Okay, it’s not really a jail, but Smokey’s BBQ on the corner of Crown Valley and PCH has a couple of tables set up inside real jail cells. While that might not interest the adults in your party, your kids are guaranteed to love it. My four-year old simply refers to Smokey’s as the “jail restaurant.”

Opened in the early part of 2008, Smokey’s may officially give Bad to the Bone a run for their money as the best rib joint in all of Orange County. In fact, it is the only rib spot to my knowledge where you can get authentic “dry rub” ribs.

The ribs themselves come lightly sauced and rubbed, but copious amounts of all their sauces and dry rubs sit ready for you on the table to doctor up your order. Be sure to try the mustard-based sauce and the sweet apple BBQ sauce. If you’ve got a designated driver, you’ll want to wash that BBQ down with one of their 34-ounce mug beers.

Be forewarned though, five star ribs come at five star prices. With the half rack costing $18.50, you might as well get the whole rack for $22. Don’t fret too much about the price though - Smokey’s offers the biggest baby back ribs I’ve ever seen.
On the cheaper side, they offer some incredible Po’ Boy sandwiches for $8-10. They also have a great (and affordable) kids’ menu, which includes some southern-style breaded chicken strips or catfish. My young guns also think the macaroni and cheese is to die for.

For dessert, be sure to take a walk next door to Smokey’s. There’s a great new gelato store that serves the real deal. With Starbucks also a stone’s throw away, you can grab some coffee to help stave off your food coma.

Smokey's takes all major credit cards and is located at 32860 Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point.