Just don’t call it “upscale BBQ in Buckhead”, but you can call it flavorful, mouthwatering and a new take on the same old BBQ restaurant in your neighborhood.
I’m of course talking about Smokebelly BBQ off East Andrews in a part of Buckhead that has undergone a metamorphosis the past few years. This area once had limited parking and some rundown buildings, but not in 2015. Part of the change was putting Smokebelly BBQ in as part of the equation. Smokebelly has always been a great lunch and dinner spot, and a great place to watch all the NFL action, but it’s getting even better with some new menu additions that include BBQ tapas.
Diners will see snacks and appetizers are now featured in a BBQ Tapas section, which boasts such fresh new selections as lady killers – fried pickles with BBQ ranch dipping sauce ($5.75); grilled cheese bites with American, pepper jack and smoked Gouda on bâtarde bread ($7.50); smoked brisket and sofrito empanadas with chipotle dipping sauce ($7.75); and spicy pork belly bites with arugula and pickled carrots in a spicy cola ’cue sauce ($9.75).
Guests can also try a pair of delicious new sandwiches: the Smokebelly stack, a mixture of smoked pork and lean sliced brisket with sliced tomatoes, onions, arugula and chipotle aioli ($12.50); and the 50/50 burger ($12.00), a combination of ground bacon and a brisket-short rib blend, served with crispy tobacco onions, pickles and ghost pepper cheese.
For a walk on the lighter side, the new offerings include a chilled farro and green bean salad with smoked almonds, diced cucumbers and mint yogurt dressing ($4.95) and jalapeño-cornbread cakes ($7.25), a gluten-free, vegan-friendly option served with sweet-corn edamame succotash.
If you are the type of person that brings an appetite to a BBQ restaurant like I did, I took the advice of my server, Evan, and went with a “plate” that included their Angus beef brisket and ribs with a cherry cola ‘cue sauce that was tangy and zingy to my tastebuds. My wife also ordered a plate with sliced smoked turkey breast and a smoked pulled pork. She also tried the house mac and cheese, which featured a little kick and a hint of Parmesan cheese on top.
Smokebelly doesn’t cheat you with the portions as we both had enough to take home for a snack or meal. We did start with one appetizer and we felt we hit a grand slam with grilled American, pepperjack and smoked gouda cheese bites. This is basically a large grilled cheese sandwich that you break off in bites. The bâtarde bread tastes like a fresh sourdough and this starter is a great way to start your Smokebelly experience.
Smokebelly also offers salads, a great selection of delicious sandwiches, creative cocktails and 36 craft beers to choose from. It’s layout is a nice mix of booths and tables, all with unobstructed views of the HDTVs. Service was attentive without being bothersome and clientele ranged from families to senior citizens and even a group of guys eating a watching sports. BBQ fans and foodies looking try some BBQ and unique sauces will love Smokebelly BBQ.
Smokebelly BBQ is located at:
128 E. ANDREWS
ATLANTA, GA 30305
404.848.9100
Hours:
Sun – Thu: 11:30 am -10:00 pm
Fri – Sat: 11:30 am – 11:00 pm
Bar open later
Live music every Friday & Saturday
Check out www.smokebellybbq.com
