Smoke Berkeley LLC

This is a small joint in Berkeley to taste good bbq. San Pablo is a busy street so sometimes it is difficult to find parking. Ribs are good and brisket as well. A bit spicy for my taste but mi wife wants to come back. Service was fast and owner is friendly.

Brisket was not what I expected. I Ordered with door dash for pick up, so my husband picked it up. To be honest I am comparing you to another restaurant experience and I'm use to it being juicy not dry and there was a lot of fat on it. We also ordered the chicken and the links on a Saturday evening those options were also to dry. The mild sauce bbq had more of a vinegar flavor. I paid over $100 and it was not worth it for us.

Stopped by for lunch.... good stuff, and nice alternative to E&Js which has become a bit commercial over the years. Certainly Worth a try. I had a mixed pork rib and beef brisket platter ($18) with jalapeño macNcheese and collard greens. The beef was tender and juicy, though not as rich and flavorful as I might have wished. The ribs were perfect. In value terms it was more food than I was able to eat. Would have been perfect for 2. Next time I’ll go with a single plate, which at $11 seems also like a good value. I had medium BBQ sauce, which is served on the side. Delicious, tangy, with a bit of afterburn the completed the meat well. You don’t usually go to BBQ for the atmosphere, but this place, with scads of outside seating, and tons of original grit, could almost be called cute. Only two people work here, one is in charge of meat and food, and the other taking orders, so if you’re looking for fast food... look elsewhere.

Okay ribs, not as tender as I wanted. I like the spiciness of the sauce but it's a bit too vinegary. They make fresh squeezed lemonade in front of you! Good Mac n Cheese. Collardgreens was good, not salty like most places I've eaten. Excellent customer service.

I liked every about this place. Small spot, but has seating inside and out back. Everyone was very friendly, the owner started a conversation with me right when I walked in the door and recommended a couple good dishes. I got a brisket sandwich that he sliced right in front of me and was incredibly tender, and the cheesy rice as the side, which was almost as good as the sandwich. A friend also recommended I try their homemade pies, so I got a piece of pecan pie and I wasn't disappointed. Overall, I thought the food both tasted better and was more affordable than other BBQ restaurants in the area. This is my go-to BBQ spot from now on.

Super friendly nice folks serving great food. The brisket is super tasty. Great potato salad. They offer lots of side dish options and they look amazing.

Didn't know what to think at first cause it's in the back of Spats. But it is delicious! Friendly employees too.

Delicious, and authentic, BBQ in East Bay. Sean and Tina know their smoke, and aren't stingy with the portion or hot sauce heat. Bring your appetite and get ready to feast!