It was jam-packed over at Smoke tonight, the new fancy-schmancy BBQ joint from the folks behind Bolsa (which celebrates its one-year anniversary on Saturday). It’s located in the former Cliff Cafe space at Hotel Belmont, and already appears as though it has given the boutique hotel a restaurant as in-demand as it is. Don’t know if that will last, but if nothing else the opening was a success. They said they had something like 1,000 RSVPs for the evening, and a ton of them actually showed, despite the rain.
This isn’t a real review because, given the size of the crowd and my impatience, I didn’t have a bite to eat — though they do have a menu that caters to vegetarians like me. So I’ll just review the actual place. (I will note that a friend did have two barbecue sandwiches, and declared them “[redacted] amazing!” So there’s that.) Ambiance-wise, Smoke reminded me of its name, more or less, dark and cool. What I liked best: there is an additional speakeasy-type entrance in the back, where a bar-lounge area is located. Another thing that reminded me of its name: it smells — all over, even down the street — like smoked meat. That may have to do with the half pigs smoking out front. Like all proper nouns mentioned here, I’m intrigued enough to say it’s worth the trip to Oak CliffWest Dallas. Sarah and Rhonda were there, too, so I’m expecting them to chime in in the comments.
8 comments
The Belmont is technically in West Dallas, not Oak Cliff.
I’m bad at geography.
wasn’t Kinky supposed to be there too?
Yes, but I didn’t see him. He was there, but the biggest name I saw was Stephan Pyles.
I think the original boundaries of Oak Cliff extended as far north as Fort Worth Avenue.
Zac, how can you stand to smell smoked brisket* and not eat it? Would you describe yourself as a) monastic, or b) masochistic? ‘Cause if the smell don’t tempt you, you sure as hell ain’t c) a Texan, and I say this with tender concern, not jeering disdain.
As the prophet Elijah is my co-pilot, I shall eat meat daily until death do me part. (Pork, too — stuff it, Elijah.)
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* You didn’t mention brisket, but I assume they had it.
A bar-b-que restaurant in Texas that caters to vegetarians? More proof that Dallas is trying to lose its Texas card.
@Daniel: I’d probably describe myself as both masochistic and monastic, but on a case-by-case basis. And a Texan who just happens to prefer eating at Spiral Diner.
@Don in Austin: I am behind a powerful lobbying concern.
Zac, I love Stephan Pyles, he is a really nice chef and his food is delicious.