I had a great experience at The Smoke Shop BBQ in East Boston. The first thing that stood out was the amazing view of Boston, which added to the overall atmosphere. The restaurant's vibe fit the BBQ theme perfectly—relaxed, inviting, and full of character. The service was excellent, with friendly and helpful staff who were happy to offer recommendations. The food also arrived quickly, which made the experience even better.
We started with the mac & cheese bites and the BBQ peanuts. The mac & cheese bites were fantastic, with a crispy coating that gave way to a creamy filling of mac and cheese, house-cured bacon, and kale. The dipping sauce that came with them really enhanced the flavors, making them even better. The BBQ peanuts had a great balance of heat and sweetness, making them a perfect snack that I could easily enjoy at the bar.
For the main course, we ordered the fried chicken basket and the smoked turkey breast plate. The fried chicken was excellent, with a crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful meat inside. It came with a jam that really brought out the flavors and added a unique touch. For sides, I had the pimento mac & cheese and Gram’s B&B pickles. The mac & cheese was rich and creamy, with cornbread crumbles adding a nice bit of texture. The pickles were a classic bread & butter style—sweet, tangy, and a great complement to the meal.
The smoked turkey breast was equally impressive, with a deep smoky flavor and a tender texture. The table had three house-made sauces, and the golden BBQ sauce was perfect for the turkey, adding just the right amount of moisture and extra flavor. The sides for this dish were the cornbread and the zucchini salad. The cornbread had good flavor, though I would have liked it to be a little more moist. The zucchini salad, while fresh and well-made, didn’t stand out for me as much as some of the other dishes.
Overall, I would definitely recommend The Smoke Shop BBQ in East Boston. The food was flavorful, the service was great, and the atmosphere was exactly what I’d hope for in a BBQ restaurant. It wasn’t too busy, and everything came out quickly, making for a smooth and enjoyable experience. There were a few small things I would tweak, but the quality and execution of the meal were impressive. I would absolutely return for another meal.