A Smokehouse Restaurant is a unique type of establishment that specializes in the preparation and serving of meats or fish that have been cured with smoke. This traditional method of food preservation involves salt curing and extended cold smoking for two weeks or longer. The process takes place in a small, enclosed outbuilding, often with a vent, a single entrance, and no windows. The building is typically blackened with smoke in the upper areas and contains a brick pit or a cast-off cast iron pot in the center of the dirt floor for the fire. The finished product might be stored in the building, sometimes for a year or more. Even when smoke is not used, such a building is sometimes referred to as a “smokehouse” or “meathouse”.
Smokehouses, like B.T.'s Smokehouse in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, and Pappy's Smokehouse in St. Louis, Missouri, exemplify this concept. They specialize in dry-rubbed and slow-smoked barbecue, with a significant amount of meat smoked per week. The menu focuses on Southern-style cuisine, offering a variety of meats that have been dry-rubbed and slow-smoked for up to 14 hours. Some restaurants also offer more unusual entrees such as smoked salmon, chili made with brisket meat, and smoked turkey and chicken. They may also have a commitment to environmentalism and sustainability, obtaining much of their produce from local farms and recycling all meat grease and vegetable oil used in the restaurant.
Origin and history of the smokehouse
The origin of smokehouse restaurants can be traced back to the traditional smokehouses used for preserving meat and fish. These buildings, known as 'smokeries' in Britain, were used to cure meat or fish with smoke. The cured products were often stored in the building for a year or more. These traditional smokehouses served dual purposes: they were used to smoke meats and also to store them, often for groups and communities. The preservation process involved salt curing and extended cold smoking for two weeks or more. Before the widespread availability of electricity and freezers, heavy salting was the primary method of meat preservation. The decision to smoke the meat in addition to salting was often a matter of personal preference, frequently backed up with strong local or family custom.
In the modern context, smokehouse restaurants have evolved to offer a variety of smoked and barbecued dishes. For instance, Pappy's Smokehouse, a barbecue restaurant located in St. Louis, Missouri, is known for its Memphis-style ribs. These ribs are barbecued without sauce, dry-rubbed, and cooked over applewood and cherrywood for four hours. Customers can add a variety of barbecue sauces in squeeze bottles when they eat.
Another example is Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, which originated in Signal Hill, California. This restaurant chain specializes in barbecue cuisine, as well as southern and Cajun-style meals, and features a southern American and Blues theme. The chain has expanded to have locations in California, Arizona, and Nevada.
Unique characteristics of smokehouses
Size
Smokehouse restaurants are typically larger than many other types of restaurants. This is primarily due to the space required for the smoking and grilling equipment, which is a central feature of these establishments. They often have large dining areas to accommodate groups of diners, as barbecue meals are commonly associated with communal and family dining.
Atmosphere
Smokehouse restaurants are characterized by a rustic, casual, and warm atmosphere that reflects their focus on traditional, slow-cooked, smoked foods. The interior design often features elements like exposed brick, wood, and vintage decor, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. The aroma of smoked meats is a distinctive feature that immediately greets customers, enhancing the sensory experience.
Menu
Smokehouse restaurants specialize in smoked and barbecued dishes, which sets them apart from other restaurant types. The menu typically features a variety of meats like pork, beef, chicken, and sometimes fish, all smoked over a variety of woods such as hickory, apple, or mesquite for a distinct flavor. Signature dishes often include smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken.
Service
The service in a smokehouse restaurant is often more casual and relaxed, reflecting the traditional, rustic atmosphere associated with barbecue culture. The staff is knowledgeable about different types of smoked meats, their preparation, and pairing with sides and sauces.
Alcohol
Smokehouse restaurants, known for their barbecued and smoked meats, often have a strong focus on beers, particularly craft and local brews, to complement their hearty fare. They may also offer a selection of bourbons, whiskeys, and other spirits, often used in cocktails that pair well with their smoky flavors.
What items are typically on a smokehouse’s menu?
Appetizers
Smokehouse restaurants often start their menus with a variety of appetizers. These can include Smoked Wings ($11.95 ~ $24.00), Pulled Pork Nachos ($10.21 ~ $17.60), BBQ Shrimp ($11.16 ~ $24.34), Fried Pickles ($4.99 ~ $14.29), and Cheese Fries ($4.99 ~ $10.99).
Salads
Salads are also a common feature on smokehouse menus. These can include Smokehouse Salad ($10.79 ~ $16.52), BBQ Chicken Salad ($11.06 ~ $17.71), Cobb Salad ($9.86 ~ $18.66), and Caesar Salad ($6.43 ~ $16.15).
