Mini-Mini-Mini Review: Smoke

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.