SMOKE Barbeque Taqueria (Homestead)

By: Clara of Food Collage

If I had to choose just one word to describe Smoke Barbeque Taqueria, that word would be “divine.”

So far, I have only been to Smoke twice, but I’ve been more than impressed both times.  Especially for someone who doesn’t normally get terribly excited about tacos.  My first visit was prompted by a conversation with fellow food blogger friend Señorita Cibulka, who invited the ultimate Smoke fanboy, Burgh Gourmand, along.  The little hole-in-the-wall establishment with just three tables made such an impression on me that when, two weeks later, another food blogger friend, Suburghia Foodie, mentioned she was going to be in the area, I suggested Smoke as the place to grab a bite together.

On my first visit, BG recommended the Pork Taco and the Brisket Taco, and I went along.  Because the dude is a cook, after all.  And I think it is generally a smart idea to trust a cook’s judgment, at least when it comes to food.

Pork Taco Apricot Habanero Sauce and Caramelized Onions

Brisket Taco Sauteed Onions, Hot Peppers, Barbecue Mustard Sauce

And that was definitely a smart move.

On my second visit, I wanted to try two other varieties, the Chicken Taco and the Veggie Taco.

Chicken Taco Avocado Cream, Pickled Onions, Fresno Hot Sauce

Veggie Taco Black Beans, Roasted Poblano & Corn Relish, Crispy Potatoes, Chili de Arbol Sauce (N.B.: The sauce is really spicy!)

Each of these tacos was unique and flavorful.  The owners, Jeff Petruso and Nancy Carranco, who recently moved from Austin, Texas, make everything themselves – the meat, the tortillas, the drinks. Everything.

And ooooh, the tortillas.  So soft, with a hint of sweetness.  Handmade daily.  Just perfect.  Best tortillas I’ve ever had.

For now, there are only five taco options, which means I have just the Ribs Taco left to try.  That said, Smoke is planning to expand their menu, a fact that excites me.

During each of my visits, I also ordered a side and a drink.  The first side I tried was the Jalapeno Apple Slaw, which was like coleslaw, only far, FAR better.  And don’t you just love how the sides are served in mugs?

Jalapeno Apple Slaw Roasted Jalapenos, Apples, Creamy Dressing

The second side I tried was the Mac n Cheese, topped with the optional housemade bacon.  This was also a BG-recommendation.  I used to think I hated mac and cheese, because when I think mac and cheese, I think Kraft Dinner.  But again, a smart gal listens to the one who knows a thing or two about cooking.  Sure enough, I was blown away.  Smoke’s is seriously the best mac and cheese I’ve ever had in my life.  And the housemade bacon?  Divine.  If you get the Smoke Mac n Cheese, you must get it with bacon.  Must.

Mac n Cheese, with Bacon Roasted, Garlic, Shallots, Mascarpone Cheese, Sharp White Cheddar, Bacon

For the fresh housemade drinks, both times I went with something I had never tried before.  The Horchata is a slightly sweet rice drink with cinnamon, and I liked it.

Horchata ($3.00)

The second time I got the Agua Fresca, which is a refreshing fruit drink.  The flavor of the day was honeydew, and I was pleased with it.

Honeydew Agua Fresca

Austin’s loss = Pittsburgh’s gain.

Needless to say, I will be back.  This place is worth the drive to Homestead.

Restaurant info:
SMOKE Barbeque Taqueria
225 E 8th Ave, Homestead, PA 15120
412-205-3039
On twitter: http://twitter.com/smokebbqtacos
Bonus: BYOB, Cash only

Clara moved to Pittsburgh in 2010 and has been eating her way through town ever since.  She blogs to document the restaurants she likes, as well as what’s cooking in her kitchen. Visit http://www.foodcollage.com for more musings.