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Smokey Joe's BBQ

About Smokey Joe's BBQ

Smokey Joe’s BBQ has been part of South Dallas since 1985, founded by Joe Melton and Kenneth Manning. The menu centers on smoked brisket, pork spare ribs, sausage and loaded baked potatoes, with buttermilk pie among its longtime signatures. Now run by the next generation, the restaurant combines old-school neighborhood barbecue with updated smoking methods. It remains a casual, locally rooted stop where the food and community history matter as much as the no-frills setting.

When to visit

Spring brings mild temperatures, longer daylight and greener city parks, making March through May a practical time for barbecue stops and sightseeing around Dallas overall.

Most popular: March - May

Spring · Mar, Apr, May

Dallas warms steadily through spring, with daytime highs rising from the upper 60s°F in March into the 80s°F by May. Rain and thunderstorms become more frequent, particularly later in the season, so plans sometimes need adjusting around passing storms. Smokey Joe’s works well as a lunch stop during a day in South Dallas, and spring weather makes getting around the city easier before the strongest summer heat arrives.

Summer · Jun, Jul, Aug

Summer in Dallas is hot, with normal daytime highs reaching about 96°F in July and August. Earlier sightseeing followed by lunch at Smokey Joe’s can help limit time outdoors during the hottest part of the afternoon. The menu’s brisket, ribs, sausage and loaded potatoes are served throughout the season, while indoor dining provides a break from the heat. Long stretches of hot weather are common, though summer thunderstorms can still develop.

Autumn · Sep, Oct, Nov

September can still feel like summer in Dallas, but temperatures gradually drop through October and November. Later in the season, cooler mornings and milder afternoons make it easier to spend more time around the city before or after eating. Smokey Joe’s remains a straightforward stop for brisket, ribs and other smoked meats, while occasional rain and thunderstorms can still affect plans. By November, evenings are noticeably cooler and daylight hours become shorter.

Winter · Dec, Jan, Feb

Dallas winters are generally mild, though strong cold fronts can bring freezing mornings and sudden temperature drops. Snow is uncommon, with the Dallas/Fort Worth climate normal averaging about five days with at least a trace of snowfall annually. Smokey Joe’s continues serving its regular barbecue menu through the season, making ribs, brisket and loaded potatoes particularly suited to colder days. Most winter days remain manageable for driving around Dallas, though occasional ice can disrupt travel.

Weather Highlights

  • Summer high

    96°C / 35°F

  • Winter low

    36°C / 2°F

  • Rain

    81 days

  • Snow

    2 days

Location

Getting There

From Downtown Dallas, take I-35E south toward Oak Cliff, continue past Loop 12, exit toward Camp Wisdom Road, then follow the frontage road to Smokey Joe’s BBQ at 6403 S R L Thornton Fwy.

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