Location Review869 Queen St W
Toronto, Ontario
(647) 341-5730
Website
A little while back, I stopped by Smoque N' Bones (@SmoqueNBones) for dinner. At the time it was the new kid on Toronto's Queen West block, and was owner Alex Rad's initiating establishment. Prior to picking up the kitchen knife, Rad was a corporate finance professional. But make no mistake, this is no amateur spot. Smoque N' Bones set out to be an authentic Southern smokehouse, and it definitely delivers it well.
Smoque N' Bones
The narrow restaurant is furnished with what feels like recycled wooden planks and metal scraps, housed in cobble brick walls. Seating maybe only a couple dozen patrons on high stooled table tops, the joint feels familiar, homely, and laid back. It's a fitting environment, that is reflective of the food that would be served - a familiar laid back southern smoked barbecue joint.
The bar
The Menu
Your options are printed on single page sheet, aged to fit the southern style. Ordering is easy: 4 staple barbecue meats, a hand full of sides, and a couple of starters or desserts to complete the meal. If you're like me and always just want to try a bit of everything, then the Sampler for Two to your rescue! Your choice of any barbecued protein and 3 sides, for $48.90. My party of four ended up ordering a couple of these to try.
Left: Beef Brisket, Right: Pulled Pork
First up was the 14-hour roasted pulled pork, which ended up rather dry. Disappointing, but this is one I'm willing to return for its redemption given all the praise I've heard from others. The Beef Brisket on the other hand, did not receive a complaint from me. Tender, juicy, and generously layered with fat. You can order either of these in 1/4, 1/2 and 1-pound servings.
Pork Side Ribs
While the first two carnivorous orders were good, the show stopper here would probably be the Pork Side Ribs. Carved bar-side, the ribs are piled onto a paper-lined silver tray, with a glazing brush, and extra barbeque sauce. While everyone at my table generously doused their ribs, I had mine sans-sauce, and loved them! Moist, tender, and oh-so smokey. If you're one to like to your ribs fall-off-the-bone and meaty, then these will meet your fancy.
Creamy Coleslaw ($3.90)
Accompanying our smoked meats were a selection of southern-inspired sides. Each arguably better than the next, these miniature portions are perfect for sharing and gives you great variety. My favourite was definitely the buttermilk onion rings - delicate, piping hot, and crunchy. On top of the ones we had that night, there are some comfort-like sides like cornbread, baked beans, candied yams, and shoe string potatoes.
Mac n' Cheese
Sweet Potato Waffle Fries and Buttermilk Onion Rings($3.90 each)
Ready to pig out! :)
Make sure you go early if you have a large party as there is less than 3 dozen spots in the restaurant. Smoque N' Bones is open Sunday to Saturday from 11:30am to 11pm.
