
Holy Smokes BBQ Shack
Quick info
About Holy Smokes BBQ Shack
On Drumnasoo Rd in Craigavon, Holy Smokes BBQ Shack is a barbecue restaurant that opens only Thursday to Saturday and stays closed the other four days of the week. Orders are placed at the counter, and the team hands over a buzzer that sounds when the food is ready, so you can wait for your meal without hovering at the till. The menu centres on beef brisket and pork ribs, with loaded chicken fries also on offer. Fries come with each meal.
Good to know
- ParkingFree parking lot · Free street parking · Paid parking lot
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, seating
- Good for kidsGood for kids
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention beef brisket, pork ribs, loaded chicken fries and burnt end beans.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention beef brisket, pork ribs, loaded chicken fries and burnt end beans.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often return to the beef brisket, which reviewers describe as flavourful and falling apart, with the pork ribs close behind, called fall-off-the-bone and cooked to perfection, and one reviewer preferring them to the brisket. The loaded chicken fries and burnt end beans also draw praise, and several mention huge portions and great value. A short rib is described as soft as butter. The queue is the recurring complaint. Reviewers mention people queuing out the doors, with waits of about an hour and one reviewer reporting three hours before sitting down, after which they would not repeat it. Food comes quickly once ordered, and a buzzer signals when it is ready. One reviewer found the smash burger a tad salty and the loaded chicken fries too saucy, and the skinny fries are called unremarkable. One 1-star reviewer describes a neglected-feeling room, stressed staff, and average food that did not match the online hype. Another notes a new counter worker being kindly reassured by colleagues during a busy shift.
Customer Review Summary
Diners most often return to the beef brisket, which reviewers describe as flavourful and falling apart, with the pork ribs close behind, called fall-off-the-bone and cooked to perfection, and one reviewer preferring them to the brisket. The loaded chicken fries and burnt end beans also draw praise, and several mention huge portions and great value. A short rib is described as soft as butter. The queue is the recurring complaint. Reviewers mention people queuing out the doors, with waits of about an hour and one reviewer reporting three hours before sitting down, after which they would not repeat it. Food comes quickly once ordered, and a buzzer signals when it is ready. One reviewer found the smash burger a tad salty and the loaded chicken fries too saucy, and the skinny fries are called unremarkable. One 1-star reviewer describes a neglected-feeling room, stressed staff, and average food that did not match the online hype. Another notes a new counter worker being kindly reassured by colleagues during a busy shift.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Had a brilliant time here recently. Everything was served hot and fresh, and the portions were absolutely massive. The food was packed with flavour, especially the generous helping of fries that came with every meal. Seeing the Coca-Cola Zero Sugar can on the table really set the relaxed vibe for the whole experience. I will definitely be back again soon.”
- Google user
“Unreal food you will have to wait but its because the foods is good the chick chip can feed 3 people and the short rib was as soft as butter”
- Google user
“One of the most disappointing dining experiences I’ve had in a long time. From the moment I walked in, the place felt neglected and poorly looked after. The cleanliness and overall presentation left a lot to be desired, and the atmosphere felt more chaotic than welcoming. The food was completely underwhelming. Considering the reputation and prices, I expected something memorable, but what arrived was average at best. Portions, flavour, and quality all fell short of expectations. Nothing stood out for the right reasons. The staff looked stressed and unhappy, which created an uncomfortable environment. As a customer, it gave the impression that morale behind the scenes isn’t great, and that inevitably affects the experience. What frustrates me most is the gap between the online hype and the reality. There seems to be far more emphasis on social media promotion and influencer content than on delivering a genuinely good customer experience. The glowing reputation online simply didn’t match what I experienced in person. Overall, an overrated restaurant that relies heavily on marketing while the basics—food quality, cleanliness, atmosphere, and customer experience—seem to be an afterthought. I won’t be back. definitely better choices around the Country For PROPER BQQ Grub”
- Google user
“Visited here last week for the first time on Saturday afternoon. The food was absolutely delicious and portions were huge! No complaints at all. Even with a slight queue youre seen too very quick, and a great buzzer system to notify you your food is ready. There was a new girl on her first shift taking orders at the counter who provided lovely service, and the staff behind her were so kind to her and reassured her to take her time as im sure it was a bit overwhelming even though it was busy! 10/10 will be back.”
- Google user
“Incredible food!! Never had anything like it before - it makes sense why there are always people queuing out the doors! The beef brisket was incredible. Super flavourful and falls apart. The portion sizes were huge and such great value for money! We will 100% be returning!”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- Closed
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
- Closed
Highlights
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Popular for solo dining
- Small plates
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Good for kids
- Casual
Show more amenities
- Onsite services
- Quick bite
- Solo dining
- Restroom
- Trendy
- Free parking lot
- Dining options· 4
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Seating
- Planning· 1
- Usually a wait
- Crowd· 3
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Offerings· 1
- Small plates
- Parking· 3
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Location
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Photo: Zio · 4.7 · 1,668 Google reviews
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