Not since beloved Joe Grate’s left its little spot on Dixwell Avenue a few years ago has Hamden had a barbecue joint. Joe Grate’s featured a tomato-based, South Carolina style of barbecue with a sharp vinegar bite. While Joe Grate’s is gone, his son, Gerry, is a pitmaster whose specialty is roasting whole hogs using his father’s Carolina barbecue sauce. Gerry can be reached at www.slowroastbbq.com.
Enter Smokey’s Char-Grill/BBQ.
Heading north on Whitney Avenue, it’s located in northern Hamden a little past Sleeping Giant State Park, specifically a little past Wentworth Homemade Ice Cream but on the left side of the road. If you drive past the restaurant with the windows down, the smell of good barbecue may lure you inside.
Inside, there’s a counter at which you can order
and a clean and comfortable self-serve dining room.
On one visit, I serendipitously ran into Bill and Mona, two of my oldest and dearest friends, and sat down to join them.
I paid Smokey’s a couple of visits, but it would take more than that to do justice to the menu. For instance, I never tried any of its seafood platters, which include things like battered fish, fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, scallops, clam strips, and even whole belly clams. I never tried unusual sides like fire-roasted corn or baked sweet potato with brown sugar butter. Nor did I try any of the soups or salads. And I really hope someday to try the apple strudel.
However, I did try a lot of good things, including the Buffalo wings (10 for $6.99),
a chili dog ($3.79),
and some absolutely great beer-battered onion rings ($3.69).
Sandwiches could be ordered on either Texas toast or a sesame seed bun. I tried a steakhouse burger ($6.49), which was topped with crumbled Gorgonzola, sautéed onions, steak sauce, lettuce and tomato.
Taking that idea up another notch, I even ordered a rib-eye steak sandwich ($6.99). The steak was marinated in a garlic-infused oil, lightly spiced and beautifully fire-grilled, and then served with lettuce and tomato.
All of these foods were well-cooked and tasty. But the best reason of all to visit Smokey’s is to try its BBQ pit specialties. The restaurant offers pork back ribs, pulled pork, brisket and smokehouse chicken. You can try any two of these barbecue items by ordering the two-meat combo, or you can do as I did and try all four items by ordering the sampler (regular $8.99/large $11.99). The large sampler is pictured, but a friend reports having trouble finishing even the small sampler.
This wonderful sampler included not only the four fabulous meats but cornbread and two sides. The sides I tried were the macaroni and cheese
and the apple poppy seed coleslaw.
I couldn’t resist winding up with some creamy rice pudding for dessert.
Smokey’s fills the barbecue gap in the Hamden dining scene while offering tasty food at surprisingly reasonable prices. Since I live close by, I’m likely to turn up there every couple of weeks. I close with a photograph of affable owner Dave Irving (left) and two members of his staff.
Smokey’s Char-Grill/BBQ, 3810 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, 203-909-6729
www.smokeyschargrill.com
THE BEST RIBS AND PULLED PORK AROUND. I BROUGHT SOME TO WORK AND EVERY ONE SAID IT IS THE BEST IN CT.(EVEN 1 DAY OLD)
Aweeesome burgers .. First place i think of when ordering
Been to Smokey’s many times since the grand opening and left very satisfied every single time. The service is great, the food is delicious, and it’s always busy. The pulled pork, ribs, brisket, fries, wings, mac&cheese, etc., all tastes homemade! The environment is great too! It’s clean and kid friendly! I can and WILL recommend this place to anyone! Eat at Smokey’s and I promise you wont be dissatisfied!
Outstanding article! Food photos make me salivate and eventually want to try everything on the menu. People photos add a wonderful, warm touch that is inviting, as well. Thank goodness there is someone that recognizes quality cuisine and has the talent and wherewithal to write about it. Welcome back, barbeque!