Boston | Finally had an American barbecue!

🍖 The Smoke Shop BBQ (Assembly Row): Boston’s Texas-Style Gem—Meat’s Good, Sides Steal the Show Been craving Texas BBQ forever, and stumbled on this spot at Assembly Row—so glad I did. The meats are solid, but the sides? Next level. Perfect for a hearty, indulgent meal (just be ready for bold flavors). 🍢 The Meats (Pit Boss Combo, $29.25: 3 meats + 3 sides) Pork Ribs: 🐷 Classic American BBQ—tender, fall-off-the-bone meat slathered in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce. Not too fatty, easy to eat, and satisfyingly “bbq-y.” Cheddar Jalapeño Link: 🌭 Surprise favorite. No spicy kick, but oozing melted cheddar inside—cheesy, smoky, and texturally fun. A little salty if you eat it alone, but balanced with sides. Brisket: 🥩 Dry-rubbed, with a bold, salty flavor. It’s tender but leans toward the drier side—classic, but my least favorite of the three. Pair it with the buttery roll that comes with the combo (fluffy, rich, so good). 🥔 The Sides (Trust Me, Order These) Two Potato Salad: 🥇 The star. A mix of white and purple potatoes, partially mashed (so there are creamy bits and tender chunks), with crisp celery, herbs, apple cider, and mayo. Fresh, tangy, and addictive—I’d order a full bowl on its own. Coleslaw: 🥬 Crunchy, chopped cabbage with a light dressing—fresh and zesty, perfect for cutting through the richness of the meat. Crinkle Cut Fries: 🍟 Crispy, hot, and dusted with BBQ pit spices (so more than just salt). Simple, but done right—great for sopping up sauce. ✨ Extras & Vibes The pickles (dill, onions) and watermelon (sweet, ripe, sandy-textured) are nice palate cleansers. Portions are huge: One combo plate split between two people was plenty. Minor gripe: They charge a “Kitchen Appreciation fee”—small amount, but feels unnecessary. 💰 Value ~$18 per person (with sides and shared meat). Worth it for a rare BBQ craving—especially since the sides elevate the meal. 📍 The Smoke Shop BBQ 325 Assembly Row, Somerville, MA 02145 (multiple locations) #BostonBBQ #TexasStyle #SideDishHeroes