Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill

Management is horrible. we had a group of 10 and we’re told 45 mins. We waited an hour then the wanna be playboy who posed as manager got loud while trying to blame another group for not leaving. Then he kicks us out for calling him on his behavior

I have never walked out of a restaurant ever in life. I saw the two-​star overall review on Unilocal and decided to give this spot a try anyway. I’ve visited this location once in the past and didn’t remember being overwhelmed or interested in returning — but with a late night special and my craving for wings (smoked, not fried) I gave it a shot… wth was I thinking ?!
First, entering the restaurant, the floor was crazy sticky and no staff was present to greet or instruct on how to be seated. It’s after 11pm so I spoke to a server cleaning a section and she advised me that the bar area was on my seating open via self seating — no prob.
So I sit and the waiter, I must say, was cool. He had personality and greeted me with enthusiasm, so I was cool. I hadn’t ate since lunch so I wasn’t wasting anytime. Also note, I checked the menu before I arrived so I knew exactly what I wanted. I placed my order and then my drink order — a diamond margarita… wth was I thinking ?!
I have never been to a restaurant where the meals come before an adult beverage. I asked the cool waiter why all the bartenders were standing around and later serving newly seated patrons at the bar when I’ve been at this high top for almost 30 min and no margarita. The female bartender literally made not one drink between the time I placed my order and the time the waiter told the Manager. Oh – and Manager ?! This guy may have been taking a nap on his living room couch! Soon as I noticed the waiter bring the poor service to his attention, he avoided eye contact and stayed in every corner he could find. I had to ask a second time about my drink after the Manager did NOTHING TO MAKE THE SITUATION BETTER. Long story short — the drink was the worst margarita I ever had in my life! Oh – and they ran out of salt. The drink taste like flat lime soda with cheap tequila and triple sec. I couldn’t believe it ! You mean to tell me these bartenders are prancing around like they are hot commodities… I wait longer for a drink than it took to serve two meals… and the drink taste like pool water ! (AKA: Gross!)
I walk straight up to the Manager after gathering my things and tell him how disgusted I was at the lack of customer service and ability to make simple beverages. (Oh! And the bathrooms were foul and nasty too!). He maintained the same nonchalant «I don’t care» face he had when I first spoke to him, but managed to utter an apology and said he’d address his bartenders later. Ummm… attitude reflects leadership. His waiter earlier acknowledged the laziness of the Manager and he was spot on. Why should the staff exhibit any better behavior than that of a Manager that comes off as not caring less??!
I left this sorry excuse of a smokehouse hungry and highly irritated. My waiter, forgot his name (!!!), was the only sincere/​apologetic worker the whole evening and I hope he gets his chance behind the bar. He said they have a meeting soon and he’s under consideration. If anyone from corporate reads this — you all need to pay your Bowie store a visit !!! They are humiliating your brand!!!
So lucky me I didn’t waste money — just my time. Don’t take a chance on this place unless you are okay with mediocre at best !

When we first got in, there was a weird smell about the place. My husband compared it to, walking in to a morge. Between the silence and the smell in the waiting area. That should have been our red flag to leave immediately. No hostess in the front. She was too busy chatting in the kitchen. The server that seated us, seemed grumpy and fustraded. Possibly from having to do his and the hostess job. Only highlight of the visit was our waiter. He was busy but polite and attentive. We were hungry so we still though we would give it a chance. My lemon ice tea was ok but it would have been better if it was the mango ice tea I ordered. We ordered the loaded nachos with pulled pork as an appetizer. The pulled pork was flavorless and cold. The tomatoes on top tasted and looked like stewed tomatoes from a can, that they just dumped on top. We were disappointed with the atmosphere and our appetizer and decided to leave early and get dinner some place else. We will not be returning to the bowie maryland location and it’s unlikely we will return to any smoky bones locations. We are not trying to rip anyone or the chain. We just wanted to try something new and didn’t have an good experience.

