James Ralston

Review of Smoke BBQ Taqueria

Barbecue is extremely difficult to get right, at i...

Barbecue is extremely difficult to get right, at it requires a mastery of both slow cooking and smoking. But when it is done right and Smoke does it right it is truly a thing of beauty. From the agua fresca that isn't overly-sweet to the sides that are truly fit to accompany the tacos (the potato salad with leeks and bacon may be the best I've had anywhere), Smoke nails it. Do yourself a favor: if you're in the Waterfront and hungry, skip the chains, cross the tracks, and enjoy some of the best barbecue in Pittsburgh. Just bring cash (they don't take plastic) and be prepared for a wait, as it's a small joint.