Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Smokin D’s – San Francisco
Smokin D’s - San Francisco
Photo from Smokin D’s
Smokin D’s at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🍖 Barbecue Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 46 of the guests
#744 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#8 Barbecue Restaurant out of 17 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
313
Reviews
77.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Customer service
- Flavorful BBQ
Frequently criticized
- Meat quality
- Limited seating
The restaurant Smokin D’s is a beloved Barbecue Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Sunset District of San Francisco. When you’re craving authentic, smoky flavors, this spot delivers.
You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. Whether you’re looking for a convenient takeout option or a comfortable dine-in experience, Smokin D’s BBQ SF offers you delicious barbecue in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Smokin D’s
Smokin D’s offers a compelling BBQ experience, particularly shining with its flavorful meats and genuinely friendly service . Many appreciate the well-prepared brisket and ribs, making it a local favorite for those seeking authentic Texas BBQ.
However, some patrons have noted inconsistencies, especially concerning meat quality and fat content, which can impact the overall value . The seating situation is also a point to consider, as it can be quite limited.
Good
7.9
out of 10
313
Reviews
77.6%
Satisfaction
52
negative
18
neutral
243
positive
Smokin D’s garners a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.9 , reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a good Customer Satisfaction rate of 77.6% , indicating that most visitors leave content with their meal.
Looking closer, Service stands out as excellent (9), with Food also performing well (7.9). The Ambience is good (7.4), though Value is more average (5.5).
These insights are drawn from 313 customer remarks, comprising 243 positive and 52 negative observations.
What people like
- Excellent customer service
- Flavorful BBQ meats
- Reasonable pricing (some)
What people don't like
- Inconsistent meat quality
- Limited seating space
- High cost (some items)
With a Recommendation Score of 8.1 , Smokin D’s is certainly worth considering if you’re in the mood for well-regarded BBQ and appreciate attentive service. It’s a place where the quality of the meat, when it hits right, truly shines.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in meat preparation and the more modest value perception for certain items. If you prioritize excellent service and flavorful BBQ, it’s a solid choice, but manage expectations regarding seating and pricing for some dishes.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Smokin D’s
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Overall, the food here is quite a hit! With a good score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction of 78.7%, its clear many diners are enjoying their meals. Out of 230 opinions, a whopping 181 praise the tender, smoky brisket, creative twist on a classic BBQ, and the delightful Banana Brulee Bliss, alongside a variety of eats.
However, not every dish is a home run, with 36 opinions noting some areas for improvement. Some found the brisket dry and tough or encountered inedible fat. There were also mentions of undercooked pork ribs and bland mac and cheese', suggesting inconsistency in execution for certain items.
Food
230
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
36
negative
13
neutral
181
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tender, smoky brisket
- Creative BBQ fusion
- Banana Brulee Bliss
What people don't like
- Dry, tough brisket
- Excessive fat
- Undercooked ribs
Often praised
- brisketas soon as that brisket hit my taste buds I felt like I was home! The brisket was cooked perfectly
- ribsThe ribs were also amazing no sauce needed for either the brisket or ribs
- foodThe food was a definite highlight
- BBQthey are definitely doing BBQ right!
- FoodFood:5
- cornbreadcornbread because I almost did. That would’ve been a big mistake. With a crispy outer layer, soft center with a touch of jalapeño and corn kernels, sweet and a little spice- it was perfection!
- Texas BBQWe are so excited for the opening of their storefront! Smokin’ D’s will be a great addition to the neighborhood, the Sunset will be my spot for Texas BBQ. 🤠I’m already dreaming about the Spuddy Buddy and breakfast tacos!
- brisket baoI enjoyed the brisket bao
- banana puddingWe also got the banana pudding because, well, you have to! What a great treat! The owners definitely add to the experience; both were so sweet, and you can genuinely tell they take pride in what they serve.
- meatThe meat is fresh, juicy and has just the right flavor.
Frequently criticized
- meatUnlike many of the photos posted on Google reviews, most of my order was about 80% fat and only 20% meat, with just a few pieces that looked normal. It was very disappointing to pay this price for a pound of BBQ and end up with so much inedible fat.
- ribsribs--poor. Tough, resistant meat clinging very firmly to the bone
- beef rib65 for 1 beef rib with no sides is ridiculous
- brisketThe brisket was a bit dry and tough.
- fatUnlike many of the photos posted on Google reviews, most of my order was about 80% fat and only 20% meat, with just a few pieces that looked normal. It was very disappointing to pay this price for a pound of BBQ and end up with so much inedible fat.
- 'korean' baoThe 'korean' bao was not worth eating
- BBQ saucethey didn’t even provide bbq sauce
- Dino ribthe Dino rib was the way smaller than the one they showed on TikTok and it had absolutely zero flavor
- FoodFood:2
- Korean CowboyI'm sorry that was a lie for me at least, I'm not really one to handle the heat.
If you're looking for creative BBQ fusion and delicious brisket, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might be inconsistent, so stick to the highly praised items for the best experience.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 93.2%, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 44 remarks, a whopping 41 were positive, frequently praising the owner, staff, and Michelle for their fast and friendly service, attentiveness, and great recommendations.