I’m being generous with my one star. I got there with my family at 4:15 pm, joining a total of twelve other folks as customers. None were smiling and none eating. When the frowning waitress grudgingly asked what we wanted, I had plenty of time to wait between then and drink arrival to notice the hostess who seated us was nowhere to be seen. During that time, two couples left after waiting and having no one notice their repeated attempts at getting noticed. The appetizer pretzels (?) were so rubbery (obviously microwaved) they probably could have bounced off the floor. Wife asked for UNsweet iced tea from two waitresses, who both brought Sweet. No apologies offered. Overall, food had no steam, no flavor, and in no way was it properly cooked. (My guess microwave again) Avoid this place at all costs. Speaking of cost, obscenely overpriced.

No Host for 15 minutes, once he arrived he was rude and never smiled. No Ribs at 4:30 in the afternoon. No baked potato. Ran out of mix for Sangria. Waitress was okay. Good was just okay.

I don’t know why they get such bad reviews, I eat here 3 or 4 times a month and the food is always on point. During the week till 3pm they have a lunch menu and I always order from that. They do have good wings

Haven’t even been seated yet and I already feel compelled to write a crappy review!
Waiting an hour, but was told there was a 30-​minute wait. When we inquired as to our status, we were told that they were not seating because THEY RAN OUT OF PLATES.
There are currently 6 – 7 vacant booths. My assumption is that they don’t have enough staff. This is strange because we have watched (for an hour) 3 – 4 lobby dwellers/​employees that seem to have nothing to do. They chat, take a name, chat… and inform that there are no plates. Ridiculous! Pay a dishwasher!
Food is usually good, but the service has declined over the years. I have never felt it was worth waiting for… but understood a Saturday night crowd and caved in. Super bad idea!
Unfortunately, poorly trained staff and a poorly run organization is usually the direct result of poor leadership! Fire the manager now… and start fresh with the staff.

Been coming here the last couple years… The food is always great but just like everyone else the service has been the worst from the long wait on food to servers neglecting my table. But i went today after work for dinner and noticed to new managers who have obviously done a great job turning this restaurant around. My server was very tentative and both of the managers checked on us twice one even suggested a few things for us to try out that were actually good… Whoever those guys are I hope they continue the good work because i really enjoyed the service they provided today even the food came out quickly… Also i don’t think I’ve seen so many customers in that restaurant in a longtime…

The food is good. My 2 star rating is for customer service; management in particular.
Over the past few years this location has gradually been going down hill. We ate at the bar and they had no draft beer because the co2 line was broken. In addition, they were out of certain food items and when we placed a to-​go order, they informed us that they did not have lids for the sides so they had to use saran wrap. I really felt sorry for the bartender because he had to tell people this. While he was explaining to me what was going on, the manager on duty started making chuckle noises; I guess in an attempt to drown him out. The manager then tells the bartender that it’s not his fault because it was another manager’s job to order the truck. Whether the manager was joking or not, you don’t do that when an employee is talking to a customer. Instead the manager should have apologized for any inconvenience. Needless to say I will not go back to this location.

Worse fuckin experience ever! Im only giving one star because 0 isn’t an option. No hostess at the door, unfriendly staff, a server that literally said (per the manager) our party of 7 was too much for us and just stopped coming to the table. A manager that made a feeble attempt to help us, but refused to listen to suggestions that would aid in providing us a better service. Ultimately I went off after 4 hours and the only successful food I managed to get was my salad.

I’ve been sitting at the bar now for approximately 20 minutes now and no one has yet to acknowledge my presence. The bartender (red dreads) has conversed with the two ladies next to me for at least 10 minutes, looked at me, and walked away. I had to asked «can I could» for my presence to be acknowledged. Even now, I still have not been served. The service here is the worst. I should have went to the seafood restaurant next door.

