We are in Bloomington Indiana 4/7/2024, like 200000 other people. To catch the eclipse tomorrow! But today we wanted to eat lunch! We went to another restaurant, and were told at 1:20 they were only taking reservations till 2:00. The place was basically empty! But we said ok! We would wait, the menu looked good, they had good reviews! We sat outside basting in the sun that had brought us here! And decided to have a drink while we waited! The bar was closed!!! We moved on! And came to find Somkeworks 125 N College Ave BBQ We had fried okra, onion rings, potato salad, 1/2 ribs slab, brisket and onion sandwich. Only banana pudding would have topped this off! If you’re here visiting, for the once in a lifetime eclipse, or any other time. This is a good place! Hailey was a great waitress!

My husband and I ordered the sampler platter. Everything had a great smoke flavor, the ribs fell off the bone. The cornbread was amazing. Even their Coca-cola was amazing! Our waiter was super friendly and helpful, checked on us often. I think we have found a new favorite restaurant!

Emily was our bartender, she is so fun and the happiest person on Earth! The portions are enough for 2 with the sampler. With drinks spent 60.00 before a well deserved tip!

I had not been here in a while, for no particular reason. I can just walk in and breathe in the wonderful smokey aromas! Six of us dined for a late lunch and everyone enjoyed their meals. I ordered the big salad, which is a blue cheese wedge. I've never had this happen before but it came out warm? I'm not sure if it sat on a hot plate for a while or was accidentally under a warmer but the usual cold crispy iceberg was a little wilted and warm. I also ordered some brisket that was excellent and used the house red sauce and the sweet sauce, both very good! Post covid I've been hypersensitive to anything spicy, so these two sauces worked well. I will also say that the cornbread muffin and the sweet butter accompanying it or also excellent! My husband had the pork belly appetizer since he wasn't as hungry. Others had the chicken Caesarsalad, ribs, combo plate... son-in-law chose the Alabama white sauce and the whiskey bbq, both on the spicy side but that's what he loves! Other than the salad everything was excellent and the service was great too! Wish they had some kind of homemade lemonade on the menu, I always love barbecue places that do that! I occasionally drink fountain lemonade but would always prefer a homemade version, especially with BBQ. Since this location is right downtown across from the courthouse, street parking can sometimes be challenging. During the summer when IU students are away, it's much easier to find a place to park! There is a parking garage a couple blocks away.

My wife and i went for lunch on a Saturday. It wasn't very busy, maybe eight tables occupied. Our server, Alexis, was attentive but not intrusive. Our food came out quickly. I had a Two Step meat tray with pork and chicken wings, green beans, and fries. It included spicy pickles and a piece of corrnbread, ranch dressing and carrot sticks and celery for the wings. My wife had a pork sandwich with macaroni and cheese. It included the spicy pickles. The pork was fall-apart tender and deliscious. My wife said it was, "maybe the best pork sandwich I've ever had." Chicken wings were tender and smoky, the rub they use is delicious. They have House, Sweet, Spicy, and Alabama White sauces. The cornbread was as tender as I've ever had. Fries were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The pickles weren't to my wife's liking so I ate hers as well as mine. The green beens were just as I like them, cooked with bacon until they're falling apart. My wife liked the macaroni and cheese although it did have some ingredient that she couldn't identify. Overall an oustanding visit! We'll be going back. Total bill for two, no alcohol or dessert, was 32.40 after tax. Note: some of you who read my reviews might notice that I eat gluten-free. I was diagnosed with a gluten allergy many years ago. Avoiding gluten is my preferred way to eat, but I occasionally consume gluten. I know my limits. The cornbread was not gluten-free. As always, if you are sensitive, be sure and ask your server!

Ordered the smokehouse sampled and it was enough to feed two adults and one toddler. My little one loved the beef brisket and my husband loved the cornbread. I was a fan of the chicken wings. The baked beans, Mac and cheese, and loaded mashed potatoes are all sides definitely worth trying. The meats were cooked to perfection with mouthwatering seasonings and homestyle sauces. Likelihood of coming back again? Yup. 9/10

Great food, great service, and good atmosphere. The waiter was extremely helpful with recommendations. Sauces were really good. We all had enough food left over to take with us for lunch the next day.

Absolutely amazing bbq. Best I've had yet. They had these seasonal Brisket Deviled Egg that were fantastic. We also got the big sampler platter which was plenty for 2 or 3 people. Definitely will be back! Great atmosphere and the service was fast and friendly.