Kenova Smokehouse Puts Brisket and Ribs First

What the ratings suggest

Kenova Smokehouse carries a 4.6 Google rating from 472 reviews, a strong result for a moderately priced barbecue restaurant. Public feedback presents it as a casual, small-town-style spot where the smoked meats do most of the convincing. Brisket, ribs and sausage receive the steadiest praise, while quick food delivery and friendly staff add to the restaurant’s appeal.

The overall pattern is clear: diners looking for substantial portions and straightforward barbecue tend to leave satisfied. Several reviews mention having enough food to take home, so the platters appear suited to hearty appetites. The room itself is described without much ceremony. Attention stays on the smoker, the plates and the people serving them.

Start with the brisket or ribs

Brisket is the safest first order based on the available reviews. Diners describe it as tender, well seasoned and enjoyable across both fatty and leaner pieces. One reviewer called it the standout of the meal, while another grouped it with the ribs and sausage as the restaurant’s strongest work.

The ribs also build a convincing case. Positive reports focus on tender meat, a crisp exterior and a mild, smoky-sweet sauce that does not lean too tangy. That said, Kenova’s rib style will not fit every preference. One diner disliked the dry rub and wanted sauce cooked directly onto the meat rather than served cold. The ribs were still acknowledged as tender, suggesting that the disagreement was more about barbecue style than execution.

Burnt ends drew enthusiastic praise in one review, particularly for their abundance, but they do not recur often enough in the supplied feedback to displace brisket or ribs as the clearest recommendations. Sausage is a stronger supporting option, earning approval in multiple accounts.

Sides are the variable

Side dishes generate the sharpest split. Green beans are the most reliable choice, earning praise even from a diner who found the rest of the sides disappointing. Fried okra, collards and smoked corn also received favorable mentions, though each appears in a narrower slice of the feedback.

Other sides fare less consistently. Cornbread was described as bland and dry, while coleslaw and baked beans missed the mark for individual reviewers. Another diner praised pit beans, reinforcing that experiences with the beans may vary. Anyone prioritizing the meat can minimize the risk by ordering green beans alongside brisket, ribs or sausage.

Service and final read

Service trends positive. Reviewers repeatedly mention friendly staff, knowledgeable menu guidance and food arriving quickly. One review raised concern about an added gratuity, so diners who are sensitive to automatic service charges may want to check the bill details.

Taken together, the public record supports Kenova Smokehouse as a dependable Flowood barbecue stop with generous servings and a meat-first identity. Brisket and ribs lead, sausage follows closely, and green beans look like the best-supported side. The less consistent sides keep the verdict below the top tier, but the high rating and repeated praise for tenderness make it a strong next place to try.