The food was ok. The service was terrible. The bar drinks were so watered down! I ordered a vodka and Sprite and it tasted like water. Pretty disappointed. There was 4 of us, two couples and we asked for split checks and the server split the check 4 ways in stead of in half. Well my boyfriend and I had a $ 10 off coupon with $ 20 food purchase. The server told us that we couldn’t use the coupon because there wasn’t a $ 20 item on our check (?) ANSWER ME THIS: what is over $ 20 on your menu???
Food: boyfriend got the pick 3 combo he said it was ok. Pulled pork was so dry he had to drown it in bbq sauce. I got the chopped chicken salad with dressing on the side and I asked for no cucumbers. Well needles to say I got cucumbers and I didn’t get dressing. Had to ask 2 times for dressing. Then my boyfriend and his friend got a pitcher of beer and they didn’t provide glasses for them to drink out of… They again had to ask two times for glasses. I used to be a server so I understand the busy rush and forgetting
Something but the restaurant was slow when we were eating there is no excuse for such bad service. Probably never coming back.

Save yourself the headache. The service at this restaurant is horrible. Be prepared to sit and wait. The customer service needs an overhaul.
I would give this place zero stars if it were possible
*update*
Sent an email to smokey bones and no response. What a joke. They don’t care.

Meh. Still a two-​star experience. Hubby went here tonight and picked up some wings to go with the dinner sides I made and, low and behold, they shorted us some wings. I mean seriously? You can’t even count to make sure you have the right amount? When my husband called to let them know their mistake, the girl who answered was like, «You can come back down here and get them.» Uhh… no… not driving all the way back out there. You can’t comp the next order or part of the next order? There was a crazy awkward silence before she finally got the hint and took his name. Something tells me that when he does go back eventually, there will be no record of her promise whatsoever. We haven’t been here in ages and likely won’t be, but dang… those wings are good. Sometimes worth the trouble, but often times… actually, more times… not.

I remember when Smokey Bones used to be THE SPOT back in the day! It truly disappointed me to witness their fall from grace during my latest and final visit to the restaurant. I can assure you I will not be back anytime soon. Truly wish I would have read the reviews before entering!
I was due to meet an old friend at Smokey Bones for the opportunity to catch up and chow down on some «good» barbecue in the process. I only accomplished one of those things that evening…
Upon entering the building the smell of something rancid beat me all about my face and neck. Like what the heck?! Like the stank seriously punched me in my face. I was aghast. Everyone was having a good time nobody was holding their nose so I figured it was just me. Shouldn’t a BBQ joint smell heavenly? All I could smell was stale grease traps and disappointment.
Anywho, I arrived before my friend and the hostess offers to seat me. I’m like okay whatever. She walks me over to a booth area right next to a large group with a baby. I don’t want to sit there because I know it will be noisy and I will likely get bad service if I have to sit in the same area as a group of 10. I point to a table further away and I ask if I can sit there she tells me no because there is no server assigned to the area. I point to another table… she says the same thing… another…I get the same response. Finally, she says «Um, is there a reason you don’t like this table?!» I roll my eyes and sit down. It was Sunday and I had just come from church…
My friend arrives, I ask her if she can smell the smell. She describes it as «dirty mop» or «dirty rag.» After a while we forget about the smell (which I thought would be IMPOSSIBLE). I go to open the menu and it come apart with a «RRRRRRIIIIIIIIPPPPPPP». It was completely stuck together. The inside was all sticky and gross. I cringe and get that «omg your gonna die right now» feeling. My friend laughs but is also disgusted.

The restaurant isn’t terribly busy at this point. We order simple dishes which take FOREVER to come out. The football game is on and more people trickle in over the next half hour. I get chicken tenders and fries and my friend gets loaded nachos. Both come to the table cold. My fries were pretty much inedible. I go to pour some BBQ sauce on a tender and my hand adheres to the bottle. I squeal in disgust! I’ve pretty much lost my appetite by now. We eat some anyway because the server is busy and we don’t feel like another wait. She was nice and trying really hard, but the place seemed under staffed.
Meanwhile the previous large group of people seated next to us gets up and another large group of 7 with a baby sits down. *eye roll* We decided to get dessert, but only because we didn’t eat much of our entrees and we wanted to keep talking. Before I order the hot donuts I ask if they are supposed to be served hot. She says yes. I mention our food came to the table cold. She apologized and told me the donuts would be hot. They were, however the dish was supposed to come with chocolate sauce and raspberry sauce. Only the raspberry sauce made it to the plate. I don’t eat raspberries so I ask her if the chocolate sauce will be coming out. She informs me that she «couldn’t find» the chocolate sauce because she was trying to get my donuts to come out hot. Okay… well I guess I can understand it if you had to sacrifice my chocolate sauce to the food heat gods…
Neither my friend nor I finished our entrees. It just wasn’t good in my opinion. I give Smokey Bones two stars one for «hot» and the other for «donuts».