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a staple of any smokehouse menu. These can include Pulled Pork Sandwich ($6.99 ~ $14.55), Brisket Sandwich ($9.99 ~ $17.62), Smoked Turkey Sandwich ($7.53 ~ $14.88), and BBQ Chicken Sandwich ($7.01 ~ $15.44).
Main Dishes
The main dishes at a smokehouse restaurant typically feature a variety of smoked and barbecued meats. These can include Baby Back Ribs ($16.00 ~ $28.00), Smoked Brisket ($9.79 ~ $22.73), Grilled Salmon ($16.13 ~ $28.79), BBQ Chicken ($12.31 ~ $27.94), and Pulled Pork Platter ($12.99 ~ $20.40).
Sides
Sides at a smokehouse restaurant often include hearty options like Baked Beans ($2.89 ~ $5.20), Coleslaw ($2.70 ~ $6.99), Mac and Cheese ($3.88 ~ $16.99), Cornbread ($1.10 ~ $6.25), Fries ($3.10 ~ $8.48), and Collard Greens ($2.98 ~ $7.00).
Desserts
Desserts at a smokehouse restaurant often have a Southern influence, with options like Pecan Pie ($4.99 ~ $35.99), Apple Pie ($1.79 ~ $13.00), Brownie Sundae ($5.21 ~ $12.00), and Banana Pudding ($3.50 ~ $13.00).
Drinks
Smokehouse restaurants often offer a selection of craft beers and bourbons, which pair well with the robust flavors of smoked meats. These can include Sweet Tea ($2.47 ~ $3.78), Lemonade ($2.51 ~ $7.79), Craft Beers ($4.00 ~ $31.99), Bourbon ($25.78 ~ $72.99), and Soft Drinks ($2.00 ~ $4.25).
Are smokehouses popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
The popularity of smokehouse restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner largely depends on the specific location and the preferences of its clientele. Generally, smokehouse restaurants are known for their smoked and barbecued meats, which are typically served for lunch and dinner. These meals often feature hearty dishes like smoked ribs, brisket, and chicken, along with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread.
However, some smokehouse restaurants may also offer breakfast options. These could include traditional breakfast foods with a twist, such as smoked bacon or sausage, or unique offerings like smoked salmon bagels or barbecue breakfast burritos.
The popularity of these meals can vary. Some patrons might prefer the robust, smoky flavors for a hearty lunch or dinner, while others might enjoy starting their day with a unique, flavorful breakfast. Additionally, the restaurant's location can play a role in its popularity. For instance, a smokehouse restaurant in a bustling city might see more lunch and dinner traffic, while one in a more rural area might be a popular spot for a leisurely weekend breakfast.
Are smokehouses popular for food delivery?
The popularity of a restaurant for food delivery can vary greatly depending on the specific smokehouse restaurant in question and its location. Generally, smokehouse restaurants are known for their barbecued and smoked meats, which can be quite popular for takeout and delivery. However, the quality of the food, the efficiency of the delivery service, and the restaurant's reputation can all impact its popularity for food delivery.
In recent years, with the rise of food delivery apps and services, many restaurants have expanded their delivery options, and smokehouse restaurants are no exception. If a smokehouse restaurant has partnered with popular delivery apps, offers a comprehensive and appealing delivery menu, and maintains high standards of food quality and packaging, it could indeed be popular for food delivery.
However, it's important to note that the popularity of any restaurant for food delivery is also heavily influenced by individual customer preferences and local food culture. Some customers might prefer to dine in at a smokehouse restaurant to enjoy the ambiance and freshly prepared barbecue, while others might prefer the convenience of delivery.
What are the most popular smokehouse chains?
When it comes to popular smokehouse restaurant chains, there are several noteworthy names that stand out. One of them is The Salt Lick, located in Driftwood, Texas. Another is Famous Dave's, a barbecue restaurant chain primarily found in the Midwestern United States. Founded by Dave Anderson in 1994, Famous Dave's offers a variety of barbecue dishes, including pork ribs, chicken, and beef brisket. As of 2021, it boasts 180 locations across 33 U.S. states and four international locations.
Another popular chain is Sonny's BBQ, which was established by Floyd "Sonny" Tillman in Gainesville, Florida, in 1968. As of 2016, Sonny's BBQ has 113 restaurants across eight Southeastern states. The restaurant is known for its Southern-style barbecue, offering a range of dishes from pulled pork to baby back ribs.
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