Smokey Joe's Island Grill Review

Smokey Joe’s Island Grill – BBQ Fun by the Beach in Palm Eagle Beach
Located on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 87, just across from the resort strip at Palm/Eagle Beach, Smokey Joe’s Island Grill brings casual open-air dining and a big-flavor barbecue menu to Aruba. 

​🍖 Food Highlights & Menu
Smokey Joe’s bills itself as “home of the best ribs in the Caribbean,” and the ribs remain the biggest draw. Guests often mention the signature baby back ribs, available in multiple styles (original, dry rub, jerk) and often featured in combo platters.   Other menu items include rotisserie-grilled chicken, local fish, pulled pork, burgers, and hearty sides like rice & beans, coleslaw, fries. One review noted their ribs and pulled pork “were all very good, very flavorful” and praised the lively crowd.   That said, not all reviews are glowing. Some diners felt certain dishes lacked consistency: “The ribs were dry… the burger meats were tender, but a bit too dry for our taste.” 

🎉 Atmosphere & Service
The ambiance is relaxed and fun—open-air seating, outdoor tables, and a breezy-island bar vibe suited to tourists and vacationers. Reviews highlight the general friendliness of the staff and the beach-strip location as major positives.   But there are some caveats. Wait times can be lengthy during busy evening hours; for larger groups especially there are mentions of delays. Also, some customers noted service inconsistency: one review said they were served by a waiter who “lacked friendliness… never came back to check if we needed anything.” 

👍 Pros & Considerations
Strengths:

• Well-known for its ribs and hearty barbecue platters—great if you’re in the mood for comfort food.
• Fun location across from major resorts, making it convenient for tourists staying in the area.
• Outdoor seating offers casual, vacation-friendly vibes; friendly staff in many cases.

Things to Know:

• Food quality seems to vary—some reviews praise superb ribs and sides, others feel the meat is dry or sauce lacking.
• Because it’s in a tourist zone, prices are somewhat elevated and the venue can get very busy. One review noted high cost for portion size. 
• Service can be hit or miss; if you have a large group, timing might suffer.
• Some previous reviewers cite cleanliness issues (though these seem isolated and older). 

📝 Final Verdict
If you’re staying in Palm/Eagle Beach and crave a lively, casual evening with barbecue, ribs and drinks, Smokey Joe’s is worth a stop. For many vacationers, it delivers on culture, comfort food, and atmosphere. The ribs really stand out for numerous diners, and the fun setting helps make it a memorable meal.  However, if you’re looking for upscale dining, perfect service, or gourmet precision, temper expectations. Consider going early to beat the rush, settle in for the atmosphere, and focus on the ribs or platter options rather than expecting a fine-dining experience.  In short: Smokey Joe’s is ideal for a relaxed feast and good time on your Aruba trip—but as with many tourist hotspots, consistency may vary.