It’s not rolling yet—but it will be soon. And when it does, it’ll rise from a new corner of Omaha.
Smokin’ Barrel BBQ, led by pitmaster Wayne Dinges, has announced plans to relocate from its current home on Discovery Drive to a new space in Orchard Plaza at 2457 South 132nd Street. The new location—surrounded by longtime local favorites like Hunan Fusion, Lighthouse Bar & Grill, Star Indian Cuisine, and Hot Pot 88—is set to open August 1, 2025, pending final preparations.
From Food Truck Roots to Full Smokehouse
Smokin’ Barrel launched in 2014 as a food truck. Back then, Omaha Food Magazine was one of the first to visit and cover the rising star in the local BBQ scene—because we’ve been supporting independent restaurant owners and their dreams from the start.
What set Wayne apart then still defines his brand today: pure craft BBQ with Texas technique and Midwestern grit. His move into a brick-and-mortar shop on Discovery Drive only intensified his following, with parking lots perfumed by hickory smoke and a smoker that ran day and night.
Now, that same level of dedication is headed west.
Why the Move?
“The new location just makes sense,” says Evan Kenkel, food reviewer at Omaha Food Magazine. “It’s more visible, easier to access, and puts Wayne in the middle of a food-forward corridor. He’ll get more foot traffic, and more importantly, more community support.”
Kenkel also highlights a broader concern: “We’ve seen a string of BBQ closures in Omaha over the last few years. That’s not just bad for food lovers—it’s bad for the metro area’s cultural and culinary identity. Smokin’ Barrel isn’t just another restaurant. It’s a pillar. We need them to succeed.”
What Stays the Same
The menu remains tight and focused: brisket, pulled pork, turkey, sausage, ribs, and rotating specials like smoked pastrami, tri-tip tacos, or the acclaimed Smokin’ Barrel Reuben. Every cut of meat gets the same attention to detail—smoked low and slow, sliced to order, and served with Southern hospitality.
Orders are placed at the counter where Wayne greets you himself, often handing out samples while explaining what’s on the board that day. The meat shines without sauce, though the sweet, spicy, and bourbon options remain available for those who want them.
And yes… they often sell out.
An Anchor in Omaha's BBQ Legacy
Omaha’s BBQ scene has deepened in recent years, anchored by a few serious players. Porky Butts BBQ, J’s Smokehouse BBQ, and Smokin’ Barrel BBQ have become essential names in local smoke.
We explored that journey in our full feature, “BBQ in Omaha: A Culinary Odyssey Through Time and Smoke”, where Smokin’ Barrel’s commitment to low-and-slow stood out as a defining trait of the new generation of Nebraska pitmasters.
New Location Details
- New Address: 2457 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE
- Opening Date: Tentatively August 1, 2025
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (or until sold out)
- Previous Location: 13508 Discovery Drive, Omaha, NE
