Rowdy's Smokehouse

Rowdy's Smokehouse

495 Ralph St, Jackson, OH 45640, United States

+1 740-286-2270

Barbecue restaurant
(897)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Jackson, Ohio, Rowdy's Smokehouse is a barbecue haven that effortlessly brings together bold, smoky flavors and a lively dining experience. Known for its authentic barbecue fare, this restaurant has quickly become a local favorite for anyone craving a hearty, satisfying meal crafted with care and expertise.

Rowdy's Smokehouse’s menu is a rich celebration of Southern-style barbecue and comfort food, featuring standout dishes that are both generous in portion and brimming with flavor. The star of the show is undoubtedly their brisket—smoked to perfection with a tantalizingly juicy and fatty texture that melts in your mouth. Customers like Joseph Barr have praised this brisket as "juicy and fatty just like it should be," hinting at the expert smoker’s touch that could easily be mistaken for authentic Texas barbecue. Alongside the brisket, the pulled pork sandwich is a consistent crowd-pleaser, pairing tender, smoky meat with a tangy barbecue sauce that can be customized to your liking, especially if you order to-go.

The variety at Rowdy’s is impressive, offering something for every barbecue lover's palate. From the Blackened Chicken and Angry Chicken Salad to the Beef Brisket Sandwich loaded with mac & cheese and coleslaw, each plate is designed to deliver a satisfying balance of smoky, savory, and comforting elements. The Sample Platter is a fantastic choice for those looking to dive into several favorites at once, showcasing an array of meats and sides that perfectly highlight the kitchen’s range.

Beyond the meats, the side dishes hold their own in complementing the robust flavors. Creamy mac & cheese, crisp coleslaw, baked beans, and green beans offer classic accompaniments, while inventive offerings like the Loaded Baked Potato topped with chicken or brisket bring an indulgent twist. For dessert, the Peach and Blackberry Dumplings provide a sweet, comforting finish to your meal, evoking the warmth of homemade Southern cooking.

The dining atmosphere at Rowdy’s Smokehouse matches the boldness of its menu—loud, lively, and welcoming, just as the name suggests. It’s the kind of place where friends and families gather to enjoy hearty plates and share in the vibrant energy of the restaurant. Reviewer János Szablya captured this spirit perfectly by describing the experience as “great family fun,” adding that the service is impressively fast and efficient despite the bustling environment. The friendly staff ensures you feel taken care of whether you’re dining in or grabbing your barbecue fix to go.

While some patrons like Jessica Kelly Jasso have noted a desire for slightly larger portions, the overall consensus praises Rowdy’s for balancing value, taste, and a convivial atmosphere. The banquet of smoked meats combined with flavorful sides leaves an impression that will have you planning a return visit. If you’re nearby or passing through Jackson, Rowdy's Smokehouse is a must-visit destination for anyone serious about their barbecue.

With ample parking including space for larger vehicles, a welcoming vibe, and an expertly smoked menu that hits all the right smoky, savory notes, Rowdy’s Smokehouse is your go-to spot for authentic barbecue and a high-spirited dining experience that promises true comfort in every bite.

Service options
Outdoor seating On-site services Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Live music Serves local specialty Sport
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Quick bite Small plates
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Groups Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    Closed
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Joseph Barr
    1 month ago

    I will say the environment somewhat lives up to the name. Very lively place. I was most impressed with the brisket, which was smoked to perfection, juicy and fatty just like it should be. Wouldn't surprise me if the owner was a Texan. I also had a rack of ribs, and they were equally delicious. Green beans and cheesy taters for sides and unsurprisingly, delicious. I wouldn't mind coming back some time without the kids to enjoy the bar which appears fully stocked. I'll have to leave a separate review and hopefully I don't get a chair broken over my head. We were here ~ 5:30 - 7pm. It was busy when we arrived, but were still able to find a table. Highly recommend.

  • János Szablya
    1 month ago

    What are blast! Best Brisket I've ever had. Melted in my mouth.. incredibly fast service. At first I was worried I could not park my 24 foot RV but there was plenty of parking around back. My wife had the sampler.. I sampled some of that as well. Portions are generous and a bargin. I highly recommend Rowdy's for great family fun.

  • Ron Stults
    1 month ago

    We got our food to go but the restaurant was great! The staff was very friendly! I wish the nachos had more cheese or maybe even some bbq sauce because they were dry. The pulled pork and chicken sandwich was good! I recommend asking for extra bbq sauce if you order to go tho.

  • Jessica Kelly Jasso
    1 month ago

    I got mine to go and the food was pretty tasty but the portions were small . I got the Sampler and there was just a piece of dry skin for the pulled pork sample , disappointing. But I’d give it another try if in the area again . I would dine in though .

  • Angelina Kelley
    3 month ago

    Food was good. Appreciate the value. Quick Service restaurant with great counter service. Food came out super fast.

  • Emily Wloch
    3 month ago

    If you're on the road and looking for a genuine smokehouse, you just found it! The food we ordered was all really good! I loved the blackened chicken breast. It was full of flavor and juicy. My husband says that the grilled pork chop was fantastic! The ribs were slightly dry,but everything else was spot on. Just make sure that you ask for regular metal silverware to handle your entrees;) Plastic forks and knives just don't do the trick ;)

  • Ann Yarman
    4 month ago

    This was a really fun environment. Seasoning on the brisket is really good but a bit salty and spicy. It adds a different twist than most BBQ restaurants.

  • Russell Akred
    4 month ago

    Rowdy's is just as it says nothing fancy, very casual place for barbecue chicken, pork they have brisket. They're a wonderfully lively atmosphere with friendly staff Happy people good place.

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