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    The Smoke Shack

    4.0 (1.7k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    THE SMOKE SHACK ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Ryan D.

    When my husband and I arrived we saw two police cars sitting outside and two police officers inside eating. A sure sign of a good barbecue joint is police dinning there. The parking lot is small. so we had to park down the street and walk there. You order at the counter and your food is brought to your table. We ordered the pulled pork sandwich and the brisket sandwich. The meat was ok but could have been more flavorful. They were out of a lot of their sides, so we had to settle for seasoned French fries and fried okra. The French fries were mediocre. The food is greasy and had to wash my hands afterwards. Watch your head! Some of the beams here are low. I can't recommend this restaurant.

    Chicken and brisket with Mac and green beans.
    Ashley J.

    We visited around 7 in the evening and they were beginning to run out of sides. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive to all customers. The green beans had too much going on for me. The Mac and cheese was decent. The brisket I got was really fatty, but what my son and husband got was not.

    Brisket
    Simore M.

    It was decent. My brisket didn't have that bark on it. Portions were a bit small. I did like the greenbeans and Mac & cheese.

    Tejas spicey chicken, ok
    George E.

    Back in San Antonio and recently viewed Smoke Shack on DDD. The place has the sweet smell of smoked BBQ. Simple decor, unlimited drink refills, and happy diners enjoying a San Antonio legend. Generally, long waits and crowded, but not tonight. This place has not changed in 15 years. We ordered the fried chicken tenders and the Tejas hot chicken sandwich dipped in chili pepin oil. Our sides were Mac N cheese, French fries and spicy creamy corn. Normally, we would try the brisket but an employee swore the fried chicken was the bomb. The spicey chicken sandwich was huge and coated in a savory slaw and pickles. The chicken lacked real spice, was piping hot and extra crispy. It was fine for a chicken sandwich, however, I ordered a spicey meal. The Mac and cheese was over cheesed and clumped together. The fries were hot but not remarkable. The spicey cream corn was fair. In all honestly, Smoke Shack did not remind me of a past love. The food was fair to good but my memory and expectation was "over-the-top". On returns to San Antonio, Smoke Shack was always a first stop. Unfortunately, it will come off my list as I was highly disappointed.

    Chicken Tenders
    Shelene L.

    Chicken fingers done right! This is the first time I've ordered fried chicken fingers at a BBQ joint. And I'm glad I did! They were fried hot and served fresh. They are very well seasoned but not salty or spicy. Served with a side of their house-made dipping sauce and two sides, it makes for a hearty meal at a great price.

    Zack W.

    Ribs were excellent, great flavor, and very tender. Same thing for the brisket. Mac n cheese was fresh and also had good flavor. The fried okra was pretty bad. It had been refried a few times and they were burnt and hollow on the inside. The place was clean, workers were friendly, food came out instantly.

    Rommel A.

    Don't sleep on this place! To be honest, we drove by, stopped at the light, rolled down the window and the smell had me doing an illegal U-turn. At the order counter I asked questions about allergies. Their meats at gluten, dairy and soy free. We ordered the brisket, pork ribs, chopped burger, and the brisket taco. The brisket was nice and juicy. Some bites were a little peppery but the bbq sauce covered that up. The pork ribs, some of the leaner portions were a little dry, but with the sides and bbq sauce it made it enjoyable. The chopped burger may have been my favorite. Almost like a sloppy Joe but better. And for $2, you can't beat it. The beans were hearty, smoked and packed with flavor. The potato salad was smooth, creamy but had volume and lot of taste. The staff was very nice and the vibes are there. I'd definitely come back here.

    Horrible food
    Karl D.

    The customer service is great. The food is fxukin horrible. The brisket is dry as shit. The bbq sauce taste like vinegar. The Mac and cheese doesn't have any taste.

    2 Meat Plate
    Maddie L.

    The food was good, very acidic though. It's a mustardy/vinegar rub they use on the meat which is fine but the bbq sauce available is the same which makes it a little overpowering. Ribs were lean which I loved and cooked good, pulled pork was moist but bland since I didn't want the bbq sauce they had on the table. Fried okra was good, Mac and cheese was really bland to me which was a bummer. Only non bottled drink options were tea and lemonade which is fine for me because I love tea. Staff were friendly and food came out quickly which was great, seating area is nice and relaxed.

