Smokestack Express in Bloomington, Minnesota, serves up mouthwatering, smoked BBQ classics with a modern twist. Known for its tender brisket, pulled pork, and flavorful ribs, this local hotspot offers a quick and satisfying dining experience. Conveniently located near Mall of America, Smokestack Express is a top destination for BBQ lovers craving authentic, slow-smoked goodness.
Smokestack Express
205 Google Reviews
I’d heard about this place on Facebook and had been wanting to try it for a while. We got there right after opening and ordered a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and a brisket sandwich with man and cheese plus some potato salad to share. It was all very good. Brisket and pork were tender, tangy coleslaw, potato salad had pickles in it which was a great surprise. Mac and cheese was good as well. They even have an ice cream machine with cones for free afterwards. I wish this place was closer to home but it was definitely worth the drive!
BBQ sauces were delicious too.
BBQ sauces were delicious too.
We got the marbled brisket- it’s nice that they give you the option of choosing what kind you want. There was a choice of lean, marbled, and fatty. We also got the coleslaw, the smoked chicken wings, the smoked chicken salad, and the smoked Mac and cheese. Everything tasted great. The brisket was a taddd bit on the dry and under seasoned side but the bark was juicy and seasoned perfectly. The Mac and cheese was good. The coleslaw was not great and the bread was cold so skip that. The highlight for me though were the smoked chicken wings and the smoked chicken salad. 10/10 recommend the chicken. It was so flavorful, smoky, tender, and delicious.
We ordered the Meat sweat pack 2 for a birthday gathering. We were able to substitute the meat loaf for ribs. The brisket was amazing, the pulled pork was very good and the meat loaf was great for some and so so for some. The side dishes were awesome. We had mac and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw. We even had some leftover after feeding 12 people. Can’t wait to get some more!
Nice little BBQ hidden jem. the employees are very nice and helpful as soon as you walk in you feel welcomed. the food is absolutely delicious. very well cooked and seasoned. decent portion sizes for the price and quality.
Tried a new place. Pulled pork had a good portion for the price!!. Mac and cheese hit the spot !! Grab extra sauce !! Atmosphere was lacking. I wouldn’t dine in. Take out is the way to go!
* don’t get the cornbread for $2.50, it’s prepackaged (see photo)
* don’t get the cornbread for $2.50, it’s prepackaged (see photo)
I love a good brisket! Ordered the brisket to go but 20 min it was pretty cold and dry. Not sure if the brisket was from earlier in the week. Also ordered the chicken and ribs and that was good.
The ribs were very good, but the Mac and cheese was cold (all three separate orders we got) and the brisket was just OK.
We went on a Sunday around lunchtime and we were the only party, which was really pleasant and quiet. There is a good amount of parking and the seating area is clean.
The BBQ sauce was solid, but the spice level of the “spicy” one is about a 1/10. Could definitely use a spicer option. They also don’t offer glasses of water at all, so you’ll have to buy bottles from them, which is a little annoying.
The staff was kind, they got the food out quickly, and again, the ribs were the star of the show. We will definitely be back for the ribs, but probably nothing else.
Buy the t-shirt!