Popular Owatonna BBQ Restaurant Moving to Kasson

It’s official, a local BBQ joint will be moving from its current location in Owatonna into a location with some serious foodie history in Kasson.

Already a favorite in Owatonna, this exciting new addition is moving into 504 Mantorville Ave. S., a corner spot on Highway 14 that holds a special place in Kasson’s dining history.

If those walls could talk, they’d have years and years of delicious stories to tell. The spot was the home to Daniel’s Restaurant, a beloved institution in Kasson, for 19 years. First located on Main Street, Daniel’s served Kasson for four decades before serving their final meal in August 2020, marking the end of an era.

A few months later, El Patron moved in, bringing some spice to the corner. While it had its fans, El Patron quietly closed its doors in July 2024, leaving locals wondering what might come next.

Smokin Silverback BBQ Restaurant Opening in Kasson

Now, Smokin Silverback BBQ is stepping up to bat at this high-profile location, promising to bring the smoky, saucy goodness and satisfy a long-standing BBQ craving in Kasson's food scene.

RELATED: Popular Kasson Restaurant Announced It Is Closing

So, what makes Smokin Silverback BBQ special? According to their website, the roots of the restaurant run deep. It all started 25 years ago in the kitchen, where owner and chef Ben experimented with his parents, mixing up sauces that would later become award-winning staples.

For 15 years, they hit the competition BBQ circuit, perfecting their craft. Then came the pandemic, which turned everything upside down. Like so many, Ben faced a career shake-up but saw an opportunity to chase a long-held dream. In the two years that followed, Smokin Silverback BBQ was born.

What Are People Saying About Smokin' Silverback BBQ?

Smokin Silverback BBQ has been open in Owatonna for 2 years now and earned mixed but mostly positive feedback, with 88% of reviewers recommending the restaurant on Facebook, and a 4.2-star rating on Google.

Many rave about the flavorful menu, highlighting dishes like loaded mac and cheese with brisket, pulled pork nachos, and pork belly tacos. Customers often praise the generous portions and standout sauces, with several calling it the best BBQ they’ve ever had.

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The restaurant seems to have a loyal following, with most saying they will return for more. Overall, Smokin Silverback BBQ has built a reputation for delivering bold, smoky flavors and inventive takes on classic BBQ, making it an exciting addition to Kasson’s dining scene.

What’s on The Menu at Smokin’ Silverback BBQ?

The menu promises a mix of traditional BBQ favorites and new-age plates designed to appeal to all generations.

Think smoked meats with a twist: BBQ tacos, nachos, and a slew of signature Smokin Big Dogs, like the Mac Dog that comes with smoked cream cheese, Mac N Cheese, and bacon.

And don’t forget their lineup of signature sauces: Silverback, Bourbon, Sweet Vinegar, and Gold.

When Will the New Smokin Silverback BBQ Open in Kasson?

While they did not give an exact open date, Smokin Silverback did tell me they plan to have the new Kasson location open sometime soon after the New Year, likely in January.

When asked why they decided to move from Owatonna to Kasson, Smokin' Silverback's Chef Ben said, "The new location is a much better fit for us. The facility is better equipped and a much better environment."

Saturday, December 21st will be Smokin Silverback's last day open at the South Cedar Ave location, kitty-corner to the Steele County Fairgrounds, in Owatonna.

As we wait for opening day, one thing’s for sure: I'm excited to have smoked meats back on the menu in Kasson. Who knows, maybe Smokin Silverback BBQ will start a new tradition at that location.

Speaking of tradition, scroll down and take a look at the 14 oldest restaurants in Minnesota.

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