I feel so bad I recently reviewed a smokehouse thinking it was this place!!THIS PLACE, (SMOKED BERKELEY), absolutely sucks not only was the person taking the order,rude and condescending, I had a smoked beef dish that was just dry as a bone and the side dishes and the beef were very expensive. Don't waste your time go elsewhere!!!!!This Is not a false review, I realize they are closed now but when I went there they had a salmon dish on the menu very dry over smoked, meaning not too much smoke but just dried out. They also had a beef item I believe it was brisket but I am not sure which cut of meat it was it was beef and it was you know it was okay but again for the price it just wasn't all that!
Nunu Glover Holloway
They've always had the best barbecue in Berkeley for the past 5 years or so.They were 1st located on San Pablo Avenue by the old car wash place place.We miss Tina we all called her Momma Tina and her sonShawn and the crew.They are fantastic I hope she's OK.
Google user
Brisket was not what I expected. I Ordered with door dash for pick up, so my husband picked it up. To be honest I am comparing you to another restaurant experience and I'm use to it being juicy not dry and there was a lot of fat on it. We also ordered the chicken and the links on a Saturday evening those options were also to dry. The mild sauce bbq had more of a vinegar flavor. I paid over $100 and it was not worth it for us.
Zara Woo
Got the pulled pork sandwich with mac and cheese which was very good. But I also got the sweet potato pie which was... awful. It was really sour? My friends and I all took one bite and then threw it away. Everything else was great.
Jerry L.
Brisket (fatty) - Whoa pretty good! Tender, juicy, and definitely fatty. Bark was pretty flavorful too Pork ribs - Eh, not bad. Some parts were tender, some were dry. Mac n cheese - Sooo good! Coleslaw - No :(
Monika F.
Best BBQ in The Bay. Seriously. I've been going to Smoke for about seven years, and I swear their BBQ just keeps getting better and better. Every couple of months, Pitmaster Sean finds a new way to blow me away. My dad is from central Texas, and he introduced me to Smoke as his favorite BBQ place. Both Chef Tina and her son Pitmaster Sean are Texas transplants themselves, and they haven't let California dilute their Texas flavor or southern hospitality! Smoke is a little slice of Texas-paradise in downtown Berkeley! Honestly, the brisket is better than any brisket I've ever had, even *in* Texas! The brisket is obviously my favorite, and the ribs are a close second. Served with either mild or hot sauce and a fresh slice of cornbread. The brisket is authentic Texas-style brisket with a crispy black smokey exterior bark, succulent fall-apart interior, and seasoning that simply elevates the natural flavor of their delicious beef. If you're looking for something lighter - the Tea Smoked Salmon is a nice option. But seriously. Do yourself a favor and get the brisket and/or the ribs! Many of Smoke's sides are old family recipes from Chef Tina's family. Aunt Idella's Corn Salad is one of my favorites. Granny's Collard Greens are another favorite of mine - though be warned, sometimes there's just as much pork as there are greens in these collard greens! If it's vegetables you're looking for - I recommend Nana's Coleslaw (a vinegar&oil slaw, no mayo). Nana's Potato Salad, Pappy's Baked Beans, and Sean's Jalapeño Mac 'n Cheese are all also phenomenal. You really can't go wrong. Let's talk about dessert! Chef Tina's pies are just as sweet as she is! The pecan pie is absolute perfection, and sometimes she makes seasonal desserts too with fresh-picked fruits, like peach cobbler! There is so much love at Smoke! Love for the craft of BBQ, love for their customers, and love for their community. If you need yet another reason to give Smoke your business - do it to support some folks that are truly doing more than most of us to support their local community here in the East Bay. They've been active advocates on the Berkeley City Council, and they're passionate about hiring formerly incarcerated folks; providing job training and a supportive environment for people in need. Go to Smoke to fill your heart, and your belly!
Sadek Baroudi
The drinks are great, but the staff is phenomenal! Friendly, responsive, and just all around great. Would definitely recommend.
