Smoke and Friends - Carne en Vara — Restaurant in Lawrenceville

Boom Magical for all 5 Senses” a restaurant with “WHY/ Purpose” At the intersection of Venezuelan tradition and modern American BBQ lies Smoke and Friends, a groundbreaking establishment that transcends typical restaurant classifications. To achieve #Michelin recognition, a restaurant must consistently deliver exceptional cuisine, demonstrate mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, and provide a distinctive dining experience. Smoke and Friends checks all these boxes and more.

The restaurant's centerpiece is their mesmerizing circular fire pit, where "Carne en Vara" (meat on poles) is cooked over open flames in the traditional Venezuelan style. It's not just cooking - it's performance art. The sight of perfectly seasoned cuts rotating slowly over crackling wood fires, the sound of fat dripping onto hot coals, and the intoxicating aroma of smoking meat create an immersive sensory experience before you take your first bite.

The meat itself is a masterclass in precision. Their signature cut, served medium-rare, showcases a perfectly charred exterior giving way to a tender, pink center that literally melts in your mouth. The kitchen's timing is impeccable - each slice reveals the careful attention paid to temperature control and resting periods. Accompaniments include house-made chimichurri and garlic-loaded boiled/steamed yuca that have been cooked in meat drippings, demonstrating the kitchen's commitment to maximizing flavor in every component.

What elevates Smoke and Friends beyond excellent BBQ is their masterful fusion of techniques. Venezuelan smoking methods merge seamlessly with American BBQ traditions, creating something entirely new yet somehow familiar. The coleslaw, for instance, carries subtle hints of cilantro and lime that complement rather than compete with the meat's robust flavors.

The hospitality matches the food's warmth. The owner's presence on the floor isn't just for show - their genuine passion for sharing this unique culinary tradition transforms dinner into an educational experience. The team members bring energy and enthusiasm of proud artisans, making diners feel like participants in a cultural exchange rather than mere customers.

The establishment's commitment to authenticity extends to their beverage program, featuring both traditional Venezuelan drinks and craft cocktails that incorporate smoke elements and local spirits. Love the smoked cocktails.The attention to detail in the drink presentation mirrors the care taken with the food.

To #DavePortnoy: This represents exactly why the One Bite concept should expand beyond pizza. Smoke and Friends exemplifies what happens when passionate restaurateurs create "5 Sense" dining experiences - where sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste work in harmony to create something extraordinary. It's not just about the food; it's about the story, the technique, and the people behind it.

Whether you drive or fly to get here, the journey is justified by the destination. Smoke and Friends isn't just serving meals - they're creating memories, one perfectly smoked slice at a time. This is destination dining at its finest, worthy of being mentioned alongside the world's best BBQ establishments.

Rating: 4.8/5 - A revolutionary fusion of Venezuelan tradition and modern American BBQ that sets a new standard for immersive dining...

My husband, Tommy and I saw an advertisement in the Local Flavor magazine for a place we hadn't heard of. It appeared to be a Venezuelan-style smokehouse. We went today and found it to be comparable to an American BBQ spot sans the sauces...and the side options varied.

Let me not neglect to mention the great customer service from the moment we entered the doors until we left. Desire' was our primary waitress, but several waitstaff/employees stopped by our table to check in with us. We started with the empanadas appetizer (steak, chicken, & cheese) both ordered the mixed platter...smoked steak, smoked pork, steamed yuca, sweet coleslaw, and French fries. The dips were chimichurri and creamy garlic-cilantro. The food was very tasty. The meats were well-marinated and smoked. The atmosphere was super appealing. The space use to house Que BBQ, and the folk of S & F made beautiful upgrades. The used the square footage wisely and have plenty of seating options, indoors and outdoors. The place was clean throughout, including the restrooms [and that means alot to me].

There doesn't seem to be a website yet, and the restaurant uses QR codes at the tables for menu access. The prices were fair,...

@smokeandfriends_

Had an amazing experience at Smoked and Friends in Lawrenceville! This Venezuelan gem is inspired by the cowboy culture of LOS LLANOS, with a spacious and stylish setting, including a great outdoor patio where I’m sure they have some fun late-night music.

The menu is a meat lover's dream, but you can still get classic Venezuelan street foods like tequeños, empanadas, and arepas. I started with a bottle of their JUGO DE MORA (blackberry juice)—so refreshing! The BOLITAS DE CARNE EN VARA (meatballs cooked over fire) with cream and yuca fries were a hit, especially those crispy yuca fries. Cachapa tequeños were a revelation—tequeños with sweet cornmeal dough. And their beef empanadas? Just wow. For the main course, I had the mixed plate with chicken, beef, arepas, salad, and yuca, all carrying that smoky flavor from the fire. Absolute perfection. Shoutout to my amazing waitress, Paola Rodriguez, for her top-notch service and spot-on recommendations. This place is a must-visit!

Let me know what you think of the space and the food when you check them out!

#rolieats #goodeats #smokedandfriends #Lawrenceville...