Google reviewers praise SmokeStacks Cafe for its eclectic, frequently changing menu, high-quality dishes, and extensive beer selection. The unassuming neighborhood location is noted for its welcoming atmosphere and creative food offerings. However, recurring criticisms include inaccurate allergen labeling, inconsistent service speed, and occasional rudeness from staff. Some guests also mention limited seating capacity and confusing hours, while others appreciate the value relative to the food quality.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 393 reviews (85% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 393 Google reviews (312 with written comments, 86 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 2% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 23, 2026.
Service: Caterer serving Raleigh, North Carolina.
Data from Google, last updated November 13, 2026.
Star ratings
393 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars33685%
4 stars349%
3 stars113%
2 stars62%
1 star62%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 312 written reviews
92%praise
Praise18192%
Complaints158%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
6topics
Staff & attitude9347%
Would recommend3518%
Quality & results3216%
Price & value147%
Speed & response137%
Honesty & trust95%
What customers talk about
We read 312 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“My parents are very meat-and-potatoes kind of people and they were delighted!”
“I would have loved to get a chance to eat at this establishment but the first person that greeted me was rude.”
“I will recommend to any and all my friends in the raleigh area for any event in need of catering!”
“It feels like a country store walking in but the service and hospitality were top notch.”
“…my stomach pumped and idk what made that women bring us half opened sloppy oatmeal pies 🤦♀️ she tried .…”
“Price was reasonable for good food by 2026 standards.”
“They don't take reservations but we were seated immediately (about 1/3 full on a Thursday at 6:30pm).”
“The service was terribly slow!”
“food is STUPENDOUS and service SO genuine and sweet.”
“…lse within the 10 minutes it had taken us to get there, or they just lied when I had to call them back the 2nd time to request a status update.…”
People customers mention
Oakwood14 reviews
Sandwich3 reviews
Caesar3 reviews
Mark3 reviews
Ribs3 reviews
Buffalo3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
I am reluctant to even leave a review because I don't want anyone else to know about this awesome restaurant. I feel like a cooler person just for knowing this place exists
The food ranges from very good to straight up excellent. Tonight I had the Red Drum fillet over corn. Scrumptious.
Its also essential to note their extensive beer collection. Like walking into a bottle shop.
Love everything about this place. Especially Ben the server dude who is literally always there putting in work.
Price per person: $20–30
Randy OwensLocal Guide · 52 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Randy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
First time diner last night with my wife. We were randomly searching for something different than our usual haunts and I ran across this place on Reddit being mentioned by another user. So we decided to try it and I'm really glad we did! My wife had the '3 Hour Cabbage' which is a braised dish, and I had the Tri-Tip Sandwich because I really wanted to sample those hand cut fries. i'm always afraid to order fries in restaurants because you truly never know what you will get, but these did not disappoint! We also shared an appetizer that was basically a layered and skewered soft taco that has been grilled.
The food was great with lots of interesting flavors, which is just how I like it! Staff were friendly and nice to chat with. Price was reasonable for good food by 2026 standards. We will definitely be heading back here in the future! It's one of those places that you are almost afraid to review because once 'everyone' finds it, maybe it's just not the same anymore. But really tasty, and definitely worth the visit for their interesting and different menu!
It’s a me Player 1Local Guide · 43 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews It’s has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Wonderfully charming spot for weekend lunch or brunch - nestled in a renovated corner store in the historic Oakwood neighborhood.
Excellent food with a menu that changes daily. That does mean you'll never be bored but I do suggest checking the menu online before going if you or your guests have any dietary restrictions.
Have been a particular fan of the chicken and dumplings (with duck gravy), the smoked chicken sandwich, and the shepherd's pie.
Everything I've had here has been perfectly prepared and packed with flavor. Prices are also very reasonable given the high quality of food. I've eaten here over 10 times now and never had an experience other than stellar.
Order type: Dine in
Meal type: Brunch
Price per person: $20–30
Parking space: Plenty of parking
Parking options: Free street parking
MaxLocal Guide · 79 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Max has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
THE CABBAGE HAS PEANUTS. It will not be labeled on the menu and if you ask your server, they may tell you that there are no nuts. We pointed out the topping and specifically ask if it was nuts. They said no. Turns out, they were wrong. Asked again after my throat started closing and turns out, oh yeah actually those are peanuts…
To the staff, please, if you are not sure what’s in something, ask the chef! Don’t make up an answer. People asking about specific ingredients likely nuts likely have a reason other than shear curiosity.
It’s a shame because the place seems great but I’m not sure I’d feel safe going back without personally talking to the chef about each item. Hopefully this first experience will eventually be balanced out with better ones if we make it back in the future.
Meal type: Breakfast
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
We are very sorry for this mistake, and we will do our best to make sure it is labeled in the future. We try to label everything as best as we can.
J RajLocal Guide · 50 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews J has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had the smoked wings - i got the dry rub which was delicious and juicy for the most part. Restaurant itself didn't have the best AC so it felt a bit humid inside and everything was a bit sticky, including the tables and chairs and floors.
Tim AtenLocal Guide · 61 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tim has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I can't say enough great things about this hidden gem in Raleigh. We go for brunch on the weekends as much as we can. The fantastic wings, ribs and other chef created dishes will get you hooked. You can thank me later for this recommendation.
You know that place that you kinda need to forget that it exists so you don’t go there all the time? Well, this is that spot for me. (Except I followed them on instagram so RIP to my wallet- I want EVERYTHING). We went for the first time a few months ago but brought my parents when they were visiting. My parents are very meat-and-potatoes kind of people and they were delighted! I had the duck poutine and it was INCREDIBLE. I can’t wait to go back!
Edit: hi, checking in years later. This is my FAVORITE brunch spot in raleigh (ok- my favorite spot anywhere) and the dinners are great too! We bring all of our out of town guests and new friends here. The service is incredible and the food blows my mind every time. Go, go, go!
