Smokehouse Blues: 4855 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor
A Memphis Style BBQ joint located on Washtenaw Ave., in Pittsfield Township; Smokehouse Blues boasts a full service bar, traditional Southern Barbecue, typical American grill fair and a catering business. This is another example of a restaurant that appears to be a chain (not a mom and pop) but isn't. I actually went in and asked before we ate. Deborah and I went after seeing the Dalai Lama speak so we were in a pretty contented, the world is a beautiful serene place sort of mood.
I have to admit, that I was scared. I had been to Smokehouse Blues a few years back with my buddy, Matt and was really disappointed. Deborah was encouraging and I felt calm enough to embark on the adventure. I am so glad I did!
My Meal: Fried Okra Appetizer, Tennessee Two Step Platter w/ Pulled Pork, 1/2 Slab of Memphis-Style (Dry Rub) Ribs, Southern Greens, Mac & Cheese and Corn Bread, with a Diet Coke (I really do prefer Diet Pepsi over Diet Coke, but alas, that was all they had)
My Cost: $31.73
Atmosphere: Very dark. When you walk in, the first thing you see is a bar with big screens and a ton of liquor bottles (I tend to notice liquor bottles) stacked up behind. A few people were hanging out watching the Pistons and I was a little jealous of them (I love the Pistons). We were seated in the main dining (non-smoking, I think) area. Pretty typical booths. The space was a strange mix of chain bar and grill feel: nondescript, sterile (think chili's or applebee's) and nostalgic blues restaurant. Great posters of jazz musicians on the walls and a beautiful hutch in the corner (i totally want to steal it). The music was awesome; jazz and blues all the way.
Service: Our server, Chris, was awesome. One of those awesome servers that you totally want to hang out with. Personable and laid-back, he was extremely knowledgeable about the food and offered great suggestions. Our food was timely and he was attentive. The only weird part is the strange young woman who took our actual orders (Chris must have been busy with something). The first thing she said is "I like your hair, where'd you get it done?" Now, I'll accept the compliment, but it was a bit off-putting and inappropriate for the moment. Plus, it caught me off guard. I'm not a fan of being caught off guard (are you?). Also, she happened to be in the restroom at the same time as her; awkward. Plus, I said, "you're out of soap." She said, "I'll get someone to replace it right away." She did not. Dirty liar. The next time I went in (I drink a lot of soda), I went into the men's bathroom to wash my hands. Bonus points for the great photographs leading to the charmless, soapless restrooms.
Taste: F**king incredible! I am no longer skeptical. The pulled pork knocked me so far out of my boots that I landed at another table across the room. Tender and smoky with just enough heat to make you feel it and a great hickory flavor. The fried okra was spot on with some lightly spiced breading that wasn't soggy or too thick. The roumalade was great, though I do regret the use of the Cajun ranch dressing. My ribs were cooked beautifully with a great amount of sweet heat. Falling off the bone good. Oh, the greens - not too peppery (I've found that at times) and not greasy (I've eaten greasy greens). Plus man, that mac and cheese is to die for. It actually made me feel like I was getting a hug from my Southern grandma (though my grandmothers were not Southern, nor did they ever make mac and cheese to my recollection). I tried Deborah's BBQ beans and they were scrumptious. The cornbread was my only disappointment, but I used it to soak up all that yummy BBQ sauce from the pulled pork and everything was all right.
Value: I got exactly what I paid for and then some. Awesome portions (not heaping, but big enough), great flavor and great service. I only wish I would have had soap in the bathroom. I'm going to forgive this a bit, just because the food was so good. I mean, this was good.
Breakdown
Atmosphere 1 2 3 4 5
Service 1 2 3 4 5
Taste 1 2 3 4 5
Value 1 2 3 4 5
OVERALL: 4.25
ELEPHANT COUNT
Atmosphere 1 2 3 4 5
Service 1 2 3 4 5
Taste 1 2 3 4 5
Value 1 2 3 4 5
OVERALL: 4.25
ELEPHANT COUNT
Bloody fantastic, chaps! I highly recommend Smokehouse Blues. And I can say that I don't believe it was because of the Dalai Lama. This is a good restaurant. Plain and simple. Soul Food at it's best here in Washtenaw County.
Happy Eating......at Smokehouse Blues
1 comment:
My boyfriend used to work at Smoke House before we met. So, we have gone several times in the last couple of years.
It is one of those places that we go, but I am never really satisfied:-( But, I really do like the atmosphere and there is nothing like going to a restaurant where you know people.
The last time I was there I tried the prime rib. I honestly thought it was horrible! It was not so much that it was smoked, but the amount of smoke was insane! I brought my left overs home (I'm pregnant and I will eat bad food if I am hungry enough) and my entire apartment smelled as if there was a fire for hours when I reheated my food! It was just gross.
Although I do agree that the pulled pork is good (not the best, but good) and I agree that the corn bread is a disappointment, I have to disagree about the mac n cheese. I order it every time out of the hope that it will be better. I always find it very dry. I prefer my mac n cheese to be more creamy or at least cheesy.
I do have to say that the next time I go to Smoke House I am going to try the ribs! That sounds really good!
I will also say that when we do go out for dinner it tends to be a later dinner. It is very possible that the quality of the food deteriorates as the night goes on:-(
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