Welcome to The Smoking Mule
At The Smoking Mule, nestled along the picturesque banks of the creek in Chamberlain, South Dakota, culinary traditions meet hearty flavors. Known for its smoked specialties and vibrant atmosphere, this eatery has become a beloved local gathering spot. With a diverse menu offering mouthwatering options like the Brule County Single Topping pizza and tender brisket sandwiches, diners are treated to an exceptional experience. Guests enjoy both the delicious food and the warm, inviting service, complemented by breathtaking views. Whether sampling craft beers or indulging in signature dishes like chislic and pulled pork, The Smoking Mule promises a memorable culinary journey for all.
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309 E Glen Ave, Chamberlain, SD 57325, United States Hotline: +1 605-234-6853
Welcome to The Smoking Mule, a hidden gem nestled at 309 E Glen Ave in Chamberlain, South Dakota. This charming eatery offers a delightful blend of flavors that make it a must-visit for food lovers and travelers alike. As soon as you step inside, you are welcomed by a warm atmosphere complemented by rustic tavern decor that perfectly captures the spirit of South Dakota.
The Smoking Mule is renowned for its intriguing menu, which showcases a variety of smoked dishes and classic American fare. Among its highlights are the popular Smoking Mule Pizza variations. The Donkey pizza entices with a delectable combination of single topping beef, smoked pulled pork, crispy bacon, red onions, BBQ sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese—all for just $9.00. If you're looking for a hearty option, the Brule County features beef, sausage, pulled pork, bacon, pepperoni, and more cheese, brilliantly stacked to satisfy your cravings.
Customers rave about the food and the friendly service. Jaime Engel expresses enthusiasm about their hot chicken sandwich and the variety of craft beers, while Jessica Navarrete highlights the mouthwatering brisket mule sandwich and BBQ boneless bites. The positive reviews are a testament to the quality and flavor of the dishes served, making every meal a memorable one.
- Scenic Views: The location by the river offers picturesque views, which enhance the dining experience, as mentioned by Shawn Casselberry, who enjoyed watching fish jump while savoring his outdoor meal.
- Friendly Service: Many guests, like Val Rimbey-Barnett and Mick Williams, emphasize the attentive and lively staff, who go above and beyond to ensure a great experience, even during busy hours.
- Signature Smoked Dishes: The smoked half chicken and their "kick ass" beans, as praised by returning customers, reveal the depth of flavor that The Smoking Mule brings to the table.
Beyond the delicious food, The Smoking Mule fosters a sense of community where all guests feel welcome, even those traveling with pets! Victorya Rouse recounts her delightful experience enjoying a cold drink with her leashed dog, further highlighting the restaurant's friendly atmosphere. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or looking to unwind with a drink while watching a game, The Smoking Mule encapsulates what it means to enjoy great food in a great setting.
For those interested in experience-packed visits, call +1 605-234-6853 to reserve a spot or inquire about daily specials. Stop by to savor the local flavors and camaraderie—your taste buds will thank you!
Great food and atmosphere. Had a great hot chicken sandwich and a few craft beers as I stopped for a night as I traveled across the country. Met the owner and a few regulars and caught the NFL game. Heard the po boy sandwiches are great too.
Food was delicious, we got the brisket mule sandwich, a hamburger and BBQ boneless. Recommend!!
Great location. They have many window seats with views of the creek. We saw fish jumping in the water. The BBQ was decent. We had a pulled pork sandwich and half order of ribs. My only knock on the food was that they had a new menu, so they didn't have a lot of the items from the reviews like the cheese curds and macaroni and cheese, which were both things we were looking forward to. We got the mac and cheese bites instead but they were just fried Kraft mac and cheese noodles. Their sweet tea was not as sweet as you find in the South but still good. I give the place five stars because of the location and the ribs, they were fall off the bones like the other reviews said.
Great service on a Friday night. Enjoyed chislic and traditional wings - both were excellent! All of the staff was very welcoming and we had a great view of the water! (This place sits right on the water which is great)
Carsen was our server and she was on it!! The place was packed but that didn't slow down the service a bit. Lots of choices in beer and a nice menu.
Great spot by the river. You can choose between a bar side and restaurant. The smoked food is good and an ok selection of tap beers. There onion rings and brisket was good but I especially liked there wings.
We stopped for a cold drink on a hot day. We phoned ahead to see if they would allow a dog on the patio -- they told us that if she was on a leash she was welcome in the bar! Everyone was super friendly (and told us our dog was wonderful, so obviously a very astute bunch!) We ordered the brisket sandwich, fries, and Chislic -- a South Dakota favorite for a very good reason. Anyone who hasn't tried it needs to! Everything was delicious and served with a smile.
We visited The Smoking Mule while staying at River City Campground and arrived just as a Friday happy hour was winding down. The place was packed with people rolling in for drinks and dinner, and the atmosphere was upbeat and welcoming with a cozy, rustic tavern vibe. The food was decent overall. The burgers had fun combinations and were generously portioned, though they’re only cooked to medium well, which limits how much the flavor can really shine. The sides—tots, fries, and onion rings—were pretty average, but the smoked half chicken with their “kick ass” beans was the standout dish. Those beans had great depth with a mix of sweetness, smoke, and spice. The real highlight, though, was the service. Our server, Carson, was fantastic—handling a full, busy bar area pretty much on her own with efficiency and genuine friendliness. Her effort made a big difference in the experience.