Right on the Missouri River in Chamberlain, The Smoking Mule has built its name on house-smoked barbecue, hearty comfort food, and a whole lot of donkey-themed puns. 🔥
This family-owned smokehouse started in nearby Kimball back in 2018 before relocating to the American Creek Marina, where it quickly became one of South Dakota’s most talked-about riverside dining spots.
Between slow-smoked brisket, a raved-about Lobster n Shrimp Po Boy, and a menu deep enough to satisfy any craving, The Smoking Mule has turned into a genuine Chamberlain institution.
How The Smoking Mule won Chamberlain’s hearts
The Smoking Mule was founded by Terry and Cheryl Gaulke in March 2018, bringing more than 25 years of combined restaurant experience to their first venture as owners. 👨🍳
Their daughter, Erica Sperl, grew up working alongside them in the industry starting at age 13, eventually leaving a corporate career in 2022 to join the smokehouse full time.
In January 2025, Erica officially purchased the restaurant from her parents as they moved into retirement, making The Smoking Mule a genuine second-generation, family-owned business.
That continuity has kept the restaurant’s original “come-as-you-are” personality intact, even as the menu has grown well beyond its original lineup of smoked chicken, brisket, and ribs.
What has kept Chamberlain regulars coming back, though, is the sheer creativity layered onto classic smokehouse fare. 🦞
The Lobster n Shrimp Po Boy has become the restaurant’s most talked-about sandwich, while dishes like the Kick Ass Loaded Beans, a secret recipe packed with brisket burnt ends, pork bits, and bacon, show how seriously the kitchen takes even its side dishes.
The restaurant also leans into South Dakota pride, pouring local beers from breweries across the state, including exclusive collaborations with Palace City Brewing Co. out of Mitchell.
That blend of genuine family ownership, a menu that keeps expanding with local flavor, and a laid-back riverside setting is exactly what has made The Smoking Mule one of South Dakota’s most beloved smokehouses. 🌟
Food Highlights
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Brisket Burger: A handcrafted beef patty topped with BBQ brisket, gouda cheese, and grilled onions. 🍔
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Lobster n Shrimp PO Boy: A grilled hoagie roll piled with the kitchen’s own buttery lobster and shrimp blend, Cajun aioli, and leaf lettuce. 🦞
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Pulled Pork Sandwich: Pork slow-smoked until tender, topped with Mule’s house BBQ sauce and piled high on a toasted bun. 🍖
- Cowboy Chips: House-made kettle chips piled high with smoked pulled pork and the restaurant’s signature BBQ sauce. 🥔
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Reuben: House-made corned beef and sauerkraut on grilled marble rye with Swiss cheese and 1,000 Island dressing. 🥪
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Caden’s Chicken Sandwich: A breaded chicken fillet topped with bacon, Swiss cheese, fried pickle fries, and a drizzle of Dakota Honey Co. hot honey. 🍗
- 1/2 Rack of Ribs: Ribs rubbed with the restaurant’s own house-made seasoning, slow-smoked, and glazed with Mule’s BBQ sauce, served with a warm biscuit. 🍖
- BBQ Brisket Melt: Slow-smoked, sliced brisket on grilled sourdough with melted gouda and American cheeses, served grilled cheese style. 🧀
Atmosphere
The Smoking Mule sits directly in the American Creek Marina on the Missouri River, giving the whole restaurant a relaxed, come-as-you-are riverside energy. 🚤
The space doubles as a bar and restaurant, drawing a mix of boaters, locals, and travelers passing through on Interstate 90.
True to its donkey mascot and name, the restaurant leans into playful branding throughout, inviting guests to “park your ass” and dig into house-smoked barbecue.
It’s the kind of South Dakota spot where the riverside view is just as much a draw as the food itself. 🌅
Bottom Line
The Smoking Mule earns its local following through genuinely house-smoked barbecue, a second-generation family ownership story, and a menu that keeps growing with local South Dakota flavor.
Add a riverside marina setting and dishes like the Lobster n Shrimp Po Boy, and it’s easy to see why this Chamberlain smokehouse keeps drawing crowds. 🔥
Address:
309 E Glen Ave, Chamberlain, SD 57325
📞 (605) 234-6853
🕔 Open Wed–Thu, 11 AM–8 PM; Fri–Sat, 11 AM–10 PM; Sun, 11 AM–8 PM (closed Mon–Tue)