Many found the owners and employees to be gracious, kind, and genuinely passionate about their craft, making every visit a joy. However, no place is perfect, and there were 2 negative comments among the 44. A couple of guests mentioned a passive-aggressive lady at the register and a wait time' that felt excessive and ultimately not worth it. While these instances are rare, they highlight that even in an otherwise stellar service environment, individual interactions and expectations around waiting can sometimes fall short.
Service
44
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Gracious owners
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Passive-aggressive staff
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceDon't wait as items will sell out quick. In my experiences, it's always a joy talking and getting service from the staff; the owners always make time to rap with me, making sure I enjoy my meal. The folks that left low score reviews are tripping; this is food coma good BBQ.
- ServiceThat said, the small amount of meat I did get had good flavor, which makes the quality of the cut all the more frustrating. The service and atmosphere were excellent, both rated 5/5.
- ownersDon't wait as items will sell out quick. In my experiences, it's always a joy talking and getting service from the staff; the owners always make time to rap with me, making sure I enjoy my meal. The folks that left low score reviews are tripping; this is food coma good BBQ.
- ownerThe owner is a fellow Texan and he and his wife truly know what they are doing.
- MichelleMichelle is gracious, generous and appropriately apologetic
- staffMrs D was just great at suggesting the right meats for our fam!
- WorkersWorkers were friendly
- attentiveness to our needsDaniel was attentive to our needs
- catering for a birthday partyI inquired about catering for a birthday party of ~15. Daniel was incredibly helpful, suggesting Brisket and Pulled Pork and providing guidance on the appropriate portion sizes.
- customer serviceCustomer service was great.
Frequently criticized
- passive-aggressive ladythe lady at the register was very passive aggressive and it just made the whole experience worse
- wait timeour food took what felt like forever. And they kept saying that the wait it would be worth it, but it wasn’t
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, this is it. The overwhelmingly positive feedback on the friendly and attentive staff suggests you're in for a treat, though be mindful of potential wait times during busy periods.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
The vibe here is largely a hit, with a good score of 7.4! Many guests, in 12 positive remarks, rave about the great atmosphere and quiet noise level, making it feel like a true neighborhood spot. There's also excitement building for their new storefront, anticipated to be a fantastic addition to the area.
However, customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 66.7%, indicating some areas for improvement. A few patrons, in 4 comments, pointed out a significant drawback: the limited seating and small sitting area. This suggests that while the overall ambiance is good, the practical aspect of dining in might be a squeeze for some.
Ambience
18
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Quiet noise level
- Neighborhood spot
What people don't like
- Limited seating area
Often praised
- atmosphereThat said, the small amount of meat I did get had good flavor, which makes the quality of the cut all the more frustrating. The service and atmosphere were excellent, both rated 5/5.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- neighborhoodWe are so excited for the opening of their storefront! Smokin’ D’s will be a great addition to the neighborhood, the Sunset will be my spot for Texas BBQ. 🤠I’m already dreaming about the Spuddy Buddy and breakfast tacos!
- neighborhood spotFeels like a true neighborhood spot.
- storefrontWe are so excited for the opening of their storefront! Smokin’ D’s will be a great addition to the neighborhood, the Sunset will be my spot for Texas BBQ.
Frequently criticized
- seatingThere is not much seating at the restaurant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- sitting areaOnly minus is the restaurant doesn't have too much sitting area
If you're seeking a spot with a pleasant, neighborhood atmosphere, this place is a solid choice. Just be aware that seating can be quite limited, so it might be best for smaller groups or if you plan to take your food to go.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.5, placing it squarely in the average range. Many customers appreciate the reasonable prices, finding some items to be a great deal and offering good value for money. Theres positive feedback on transparent pricing and the sense that you're paying for skill and quality, making meals feel filling and well-priced, based on 9 positive opinions.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 42.9%, reflecting some significant concerns. A number of folks felt the price was too high for what they received, citing issues like excessive fat in orders, dry food, or small portions for the cost. With 10 negative opinions, some found certain items, like ribs, to be outrageously priced and not worth the premium.
Value
21
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good deals available
- Transparent pricing
What people don't like
- High price for fat
- Expensive for portions
- Dry food, not worth
Often praised
- pricesThe prices are actually surprisingly reasonable
- pricingLastly, the banana pudding is a must-order. The staff is also very friendly and attentive, and the pricing is very reasonable for this high level of BBQ. I feel very lucky to have a spot like this in the Sunset!
- dealBEEF BRISKET BAO is a deal for less than $10
- good priceThe brisket bao was nice and smokey, while the pulled pork bao had more meat but less of a smokey flavor. Overall, the meal was very filling and a good price at $9 each. The guy at the door with a Texans hat was very friendly.
- priceFor $8, it’s definitely a good treat
- skill, labor and qualityyou are paying for is the skill, labor and quality of the food
- value for moneygood value for the money.
Frequently criticized
- priceUnlike many of the photos posted on Google reviews, most of my order was about 80% fat and only 20% meat, with just a few pieces that looked normal. It was very disappointing to pay this price for a pound of BBQ and end up with so much inedible fat. That said, the small amount of meat I did get had good flavor, which makes the quality of the cut all the more frustrating.
