Smokin' Oak Express

Stopped by on a Friday at 4pm. Closed Out of business?

Foods good, but service is meh. They removed the option to get 1/3 ribs or half rack, seams like a lazy business practice that just suppose to make it easier on them, instead of giving you the option to mix in a few ribs with your meal.. not really an “express” place to eat.. came in on a Saturday during lunch time and place was a ghost town but surprisingly still took 20 mins to get food. Not offering 1/3 and half rack of ribs is just plain dumb.

They were out of the first two things I ordered and then there brisket melt is just a pot roast sandwich

Not impressed with the food quality when compared to price. You get exactly what you order and nothing more or less. There are no sides unless you purchase them separate.

Food was so bad, brisket tasted like pot roast, the chicken sandwich tasted old and bland 0 smoke flavor. The slaw was concrete and the potato salad tasted store bought. Didn't even dare to try and finish this garbage. Also 0 AC in the building.

The ribs looked baked. As you can see by my picture the ribs had no browning at all. (That was the top, not the bottom of the slab.) They are a "full slab" (looks like it was cut in half lengthwise). I asked for beef but these look like pork. I was not told I wouldn't be getting beef. The taste was good for both items without even using BBQ sauce at least. However, the texture of the ribs was very tough and almost rubbery in a way. The chicken was more moist and tender. The whole chicken and "full slab" of ribs came to $32 something for carry out. Keep in mind that despite it's name this restaurant is a rotisserie not a meat smoking restaurant. In fact the wood fired rotisserie wasn't even going when we picked up the food. I would not be surprised if the rotisserie is for show at this point and the food is driven in from Red Wing pre made and then warmed up in the oven, given the appearance and texture. Or maybe they make large batches before the weekend and warm the meats in the oven for the orders. Either way, I suggest sticking with the chicken or going to the restaurant in Red Wing. Maybe their meat is not looking so palid.

Tried to go to dinner at 7:15 on Friday night place is locked up tighter than fort Knox! Hour's say 8 they must not be that busy if they're closing hours early...