The Smoke joint

The Smoke joint has a full house on a Wednesday night. Fort Greene is craving BBQ and it shows. Equipped with a bar to eat or wait at, I graze over at what people are eating while sipping on my ginger ale. I sought out dry looking ribs at several tables. By the time it is our turn to order, I discover the Baby Back Ribs lean and mean (half 12.00) happens to be the same dry ribs. So dry—you would mistake it for microwaved-leftover-chicken breast from nights before. Perhaps it was meant to be eaten with the BBQ sauce (stationed on every table). But I refuse to mask the delicate flavor of the baby back with an outside condiment—at least, not on the very first bite. I soon forfeited, as it is not possible to get pass the second bite without the sauce.

Next order Crispy Catfish Sandwich served with barbecue aioli (7.50) is fairly tasty if you disregard looking at the catfish—or shall I say catfishes—three awkwardly looking nugget-sized pieces of fish resembling those from the childhood days of cafeteria food served on styrofoam trays. Despite the disfigured shapes, the sandwich fared well. One key part to the sandwich’s success was the toasted Kaiser roll which added an extra layer of crunchiness to the crispy catfish.

Sides. From least to favorite:
Barbecued Beans caution. contains hunks of meat (3.00) – should be called candied beans caution, overly sweet, overwhelming the smoky flavor

Corn On The Cob, barbecue aioli and green onions (2.50) – fairly seasoned and juicy

Spicy French Fries (3.00) – very well seasoned and nicely fried with a bold crunchy taste

If you’re trapped in Font Greene and in need for a BBQ fix, Smoke joint can help, sort of. Sandwiches are a safe bet. And if you’re a party of three you will be squeezed into a table for two.

The food is fairly priced for a very gentrified Fort Greene, though attracting a diverse crowd of people. Conclusion: BBQ definitely does not discriminate.

87 South Elliott Pl At Lafayette Ave. Brooklyn NY 11217 (718) 797-1011