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Restaurant Fri Apr 20 2007
Yet Another Smoque Review
Reviews of the newest north-west side BBQ restaurant Smoque aren't hard to come by. (We've already covered it here, in fact.) It seems everyone has an opinion when it comes to barbecue, and I am hardly qualified to throw in my two cents. What I do know is that this place is still packing 'em in, so they must be doing something right. When I arrived at quarter to 7 on a recent weeknight, the line at the counter stretched almost out the door. Tables were scarce, but the management was doing its darnedest to make sure everyone who wanted a seat got one.
By 7:30, things had quieted down a bit. The restaurant has been open long enough now to have developed efficient service methods, so our number was called within ten minutes of placing the order. And even though I'm no expert on these matters, I thought the pulled pork sandwich was first rate. The sauce, which is used sparingly on the sandwich but is thoughtfully served in a little cup on the side, is no thick grocery store goo. It's thin and tangy and left my mouth a little tingly once I had lapped up my own serving and half of my dining partner's little cup.
Plus, who can find fault with a place that offers a "half and half" sandwich (pictured here), which allows you to taste both the brisket and the pork without having to bust your budget or your gut? As for the sides, the fries, coleslaw, and corn bread were all given decent marks. Even the sandwich bun holds its own. So despite my lack of expertise, I'm here to report that Smoque continues to serve good food at a good price. Come early (or late) though, because word has definitely gotten out.
