Smoke curls through the air, the scent of slow-cooked ribs drifting down the block—and just when you think the barbecue will steal the show, a bowl of mac and cheese steps in and flips the script.
At Smoke BBQ, the pitmasters know their way around brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. The smokers run low and slow, turning out plates stacked with smoky, tender meat that makes barbecue lovers weak in the knees.
Then the mac and cheese arrives.
Creamy, rich, and loaded with bold flavor, it’s the kind of side dish that quietly takes center stage. One bite turns heads.
Two bites spark debate at the table: is the mac actually better than the barbecue?
Some swear it is. And when you’re sitting in the heart of Fort Lauderdale with a fork full of that cheesy masterpiece, it’s hard to argue.
The Baked Mac and Cheese
Some side dishes politely stay in their lane. Smoke BBQ’s baked mac and cheese, however, refuses to be upstaged by anyone — not even the smoked brisket.
Customer after customer calls it a showstopper, and honestly, the hype is completely justified. One reviewer described it as “extra creamy and cheesy” and said it “stole the show” at a family meal.
What makes this mac and cheese so special? It starts with a rich, velvety cheese sauce that coats every single piece of pasta perfectly.
Then it gets baked until the top turns golden and slightly crispy, giving you that satisfying crunch before you hit the creamy center beneath. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you close your eyes on the first bite.
Even a wedding catering order for 200 guests featured this mac and cheese as a crowd favorite. Guests raved about it all night.
Whether you’re ordering a two-meat combo plate or feeding a crowd, adding the baked mac and cheese is a non-negotiable move. At Smoke BBQ, this side dish doesn’t just complement the meal — it practically steals the spotlight every single time.
The Brisket
Ask any serious BBQ fan what separates a good smokehouse from a great one, and they’ll tell you it comes down to the brisket. At Smoke BBQ in Fort Lauderdale, the brisket has won over even the toughest critics — including a reviewer who grew up eating BBQ in Texas.
That’s not a small thing. Texas brisket is legendary, and earning praise from a Texan means Smoke BBQ is doing something very right.
The brisket here comes out moist, smoky, and packed with deep flavor. Reviewers consistently use words like “next-level tender” and “incredibly moist” when describing it.
The dark, caramelized bark on the outside gives way to a juicy, pull-apart interior that practically melts in your mouth. Paired with one of Smoke BBQ’s three signature sauces, it becomes a full flavor experience.
One long-time regular noted that after years of ordering, they have never once had a bad meal — and the brisket is always a highlight. Whether you order it as part of a two-meat combo plate or in a sandwich, the brisket at Smoke BBQ consistently delivers that slow-smoked perfection that keeps people coming back again and again.
Baby Back Ribs
There’s a moment at every great BBQ joint when the ribs arrive at the table and the whole room seems to smell better. At Smoke BBQ, that moment happens often.
The baby back ribs here have earned a devoted following, with multiple reviewers calling them the best they’ve ever had — and one customer who visited all the way from the UK left completely blown away.
These ribs are meaty, well-seasoned, and cooked low and slow until the meat practically slides off the bone on its own. The smoke penetrates deep into the meat, creating those beautiful pink smoke rings that BBQ enthusiasts love to see.
Smoke BBQ gives you the option to add sauces on the side, which means you control exactly how saucy or smoky each bite gets.
A family meal option includes a full rack alongside a whole chicken, three large sides, and cornbread — making it an incredible deal for groups. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular who’s been coming for years, the baby back ribs are always a safe and satisfying choice.
Meaty, flavorful, and fall-off-the-bone tender, they represent everything a great BBQ rib should be.
The Pastrami
Pastrami at a BBQ joint might sound unexpected, but Smoke BBQ has turned it into one of their most-talked-about menu items. Reviewers describe it as falling completely apart — in the best possible way.
The meat is so tender and flavorful that even a customer who came in skeptical left calling it one of the best pastrami sandwiches they had ever eaten. That’s a bold claim, and Smoke BBQ backs it up.
The pastrami is slow-smoked with the same care and attention that goes into every protein on the menu. The result is deeply savory, richly spiced meat with a smoky edge that sets it apart from typical deli-style pastrami.
The portion sizes are generous — one reviewer even called theirs “perhaps excessive” — so you definitely get your money’s worth.
Pairing the pastrami with a side of baked mac and cheese or the jalapeño cilantro potato salad takes the meal to another level entirely. Whether you get it as a sandwich or as part of a combo plate, the pastrami at Smoke BBQ delivers a bold, satisfying eating experience.
For anyone who loves deeply flavorful, slow-cooked meat, this is a must-order item every single visit.
The Cornbread with Cinnamon Butter
Cornbread is often treated as an afterthought at BBQ spots — a filler item that arrives on the table and gets politely eaten while people wait for the real food. Smoke BBQ’s cornbread is not that.
Multiple reviewers have gone out of their way to specifically mention it, with one calling it so moist and sweet that it was “almost like eating cake.” The secret weapon? A cinnamon butter spread that takes the whole thing to a completely different level.
