Adam's Rib Smoke House

Maura Aruam

This is my second time eating here, the first being over three years ago. I remember thinking that the food was good, but I left feeling a little disappointed but willing to try again. Fast forward to today and I’m dying to have some turkey! I ordered on Grubhub and received my order, the barbecue sauce as spilled all over the bag. I completely understand this might have been from the driver though. The best part of the meal was definitely the turkey, though I did feel like some of it was really dry. But the barbecue sauce helped; I usually don’t like barbecue sauce but liked theirs. The turkey also came in a huge to go box, which I was super excited to see in the bag. My thought was, “oh wow, what a portion!” But sadly, when I picked it up it was very light and not very full at all. I understand additionally that the meal I got only had 1/4 lb of meat, but I think that a smaller, more compact box might do better for serving, just so people don’t feel like they are getting less because of portion to box ratio. The two sides I had were garlic mash and French fries (potato girl here!) as well as a side of Texas toast. The garlic mash was alright, but it needed salt- both of the sides did. I once again got away with using barbecue sauce to add a little more flavor. I was really disappointed with the fries, which were greasy, floppy, and needed salt. I really appreciated the portion size of the fries, but wished they were just a little more crispy. I know that the owner said in a previous response that their main focus is the meat, but I also feel like the sides should be amazing as well. Additionally, while the Texas toast was good, the cheese was a little burnt and super crispy, which felt like kind of a bummer when there was a whole bunch of other little things that made the experience less than 5 stars. Overall, I would try again, but I don’t know if I’d seek out Adams. My meal was good, but not amazing, but it could be if there was just some small changes to packaging and recipe.

David Evans

First and last time visiting. I wouldn't say award winning. Maybe J.D. Power is giving them out. I can do pork ribs as well, on my home bbq, tough and stuck to the bone. The brisket was shredded(why?), tough, and dry. That I do better at home. My wife reports her salmon was pretty good. We enjoyed our coleslaws and pea salads too. But you know, for the price we paid we could have had a much better meal, while someone took our orders at the table, and brought our food out. No, here you stand at the register, place your order, find a table, your name is shouted over the cooks bar, and you retrieve your trays. The staff is kinda joking and horsing around in the kitchen area. When you're done, you bus your table. In the car I'm wondering why I gave them a 20% tip.

Peter Mathys

I’ve been here several times for the ribs (they’re probably the best and most affordable ones here in Salem) and they’re always quite tasty! The food is ready (for pickup) quickly, and the cashier is always very friendly. The sides that I’ve tried are ok, nothing phenomenal, but the ribs, which is what I come for, are never disappointing.

Carol H

I have never been so disappointed in a take-out meal. We have been coming here for years as service, quality and portions had always been excellent. Tonight's order was an extreme disappointment. I called in to say they forgot to include one of the side items. Then I opened the "meat" containers. The chicken leg portion was literally smaller than a Tootsie pop. The ham was sliced deli thin, literally 1/8 of an inch. The baked potatoes was barely the size of a tennis ball, and that is being generous. The mashed potatoes were ice cold. The girl who answered said she would make a note that we can come back any time to get the coleslaw. At this point it would not be worth the trip. I sure hope it was just a bad night.