Smokehouse 41 BBQ
Casual counter-serve BBQ joint renowned for its 14-hour slow-smoked meats, unique sides, and friendly service. A perfect stop near Yosemite.
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Smokehouse 41 BBQ
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Casual counter-serve BBQ joint renowned for its 14-hour slow-smoked meats, unique sides, and friendly service. A perfect stop near Yosemite.
"This is the best BBQ spot on the way to Yosemite, a must-stop for any meat lover!"
Arrive Early - They Sell Out!
Premium meats sell out quickly; arriving early ensures you get your favorites. Once they're gone, they close!
Embrace the Line
Expect a line, but the friendly staff, water, and shade make the wait enjoyable. Service is attentive even during busy times.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Barbecue
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Slow-Cooked Perfection
Indulge in perfectly smoked meats slow-cooked for 14 hours with California oak, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful BBQ.
Signature Loaded Sweet Potato
Don't miss the '41 Baker,' a jumbo sweet potato loaded with savory brisket and cheese for a truly unique and hearty dish.
Unique & Flavorful Sides
Beyond the meats, explore creative sides like jalapeno Mac n' Cheese and a creamy twice-baked potato casserole.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early - They Sell Out!
Premium meats sell out quickly; arriving early ensures you get your favorites. Once they're gone, they close!
Embrace the Line
Expect a line, but the friendly staff, water, and shade make the wait enjoyable. Service is attentive even during busy times.
Off-Peak for a Relaxed Visit
To avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more laid-back dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early - They Sell Out!
Premium meats sell out quickly; arriving early ensures you get your favorites. Once they're gone, they close!
Embrace the Line
Expect a line, but the friendly staff, water, and shade make the wait enjoyable. Service is attentive even during busy times.
Off-Peak for a Relaxed Visit
To avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more laid-back dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Smokehouse 41 is highly praised for its incredibly tender and flavorful smoked meats, with many calling it a must-visit BBQ destination. Diners rave about the brisket and ribs, and unique sides like the jalapeno mac and cheese are often highlighted. While the casual, counter-service atmosphere is appreciated, some find certain sides less impressive, and the popularity means arriving early is essential to avoid sell-outs.
"During our stay at the Best Western in Oakhurst, CA, we visited Smokehouse 41 BBQ, a well-known restaurant in the area.
The process is straightforward: after waiting in line, it’s your turn to order, and you can choose to take your food to go or dine in. We opted to dine in, and the experience was wonderful. The staff greeted everyone warmly and provided menus, ready to answer questions about the food options.
We decided to try the Mammoth, which turned out to be an excellent choice. My kids absolutely loved it, and their enjoyment made the dine-in experience even more memorable. Great food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere made it a fantastic visit."
Ray Lin
"Amazing place! It gets pretty crowded in the evenings and that’s for a good reason!
The ribs were amazing. The 41 baker with smoked sausage was soo delicious and not like what I’ve seen or tried in other places. Cole slaw was very basic and natural and good overall. The mac and cheese was quite underwhelming to my taste. Overall a full rack of ribs and the 41 baker is enough to feed two hungry people and leave them amazingly happy. This place is a must if you are a meat lover and are in town. The staff were great"
Alexey Subach
"We stopped her on our way back from Yosemite because of the good reviews. There was a line outside but it was worth the wait. I had the three meat plate combo with brisket, tri-tip, and pork. Everything was juicy and tender. The sides, mac and cheese and the baked beans, complemented the BBQ.
They make their own BBQ sauce and pickles, everything was very tasty. Everything we ordered was perfect. I was especially pleased with the great customer service. All the employees were attentive and friendly. Will definitely come back when we are in the area."
Angel Marcia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Their meats are slow-cooked for 14 hours using California oak, ensuring exceptional flavor and tenderness. They also offer unique sides.
While their specialty is meat, they offer sides like jalapeno mac n' cheese and creamy twice baked potato casserole, and most items are gluten-free.
Yes, most diners agree the wait is worth it for the high-quality BBQ and friendly service. Arriving early is recommended.
It's best to arrive early, especially on weekends. Some suggest arriving around 6:30 PM to avoid longer waits and ensure availability.
Yes, they offer a Kids Meal Plate and the hearty portions are great for sharing. Families have enjoyed the food and atmosphere.
Most reviews indicate the meats are served hot and flavorful, though a few mentioned some items being closer to room temperature.
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Yosemite National Park Guide (No Permit Required!)
For a shockingly reasonable price, you can get an incredible barbecue meat sandwich stuffed to the brim, or opt for a half or full rack of ribs with two sides. We went with the latter option and ordered two full racks with sides for 3 very hungry people, and we couldn’t even finish everything!. The ribs were super tender and flavorful, and the smokiness is just lovely.
Explore The Top Yosemite Restaurants For Your Next CA Trip
It’s always the right time for smoked meat, and the barbecue served at Smokehouse 41 BBQ is smoked for 14 hours before it gets near your plate. Popular, delicious, and often running out of the best cuts, it is always better to get there early to ensure you get to devour the meat you have been dreaming about.
Some of the best barbecue in US is at this restaurant between Fresno and Yosemite, Yelp says
The restaurant is on Highway 41, right on the path many drivers take from Fresno to the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park. It’s the blue building with the tall turret-like roof and meats being smoked in the parking lot.
Some of the best barbecue in US is at this restaurant between Fresno and Yosemite, Yelp says
The Ultimate Oakhurst Restaurants Guide!
Smokehouse 41 BBQ is a local favorite and frequently sells so make sure to get there early!. Once they sell out they are done for the day. The restaurant uses all-natural premium meats and prepares its side dishes daily.
Top Dining Spots in Yosemite
Smokehouse 41 is influenced by the great American barbeque traditions of the present and past. They bring together the best BBQ styles from around the country to create something distinctly our own.
Yosemite eats: 3 great restaurants near the southern gate
Chef and pitmaster Adam Hildebrand and his partner Diana Sherwood serve up some of Oakhurst’s most appealing food at this fast-casual barbecue joint, which opened one year ago on Highway 41.
20 Best Things to Do in Oakhurst, CA
Have a taste of Smokehouse 41’s meats that are cooked to perfection and experience the great service provided by their welcoming and friendly staff.
The 10 Best Gluten-Free Dinner Spots in Oakhurst
Almost everything is gluten free here and they are STILL careful for allergies if you mention it. Really appreciate that and the ribs are DELICIOUS.
Yosemite and Oakhurst, Ca Trip Report
For lunch, we headed to Smokehouse 41 BBQ right off Highway 41 in Oakhurst. I saw their Pit Master sandwich on TikTok and had to try it.
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