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Welcome to Smokehouse On The River

Welcome to Smokehouse On The River, a hidden gem located along the picturesque banks of the river in River Ranch, Florida. Here, barbecue lovers are treated to a mouthwatering array of smoked meats, with highlights including superb brisket and the crowd-favorite creamed corn. Guests have raved about the warm hospitality provided by the dedicated staff, particularly Manager Juan, who goes above and beyond to accommodate all diners, even those in need of special dietary options. With an inviting atmosphere and delicious food that arrives hot and fresh, Smokehouse On The River promises an unforgettable dining experience amidst stunning views.

Smokehouse On The River: Reviews & Ratings

Megan Orlando
Megan Orlando

Food was delicious, came out quick and hot! Manager Juan was fantastic and the creamed corn was fantastic! View of the river was perfect.

Darren Broadley
Darren Broadley

Juan was great made us feel really welcome. Let us in even though we arrived just after the last orders were finished. Food was really tastey. Only reason the atmosphere only gets 3 stars was because we arrived late and the place was shutting up so it was pretty empty but it has a nice authentic feel. Brisket is superb.

MARCELA GOMEZ
MARCELA GOMEZ

After knowing we are vegetarians and the menu did not include any vegetarian options. The front desk lady and Juan from the kitchen made possible for us to have something to eat. We were empty stomach with 3 hours drive. His kindness, extra mille work and dedication reminded us the beauty of humanity. Thank you both.

Anysia Weicht
Anysia Weicht

Best. Barbecue. I've. Ever. Had. The hospitality of Juan and Kearstin was far beyond what I've experienced at restaurants in awhile. And that cream corn?!?! *CHEF'S KISS*

Edmund Winter
Edmund Winter

Very nice hole in the wall Type place. It’s sit down but you order and then go pick up your food once ready. Food was delicious except for creamed corn. That was just ok.

Mr3dPHD
Mr3dPHD

Cool little barbeque place right on a leg of the Kissimmee River. Service is extremely quick and the views from the dining area are very nice. Just outside of the dining area is the River Ranch Marina where you can book airboat rides. Good BBQ is pretty hard to come by in Florida, and this place is definitely above average! Three brisket isn't dry, which is a problem I see again and again in this state, and the burnt ends were great! I also really enjoyed the ribs. I definitely recommend the cole slaw, if that's your thing, as far as sides go. The baked beans are very good as well, and so is the potato salad. Overall, we all really enjoyed our meal! Pro Tip: Not every beer available is listed on the kiosk menu. Ask a server if you want something else. I had a really good double IPA (called Dad Bod) from Three Daughters! As far as I can tell, it's the only place at the resort with legitimate craft beer.

Luz Diaz
Luz Diaz

EVERYTHING was so good!!!! And shoutout to Juan for approving the swap on my burnt ends. They were delicious!

Elizabeth Hale
Elizabeth Hale

The food this evening was great. We had the brisket, which was off the chain! The baked beans were also incredible. We had an opportunity to meet Juan, the Manager and Pit Boss and he was wonderful. You can tell that he takes a lot of pride in the food that they are preparing! The atmosphere is casual and low key with a western vibe and they have a game room off to the side which our daughter enjoys. It’s a self service restaurant, but the staff that takes your order is very cordial and the food comes out quickly. All seating has views of the water. We come for the barbecue every time we are at the resort. Try it, you won’t be disappointed!

Location

Welcome to Smokehouse On The River, a hidden gem nestled along the tranquil banks of the River Ranch in Florida. This delightful eatery, located at 3200 River Ranch Blvd, River Ranch, FL 33867, beckons barbecue enthusiasts and food lovers alike with the promise of delectable flavors and warm hospitality.

The moment you step inside, you are greeted by a charming atmosphere that perfectly balances a cozy, rustic feel with a vibrant culinary energy. While the interior might carry that “hole in the wall” character, the quality of each dish served here quickly elevates the experience beyond mere casual dining. A quick glance at the reviews reveals a consistent theme: this is where barbecue dreams come true.

One of the standout features at Smokehouse On The River is undoubtedly its brisket. Patrons have hailed it as ‘superb,’ expertly smoked to perfection, revealing tender, juicy layers with an exquisite depth of flavor. Complemented by sides such as the much-lauded creamed corn, which has garnered rave reviews for its rich, creamy texture, the meal becomes a comforting encore to a day spent enjoying the peaceful riverside view.

But it’s not just the food that keeps guests returning. The genuine warmth and attentiveness of the staff, especially manager Juan, create an inviting environment that feels almost familial. Whether accommodating last-minute diners or crafting special vegetarian options for guests on the go, Juan and the team exude goodwill. Their hospitality adds an intangible layer to the dining experience, reminding diners that good food is best enjoyed in a welcoming atmosphere.

While the dining room may sometimes exude a quieter vibe in the late hours, the overall atmosphere remains authentic and inviting, encouraging patrons to relax and enjoy their meal, whether shared with friends or experienced solo. The culmination of passionate service, mouth-watering dishes, and picturesque surroundings makes Smokehouse On The River not only a place to eat, but a destination to cherish.

For those in search of hearty, heartfelt barbecue, come pay a visit to Smokehouse On The River—the culinary jewel of River Ranch that promises flavors as rich as the riverside itself.