Smoke Shop BBQ Opens at Assembly Row in Somerville | Eater Boston

"The third outpost from chef and pitmaster Andy Husbands brings the brand’s signature smoked-meat barbecue to a standalone Assembly Row space, delivering a barn-like, industrial “city Q” vibe with high angled ceilings, extensive woodwork, a cut-out knife wall, stone accents, a giant wooden American flag spanning the ceiling, and prominently displayed barbecue-competition awards — all underscored by the overwhelming smell of cooked brisket. The menu sticks to classics like brisket, slabs of ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, cornmeal-battered catfish, and fried chicken, plus sides such as Texas toast, cornbread, mac and cheese, and bacon collard greens, while adding new items including an all-natural rotisserie barbecue chicken, pork belly burnt ends with pickled peaches, and barbecue-spiced peanuts as a bar snack; there are also non-meat options like chicharron-style fried tofu with a vegetable salad and many gluten-free choices. Cocktails include frozen offerings (an Alabama slammer and a frosé sangria), but the beverage draw is an impressive whiskey wall — touted as New England’s largest collection of American whiskey, stacked four shelves high behind the bar. Housed in a newly built standalone unit across from a Caffè Nero, the 240-seat restaurant (30 bar seats, 120 in the main dining room, 30 in a convertible private dining area, plus patio seating) was designed with Sousa Design Architects and is open daily 11 a.m.–1 a.m. with the kitchen operating until 11 p.m." - Dana Hatic