    3-meater, brisket, ribs and chicken with potato salad and pinto beans
    Rubén L.

    Nestled just north of downtown San Antonio, at the bustling corner of Broadway and Pershing, Smoke Shack occupies a humble A-frame structure that looks like it's been plucked from another era--simple, unpretentious, and exactly where you'd expect to find something worth slowing down for. It's one of those spots you might miss if you weren't looking, but once you've been, it becomes a landmark. A former feature on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Smoke Shack is no stranger to national attention. But here, the draw isn't the fame--it's the smoke, the soul, and the way brisket melts into memory. Parking can be a bit of a tightrope, hemmed in by neighboring eateries. The entrance is tucked around back, which somehow feels right--like a password-only speakeasy for the BBQ faithful. Step inside and you'll find two counters: the first is a decoy, the second is the prize, with a chalkboard menu that reads like a sermon for the carnivorously devout. My order was purposeful and time-tested: the famed Frito Pie and a three-meat combo (brisket, ribs, and chicken), anchored by sides of potato salad and pinto beans. A cold canned soda is an option, but I opted for a towering 32oz foam cup of sweet tea--free refills, of course. That, my friends, is hospitality in the Lone Star State. The dining area is comfortably casual, with booth seating along the windows and solid wood tables and chairs scattered throughout. Why mention the wood? Because there's something reassuringly old-school about it--like the kind of place where you settle in and stay awhile. It fits. The service? Warm as a summer evening, with staff delivering plates to your table with a smile that says, "You're about to eat something special." And they weren't wrong. Let's start with the Frito Pie. A BBQ joint worth its salt doesn't just make one--they craft one. At Smoke Shack, it arrives heaped with chopped brisket, nestled into a bed of Fritos, pinto beans, and cheese, all meticulously structured as tradition beckons. After demolishing the Frito Pie, I braced myself for the main event. The brisket? Rich, moist, and beautifully balanced between bark and bite. It carried a depth of flavor beyond the usual salt-and-pepper Texas standard, with a hint of something unexpected--perhaps paprika or clove--whispered in the smoke. The ribs, dry-rubbed and fall-off-the-bone tender, stood tall beside them. And then came the chicken. Now, chicken in a Texas BBQ joint is often an afterthought--if it's there at all. But Smoke Shack's bird was a revelation: juicy, well-seasoned, and kissed with smoke in all the right places. The sides played their supporting roles admirably. The potato salad leaned mustard-forward, tangy and creamy without being overbearing. The beans were more like charro beans than plain pintos, flecked with flavor and spice. Needless to say, a sample of each hit the spot perfectly but it was a bit more food than I could handle so got me a to-go container to finish it off at home later. If there was one misstep, it was the house BBQ sauce--heavy on the vinegar, a bit too sharp for my palate. But honestly, the meats didn't need it. That's the mark of good barbecue: sauce optional, not essential. In the end, it's clear why the Food Network made the pilgrimage to Smoke Shack. This isn't just a BBQ joint--it's a place where traditions are honored, flavors are respected, and every bite tells a story. Come for the brisket, stay for the chicken, and don't leave without trying the Frito Pie. Smoke Shack doesn't need frills. It's got fire, flavor, and a seat waiting for you.

    Extremely dry brisket
    John B.

    Came to Texas looking for legendary smoke and found this place instead. Granted, it was the end of Labor Day weekend. A consideration that compelled me to give them an extra star. The only meats left were sausage, brisket and turkey. The brisket was a sore disappointment. Brisket is the most difficult meat to smoke, and you can tell a smpkehouse's skill by this meat alone. All meats were extremely dry. They were obviously left over and reheated. Maybe several times. A respectable smokehouse wouldn't serve leftovers like this. I'm telling you.. the meat was really bad. Additionally.. No outdoor smokers or wood piles. They either have indoor smokers (inferior) or smoke somewhere else. Texas has too many outstanding smokehouses to waste time and money on a place like this.