Ribs were absolutely delicious. Best I have had in a long time. Server was extremely attentive. We were traveling through the area and glad we picked this place for dinner. Restrooms extremely clean also. Added Plus for that

Me and a group of friends started going here a few years ago because they had a great atmosphere that catered to football Sunday. They had multiple tvs, the NFL package, and it was packed every Sunday with the same crowd. The staff and food was great.
However, it has falling extremely downhill from last year to this 2015 season. The service has went down, familiar staff has been let go so they’re short handed and some loyal customers were willing to overlook this… but then the absolute worse happen and it dealt with the cleanliness! Two weeks ago on 12÷20÷15, there were 3 different ROACH incidents within 5 – 10 minutes. People were taking pictures and videos of them crawling around the bar and food service area. It makes me highly upset to what was once a great place go to that level. The group I go with and other familiar crowds promise never to return.

I’ve been coming here for years now and I will say this: the food is consistently good. The smoked wings don’t even need sauce, the turkey burger is
, and the sides are always on point. Alas, what the Unilocalers are saying is true, I’ve never gotten good service from this establishment. On more than one occasion I’ve walked in and have not been greeted; hosts are standing around talking amongst themselves — no acknowledgement. UM HELLO! YOU WORK HERE, SEAT ME PLEASE. This was my favorite hole in the wall to grab something to eat from but the last visit really took the cake.
* We walked up to the restaurant and was greeted outside by a woman in a pinstriped button up smoking a cigarette (please tell me you’re just friendly and don’t work here)
* We get inside and sit. No acknowledgement per usual but I flag a to-​go girl down and have her seat us
* Our server takes entirely way too long to greet us (I’ve been waitressing for 5+ years, I’m a super stickler for this) he takes our drink orders and flies away. I order a French martini for myself and a Bombay and tonic for my boyfriend.
* The woman in the pinstriped button up DOES work there. She’s management. I’m appalled. There are plenty of other places to take your smoke break besides the front of the restaurant IM SURE OF IT.
* Our server never comes back. Some random girl brings my boyfriend his Bombay and tonic and saunters away. HUH? How did I order both drinks and only one comes out? At this point I immediately pull out my phone and time how long it takes them to bring me my drink.
* 8 minutes later (after I’ve already pretty much destroyed my food) another girl comes over and asks, «Did you get your martini love»? I shake my head no, and she trots off and brings it back
* My martini had been sitting on the back bar alone and by itself for 8 minutes. By the time it gets to me, it’s sweating and old looking. No froth, no freshness. Just old and stale, with sweat running down the sides. I’m furious. I promptly call over the manager, who apologized and makes us two fresh drinks.
* At this point I’m ready to go. Our server was nowhere to be found throughout the entire ordeal and he wasn’t even busy. My boyfriend had to flag him down to bring our check and he never offered an apology or an excuse.
This place has the potential to be better. I suggest revamping the restaurant and hiring more enthusiastic staff.

Greeted at the door withsmiles. A great place with delicious dishes running from skillet cornbread all the way to dry and wet ribs. Nice spot for happy hours with all the amenities of a sports bars but the design oh a log cabin bbq house. Food well portioned drink prices starting around 3.99 for a vodka based beverage in a 8oz short glass. Service could be a little faster, but all the other pros outweight that con imo. So gave it a high 4.

Good Spot to watch the game and get BBQ. The ribs were delicious, I would have liked if the turkey was fresh carved. I love you can pay with your CC right at the table. Joined the Bones club and got a free app for next visit. They have a healthy menu — which looks really good and I applaud them for that. Excited to have a big beer and watch the game next visit.
Would like to see cornbread with meal instad of toast.
Thanks — We will be back
Cool lodge feel setting to realx and dine in !