The Smokin Birds

4.8 ( 193 reviews )
$20–30
3142 Muskoka District Road 169, Bala, ON L0K 1E0, Canada

If you’re heading to Bala, ON, “The Smokin Birds” is an unmissable barbecue gem. Nestled conveniently along Muskoka District Road 169, this women-run trailer smokehouse delivers an extraordinary culinary experience that leaves patrons raving. Diners consistently praise the quality and flavor of the smoked meats, particularly the brisket sandwich. With reviews mentioning tender, flavorful brisket cooked on-site daily, it’s a must-try for meat lovers.

The menu features more than just the standout brisket; the deluxe burger—with its crispy bacon—receives high marks, and side offerings like chili fries and the unique street corn are also crowd-pleasers. It's worth noting that the fries are often fried in beef tallow, setting them apart from competitors. One customer highlights the decadent "Bannoffee Pie," calling it a 10/10 dessert for those with a sweet tooth.

While some comments mention the slightly higher prices, many agree that the quality justifies the cost. With great service and an inviting outdoor seating area, “The Smokin Birds” offers a cozy dining atmosphere. Whether you're a cottage-goer or a day-tripper from Toronto, this barbecue spot promises a memorable meal and an ideal stop in Muskoka.

Amenities and More

  • From the business
    • Identifies as women-owned
  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • Kerbside pickup
    • Takeaway
    • Delivery
  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Offerings
    • Alcohol
    • Coffee
    • Wine
  • Dining options
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Seating
  • Crowd
    • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Payments
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
  • Children
    • Good for kids
  • Parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Parking
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed outside

Reviews For The Smokin Birds

Brink12Con1080p
Jun 5,2025
Best smoked food in Muskoka! This location serves amazing food, with great service and not bad wait times. They are a little expensive, BUT. Their food is easily worth the price. If you haven't tried this place yet, I'd highly recommend it! Their sides are very delicious, the fries may be store bought crinkle fries, but they're the only place around that fries their fries in beef tallow instead of processed oils. The Dessert "Bannoffee Pie" is a definite 10/10 recommended if you have a sweet tooth!
Jeremy McQuay
Jun 1,2025
Awesome place at the side of the road in a beautiful setting. I had the brisket sandwich and fries and my wife had the salad with brisket. Both of us were blown away by the quality and taste. If you like good food I highly recommend this spot. I would actually do a day trip from Toronto just for this meal.
Ricky Khurana (Real Estate Expert)
May 24,2025
The food here is so good! We been here a couple of times and it does not disappoint. The deluxe burger was good if you like bacon, the plain Jane is delicious too and comes with onions, ketchup, mayo, mustard! The potato salad was okay, the chilli fries was a home run! There’s lots of seating outdoor and parking spots as well. When in Bala, you MUST eat here
Heather Yates
May 17,2025
Seeking a BBQ/burger trailer leaving cottage country? This is it! We all enjoyed this women-run smokehouse (trailer). Had the Beef Brisket sandwich and kiddo had the burger w cheese. Both were exceptional. Street corn is in a container (no messy corn cobs to deal with if on the road). And the fries were fried in their own rendered beef fat. Worth the 10 minute wait. It got busy after us, people were waiting about 15-20 minutes... Worth it. Picnic table with sunbrellas were lovely. Would have been less comfortable in the rain.
Brian M
May 9,2025
If you love briskets, then this is the place for you. Cooked on site daily, with amazing flavour. Brisket burgers and more. Slightly pricey, but for the quality of food, it's just right. Service is great with friendly staff. Definite stop if you are in the area.
Lisa Tunney
Apr 30,2025
One word. Yummy. I couldn’t stop eating the fries. And the beef brisket sandwich melted in my mouth. Staff were super friendly. They have several nice, clean picnic tables with umbrellas. They have some parking or just park at the community lots and walk over. Right on the main street in Bala. Totally worth the visit.
justin meek
Apr 17,2025
Love this place, and love they are back for another season, had a great Mother’s Day lunch today, fan freaking tastic, Brisket sandwich, share Mexican corn and fries, for the go to order...
Scott
Mar 31,2025
Delicious from start to finish. Turkey with a side of street corn is my go to. Brisket chilli fries are an added bonus. Beet salad with everything. Brisket so tender and juicy. Absolute must when in the area. So good, I bought the tshirt.

Add a Review

Quality
Location
Price
Space
Service

Location

Appreciated by Others

Alpha Delta Pizza
(174 review)
Alpha Delta Pizza
  • 371 Elm St, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
Restaurant
+1 203-787-3333
Joan Joe Coffee
(196 review)
Joan Joe Coffee
  • 14826 Charles Town Rd, Charles Town, WV 25414, United States
Coffee shop
+1 681-252-1033
Bao Richmond Hill Goubuli 狗不理列志文山店
(1398 review)
Bao Richmond Hill Goubuli 狗不理列志文山店
  • 280 West Beaver Creek Rd Unit 35, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3B1, Canada
Chinese restaurant
+1 905-731-5775
Burrito Bar
(813 review)
Burrito Bar
  • 585 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310, United States
mexican restaurant
+1 718-815-9200
Yakamoz Meze Bar
(135 review)
Yakamoz Meze Bar
  • Basement, 111 Dunstable St, Ampthill, Bedford MK45 2NG, United Kingdom
Turkish restaurant
+44 1525 403981
Royal Pizza Ellerslie
(751 review)
Royal Pizza Ellerslie
  • 1214 101 St SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0P1, Canada
Pizza restaurant
+1 780-705-0970
Le Raj Restaurant
(353 review)
Le Raj Restaurant
  • 211 Fir Tree Rd, Epsom KT17 3LB, United Kingdom
Indian restaurant
+44 1737 371371
Hot dogs y hamburgesas El Wero
(189 review)
Hot dogs y hamburgesas El Wero
  • Blvrd de la Campana 963, Manzanares, 76230 Juriquilla, Qro., Mexico
hot dog restaurant
+52 442 753 7433
Lot 12 Public House Inc.
(323 review)
Lot 12 Public House Inc.
  • 117 Warren St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, United States
American restaurant
+1 304-258-6264
Chada Thai
(625 review)
Chada Thai
  • 1335 E Whitestone Blvd Suite T150, Cedar Park, TX 78613, United States
thai restaurant
+1 512-260-4165