Smiley's Fuel City

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2489 Raphine Rd
Raphine, VA 24472

Phone: (540) 377-2505

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Neighborhood: Raphine

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  4.1 stars - Based on 17 votes

#1 out of 10 restaurants in Raphine

#1 of 1 Barbecue in Raphine

5 star				6 votes	35%
4 star				6 votes	35%
3 star				5 votes	29%
2 star				0 votes	0%
1 star				0 votes	0%

Top Reviews of Smiley's Fuel City

04/16/2024 - MenuPix User

12/28/2023 - MenuPix User

12/07/2023 - MenuPix User

03/08/2014 - Jon
On our way from New York to Winston Salem, NC my family never fail to stop at Smiley's. After 500 miles of the same old road fast-food we discovered this place and it's been a pleasure.
Now, no- it doesn't seem that the bbq is made on premises and yes, on a rare occasion it is warmed up less satisfactory. But if you stick to the beef brisket bbq sandwich, sweet potato fries, the mac and cheese and the fried chicken you will be thrilled. The fact is the place is hit or miss. I've been burned once out of a dozen trips. The other "issue" is menu consistency, but this only adds to the charm: they seem to serve items that are not on the menu from time to time like enormous batter fried potatoes wedges and other unidentifiable pork goodies.
When we first found the place some years ago they hadn't remodeled - it was cramped and dingy and wonderful - with a station for a cluster of unmarked bottled sauces in banged up old containers and all were delicious. Now they are down to a bottle of ketchup, a bottle of Texas Pete hot sauce and their own Texas sauce which is okay. Modernising is not always for the best.
I say stick to the beef advisedly, not because the pork is bad - it's not, it's delicious! (but ask for slaw on yours or it won't come with it) but because the smoke flavor really comes through in the beef. It doesn't need sauce and for me, that's the test of good Q.
The counter help are friendly but you might want to check your order slip twice before you pay at the register because they often miss side orders etc. You don't get charged for it but if you're trying to make time on an 800 mile trip you don't need an extra 5 minute wait for fries and such. The potato salad is also very good and they sell deviled eggs I presume are made by a local mom and pop supplier. They used to be in a home-made section refrigerated case which is now gone.
Not a lot of shade if you plan to eat outside (no tables), but the inside facilities are clean and welcoming and more spacious than they had been.
One more thing, it seems they've fixed it but previously the men's bathroom door could be left in the locked position by the last user. Upon asking if an employee could check this out I found myself out of luck - they kind of threw up their hands. If it IS locked and you are satisfied there is no occupant, be stern in your intention of having them unlock it. The place isn't perfect, but it is more interesting than a score of other places up and down 81.
Enjoy!