“Let there be smoke” reads the large street corner billboard that marks the spot for Footscray’s newest addition. Brought to us by the team behind famed burger outlet 8bit, Up In Smoke brings smoked barbecue meats to the west in the form of a modern diner-style restaurant and cocktail bar.
The interior is an intimate affair with black painted brick walls, dimmed lighting from strategically placed downlights and exposed copper piping. Seating is mostly in the form of booths on the inside and small tables in the outside beer garden area. There is also bar seating along the bar that shares one end of the interior dining space. A small alcove to one side of the interior showcases the giant orange and black Yoder smoker.
An adjoining BBQ themed general store is opening soon.
It is to be expected that the food menu will have no shortage of juicy meats, and this certainly holds true. The menu is divided into small starters, which include fried and smoked mozzarella sticks, grilled corn cobs and smoked hot wings, salads, tacos, sandwiches, smoked meats and desserts. Currently on offer in the meat department is beef brisket, pulled pork, jalapeño and cheddar sausage, beef ribs and pork ribs. A range of sides such as mac and cheese, various slaws and brisket beans in the style of classic American chili are available to accompany the meats.
For those that can’t decide, The Big Tray offers the beef brisket, pulled pork and a jalapeño and cheddar sausage, the choice of any two sides, milk buns and pickles served on a quaint enamel tray. This is no small feat for one person, but definitely possible from first hand experience, and is designed for sharing.
The meats are tender, juicy and full of flavour and the added jalapeño in the sausage was a welcomed surprise. The brisket beans side is a must try and reminiscent of classic American home cooking.
Dessert options include chocolate buttermilk waffles and a doughnut icecream sandwich.
Having dessert after consuming an entire big tray is regarded as a challenge and so the doughnut icecream sandwich was ordered. The icecream flavours change regularly and on this visit it was cherry ripe. It is exactly how it sounds, a giant chunk of icecream between two halves of a doughnut. The cherry ripe icecream was on point, however the doughnut was a little on the doughy side and lacked excitement.
The drinks list is mammoth with over 45 beers available, including 10 on tap. A generous selection of wines and cocktails are also available.
There is a lunch service from 11am with the full menu except for the smoked meats.
Up In Smoke fills a void in the industrial border of Footscray with a taste of Americana and classic smoked meats. Return visits are definitely in order to sample the rest of the menu and cocktails.
Up In Smoke
28 Hopkins Street, Fitzroy