Smokey Joe's

[dwippies]

Smokey Joe's

tell us what you think. vote and/or write a comment.

[Amy B.]

If you haven’t tried this place yet, they have fantastic ribs. We ordered the cheese fries for an appetizer (they add jalapeños for a yummy kick), I had the original ribs (great) and Chris had the special ribs. Of course we had some of their famous drinks – one lethal lizard and one pink iguana. $50 without service added.

[Carol]

We love the ribs at Smokey Joe's. We usually order the combination platter. Just be warned, the jerk ribs are very spicy. Save those for last, or you won't be able to taste the others. We made the mistake of eating them early, and didn't think the signature ribs had any spices, but when we heated up the left overs the next day we found they did have a bit of heat -- we just couldn't taste it after eating the jerk ribs. We also love sitting outside and relaxing as we eat.

[LearJet9]

They advertise the best ribs on the island when in fact the ribs are terrible. We ate there twice in case the 1st time was a fluke. Bad both times. But I have to repeat the ribs were not only disappointing, they were actually bad. I finished less than 1/2 and just had a gelato later. Of all of the places we ate in two weeks, that was the worst.

[beshannon]

Good value for the money, food was good, location on street a little noisy.

[Shelley]

We loved Smokey Joe's. The wait staff was friendly and very attentive. It IS a street side cafe but that only added to the fun. We had a great time greeting the guests on the party buses and people watching in general. We ate dinner and then wandered across the street to walk on the beach for an hour or so then we headed back to their bar for a nightcap. My husband loves ribs and he really enjoyed theirs. I can't remember what I had...not a rib person but I loved the frozen drinks and the warm smiles.

[BigPapa]

We ate here for the first time and we both liked the ribs...They were busy, and yet the service was good. We also had our first deep fryed Oreos....OMG...I put the first bite in my mouth...and I had to look around to see if anybody saw me Sinning....

[Theresa]

NICE PLACE FOR A QUICK DINNER. I LIKE EATING OUTSIDE AND NEVER HAD A BAD MEAL, THE SERVICE WAS GREAT.THERESA

[LearJet9]

Well, we decided to try Smokey Joes again this year. Just like 2005, a big mistake. The ribs were at least as bad this year as last. They say "falling off the bone tender" More like chew off the bone difficult, not to mention a bit fatty. There won't be a third try. Ba Bye Smokey Joes!!
Bill & Donna
Mar 2006

[galtman]

Just returned last week and enjoyed our 4th time at Smokey Joe's. We never tried their ribs, but enjoy their chicken salad choices. We "Eat At Joe's" every trip to Aruba. My favorite for a light meal is their Tropical Chicken Salad. It's a broiled chicken breast, glazed in a honey sauce while cooked, served over a bed of lettuce and an array of fresh fruits. Always very tasty and easy on the waistline. We also like eating outside and Joe's, being right off the street in the High Rise Hotel district always offers a lot of people watching opportunities.

[CaribRJ]

Smokey Joe's is across from Playa Linda. We ate there for the first time on the eve Feb 13th. J had (1) order (which is 3 slabs) of original style baby back ribs. I had the one-half rotisserie roasted Jamaica jerk chicken & a
16 oz. Joe's xxx 151 rum mai tai which is served in a mason jar.

On the menu is also an Argentine steak & fish. I was full which is unusual
& we boxed up a slab and a half of ribs and took back to Playa Linda.
We thought the food was tasty & very good. We ate outside and met
very nice folks from MA & CT at nearby tables. We will go back again.

Here's a link to the website.

http://www.smokeyjoesaruba.com/index.php

[bhoffdhoff]

We just love Smokey Joe's. We ate there for the first time last year and this year we ate there 3 times over a 2 week period. We can't seem to get past the original ribs, because they're so good! In our opinion they're ribs are the BEST! We also like to people watch, so it's ideal for us.

[ARUBA777]

VERY DISAPPOINTED; FOOD WAS DRY, SERVICE WAS SLOW,
AND WE WERE GREATED BY A SWARM OF FLIES WHEN OUR DINNER WAS SERVED.

