Tastes of the 4-States: Smokey Racks BBQ Brings Back Summer Favorites
Smokey Racks BBQ is a local favorite for smoky barbecue, hearty sides and generous portions.
The Pittsburg, Kansas, barbecue spot, owned by Celeste Baker, was recently voted Finest of the Four States in the barbecue category for the fourth year in a row by customer vote, something Celeste admits still surprises her.
“Well, it was shocking to say the least,” she says. “But honestly, we’re looking for year five.”
Smoked brisket, pulled pork, hearty sides and generous portions continue to be staples at Smokey Racks. Celeste says the restaurant has also started making more items from scratch, including the mac and cheese and broccoli cheese rice.
She is also considering adding more vegetable sides and lighter options to the menu as customers' eating habits change.
“I have a lot of people that are on the GLP-1s and they come in and just order off the kids menu now,” she says with a laugh. “But they’re still liking the food, so they’re still coming.”
Daily, weekly and monthly specials give Celeste and her team a chance to try something different. Summer favorites like the cold club sandwich will return, and she’s also considering a cookout meal with a burger, hot dog, chips and a drink.
Some recent specials have included barbecue-inspired grilled wraps packed with pulled pork, nacho cheese, coleslaw and barbecue sauce, along with a Reuben-inspired version.
Some longtime customer favorites include the loaded spud, topped with barbecue, cheese, ranch and sauce, along with smoked meatloaf, scalloped potatoes and baked beans. She says nearly everything on the menu goes through the smoker, including desserts like blackberry cobbler, brownies and cinnamon rolls.
Catering is a growing part of the business. Smokey Racks has recently catered meals for visiting track teams and other groups, “so they can eat something besides pizza,” she jokes.
The restaurant also works with Pittsburg State football players through a meal program tied to student athlete dining funds.
Celeste likes to keep things fun at Smokey Racks. She says the restaurant occasionally puts people in giant inflatable pig and cow costumes outside to wave and dance at passing traffic, and she admits she sometimes joins in herself.
Lunch is usually the busiest time inside the restaurant, while evenings are busy with takeout orders.
Smokey Racks is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 701 South Broadway in Pittsburg.
