a winner

   Ziggie950 - 02/24/2009

coming from NC I have experienced a few BBQ places.This Smokin Al's is one of the best ,small,crowded and taking no reservations the food still the attraction.It's all GOOD.Ribs,pulled pork,monster bones and the works and don't forget the spud.They should hose ya down when ya finished chowing down,it aint pretty.But it's good as it gets.BBQ on Long Island.In the 20 times I have eaten at Al's the staff has been on top of there game,well run,hot food,huge portions and plenty of napkins.
See ya there Friday,Buddy form Wilson NC.

also Disappointed

   Parrotlett - 01/23/2009

just came from dinner at SmokinALs in massapequa park ny.we knew it would be crowded and parking would be difficult.thats a given.we knew the wait would be long.anyplace in li ny to eat is gonna be a good hour. so we ate at the bar.beautiful interior.mad busy.portions are huge.we had a sampler of ribs,pulled pork ,brisket,sweet potato fries and coleslaw.next time ill pass on the fries,they were overdone yet soggy and had some sort of sugary coating on them.ribs were pretty damn good and smoky.i chose them dry. the pulled pork and brisket came already mixed in bbq sauce,and i was rather dissappointed in the rather blandness of them.considering i have heard and read so many great reviews,i was let down.
ihave read of some reviewers having also had negative staff experiences.and we were also recipients of some rather rude and very unprofessional behavior from one of the bartenders.i guess al either doesnt belive this or feels those who do recieve it must be worthy of it. or maybe it considered to be cute to behave this way.id lose my job if i behaved in this fashion.but such is life. its busy place and i guess it doesnt really matter if the staff is obnoxious.
all in all i have been to both locations and was greatly dissapointed in the overall experience. ive experienced southern bbq on many many occassions.
i still prefer my own bbq/smoker ribs and pulled pork to this place anyday. good luck .smokin als will do fine.

Disappointed

   JUNIOR 505 - 01/18/2009

We went to Smokin' Als for my husbands b-day. We called a few days before about making reservations and the guy on the phone said they didn't take reservations but we could call just before we got to the restaurant and put our name on the list for a table. So we did.. the girl on the phone said "NO ..we dont do that! thta is considered a reservation and we dont take them!" So whatever we went there any way they said it wasnt too crowded. We go there and we asked for a table. they asked if our whole party was there..we said that 2 were parking their car. And the nasty girl at the front said well until they get here we cant put your name on the list. With in a 2 mins (where we could have sat down right then and there) it went from being seated to an hour wait for a table. the girl seating people was so nasty she said "Oh well you'll have to wait!" we walked out and vowed never to go back. We went to Galanga Thai food next door which was amazing food!

WE WILL NEVER GO TO SMOKIN' ALS AGAIN.

Best BBQ on Long Island

   OOFAHVINNY - 11/22/2008

Have eaten there quite a few times and the food has always been awsome. Always Tender and juicy. Would eat there alot more if it wasnt for the long long wait because the place is so small. Im hoping the new one opening in Nassau county 12 miles down the road will cut down on the crowds here a bit and make it easier to get in. But even with the crowds and the wait, Its well worth it. This is real BBQ and not that crap you get at the BBQ chains ,,,,, Smokin Al's is trated number 1 on Long Island because it is the best on Long Island

The best BBQ on earth

   nylawman2721 - 08/11/2008

I have traveled far and wide on this planet. No BBQ has compared to Smokin Al's. Always the best.

Still the best in my mind.

   Mikeschildt24 - 08/08/2008

I have eaten at als probably 50 times now and I have never been even close to dissapointed. I leave there with more leftovers than I get as a meal from any other restaurant. Thats not what makes them great though, the food is amazing.

consistently delicious

   Jzsweeps - 07/25/2008

been here a few times...and it's a bit of a hike for me....but always worth the trip...those St Louis Ribs just fall off the bone...and love the beans on the side...whenever i'm in the area, i'm sure to stop by...more seating would be good...but this food is worth the wait.

we verytime we go here we are never dissapointed

   karenpuggas - 07/08/2008

My husband and I LOVE this place! The food is always so good. The servers are very nice and it has a great relaxed atmosphere. The only drawback is the long waits, but it's worth it. They are opening a new one in Massapequa, it looks like it will be bigger, they can definitly use the space. You know a place is good if there is always a line waiting to get in and the people waiting don't complain about it. We're always telling our friends and new people we meet about Smokin Al's. You won't be dissapointed!

   Gabby2080 - 07/08/2008

   Yrofgr81 - 06/25/2008