The Smoking Barrel brings standout barbecue to Ellsworth

What public feedback says

The Smoking Barrel holds a 5.0 Google rating from 98 reviews, an unusually strong public record even before considering how emphatic the individual comments are. Diners repeatedly describe excellent barbecue, welcoming service and a clean, relaxed dining room. Several say they plan to return, while one reviewer reports driving four and a half hours specifically for the brisket and pork ribs.

That enthusiasm is not limited to the smoked meats. Reviews also call attention to the restaurant’s sauces, sides, generous servings and thoughtful table setup. The overall impression is of a small Ellsworth restaurant that handles both the food and the practical details of a barbecue meal with care.

Start with the sampler

The Outlaw, identified in public feedback as a three-meat sampler, is the clearest starting point for a first visit. It receives multiple direct recommendations, and another party reports sharing a sampler while still taking home enough food for another meal. That makes the sampler particularly appealing for diners who want a broad introduction rather than committing to a single meat.

Pork ribs are another recurring favorite. Reviewers single them out alongside the brisket and sides, with praise focused on flavor rather than novelty. The house-made sauces also deserve room at the table. More than one review encourages trying the different options, suggesting that tasting and comparing sauces is part of the experience.

Some sides earn enthusiastic individual mentions, including jalapeño mac and cheese, pepper jelly beans and biscuits. Those items do not appear often enough in the supplied feedback to establish the same consensus as the sampler or ribs, but they show that diners see the supporting plates as more than an afterthought.

Portions, value and atmosphere

The listed price level is moderate, and reviewers generally frame the restaurant as a good value. Large portions appear to help that perception. One family ordered a shared sampler, a child’s half loaded potato and sides, then reported enough leftovers for another meal. That is useful context for groups deciding how much to order.

The atmosphere is described as quaint, cool and relaxed rather than formal. Cleanliness, music and decor all receive favorable comments. Large wet wipes at the table are also noted, a small but practical touch at a restaurant centered on ribs, brisket and sauce.

Service is another consistent strength. Public comments describe the staff or owners as friendly and welcoming, reinforcing the sense that The Smoking Barrel works well for an unhurried lunch or a casual family meal.

The editorial take

Based on the available rating, review patterns and menu references, The Smoking Barrel stands out as one of Ellsworth’s most convincing casual dining options. The Outlaw sampler offers the best overview, while pork ribs and the sauce selection carry the strongest repeated endorsements. Nearly flawless public feedback should still be read with the usual caution applied to any review set, but 98 reviews provide more substance than a perfect score built from only a handful of ratings. For barbecue in Ellsworth, this is an easy place to put near the top of the list.