This place has the best bbq chicken and ribs i've ever eaten in my life. Highly recommend :)
Went for our 2nd visit about a month ago,food quality seems to have declined. I agree with the reviewer that said there seems to be a lower standard for LI BBQ than other places.This place can't compare to NYC places like Blue Smoke,Hill Country,etc .that get a lower food rating than Smokin' Al's yet have MUCH better food!
I get taken to Al's once a year by friends who don't know any better. I've never had a single item on the menu that tastes good. The ribs are boiled before broiling, ruining the taste. The chicken is dry, the collards fibrous. In addition to their lousy food, the place is smoky. Worst yet, their service is sloppy and uniquely arrogant. You discover all this after waiting 30 minutes for a table.
if you like bar b q this is the place no reservations, worth the wait the salads and veggies are for more than one person.
Is there a different rating standard for Long Island vs. NYC? Blue Smoke, Hill Country AND Dinosaur are rated lower than a 23 and they are in a completely different league. This is a complete and total joke. I am thinking that Smokin’ Al’s was rated on a 23/50 standard and not a 23/30 standard. If not, I have some serious issues with LI Zagats’ ratings.
Sep. 2012