Smoke BBQ Restaurant & Catering — Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale

To say I set a high bar for BBQ would be an understatement – particularly when it comes to brisket. Over the five days we spent in Ft. Lauderdale, at least three people told us we needed to eat at Smoke – one of whom we met sitting at a funky little joint next door called 430 Boardroom Bar. Specifics, however, came from a waiter at an Italian restaurant up the road about 6 blocks. He told us about the pastrami that’s so famous you had to get there early before they ran out; the jalapeno cheddar sausage, and of course, the brisket, which he said it shouldn’t be missed and he was so very right!

I ordered the Austin sandwich: brisket, jalapeno cheddar sausage, onions, and pickles on a roll so soft it nearly disappears in your mouth, then added on a side of the jalapeno-cilantro potato salad. Mr. Man ordered the half-rack of baby back ribs, and a pulled pork sandwich. Both platters were served with the house-made potato chips, and self-serve sauce in three varieties.

The Austin sandwich was crazy-delicious. The sausage did that “pop” thing with every bite, and the brisket had just enough smoke without being overpowering. It was sensational. If I had a critique, I’d say it would have benefiting from a bit more onion (I had two tiny strands) and a slightly leaner cut on the brisket. Hey, I like that fat as much as the next brisket-lover, but there’s a difference between adding flavor and simply adding filler. The potato salad – which I was really excited about – fell far short of expectations. It was running and mayo-y without a hint of either jalapeno or cilantro. I didn’t eat more than a few bites – but that was okay because that sandwich was MORE than enough to fill me up!

I was hugely disappointed to discover that they only offer a “burnt ends” sandwich on Fridays after 4PM, so I couldn’t partake. They were also out of the smoked pastrami – which was expected since we didn’t get there until about 6PM.

The baby back ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and well-seasoned, though according to Mr. Man, the star of his plate was the pulled pork. Now, we make it at home so I was surprised he would order it out instead of trying something we don’t normally cook, but wow! What a winner that was! The little bit he was willing to share nearly dissolved in my mouth. Never in my life have I had pulled pork like that and what’s more, I’d order it and...

I'm kind of a BBQ snob (ex: people rave over Blue Willys, and I think they're mostly....meh, at best), so I'm always skeptical of trying a new (to me) BBQ joint, although I try to keep an open mind. I've heard nothing but phenomenal things about Smoke BBQ, so I had high expectations tonight when I finally got around to trying it.

I'm happy to say that they lived up to those expectations, and then some. Hand downs, the best BBQ in south FL that I've had as of yet (aside from my own, but I'd love to do a blind taste test, side by side 😉).

I judge a BBQ place by 2 standards....pulled pork and brisket. And although I'm mostly a purist and think that sauce should only be used on chicken, and when necessary, on pulled pork, I do like to sample sauces, because a good BBQ place should shave good sauces, for those that like them.

Pork is hard to mess up, so I don't just want a "good" pulled pork (anyone can do that)....I want PHENOMENAL pork. Smoke pulled it off (pun intended)! Juicy, smoky, and lots of flavor.

Brisket is a lot tougher, and most places have mediocre brisket. Smoke has possibly the best brisket I've had in my life. Super juicy, deep smoke, and tender, but firm enough to hold together in your hand.

I also tried a sample of their pastrami (again, I think it's the best I've had in my life), and a jalapeño cheddar sausage link (wow! Juicy and packed with flavor. Just the right about of heat).

Sauces were good. Not phenomenal, but better than average. The Carolina mustard sauce was the best one.

Slaw and green beans were very good, as well. Although I didn't eat the corn bread, I did try it, and it was good, but a tiny bit on the sweet side for my preference.

My only "complaint" is that they don't have collards. Aside from pork and brisket, I also use collards to judge a place. I hope they'll eventually start making greens.

Before Smoke, Tom Jenkins used to be really good, but they've gone a bit downhill, IMO. The only other place that I'd say is nearly on par (if not even better) is McCray's up in West Palm Beach, but I haven't had them in years. I'd love to do a side by side comparison.

Thank you, Smoke. You've restored my faith in South Florida BBQ! I...

On a rainy Saturday afternoon I found my new favorite BBQ place. I saw it the other night in Galt Ocean Mile when I was in the area and made note and then when I found myself in the area the next day at lunch time it seemed like fate.

Smoke BBQ started out in 2014 in Delray Beach on Atlantic Ave. They also had a Boca Raton location but both of those have since closed and now the only location is this one on Galt Ocean Mile. Before opening Smoke in Delray, owners Stephen Chin and Scott Kennedy operated Union, an Asian small plate restaurant for three years before closing it to become pit masters.

After consulting the menu and wanting to order everything I picked the 4 baby baby ribs with root beer baked beans and their homemade BBQ chips. After tasting the ribs I wish I ordered the larger portion. The meat was fall off the bone candied pork deliciousness. They give you extra sauce to pour on. The baked beans had a nice tang to them and those chips were to die for! I am not one to pick up a bag of Lay's BBQ chips. They taste too sweet and chemical to me. The spice on these chips was everything. They were some of the best homemade chips I ever eaten. My meal also came with a light cornbread that was more like a cake. When I smeared the cinnamon butter on top that was like an icing, it was dessert. I also got one of their cane sugar cream sodas. They also have beer from Funky Buddha. Compared to other BBQ places, their prices are very reasonable. When I saw someone else's macaroni and cheese I kicked my self for not ordering it. I am very picky and it looked like it measured up to my exacting standards. As suggested by their sign I did indeed pig out. I can't wait to explore the rest of their menu. They have a two meat combo with two sides for $15.99. I also want to try their famous pastrami and brisket. Just thinking about it makes me want to drive right back there. With almost 1,000 stellar Google reviews I am late to the party but let me add my praise to the chorus. This is the BBQ you...