked Memphis Smoke. I had gone years ago when I was younger and I thought I liked the ribs. Their happy hour is from 4-close and I'm a sucker for happy hour drinks.

    I don't know what I was on when I was younger but these ribs are terrible. I didnt enjoy them at ALL. We also got an appetizer of catfish fingers and buffalo(andbbg) drummies. Catfish was ok, chicken was bleh. If you like beer, its two bucks for a nice sized draft beer (bud or bud lt only i think), but since I'm not a beer drinker I went for the 3 dollar "u call it"  Stoli drinks. Wow, where was the liquor? Each one was consistenly shitty and small.

    This place is getting its stars for its amazing ambience and atmosphere. The live music is solid, and I love how its kind of dark in there. I'll likely go back to give the drinks one more shot and I like the french fries.

  • Review from Katia M.

    Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    4/10/2006 1 photo

    Memphis smoke has tasty barbeque.  Certainly not the best I've ever had, but for your average Michigan bbq place, it's pretty damn good.  The decor downstairs is cool and the waitstaff is usually pretty amiable.  Upstairs, there's another bar area as well as some funky picnic tables with these weird domes you can see from Main or 11 mile.  What are they?  Random and cool, otherwise I'm not really sure.

    All in all, it's a good restaurant, and it has a pretty fun roofdeck bar for those sultry summer nights.  Thumbs up!

  • Review from Jess T.

    Troy, MI

    2.0 star rating
    11/1/2009

    I'm a southern girl at heart and I *LOVE* my pork cuisine, but something goes terribly wrong at Memphis Smoke. I think its the BBQ sauce, it doesn't taste that great, its a little too spicy for me, and they put WAY too much of it on everything!  

    I would like my BBQ to taste like its been on a grill all day, or in a smoker. Please do not drown in sauce!!! If i do go back here ever, it will will not be of free will, but I have to say I've learned my lesson and will ask for all sauce on the side.

  • Review from Andy T.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 23 reviews

    Washtenaw, MI

    1.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/3/2011

    CLOSED LATE 2010

    Listed in: The Michigan Barbecue…

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 2.0 star rating
      7/26/2009

      I seriously don't understand how Memphis SMOKE gets away with using that name. Nothing that I ate… Read more »

  • Review from Michael C.

    •  
    • 79 friends
    • 461 reviews

    Warren, MI

    5.0 star rating
    5/11/2008

    I've seen it a million times, but have never went in to Memphis Smoke until I wanted to seek out other venues. For me, Comet burger was king and that was that.

    Lunch was very relaxed - they weren't busy at all. There's a few places in town that have live performances during brunch, but Memphis is not one of them. C'est la vie!

    I got a sort of smokehouse burger (I think that was the official name, but don't quote me on that) that was just awesome, way better than any of those so-called "gourmet" burger places. I really felt like my sandwich was crafted, rather than manufactured. Does that make sense to anyone else?

    Though I can't comment on their whole menu, I can say that they have a tasty burger and I'd be more than happy to go back there.

  • Review from Parisa K.

    •  
    • 37 friends
    • 205 reviews

    Detroit, MI

    3.0 star rating
    7/5/2008

    Memphis Smoke has a nice outdoor rooftop that allows you to relax with friends, have a few drinks, get some food if you want, and just have a good time.  If you get there early enough, the rooftop is a great place for a large group.  They have picnic style benches as well as smaller tables and corners you can stand in (especially when it gets crowded).  There is usually a good selection of beer on tap, and there is a full bar as well (tho I think it is more limited than the one downstairs with specific drinks).  

    If you want food, there is a good sized menu.  I've never eaten in the actual restaurant area, so I'm not sure how the menu is different.  The chicken fingers are good, and the chicken quesadilla is excellent.

    Once it gets later, the scene goes from a more relaxed outdoor area to a social bar.  Tons of people crowd the rooftop when the weather is cooperative, and you can even branch out and try to meet new people.  Sometimes they have live music, other times they have music playing overhead.  Overall, it's a pretty fun place to be.

  • Review from Rese D.

    •  
    • 49 friends
    • 63 reviews

    Oak Park, MI

    3.0 star rating
    5/5/2008

    Open late...

