Smoqehouse BBQ, 6112 S. Tamiami Trail, 941-923-9090. Pictured: House-cut loaded chips, Poutine, Smoqehouse Cuban, Korean Beef Sandwich.

If there is one culinary culture the U.S.A can truly claim for its own, it’s a good old-fashioned barbeque. Sure we didn’t invent the barbecue, but as far as food culture goes, smoked meats and hefty sides have rooted deep down in American soil. Smoqehouse, a fast casual BBQ restaurant on South Tamiami Trail, decided the only way to improve upon greatness was to spin the globe to uncover flavors from around the world to take our beloved BBQ from classic to exotic. Chef and Owner Andy Kubes shares that Smoqehouse is “focusing on a world view of how different countries and cultures use smoke and fire to flavor and cook food.”

Along with wife Heidi Kubes, this duo wears virtually all the business hats, doing everything from PR to cooking to recipe development. Thought up five years ago, they are now operating two succesful opeartions in Florida. They have a second location on Anna Maria Island as well. 

The first way they’ve made a household favorite newly fantastic is by looking up to our northern neighbor: Canada. Fries are delicious, but you know what’s arguably better than normal french fries? French fries smothered in a rich brown gravy and cheese curds. Kiss predictable cornbread to the curb and add poutine to your next BBQ feast. Smoqehouse layers their daily hand-cut fries with a luscious homemade dark-brown gravy and decadent mountain of cheesy curds.

Kubes says Smoqehouse is a scratch kitchen that tends to do things, as famous chef David Chang so eloquently puts it, "the long, hard, stupid way.” This can be confirmed, by their stupidly good Korean Beef sandwich. Another pin on the atlas of worldwide flavors, the thinly sliced beef is drenched in a sweet tangy Korean sauce and topped with a crunchy ginger and lime slaw.  Another international iteration includes The Islander sandwich which draws fusion flavors from the Carribean with grilled pineapple and teriyaki mayo.

Smoqehouse BBQ is a refreshing take on southern fare by integrating flavors and spices not typical of usual contenders like pulled pork. Next time you have a craving for something comforting with a twist, head to Smoqehouse and add some stamps to your palatable passport.

Smoqehouse is open Monday through Saturday 11:00am-8:00pm and closed on Sundays at both the Tamiami Trail and Anna Maria Island locations. 

Smoqehouse BBQ, 6112 S. Tamiami Trail, 941-923-9090. Pictured: House-cut loaded chips, Poutine, Smoqehouse Cuban, Korean Beef Sandwich.

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