The cinnamon butter melts into the warm cornbread, creating a rich, sweet, slightly spiced bite that feels more like dessert than a side dish. One reviewer called it “unreal” and said the cinnamon butter icing was “seriously fire.” When a side dish earns that kind of enthusiasm, you know the kitchen is doing something special.
Cornbread comes included with certain meal options, including the family meal package featuring ribs and chicken. Even if it’s not automatically included in your order, it’s absolutely worth adding on.
A warm square of Smoke BBQ’s cornbread with cinnamon butter is one of those small, perfect moments that makes the whole dining experience feel complete. Do not leave without trying it.
The Two-Meat Combo Plate
For first-time visitors who can’t decide what to order, the two-meat combo plate is the smartest move on the menu. It lets you sample two of Smoke BBQ’s smoked proteins alongside your choice of sides, giving you a full picture of what this Fort Lauderdale gem is all about.
Popular combinations include brisket and pastrami, brisket and ribs, and pulled pork with just about anything.
The combo format is perfect for people who want variety without committing to a single protein. Reviewers consistently praise the combo plates for delivering generous portions at a reasonable price point.
The meats arrive tender and flavorful, with that signature deep smokiness that tells you they’ve been treated with patience and skill. Add the baked mac and cheese and jalapeño potato salad as your sides, and you’ve built one of the best meals in South Florida.
Service at Smoke BBQ is counter-style and quick, so your combo plate arrives fast without feeling rushed. The casual, brick-walled setting makes it a relaxed and comfortable place to enjoy a big, satisfying meal.
Whether you’re eating in or grabbing a quick lunch near the beach, the two-meat combo is consistently one of the most popular orders at Smoke BBQ for very good reason.
The BBQ Sauces
Great BBQ sauce doesn’t try to cover up the meat — it enhances it. Smoke BBQ keeps their sauce selection simple and focused, offering just three options.
That restraint is actually a sign of confidence. When your smoked meats are this good, you don’t need a wall of condiments to distract from them.
Reviewers specifically call out the sauces as “spot on” and well-balanced.
The spicy BBQ sauce gets special attention from customers who like their food with a kick. One reviewer urged everyone to try it, saying it elevated the already-impressive pastrami and spare ribs to a whole new level.
The sauces are served on the side, giving you full control over how much — or how little — you want with each bite. That approach respects the quality of the smoked meat while still offering flexibility.
Whether you prefer a classic smoky-sweet sauce or something with more heat, Smoke BBQ’s trio covers the bases without overwhelming the menu. The sweet tea, which reviewers describe as perfectly balanced and refreshing, pairs beautifully with any of the sauces and meats.
Together, the sauces and sides create a complete and thoughtful flavor experience that feels authentically American and genuinely delicious from start to finish.
Catering by Smoke BBQ
Planning a big event in South Florida and want to feed a crowd with something truly memorable? Smoke BBQ’s catering operation has already proven itself at parties, corporate events, and even weddings.
One couple hired Smoke BBQ to cater their daughter’s wedding for 200 guests, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The mac and cheese alone was described as a “HUGE hit” by the mother of the bride.
The catering team, led by a coordinator named Michelle, handles the logistics smoothly and professionally. Reviewers praise the on-time delivery, generous portions, and seamless setup.
Multiple catering customers mention they would hire Smoke BBQ again without hesitation — which is the highest compliment a catering service can receive. When 200 wedding guests are happy, you know the food and service both delivered.
Typical catering orders include brisket, baby back ribs, chicken, and a rotating selection of sides like mac and cheese, cornbread, and potato salad. The food travels well and stays flavorful, which is crucial for large-scale events.
If you’re in the Fort Lauderdale area and need BBQ catering that will genuinely impress your guests, Smoke BBQ deserves to be at the very top of your list. Reach them at +1 954-530-5334 or visit eatsmokebbq.com.
The Atmosphere and Overall Experience
Walking into Smoke BBQ feels like stepping into exactly the kind of place you hoped existed near the beach. The brick walls, casual counter-service setup, and classic rock on the sound system — one reviewer mentioned rocking out to the Scorpions — create a vibe that’s relaxed, unpretentious, and genuinely fun.
It’s small, which only adds to the charm. You feel like you’ve found a local secret.
The staff consistently earns praise for being friendly, attentive, and full of helpful recommendations. New locals have called it their go-to spot after just one visit.
Tourists from as far away as the UK have made it a destination specifically to experience a real American smokehouse — and left completely satisfied. That kind of cross-cultural appeal speaks to just how universally good the food is.
Smoke BBQ is open most days starting at 11:30 AM, with Sunday hours beginning at noon. The price point lands at a very reasonable mid-range, making it accessible without feeling cheap.
Located at 3351 NE 32nd St, it’s convenient to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and the surrounding beach communities. For anyone craving honest, expertly smoked BBQ in a warm and welcoming setting, Smoke BBQ delivers a full experience worth every single bite.