- ribsbuy ribs for a much better deal
- Price65 for 1 beef rib with no sides is ridiculous
- premiumFor the 3x premium I don’t think it’s worth it.
- pricingThe beef brisket was two pieces for $20 outrageous pricing
If you're looking for a good deal, some menu items offer surprising value and transparent pricing. However, be cautious, as others found portions small or quality lacking for the price, making it a hit-or-miss experience for your wallet.
How are the prices at Smokin D’s?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 46 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Barbecue Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what others spend, while the average is around 29, a good chunk of folks actually spend less, often in the $11–$20 range, suggesting some great value options. But don’t be surprised if you see some diners splurging on the higher end too, as there are definitely premium choices available!
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 46 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Barbecue Restaurant in San Francisco. Youve got options whether youre looking for a quick, affordable bite or something a bit more indulgent.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Smokin D’s
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Incredible Authentic Texas BBQ Brisket
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially with their beef brisket sandwich. It was described as incredible and totally authentic Texas BBQ. I was impressed by the huge amount of beef, complemented by a great sauce and bun.
The reviewer stated it's the real deal, with meat smoked in-shop, ensuring it's fresh and perfectly cooked. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was also rated highly at 5. Service was also rated 5, and the noise level was very quiet.
- beef brisket sandwich10
- Texas BBQ10
- amount of beef9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Delicious BBQ, Worth the Price
My experience at Smoking D's was primarily focused on their food, which I would rate five stars. I highly recommend the brisket; it was tender, juicy, and made from good quality meat, not the cheap and fatty kind. I also tried the pork ribs, leg quarter, and the brisket grilled cheese sandwich.
All entrees were flavorful, though I wished the pork ribs were more falling off the bone. The corn bread, potato salad, and Mac-n-cheese were delicious, especially the corn bread. While it is on the pricey side, for $200+ (1 lb of brisket, full rack of ribs, 2 leg quarters chicken, 2 Mac n cheese, 3 corn bread, 1 potato salad), it fed my family of four boys with leftovers for another meal, making it worth it.
A tip: ask for bread, and they will provide! The only minus is the limited sitting area, with only a few tables on the sidewalk, making it more of a grab-and-go place. The service was rated 5 stars, and the food also received a 5-star rating, while the atmosphere was rated 3 stars.
- brisket10
- pork ribs6
- leg quarter8
- sitting area3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Incredible BBQ, Worth a Return Trip!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! After attending the Hardly Strictly festival, we were looking for dinner and stumbled upon this delightful little place. The BBQ Brisket sandwich was a standout – sweet, moist, and a generous portion.
We also enjoyed the brisket chile and cornbread, which were so good. I would happily return to this neighborhood just for this food! The service was also very good.
I highly recommend trying it!
- BBQ Brisket sandwich10
- brisket chile9
- cornbread9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Delivery
9
Excellent Catering Experience with Daniel and Lareina!
I inquired about catering for a birthday party of ~15. Daniel was incredibly helpful, suggesting Brisket and Pulled Pork and providing guidance on the appropriate portion sizes. I truly appreciated Daniel's attentiveness to our needs, and our food arrived on time.
The accompanying sides of pickled onions, pickles, and sauce were also delicious. The group enjoyed the meal so much that the trays were cleared with little leftovers, indicating the perfect amount was served. A big thank you to Daniel and Lareina for a fantastic catering experience!
- catering for a birthday party9
- Brisket and Pulled Pork9
- portion sizes9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Fat-to-Meat Ratio
Unlike many of the photos posted on Google reviews, most of my order was about 80% fat and only 20% meat, with just a few pieces that looked normal. It was very disappointing to pay this price for a pound of BBQ and end up with so much inedible fat. That said, the small amount of meat I did get had good flavor, which makes the quality of the cut all the more frustrating.
The service and atmosphere were excellent, both rated 5/5.
- flavor8
- Service10
- atmosphere10
- fat2
- meat3
- inedible fat1
What Smokin D’s offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options are available at Smokin D's BBQ SF?
Smokin D’s BBQ SF offers a range of convenient service options for you. You can choose from no-contact delivery, traditional delivery, or takeout if you’re on the go. For a more relaxed experience, dine-in service is also available for you to enjoy their delicious barbecue.
Is Smokin D's BBQ SF a good place for families and is it accessible?
Absolutely! Smokin D’s BBQ SF is known to be good for kids, making it an excellent choice for family meals. Additionally, the restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all guests can comfortably visit and enjoy their time.
How does Smokin D’s generally perform?
Smokin D’s earns a good overall score of 7.9, driven by strong Service (9) and Food (7.9), with decent Ambience (7.4), though Value (5.5) is more average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Smokin D’s?
Many customers praise the excellent service and the quality of the brisket and ribs, often highlighting the flavorful meat and friendly staff.
Are there any common concerns about Smokin D’s?
Some patrons have noted issues with inconsistent meat quality, particularly regarding fat content in the brisket, and limited seating options.