LouisvilleLunch.com

Barbecue. Yeah, I know. Another one. If they’d stop popping up all over the place, I wouldn’t have to try them all. But, oh how boring eating out would be without barbecue. Keep reading to see how Smoketown USA holds up against the competition.

Smoketown USA is run by a “Redneck Jew that likes to hunt and used to be a massage therapist” (his words). This diversity is also shown in both the menu and décor of this out of the way restaurant. They’re using (unknowingly, I assume) one of mine and my wife’s great ideas: Everything in the place is for sale. It’s one giant yardsale. You like the salt and pepper shakers on the table? They’re yours for five bucks. You may also bring in your stuff and sell it on consignment. My wife and I had come up with this idea driving back from my hometown, and elaborated on it almost every trip after. Oh well, that’s what we get for not following up (or selling the idea! Drats…)

My father, visiting from out of town, and I visited this place one lazy Sunday afternoon. We sat down and got our ears talked off by the super friendly owner, Eric David Gould. We both enjoyed the friendly, humorous conversation. My father and I both really like us some BBQ. Preferably pulled-pork sandwiches. Needless to say that’s what we both ordered. The sandwiches ($6.95) come with two sides (which is a nice surprise), so Dad got the Tex Mex Pintos and Macaroni and Cheese, which is apparently a special item that’s not on the menu. I went with a Cornbread Muffin (sweet, not jalapeño) and the special Mac and Cheese.

The BBQ sandwich was piled high with very moist pulled pork. Dad thought the meat was too moist for his liking, and made the bun soggy. I really liked mine, however. Moist, juicy barbecue is good in my book. Their sauce was good, but it didn’t knock either of us off our feet. 

The macaroni and cheese was, well, nothing I couldn’t have made out of a box. It wasn’t very cheesy, and was a bit dry. Not that any Mac and Cheese is terrible, it was just kinda plain. 

Dad didn’t like the Pinto Beans. I think he ate one bite of them. I’m not a big baked bean eater, so I didn’t try them to see why. 

The Sweet Cornbread was really good. That’s a plus!

The service was awesome, the place was clean, and I remember walking away satisfied, but as I sit and write this review, it doesn’t seem too favorable, does it? The BBQ sandwich did kinda stand out, but 2/3 of the sides we sampled stood out the opposite way. I still recommend it just for the sandwich, but my score’s gonna be a bit low because of the sides. Sorry!

The owner said that they try to cater their side items to vegetarians, since most vegetarians don’t eat the barbecue here (ha). They even have a Vegetable plate on the menu consisting of 3 sides and cornbread ($5.25), and all you can eat Beans and Rice with Cornbread for $5.95 and salads! Salads at a BBQ Joint? Unheard of!

Another perk is children 6 and under receive one FREE meal with each adult meal purchased. Kids meals come with 1 side item and a cookie. That’s a great deal (even though their kid’s meals are dirt cheap any way). It’s a nice touch, and will more than likely make my wife and I bring our two hooligans out for a cheap date.

Rating: 6/10

Address: 1153 Logan St. | Louisville, KY
Phone: (502) 409-9180
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