Smoke

Went to Smoke on a busy Friday night. Summer in downtown Wilmington can be a nightmare. Pair the fact that we are trying to eat downtown with children affordably. Friends met us there also with a baby in tow. Since they beat us there I am not sure if it's seat yourself or be seated by a hostess.  Never the less, there was ample seating. We ordered drinks from the menu (they were out of the beer I wanted, but I liked what I had.)  The beer menu is varied from what I normally see in Wilmington and I could see relaxing and trying several. Guinness and some martini was the special for the night, but a martini and barbecue just didn't seem right.

Once we chatted for a bit, we headed to get our food. It is served cafeteria style. Unusual, yes. Was it a turnoff for me? No, remember I have kids in tow. The faster they have food, the better for the grown ups.  Since this was our first visit, we asked for a tour of the meats.  Tonight there was pulled pork, beef brisket, dry rub ribs, smoked chicken quarters, and smoked turkey swimming in a white gravy. I opted for the pork. It was good but there was so much sauce on it already that I couldn't see adding more. My sides were Mac and cheese and baked beans. I shared my plate with my 7 year old. The children's menu was an uninspired 1 chicken tender with sides or 2 chicken tender with sides. Boooring. The Mac and cheese was made with large shells and was really good. If it was fresh baked instead of being in a steam table it would be fabulous. The baked beans seemed to have a similar sauce to the pork. They were good, different than the norm, but not what I should have gotten since I had the pork. I wish I had tried the homemade green bean casserole, but I was plate sharing.  My husband got the ribs, beans, and sweet potato casserole. The casserole was easily dessert with carmelized bits.  His ribs had a nice pink smoke to them and tasted good. I'm a sauced rib fan and these are dry. To each their own. Our friends had the brisket, which looked rather thick cut. One friend had a cheese pototao dish (ala hash brown casserole at cracker barrel) that looked tasty.  Also served with the meals are either rolls or cornbread. The cornbread had honey baked in. It was sweet and I enjoyed it. Cornbread purists probably would shun it. The rolls looked pretty basic.

We skipped dessert but the Boston creme pie looked yummy.

Our waitress was attentive and stayed on top of what we had gotten from the food line (oldest son decided to eat halfway through the meal after coming off car sickness from doing circles in the parking garage).

The entire meal including 2 beers excluding tip (feeding 2 adults and 2 kids) was less than $35. Parking in the garage across the street was $1. (giggling at the people who parked in no parking zones - priceless [sorry I couldn't resist. You will get towed. Just give up and park in the garage])

We will be back. Smoke is easy going  and laid back. I find it hard to eat with 2 somewhat rambunctious children. I would not hesitate to bring them here.

Decent BBQ
Decent beer selection
Not sure I totally understand the cafeteria style  but the meats were good. The sides could have used a bit more attention - sitting a bit long
Service was pleasant and the price was right
Would return

Great new place on the main strip in Wilmington.  It's fairly new so they're still working all the kinks out, but I liked the place.

The decor is pretty much all comic/cartoon art themed.  The beer list is pretty extensive.  And the service was amazing (Ask Owner Gary for the grand tour!).

The cafeteria style BBQ was just ok.  For the price I paid, I'm not disappointed per se, but when I think BBQ, I think great tasting, smokey flavor, etc.  My brisket was definitely lacking in flavor and a bit tough.

The sides were amazing though.  Sweet potato casserole by itself is enough reason to try this place.

I'd definitely go back and try it again.