Restaurant Review: Woody's Smoke House

Whether you are just stopping by to get some gas or dropping in to grab a bite, Woody's Smoke House in Joplin, Missouri will NOT disappoint you! From the street it could be a large gas station in Anytown, USA, but once you walk in the door, you KNOW it is a novel place to eat. Decorated with old signs and neon lights, picnic tables and coolers, the relaxed atmosphere is rivaled only by the wonderful barbecue. It is well worth the money and the time to get to this spot on the northwestern edge of Joplin!

Woody's has a wonderful relaxed environment. There are tables that would serve thirty of your buddies or wooden, glossed picnic tables that just fit a group of your three closest friends at your side. There is even a sink on the edge of the room to wash up after finishing off their finger licking ribs! No need to wait for the bathroom, wash up right there in the restaurant!

Most of the restaurant is self service. Grab a root beer or beer from the cooler on your way to the counter, place your order and watch them carve up the meat right in front of you. Mouthwatering sandwiches, finger licking chicken or ribs, it's up to you. The meals come with sides of the basics like barbecue beans, potato salad and cole slaw. Served in a cola crate tray, you pick your spot and dig in!

On the table, you will find a variety of sauces from which to select. In the middle of the restaurant is a huge dispenser of sauces for those who are taking it to go, but for those who choose to stay, you will find three different and delicious sauces of barbecue.

For the young and delicate of palate, there is a sweet sauce. With a brown sugary taste, the hint of flavor in this sauce is enough to enjoy on any sandwich while keeping your tongue happy and sweet.

The mild sauce was stronger and spicier, while keeping the flavors mild enough to enjoy. A true barbecue flavor seeps through this sauce and gives meats a great flavor kick!

The hot and wild sauce was spicy even in smell! I gave it a tiny touch on the tongue...that was enough for me! My father however, will LOVE this when I bring him to try it out! I am assured the kick of fire that this sauce gives will be just what he wants! What kind of barbecue fan are you?

I had the Woody's Moist Beef Brisket Sandwich Meal for a great price of $6.99! A wonderful sandwich made from moist, tender beef brisket with a barbecue flavor that was sweet with a hint of hickory. I chose a side of potato salad and a coke to go with it. As I watched the young man slice the meat, my mouth literally began to water! They were generous with their meat and the sandwich was a delight!

The potato salad was smooth and creamy with a mild flavor. It was easy on the mustard and a great accent to the barbecue! My companion chose the beans which were spicy with a hint of jalapeno and a perfect side for his ribs! Paper towels and a choice of barbecue sauces at each table maintained the backyard barbecue feel that made this place a little like eating at home!

Most of the meals were bargained priced and in the less than $10 range. There was something for everyone with many varieties of meats, sides and drinks. It was easy to please every palate and every pocket as well!

In addition to the inside restaurant, Woody's Smoke House has a drive-thru which makes it convenient to take it to go with you! Don't forget that it is a gas station as well, so you can order up, gas up and take it home with you! Make it a point to stop in and give it a try!

It's a simple drive... north out of downtown Joplin, Missouri on Main Street to Fir Road. Take a left and Woody's is on your left! Located at 25124 Demott Drive, Woody's is aasy to find and easy to enjoy! You will be glad you stopped in!

Photo and Text Copyright 2012 Deborah M. Carey