Doc M.
Google
Like a lot of folks who’ve relocated to the area, when the BBQ craving hits, I’ve gone to the usual suspects—Terry Black’s, Hard Eight, and a few others. And don’t get me wrong, they’re good in their own right. But something was missing. A flavor. A familiarity. That unmistakable home-cooked note that good barbecue—and the sides—are supposed to have.
Scrolling through TikTok… or maybe Instagram (you know how that goes), I came across an influencer raving about Smoke-A-Holics BBQ. What stopped me cold wasn’t the meat—it was the collard greens on the plate. And at the start of the year, when greens are calling your name, you answer.
So I headed over to Smoke-A-Holics, wondering why I had never stopped in before.
I got there and learned the collard greens are only available on Wednesdays and Saturdays (at least that’s what I was told—and trust me, I made a mental note). Instead of turning around, I decided to do a test run: If the barbecue is right, I’ll be back. Period.
I skipped the full plate and ordered a barbecue sandwich, some smoked salmon with crackers, and finished it off with their Coca-Cola cake.
Here’s how good it was: I was talking on my phone and eating at the same time—and completely forgot to take a photo. By the time I looked up, the plate was basically a memory.
Let me be clear:
That barbecue is some of the best I’ve had in a long while. No exaggeration. No hype.
The meat was tender, seasoned just right, and balanced—smoke, flavor, and texture all in harmony. The smoked salmon was a pleasant surprise. And the cake… listen, if you know, you know.
I’m honestly tempted to go back tomorrow—for the collard greens and more barbecue. Because when a place gets it right, you don’t overthink it. You just return.
Smoke-A-Holics didn’t just satisfy a craving—it reminded me what barbecue is supposed to taste like.
And yes… next time, I’m getting the greens.