BY: JONATHAN WARREN
Located next to Le Coq Au Vin, Smokehouse Bar-B-Que is now carrying the torch for barbecue restaurants on Orange Avenue by replacing Blackwater Barbecue. Smokehouse offers a casual atmosphere and a variety of barbecue favorites, like ribs ($11.95), pulled pork ($6.95), and beef brisket ($7.95).
It’s cafeteria serving style and picnic benches add to its family friendly atmosphere. Country music plays in the background and rustic decorations adorn the walls to create a Southern feel. The cafeteria serving style can be somewhat disorganized, but food is generally ready to pick up directly after purchase. The prices are reasonable considering meals come with two sides and sandwiches come with one side.
One negative is Smokehouse’s lack of popularity, which may be due in part to its novelty. The restaurant can be awkwardly quiet on week nights.
Each meal comes with an entree, a side and the restaurant’s signature gigantic drink cups. The beef brisket is warm and moist and easily falls apart. The restaurant’s cheeseburger ($7.95) is given noticeably less attention by the cooks, as it resembles school cafeteria food and is overcooked. The sides, however, are excellent. The sweet potato fries, baked beans and fried okra exceeded expectations. The fries are both sweet and salty, and compliment any meal. The baked beans include pulled pork that added to the overall taste. Smokehouse also offers items not typically found in barbecue restaurants such as nachos and quesadillas ($7.95) and wings (7.95 for ten).
Though the barbecue items at Smokehouse are excellent, the overly simple atmosphere and menu may turn some customers away. Nonetheless, it is perfect for a quick family dinner.