Hands down the best chicken sandwiches in town. I haven't made my way through the extensive and creative menu yet but i'm working on it. I've had their food on several occasions and have yet to be disappointed. There is always a variety of chicken sandwiches, each unique with tons of flavor. Consistency is huge with me and whether its been at Folklores, Brick or Sangria you can count on Smackeral for it.
Aria G.
Incredible chicken sandwiches that are so inventive! Each one I try outdoes the first. This chef knows what he's doing! Check out their Instagram to find out the next pop up. Unlike other pop ups they are pretty consistently open almost every weekend somewhere in SA.
Lara K.
OH MY GOSH B.E.S.T. Chicken sandwich I've ever had!!! We waited till 9pm on a Sunday to get it and we had NO regrets. Flavors were amazing and brioche was fresh and delicious! We will be back!
Stefany V.
I had no idea pop ups were such a thing in SA. I found a few spots on social media, Smackerel being one of them, that rove around the city and open when other local businesses will let them utilize their kitchen or set up shop in their space. I think it speaks volumes about the chefs and ownership behind businesses like Smackerel that manage to make such connections in the community with their passion projects. Smackerel was at Sangria on the Burg on a Monday, and even coming by a half hour or so after opening, the space was packed. The menu, though limited, still made for difficult choices- ultimately opted for the Nashville hot with a side of mac and cheese, and a cocktail from SOTB's bar menu. The sandwiches are definitely worth the hype, boasting a huge chunk of chicken breast, with a thin seasoned crust, cooked thoroughly but still juicy, nestled in a bun that was over buttery but held up through consumption. The seasoning blend used on the Nashville had depth and a good but not overwhelming heat. The mac I'd skip on in the future, in addition to their fries, which are seasoned with sugar- maybe a good contrast for the spice of the Nashville but not a flavor profile I enjoy. I'd try the Lemon Pepper if I caught them again, but here's hoping they eventually get their own space!
John B.
I have been following Smackerel for a while and finally got the chance to make it to a pop-up at Sangria on the Burg Monday. I have to say I was not in one but disappointed the food lived up to everything that I have heard. We tried the Nashville hot chicken which was definitely hot but the honey on it gave it a good sweet taste too. I really like spicy food so I was good with the spice but my wife was wishing there was a milder level. We also go the bbq Mac and cheese and wow it was great! I think I could that sandwich everyday and be happy. The chicken on all the sandwiches was cooked perfectly and were huge pieces.
Donna M.
We went to Smackerel's take over at Sangria on the burg and it was WORTH EVERY PENNY! I got the lemon chicken sandwich and it was big, crunchy, and so flavorful. Definitely stop by if you see them in your neighborhood!
Angie Mendoza
Very informative and so nice and helpful
Luci Adames
The lovely ladies were nice, helpful and very informative.
Steven G.
This is one of my favorite places and by far my favorite friend chicken. Not an adventurous eater but they have introduced me to some very unique flavor compositions and a lot of stuff that I have not seen anywhere else.
Rodel B.
We happened to come across their pop up at a new coffee shop and it caught my eye when I saw chicken katsu sandwich. I'm from Hawaii and love all things with katsu - so I had to try it out. I'm definitely glad i did.
Smackerel is amazing! These past two pop ups at Sangria on the Burg have been exciting! The Lemon-pepper chicken sandwich is one of my favorites, please note ONE of my favorites, because I have so many! The sandwiches are huge, the side of fries are crispy, and the service is welcoming, which makes everything taste better!
S H.
I first heard about this place from SA live. I tried them immediately the following day. I tried practically every sandwich they had on their menu and every. Single. One. Was a slam dunk. Really looking forward to chowing down at the next pop up! Highly recommend everyone giving this place a try!
Bunny La Baer
Had a great expiriance today with awesome knowledgeable friendly staff! I tried out the juice they had today with and extra shot of CBD, it was delicious! I got a chance to try their topicals and used it on my hands, and I can feel the stiffness fading! cant wait to try the sublingual drops!
Gisselle Z.
One of the best chicken sandwiches I have ever had! I got a taste of the Lemon Pepper and the Nashville Hot--flavor of the chicken and sauces is on point for BOTH sandwiches. Everything on the sandwich is QUALITY! I can't wait to catch some of their other flavors, it seems like they always have something fresh and exciting to try.
Lindsay W.
"Hey, you sexy thang," is what I sang internally to my Katsu Chicken Sandwich from the pop-up restaurant of Smackerel. Pop-up restaurant meaning that they are nomad of cooking in the San Antonio area. They do not serve out of a dedicated kitchen on wheels or in a restaurant, but they adapt to each space that they are invited to cook and serve out of. For instance, I dined with them in Shotgun House Coffee Roasters off of Buena Vista. How did I find out they'd be there you ask? Their social media presence, and I wasn't even following them! Shotgun House mentioned on their Instagram page that Smackerel would be serving out of their space on a Sunday with a link to Smackerel's. If those pictures of their food doesn't get you drooling I don't know what will. Their menu varies depending on what supplies they have on hand to bring to the pop-up location, but they are all variations on the beautiful fried chicken sandwich. That Sunday I went they had Lemon Pepper, Katsu, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Donut, and *drumroll* Golden Grahams (yes, the cereal). You order and pay at the pop-up vs. at the register of wherever the space is being hosted out of, and the folks their are real nice. Polite, friendly, and seem like a bunch of good people. Each sandwich is made fresh to order so the fried chicken comes out the way it is supposed to: hot, crispy, and delicious. The Katsu was the bomb. Spicy mayo, big ole piece of crispy chicken, and a nice cabbage coleslaw to cool the heat and provide some different delicious flavors. 10/10 would get again. Next level chicken would be if the bun was slightly toasted though. Mind would be blown. Smackerel doesn't have brick and mortar roots yet, but I sure hope they are on a track to get them one.
