What should I order at Smokin' Jakes?
Smokin' Jakes
Ribs / Rib Sampler
The ribs are repeatedly praised for being tender, very meaty, and cooked to perfection with a tangy BBQ sauce. Multiple reviewers mentioned loving the ribs, including rib samplers and rib morsels, making it the standout dish at the restaurant.
Brisket Sandwich
Mentioned as 'dee-lish' in a quick lunch visit and recommended for its great taste and quality, showing it as a satisfying sandwich option.
French Dip
Specifically recommended for its great taste and the amazing Au Jus that accompanied it, highlighting a well-prepared and flavorful sandwich.
Smoked Turkey Sandwich
Praised for being really good by multiple diners, often paired with goulash soup, and enjoyed by both adults and children.
Soups (Chicken Wild Rice, Goulash, Bottomless Bowl of Soups)
Soups receive repeated compliments for being hearty, well-seasoned, and excellent. The variety and value of the bottomless bowl of soups are particularly noted as a perfect lunch option.
Onion Rings
Noted as cooked just right and delicious, making it a recommended side or appetizer.
Corn Nuggets
Mentioned as awesome and a favorite side item alongside onion rings.
Smoked Chicken Salad
Highly praised as the best salad one reviewer has ever had, indicating its quality and flavor.
Hot Beef Sandwich
Recommended by a diner who loved the dish, showing it as a popular comfort food option.
Hawaiian Pizza
Recommended for its delicious taste despite slightly slower service, showing diversity in the menu beyond BBQ.
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 3 AM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 3 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Smokin' Jakes
Smokin' Jakes is a barbecue restaurant in Arnolds Park, Iowa, known for ribs, brisket, sandwiches, and house-made soups. Reviewers consistently praise the ribs, rib sampler, rib morsels, French dip, brisket sandwich, and sides like coleslaw and sweet potato. The place is described as casual, cozy, historic, and trendy, with fast service and a bar that serves beer and cocktails. It is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, and many reviews mention friendly staff and generous portions.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Frequently asked questions
What is Smokin' Jakes known for?
Smokin' Jakes is best known for its ribs, especially the rib sampler, rib morsels, and full rib plates, which reviewers describe as tender, meaty, and well sauced. The brisket sandwich and French dip also come up often, along with house-made sides like coleslaw and sweet potato.
What dishes are most recommended at Smokin' Jakes?
Reviewers most often recommend the ribs, rib sampler, rib morsels, brisket sandwich, French dip, and the bottomless soup special in winter. Specific soups called out include chicken wild rice soup and goulash soup, and several diners also mention the smoked turkey sandwich and wings.
What is the atmosphere like at Smokin' Jakes?
The vibe is casual, cozy, historic, and trendy, with a bar onsite and a friendly, family-style feel. Reviewers mention a fun atmosphere and comfortable setting that works well for lunch, dinner, groups, and solo diners.
Is Smokin' Jakes good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is $10 to $20, and reviewers often describe the portions as large and the food as a good deal for the price. The winter bottomless bowl of soup is specifically called out as an incredible value, especially for a filling lunch.
How is the service and when is the best time to go?
Service is often described as fast, prompt, and friendly, though one review notes it can slow a bit during peak dinner hours. Lunch is a common choice, and several reviewers mention coming for a quick lunch or stopping in on a cold day for the soup special.
Is parking available at Smokin' Jakes?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually difficult to find a space is available.
Is Smokin' Jakes kid-friendly?
Yes, Smokin' Jakes is good for kids.
Restaurants like Smokin' Jakes in Arnolds Park
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