Alma Ortega (MLA)
Brisket was not what I expected. I Ordered with door dash for pick up, so my husband picked it up. To be honest I am comparing you to another restaurant experience and I'm use to it being juicy not dry and there was a lot of fat on it. We also ordered the chicken and the links on a Saturday evening those options were also to dry. The mild sauce bbq had more of a vinegar flavor. I paid over $100 and it was not worth it for us.
Thomas DeWitt Jr
Very friendly staff. I was given a sample of brisket it was very tender. I like the baked beans.
I ordered the Smoked Pork Sando1/2 lb to go with the HOT BBQ BOMBTASTIC! There's a story. I was so hungry I cut it in half, started dipping and chowing.. ate 1/2, took a moment for a breath and OH LORD! That HOT BBQ came up and BAM! Flame Thrower on the tongue SMACKED ME! ... But it's to TOO DAMN good you keep going, YOU FIGHT through the HEAT and TEARS, and take another dip and soak that bun BBQ Soldier! SO DAMN GOOD!!
Junhee K.
Amazing place! I had brisket and rib. It was AMAZING! Also so friendly and amazing service! Highly recommend!!!
Terrell Rattler
Nice environment, it has changed a lot with the customers service? The Meal was pretty good too??
Zane L.
I had a delicious 2 meat plate (brisket + ribs) featuring great service from Sean @Smoke Berkeley. Had a slight mix-up on the initial DoorDash order with the pork ribs being sold out, but Sean was extremely kind to offer me a huge serving of beef rib alongside the brisket + an extra side of Hot Pepper Vinegar Sauce alongside my order of BBQ sauce. Overall extremely tasty brisket and ribs with wonderful service. Loved the hot pepper vinegar sauce and will definitely be back to try the pork ribs. The side of beans was delicious as well with big portions overall. Thanks again Sean!
Caroline A.
Good bbq, very tasty Mac and cheese, and delicious pecan pie! Portions weren't huge and the cornbread was unremarkable, but the brisket and Mac and cheese are worth returning for!
They have some deals!!!
I feel so bad I recently reviewed a smokehouse thinking it was this place!!THIS PLACE, (SMOKED BERKELEY), absolutely sucks not only was the person taking the order,rude and condescending, I had a smoked beef dish that was just dry as a bone and the side dishes and the beef were very expensive. Don't waste your time go elsewhere!!!!!This Is not a false review, I realize they are closed now but when I went there they had a salmon dish on the menu very dry over smoked, meaning not too much smoke but just dried out. They also had a beef item I believe it was brisket but I am not sure which cut of meat it was it was beef and it was you know it was okay but again for the price it just wasn't all that!
They've always had the best barbecue in Berkeley for the past 5 years or so.They were 1st located on San Pablo Avenue by the old car wash place place.We miss Tina we all called her Momma Tina and her sonShawn and the crew.They are fantastic I hope she's OK.
Brisket was not what I expected. I Ordered with door dash for pick up, so my husband picked it up. To be honest I am comparing you to another restaurant experience and I'm use to it being juicy not dry and there was a lot of fat on it. We also ordered the chicken and the links on a Saturday evening those options were also to dry. The mild sauce bbq had more of a vinegar flavor. I paid over $100 and it was not worth it for us.
Got the pulled pork sandwich with mac and cheese which was very good. But I also got the sweet potato pie which was... awful. It was really sour? My friends and I all took one bite and then threw it away. Everything else was great.