[TomR]

My son and his family and I ate at Smokey Joe's last night. The food was good, the drinks were good, and the service was friendly, attentive and timely. We liked the signature ribs the best, but the other varieties were good as well. We were not bothered by flies, in fact, we have not had a fly problem anywhere we have been this trip.

[millertime]

Ate here a week ago Monday. All I can say is I won't argue with them
about having the best ribs in the Caribbean! They were meaty, flavorful,
huge portions and service was great. They were also very busy that nite.
I had the combo rib platter, $21.95 which contains, 4-6 bone slabs,
potatoes and slaw. I can hoark down some food and this plate was a
challenge even for me!

Barbie had the half chicken jerked jamacian style and said it was
also fantastic!

Later,
millertime

[TomR]

Ate here again last week with a friend who had never been to Aruba before. She was impressed not only by Aruba but by Smokey Joe’s as well. We had the rib sampler, which was delicious. It was also huge. The meal was great on Tuesday night; the leftovers were great on Friday night. What can I say, this place is a keeper. Judging by the crowds, lots of people feel the same way.

[david fish]

Joes have the ribs ribs hands down!!! Drinks arent to bad either

[bhoffdhoff]

Ate there Sunday, March 30th. We love this place. I ordered the pastechi appetizer and DH had the original ribs. We shared everything and were both stuffed when we left. The pastechi were wonderful. I had never had them before. The ribs were out of this world!!

Bobbie

[john]

we ate here in feb this year. after a short wait, we were seated lin the first row by the sidewalk. the couple already there said they had been waiting 45 minutes for drinks. our drink order was taken promptly, and then we waited, and waited, and waited. it was at least half hour to get drinks. placed our food order and waited another 45 mins. it was the absolute worst service ever. the servers were hiding in the back cuz everyone was complaining. finally got our ribs, which were excellent. still, would not go back. a ribs place should not take 2 hours for dinner.

[bhoffdhoff]

We ate there again last night. I do love the food, but I have to agree with John, we spent more time waiting than eating. I don't recall it being that bad on previous visits. We waited for drinks. We waited for our meals. We waited for the check. We waited for our change. I don't mean a few minutes either. Nobody seemed to be standing around either. All the help seemed to be moving around and were busy. I still think their ribs are the best though.

Bobbie

[EHampite]

In February this year, we ate twice at Smokey Joe's. They have the best ribs hands down! We didn't find the service bad or the wait exceptionally long. But then again, we were there early (6 p.m.) before the crowds really came in. We can't wait to go back again!

[susanna]

We ate there twice this last trip...and the service was very quick...must have been good days! The food (ribs, fish, chiken) was very good, well served, and good portions. This is a great spot for an inexpensive, casual meal. A great place to people watch too!!

[costa-linda-joe]

We've been going to Aruba for 5 years & tried Smokey Joe's for the 1st time last September. My wife & I thought it was the worst meal we've had in Aruba. The drinks were watered down, the Sangria was watered down, the ribs I had were the pits, and the jumbo shrimp platter my wife had were tiny & chewy shrimp. Throw in the lousy service (we didn't get the Sangria until half-way through the meal - tried to cancel the Sangria order & then they rushed it out, saying we couldn't cancel it) and they won't be getting a 2nd chance with us.

[dwippies]

joe, you ought to put this on our new restaurant review site. your opinions matter. Aruba Restaurants, Food and Dining Guide - ArubaRestaurants.com

Originally Posted by costa-linda-joe

We've been going to Aruba for 5 years & tried Smokey Joe's for the 1st time last September. My wife & I thought it was the worst meal we've had in Aruba. The drinks were watered down, the Sangria was watered down, the ribs I had were the pits, and the jumbo shrimp platter my wife had were tiny & chewy shrimp. Throw in the lousy service (we didn't get the Sangria until half-way through the meal - tried to cancel the Sangria order & then they rushed it out, saying we couldn't cancel it) and they won't be getting a 2nd chance with us.

[costa-linda-joe]

Originally Posted by sherry

joe, you ought to put this on our new restaurant review site. your opinions matter. Aruba Restaurants, Food and Dining Guide - ArubaRestaurants.com

We'll be in Aruba June 13 to June 27 & we'll post some reviews when we return. Since I was writing about our experience with Smokey Joe's last September (2008), didn't think I should put it up this year.