    Dropped in on a Sunday night around 10pm...

    Kitchen closes 10:30-11pm...I guess based on the crowd

    Closed around midnight....Fri/Sat open until 2am

    Food is okay....but the live band earned a star!

    Sourthern ambience....service was good.....average prices.

    Definitely a place to have some drinks and entertainment!

  • Review from Denise C.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Royal Oak, MI

    2.0 star rating
    12/28/2010

    As of last night - CLOSED!!!! Used to be good in years past.

  • Review from mari t.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Woking

    UK
    1.0 star rating
    5/1/2010

    We were hoping to have some food and drinks on the rooftop but it was too crowded after 8 on Saturday. So we decided to sit downstaires...we should have left there to be honest. Oberon was $6 each! and food was disappointing.

  • Review from Bob A.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Spotsylvania, VA

    4.0 star rating
    1/22/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Really good barbecue and the staff went above and beyond helping with our four and five year old boys.

  • Review from W D.

    •  
    • 26 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    1.0 star rating
    8/1/2010

    Ehhh, this place has the right look but the food plain and simply sucks! Save your cash, eat at Krogers instead.

  • Review from William B.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Fairburn, GA

    4.0 star rating
    12/1/2010 6 Check-ins Here

    Excellent Pulled Pork Sandwich. You Must try the Hot BBQ sauce. I love this place. I am from the South so i know what good BBQ is...And Memphis Smoke gets it right!

  • Review from Dave C.

    •  
    • 30 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Westchester, CA

    2.0 star rating
    10/25/2010

    The only thing that's good about his place is that there is a rooftop deck with a bar. It's a fun place to hang out in the summertime. Other than that, the food here is just awful. The ribs are dry and almost inedible. The corn has the taste and texture of something that has been in a steamer at peak temperature for 12 hours to the point of it turning to total mush. Do not eat here unless you are actually looking for a dining experience that will ruin your whole day. Come here only for the drinks.

  • Review from Krupa U.

    •  
    • 142 friends
    • 131 reviews

    Troy, MI

    4.0 star rating
    1/29/2009

    The inside ambiance is great, especially when there's a band playing! The food is fantastic, definitely a lot of things on the menu you can share with other people. A little pricey but worth the money.  In the summertime the patio upstairs is a great place to hang out with friends after work and grab a drink!

  • Review from Jacob S.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    Ferndale, MI

    1.0 star rating
    5/5/2010

    Had a terrible first (and probably only) experience here. Once again, I am one of those who heard great things about the place (save for some inside insight on the management of the kitchen from a friend), so I came expecting some good things. Went on a triple date, and I ordered the cajun catfish, and my wife had the "Smoked" turkey "Po'Boy." The catfish was okay, but the rice tasted like "undercooked zatarain's" (my brother's words, since he had the jambalaya). The very worst was what was passed off as a turkey po'boy. My wife complained about how cold the turkey was, so I tried it, and literally, it was no better than something you can pick up from a 7-eleven cooler case; over-processed fake lookin' meat, cold, the bun was just dry and flavorless. Food is NOT worth it.

    Service was okay until I wanted to order a beer as the waiter walked away. Not thinking he had noticed and having every intention of  ordering something different, the waiter brought back the same beverage. I indicated I had wanted something different, and could I please swap, to which I was told I would be charged. I was stunned by this, and it must have showed, because he came back with what I had wanted originally, confiding that this would be coming out of his tips. Great! Now I have the beer I wanted, with a side of GUILT! Nothin' better to drown one's sorrows in. We left shortly after the music started. Jody Rafool, who we had no idea was playing that evening. Not impressed with that either at a self-proclaimed blues joint. I don't want to hear sad-sack pop-rock renditions of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" at a blues bar. Not good times, except the slant I received from an extra brew.

  • Review from colleen l.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Royal Oak, MI

    1.0 star rating
    5/17/2010

    Memphis Smoke was an utter disappointment.  The pulled pork was weak.  Tasted like lunch meat with bbq sauce.  The calamari was ok but had a bizarre sauce that clashed with the seasonings on the calamari.

1 to 40 of 50 (3 Filtered) |  
Page: 1 2
Write a Review

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

People Viewed This After Searching For...