Brisket (fatty) - Whoa pretty good! Tender, juicy, and definitely fatty. Bark was pretty flavorful too Pork ribs - Eh, not bad. Some parts were tender, some were dry. Mac n cheese - Sooo good! Coleslaw - No :(
Best BBQ in The Bay. Seriously. I've been going to Smoke for about seven years, and I swear their BBQ just keeps getting better and better. Every couple of months, Pitmaster Sean finds a new way to blow me away. My dad is from central Texas, and he introduced me to Smoke as his favorite BBQ place. Both Chef Tina and her son Pitmaster Sean are Texas transplants themselves, and they haven't let California dilute their Texas flavor or southern hospitality! Smoke is a little slice of Texas-paradise in downtown Berkeley! Honestly, the brisket is better than any brisket I've ever had, even *in* Texas! The brisket is obviously my favorite, and the ribs are a close second. Served with either mild or hot sauce and a fresh slice of cornbread. The brisket is authentic Texas-style brisket with a crispy black smokey exterior bark, succulent fall-apart interior, and seasoning that simply elevates the natural flavor of their delicious beef. If you're looking for something lighter - the Tea Smoked Salmon is a nice option. But seriously. Do yourself a favor and get the brisket and/or the ribs! Many of Smoke's sides are old family recipes from Chef Tina's family. Aunt Idella's Corn Salad is one of my favorites. Granny's Collard Greens are another favorite of mine - though be warned, sometimes there's just as much pork as there are greens in these collard greens! If it's vegetables you're looking for - I recommend Nana's Coleslaw (a vinegar&oil slaw, no mayo). Nana's Potato Salad, Pappy's Baked Beans, and Sean's Jalapeño Mac 'n Cheese are all also phenomenal. You really can't go wrong. Let's talk about dessert! Chef Tina's pies are just as sweet as she is! The pecan pie is absolute perfection, and sometimes she makes seasonal desserts too with fresh-picked fruits, like peach cobbler! There is so much love at Smoke! Love for the craft of BBQ, love for their customers, and love for their community. If you need yet another reason to give Smoke your business - do it to support some folks that are truly doing more than most of us to support their local community here in the East Bay. They've been active advocates on the Berkeley City Council, and they're passionate about hiring formerly incarcerated folks; providing job training and a supportive environment for people in need. Go to Smoke to fill your heart, and your belly!
The drinks are great, but the staff is phenomenal! Friendly, responsive, and just all around great. Would definitely recommend.
Brisket was not what I expected. I Ordered with door dash for pick up, so my husband picked it up. To be honest I am comparing you to another restaurant experience and I'm use to it being juicy not dry and there was a lot of fat on it. We also ordered the chicken and the links on a Saturday evening those options were also to dry. The mild sauce bbq had more of a vinegar flavor. I paid over $100 and it was not worth it for us.
Very friendly staff. I was given a sample of brisket it was very tender. I like the baked beans.
Restaurantji Recommends
I ordered the Smoked Pork Sando1/2 lb to go with the HOT BBQ BOMBTASTIC! There's a story. I was so hungry I cut it in half, started dipping and chowing.. ate 1/2, took a moment for a breath and OH LORD! That HOT BBQ came up and BAM! Flame Thrower on the tongue SMACKED ME! ... But it's to TOO DAMN good you keep going, YOU FIGHT through the HEAT and TEARS, and take another dip and soak that bun BBQ Soldier! SO DAMN GOOD!!
Amazing place! I had brisket and rib. It was AMAZING! Also so friendly and amazing service! Highly recommend!!!
Nice environment, it has changed a lot with the customers service? The Meal was pretty good too??
I had a delicious 2 meat plate (brisket + ribs) featuring great service from Sean @Smoke Berkeley. Had a slight mix-up on the initial DoorDash order with the pork ribs being sold out, but Sean was extremely kind to offer me a huge serving of beef rib alongside the brisket + an extra side of Hot Pepper Vinegar Sauce alongside my order of BBQ sauce. Overall extremely tasty brisket and ribs with wonderful service. Loved the hot pepper vinegar sauce and will definitely be back to try the pork ribs. The side of beans was delicious as well with big portions overall. Thanks again Sean!
Good bbq, very tasty Mac and cheese, and delicious pecan pie! Portions weren't huge and the cornbread was unremarkable, but the brisket and Mac and cheese are worth returning for!