Cherylynn N.
Yelp
As someone that grew up in a frugal Chinesey household, I was thrown off by a $9 bao on Irving street.
My mom was so frugal, there was a place to hang up paper towels because it was going to get a second or third life, or until it was hole-y like your fav draws.
I didn't inherit her extreme frugalness but $9 for a bao seemed steep. But, this isn't your usual char siu bao tho...
This is a Texas BBQ Bao!
And, we know BBQ isn't cheap.
Their OG Brisket Bao is a labor of love between two cultures, the baked milk bread is filled with 15-hour smoked brisket (chopped lean cut). Tho lightly sauced, the peppery brisket was dry and the sauce had a distinctive tang (a little too sour for my preference).
I don't mind paying $9 per bao but I was hoping for more meat as there was quite a large air pocket. Maybe it was an off batch? FYI, it's the same size as your usual char siu bao.
If you're feeling generous, bring a box to the fam to share... just don't tell mom the price and you're good. ;)
O T H E R I N F O
* Smokin' D's BBQ started as a pop-up at SF and Oakland Farmers Markets. With their new brick and mortar in Outer Sunset, they'll continue appearing at farmers markets.
* Limited soft opening hours - 8/16: Close at 8 pm, 8/17: 12 PM - 6 PM, 8/18: 9 AM - 4 PM, 8/19: 10 AM - 6 PM. See IG for info.
* Limited menu soft opening menu: OG Brisket Bao ($9), Korean Cowboy Bao ($9), Pulled Pork Sandwich ($16), Brisket Sandwich ($18), and Loaded Nachos ($19).
* Friendly service.
* The vibe reminds me of Cowboy Phở in SJ (Texas BBQ Phở ) with faux grass walls, orange trimming, and a marquee light sign. Loved the urban SF art on the exposed brick wall.
* There's currently one bench but no tables for dine-in.
* Challenging street parking during peak hours.