Smokey Canyon BBQ
Riverside, CA
Reviews
First reviewed by bwarren
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Disappointed!
My husband and I love bbq, and we have eaten at several different places all over southern california. We had been looking forward to trying this restuarant. Once we did, we were both greatly disappointed. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with baked beans and coleslaw. I agree with the other reviewers, the smoke flavor was overbearing. Also, the bread used on the sandwich was completly tasteless. The coleslaw was also void of flavor. It tasted like wet cabbage - no other flavors at all. The worst part of the dinner was my husband's cornbread muffin. Again, it had absolutely no flavor. How can a muffin made of cornmeal have no flavor. Worst of all, it left a flour taste and residue on your tongue. I'm sorry, but the meal was worse than the hospital cafeteria food that was served to me after the birth of my daughter.
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SMOKEY CANYON BBQ - RECIPE FOR DISASTER!!!
We excitedly decided to try the new BBQ restaurant in Canyon Crest this past week! We left less than enthused.
Our first disappointment was the beverage selection - specifically the beer! Our first choice was a round of Corona Extras! Instead we were offered Jimmy Buffet's cheapened and not-so-good Corona imitation Land Shark Lager. Our second choice of Coors Light was rebuffed as well. "We don't carry that either," our waitress replied and then recited a list of what they did carry. Most were unrecognizable or run-of-the-mill imitations of the real thing. (Note to ownership: This is California... you're not in Missouri anymore!).
Oh well... not the end of the world.
On to dinner... our waitress gave us ample time to peruse the menu and make our selections. When the time came, we ordered two appetizers along with our dinners and our sides. The waitress wrote nothing down - committing it all to memory - "a recipe for disaster" our dining companions stated. "When they don't write it down it never goes right!"
It didn't.
The waitress came back shortly to reconfirm some of our side selections. Good thing she did. She was confused.
Our salads arrived promptly. Ten seconds later dinner was served as well. The 10 second grace period to eat our salads before dinner was served was a bit too short. About 15 to 20 minutes too short. "Your appetizers will be out shortly," our waitress informed us. (Fortunately we hadn't yet ordered desert). Appetizers did arrive 5 or so minutes later to a table now overflowing with plates. We gave in and picked up or salad plates while every square inch of the table was put to use to accomodate all three courses. Realizing we were in a no-win situation, we gave up the salads, setting them on a chair next to us where they remained for the duration of our stay (fortunately nobody else decided to sit there nor did the staff seem interested in clearing any empties).
Food was over powered with Liquid Smoke. Or something to that effect. And what an effect. Way too much! Yikes! Sides were good - potato salad was excellent, baked beans, french fries, cheesy potatoes, corn on the cob - all were delicious!
We consumed about half of our complete meals when the waitress approached with our bill. We accepted the hint (along with the feeling of smoke inilation from the aforementioned overuse of Liquid Smoke) and decided we were finished. We paid our reasonably priced bill and made our exit.
On our way out we passed by the patio which several people were enjoying. "Well, we can say we tried it but I think once was enough," my companion stated. The couple seated closest to us overheard and nodded their agreement.
Overall we were slightly less than satisfied. Two easy areas to fix: slow down and let us enjoy our meals as they were intended to be (appetizers should be served before dinner please!). Ease up on the smoky flavoring.
And fix the beer selection. -
not the crest cafe
Most of these reviews are not about Smokey Canyon. They only have BBQ, not chicken milan. All but the first review is for the Crest Cafe. The review sight seems to reflect on the address, not the business. Smokey Canyon BBQ is in the old Crest Cafe's building. It is newly renovated.
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MEAT!
the food is amazing - in fact so good that I eat here at least twice a week. The prices are quite reasonable considering the amount of food that you get. The pulled pork and the tri-tip are my favorites. They are adding more items to the menu soon. I can't wait!
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Boo! We both got sick!
We decided to try this restaurant on New Years Eve. It was real quite and we got seated immediately. We ordered the bruschetta first. A bit salty and enough for 10 people. My girlfriend had the Chicken Milano? and I had the porterhouse steak. Presentation was nice and food seemed plentiful, but, both our meals were very bland, no flavors at all. My porterhouse was maybe 3/8" thick and gray in color. It just wasn't good at all. Both went in with a great attitude but left swearing never to come back. The next day we both woke early to feeling extremeley sick to our stomachs. Something wasn't right and we won't be back.
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Wow !
I was so impressed with this restaruant. The atmosphere was to die for, everything tastes so good and fresh. I dine there often, I recommend the milan crusted chicken, their version of parmesean chicken it's so yummy. Very generous with their portions. My husband got the grilled chicken and avocado sandwich it was delicious. They are very popular for their homemade tomatoe basil soup on sundays and sunday breakfast is absolutely a must! My favorite restaruant in Riverside, been a regular for 11 years!
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Love it!
My family and I love the Crest Cafe. Breakfast is our faviorite time to dine. We enjoy the food. Especially the Chicken Fried Steak with their fabulous homemade gravy. We also enjoy the service and the atmosphere. Especially now that they have moved to this new location (It's great by the way!). The food, the service everthing is great. I recommend it to all my friends.
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We gave....
this place a shot. It was around late-Breakfast/early-lunch time and we wanted something different. I'd ordered the breakfast burger which was really good. My wife ordered the pancakes which were very thin. She wasn't too impressed with them. Prices were a little high, but in that area, it's to be expected. The desserts looked pretty good, but we were already full. We won't be back soon, but probably in a year or so.
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Bruschetta
The Bruschetta is to die for. So fresh and delicious! The salads are fresh & crisp...great portions...never too crowded. Lovely ambience, friendly staff & wonderful smells abounding everywhere! The location is convenient and parking is always plentiful! This is a great place to go with friends, family, or a quiet romantic time tolo!
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Homeade!
I love this place. They have the best bruchetta everything is made from scratch, no old recipes or sauces...everything is made to order! I hear they are opening in a newly remodeled location with outdoor patio's. I cant wait! The food has generous portions. The Chicken Picatta is also a great specialty. This is a must try cafe
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Best soup in town
I love this place for its organic wholesome food. I always check to see if they have the tomato basil soup, which is the best. Their hearty portions and breakfast that is served all day in addition to the economically prices, make this a regular place that I atend. Mmmmm
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