Hands down the best chicken sandwiches in town. I haven't made my way through the extensive and creative menu yet but i'm working on it. I've had their food on several occasions and have yet to be disappointed. There is always a variety of chicken sandwiches, each unique with tons of flavor. Consistency is huge with me and whether its been at Folklores, Brick or Sangria you can count on Smackeral for it.
Incredible chicken sandwiches that are so inventive! Each one I try outdoes the first. This chef knows what he's doing! Check out their Instagram to find out the next pop up. Unlike other pop ups they are pretty consistently open almost every weekend somewhere in SA.
OH MY GOSH B.E.S.T. Chicken sandwich I've ever had!!! We waited till 9pm on a Sunday to get it and we had NO regrets. Flavors were amazing and brioche was fresh and delicious! We will be back!
I had no idea pop ups were such a thing in SA. I found a few spots on social media, Smackerel being one of them, that rove around the city and open when other local businesses will let them utilize their kitchen or set up shop in their space. I think it speaks volumes about the chefs and ownership behind businesses like Smackerel that manage to make such connections in the community with their passion projects. Smackerel was at Sangria on the Burg on a Monday, and even coming by a half hour or so after opening, the space was packed. The menu, though limited, still made for difficult choices- ultimately opted for the Nashville hot with a side of mac and cheese, and a cocktail from SOTB's bar menu. The sandwiches are definitely worth the hype, boasting a huge chunk of chicken breast, with a thin seasoned crust, cooked thoroughly but still juicy, nestled in a bun that was over buttery but held up through consumption. The seasoning blend used on the Nashville had depth and a good but not overwhelming heat. The mac I'd skip on in the future, in addition to their fries, which are seasoned with sugar- maybe a good contrast for the spice of the Nashville but not a flavor profile I enjoy. I'd try the Lemon Pepper if I caught them again, but here's hoping they eventually get their own space!
I have been following Smackerel for a while and finally got the chance to make it to a pop-up at Sangria on the Burg Monday. I have to say I was not in one but disappointed the food lived up to everything that I have heard. We tried the Nashville hot chicken which was definitely hot but the honey on it gave it a good sweet taste too. I really like spicy food so I was good with the spice but my wife was wishing there was a milder level. We also go the bbq Mac and cheese and wow it was great! I think I could that sandwich everyday and be happy. The chicken on all the sandwiches was cooked perfectly and were huge pieces.
We went to Smackerel's take over at Sangria on the burg and it was WORTH EVERY PENNY! I got the lemon chicken sandwich and it was big, crunchy, and so flavorful. Definitely stop by if you see them in your neighborhood!
Very informative and so nice and helpful
The lovely ladies were nice, helpful and very informative.
This is one of my favorite places and by far my favorite friend chicken. Not an adventurous eater but they have introduced me to some very unique flavor compositions and a lot of stuff that I have not seen anywhere else.
We happened to come across their pop up at a new coffee shop and it caught my eye when I saw chicken katsu sandwich. I'm from Hawaii and love all things with katsu - so I had to try it out. I'm definitely glad i did.
Restaurantji Recommends
Smackerel is amazing! These past two pop ups at Sangria on the Burg have been exciting! The Lemon-pepper chicken sandwich is one of my favorites, please note ONE of my favorites, because I have so many! The sandwiches are huge, the side of fries are crispy, and the service is welcoming, which makes everything taste better!
I first heard about this place from SA live. I tried them immediately the following day. I tried practically every sandwich they had on their menu and every. Single. One. Was a slam dunk. Really looking forward to chowing down at the next pop up! Highly recommend everyone giving this place a try!
Had a great expiriance today with awesome knowledgeable friendly staff! I tried out the juice they had today with and extra shot of CBD, it was delicious! I got a chance to try their topicals and used it on my hands, and I can feel the stiffness fading! cant wait to try the sublingual drops!
One of the best chicken sandwiches I have ever had! I got a taste of the Lemon Pepper and the Nashville Hot--flavor of the chicken and sauces is on point for BOTH sandwiches. Everything on the sandwich is QUALITY! I can't wait to catch some of their other flavors, it seems like they always have something fresh and exciting to try.
"Hey, you sexy thang," is what I sang internally to my Katsu Chicken Sandwich from the pop-up restaurant of Smackerel. Pop-up restaurant meaning that they are nomad of cooking in the San Antonio area. They do not serve out of a dedicated kitchen on wheels or in a restaurant, but they adapt to each space that they are invited to cook and serve out of. For instance, I dined with them in Shotgun House Coffee Roasters off of Buena Vista. How did I find out they'd be there you ask? Their social media presence, and I wasn't even following them! Shotgun House mentioned on their Instagram page that Smackerel would be serving out of their space on a Sunday with a link to Smackerel's. If those pictures of their food doesn't get you drooling I don't know what will. Their menu varies depending on what supplies they have on hand to bring to the pop-up location, but they are all variations on the beautiful fried chicken sandwich. That Sunday I went they had Lemon Pepper, Katsu, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Donut, and *drumroll* Golden Grahams (yes, the cereal). You order and pay at the pop-up vs. at the register of wherever the space is being hosted out of, and the folks their are real nice. Polite, friendly, and seem like a bunch of good people. Each sandwich is made fresh to order so the fried chicken comes out the way it is supposed to: hot, crispy, and delicious. The Katsu was the bomb. Spicy mayo, big ole piece of crispy chicken, and a nice cabbage coleslaw to cool the heat and provide some different delicious flavors. 10/10 would get again. Next level chicken would be if the bun was slightly toasted though. Mind would be blown. Smackerel doesn't have brick and mortar roots yet, but I sure hope they are on a track to get them one.