TheSmoke — Restaurant in Collingwood

Update: While I stand by my initial review of my experience and the food, I’m happy to know that the owners are on top of their reviews and was surprised to receive a personal phone call from the owner the day after I left my review. It shows he really cares about his restaurant. I have changed my review from 1 star to 3 stars because I was happy with the customer service and the attempt to gather more information from me after my poor experience. I hope to try this restaurant again when I go back to Collingwood and trust that the food will be better next time around.

Initial review: Really disappointing.

Spent about $100 (including a tip) and what I got was less than mediocre.

The only good thing I received were the hot BBQ wings.

Burger-tiny patty and not that much flavour. They didn’t have relish, pickles or hot peppers (advertised on menu). I appreciate that we’re in a pandemic and understand there aren’t any dine in customers and thus less budget for product..but these are standard burger condiments. These should be in house at all times..especially if you’re offering overpriced takeout.

Mac and cheese-The pasta was super mushy and falling apart. The sauce was runny/watery and totally lacked flavour and was in desperate need of salt. I’d be surprised if there was even real cheese in it. Total waste of $9.

Poutine-completely lacked salt yet there was a TON of black pepper in the gravy. It was pretty flavourless and bland overall.

Again, I understand that we’re in a pandemic and it’s a hard time for all but if people like myself are willing to support local businesses and spend a little more on takeout, it needs to be quality food and service.

I’m sorry to say, but it’s clear that the kitchen staff really don’t care about food they’re making or really don’t know what they’re doing. As much as I want to support local and empathize with the current situation for restaurant staff and cooks, if you’re going to ask me for a tip on the phone when I place my order (which is really quite awkward and obligatory), I’d expect the food to be worth it.

The last thing I’ll say is that it’s not really convenient to only offer payment by MasterCard or Visa. No cash is understandable but debit transactions should be taken. I understand government regulations make things harder overall and having “contactless orders” seems more convenient...but it’s really not. I’ve ordered food from a number of restaurants during the shut down/stay at home order and this is the first time I’ve seen that debit...

1/5 stars

What was ordered: Pork belly burnt ends - 12.99 Sampler (chicken wings, brisket, pulled pork, fries, coleslaw) - 36.99 2x grilled buns - 2.00 each

How was the food?

1. pork belly burnt ends We received a small container (same size the coleslaw comes in) with THREE pieces of meat each about 1 inch in length, width and height. Meat quality was poor and sauce was sickly sweet. In no way was it worth 12.99.

2a) sampler - chicken wings We ordered the Smokey hot flavour. The spice level was not even as spicy as Frank’s which is mild to begin with. Meat was average. There are definitely way better wings I’ve had for much cheaper with better flavour too.

2b) sampler - brisket Brisket was extremely dry. I’ve read other reviews which have said the same thing. The owner has been defending the dryness and blaming it on his meat supplier. From what I read the supplier was changed due to COVID and the new supplier doesn’t produce meat that has the same amount of fat content as before. I’m not sure how much this can effect the process but this was some of the driest brisket I’ve ever had. To call yourself a smokehouse and be blaming the supplier for dryness is quite ridiculous. Take ownership of your own shortcomings.

2c) sampler - pulled pork This was also okay. There was some weird sweet flavour in the sauce that didn’t sit right with me.

2d) fries VERYYY salty.

2e) coleslaw Honestly the best part of the meal. Not amazing but in comparison to the other items it stands out as the tastiest thing.

3. grilled buns Nothing to rave about. Average bun.

Experience: I would rate the experience alone 0/5. This is due to the online ordering process and their COVID protocols. I cannot understand how the province is in stage 3 with indoor and outdoor dinning allowed and this restaurant is doing contactless dinning.

You are expected to order online and pick up at their front door. Never interacting with a worker.

Some of their COVID rules and regulations are: “if you need a washroom then take your takeout home” tables are not sanitized by staff no alcohol on patio

This is pretty ridiculous to me. The whole vibe I got was that this establishment couldn’t care less about customer experience. They almost have kicked their feet up and thrown the towel in. The Smoke is producing mediocre food at best and expecting the customer to pick up...

Hard to not like or really love this place.. Great food and fun atmosphere and quick service. Loved the meat of course but the beer was also quite good. This is not a cheap eats place but it is very good quality. Love the bobble head pig as well.

Updates 2025 Wow went here for early dinner for Father’s Day weekend and was blown away again! One son had the pulled pork sandwich and the other had brisket poutine and I had to order the sampler knowing I’d end up taking home a huge doggy bag. The fries here are super amazing home made and my son barely finished the brisket poutine ! The other son just couldn’t finish the fries but did eat the pulled pork on bun! My sample had brisket, pulled pork and 1/2 rack ribs plus 2 sides . The ribs were truly amazing … not overly smoky and not so sloppy it was gooey … just pull off the bone tender. Brisket was also amazing … just juicy enough with modest amount of smoke and fat cap. Pulled pork was also very moist and easily could feed 2 people alone ! I got the bbq beans which were delectable and the fries! These are hands down the best fries I’ve had in years … not greasy with some skin left on the fries … so amazing especially with either of their homemade sauces . One ur was medium spicy and the other was mega hot so use with caution. We took home a lot so no dessert was possible. Wow I even managed to meet the owner who was great to chat with…. Clearly a passion for what he does!!! This place is definitely a keeper ! I went here 6 years ago and fed a crew who just loved it and I was ecstatic that they kept the quality up with very reasonable prices! It’s a good thing we went a bit early since it started to fill up just as we were leaving . This place leaves the competition locally and even places I’ve been to in Toronto in the dust . Everything good but come with an...