Smokin' Bones BBQ: : Saucy Flavor Puts this Bountiful Spot on the BBQ Map

Smokin’ Bones BBQ: : Saucy Flavor Puts this Bountiful Spot on the BBQ Map

Just off a busy intersection in Bountiful, I found the old building, the captivating sign, the people coming and going; it all screamed “eat here!” Once inside, that welcoming feeling continued with kind, jubilant proprietors seamlessly chatting with customers, ringing up orders, and slicing delicious meat. I had found Smokin’ Bones BBQ.

Jeff David

May 16, 2018

Owner Kile Kearns (on the right) with his father-in-law and co-smoker, Greg Wood. Photos by Mike Jones.

There is an old saying that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. The meaning translates into many areas of life, but does it apply to choosing a restaurant?

Just off a busy intersection in Bountiful, I found one—the metaphorical book which needed to be judged by its cover, and ultimately, one that needed to be read. The old building, the captivating sign, the people coming and going; it all screamed “eat here!” Once inside, that welcoming feeling continued with kind, jubilant proprietors seamlessly chatting with customers, ringing up orders, and slicing delicious meat. I had found Smokin’ Bones BBQ.

The journey for Smokin’ Bones BBQ began years ago at a farmers market. It was obvious they were on to something because people loved their food. Like all great entrepreneurs, they figured out how to grow, leading them to their current location in Bountiful.

To try as much food as possible in one visit, I went with the 3 Meat Plate, choosing pork, brisket and sausage, with BBQ beans and potato salad as sides. My eating partner in crime got the steak burger with fries. Other menu options include BBQ pizza, ribs, and sandwiches—pork, brisket, turkey, sausage, Navajo taco & brisket Frito pie. Sides include coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, BBQ beans, creamed corn and chips.

The pulled pork and brisket were definitely cooked by a pitmaster. They were moist, had the right amount of bark, and were filled with flavor. As for the sausage, here are the rules for consumption: cut into bite-size pieces, dip into either the mustard or sweet & tangy sauce, place in mouth, chew, smile … and wait for it … the burn. Oh yes, the burn. This is a fiery treat, and is not for the faint of heart.

The steak burger is even better than it sounds. It is a delicious, moist beef patty with melted American cheese and pulled pork, slathered in your choice of sauce. The best feedback someone could give me on the battered fries is that they are “straight-up gangster,” which is apparently street slang for delicious. The fry sauce was made by a master—it is smoky, spicy, and borderline addictive.
Smokin’ Bones BBQ has built a loyal fan base during their five years in business. During that time, they definitely put Bountiful on the map—the BBQ map. As a BBQ fanatic, I understand why.

364 South 200 West, Bountiful
801-298-1687