    Chicken quarter with cream corn
    Derek R.

    After seeing reviews on both yelp and google me and wife decided to try this place while visiting San Antonio. We were very impressed with the several place we tried in Austin so figured San Antonio would be close. The wife got the quarter chicken with cream corn. I got the brisket and turkey with mac and cheese and fries. Both my brisket and turkey were dry. And we got there right at opening not at end of day. Mac and fries were ok. Wife's chicken a little better but not great by any means. Cream corn also ok. This bbq place is low mid in my opinion. Equivalent to the bbq joint on the strip in Vegas not what I think of when I hear Texas bbq or any real smoke bbq joint. More like a tourist spot. Very disappointing.

    Travis C.

    This was our first time visiting this spot and I can assure it will no be the last. The Brisket was great. Tender and flavorful. The chicken was one of the best I've had in San Antonio. The sides-- all full of flavor! The Mac and Cheeae has brisket sausage in it, which makes it super decadent! You do not need much of it to get full. It was also my first time having "Hoppin John's" and it was seasoned very well. Make your way there. One of the best BBQ spots in San Antonio!

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    4 months ago

    Ordered breakfast from here and it was delicious. I happen to run across it on DoorDash looking for something different and it was worth it.

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    Zito's Delicatessen & Sandwich Shop

    Zito's Delicatessen & Sandwich Shop

    4.3(307 reviews)
    4.1 mi
    $

    I passed this on the way to my assignment location and began researching this spot. Some google…read morereviews mentioned they are F1 fans and Ferrari people. So I knew I had to check them out. I was able to make my way here on my last day in San Antonio in late March thanks to my flight being delayed and my oh my, I am quite impressed! The older gentleman taking my order at the counter gave me a big smile when I mentioned I heard you have this thing called the serious sandwich here. He told me that they do and then stated "You won't regret ordering it, seriously." Chuckling, I decided on a half order of that along with a side of potato salad and their side of beans. After taking my first bite, I realized the gentleman was right. This is a dope sandwich! Excellent cured meats in the salamar and pair of hams along with the provolone and melted cheddar with the veggies, spices, italian dressing, and mustard. The bread they use holds up well and has a slight crunch to it. If you prefer your bread to have softness to it, you may have to ask if they can substitute a different bread instead of the italian flat bread they use. But I absolutely love this sandwich the way it is! As for the sides, the potato salad has a slight mustard taste and right consistency with a dash of paprika on top; just the way I like it. The beans are charro beans (I think) that are served steaming hot with some pork trimmings mixed in; I may have dipped my sandwich in it a couple times for flavor explosion. What can I say, I'm adventurous! There's some ferrari memorabilia and posters on the right side where some of the high top seating is. As a Ferrari F1 fan, I appreciate them displaying this here along with the track map of the COTA circuit in Austin. The seating area is spread out nicely with plenty of seats/tables and a drink station with some random signs up. All of interest to consumers like us. Definitely recommend coming here for either the serious sandwich or other delicious ones like their meatball sandwich or manhattan. I can't wait to come back and try the other ones but I may just stick with the serious sandwich cause I loved it. SERIOUSLY!

    Have been, twice, taking the food to go. We were at the nearby vet so picked up sandwiches. They…read morehave lots of options for sides. The second time, I saw the reviews with 'skimpy meat' so ordered extra meat. They have chips, garden salad, mac salad, potato salad, etc. We were pleased. They put "dressing" (oil & vinegar m) on the sandwiches, which made them hard to eat, even in the car, so waited until we got home. Service was friendly. Did not eat in but used restroom.

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    Zito's Delicatessen & Sandwich Shop - Line

    Line

    Zito's Delicatessen & Sandwich Shop - Half serious sandwiche

    Half serious sandwiche

    Zito's Delicatessen & Sandwich Shop - Front door

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    Front door

    Beacon Hill Market And Deli

    Beacon Hill Market And Deli

    4.6(89 reviews)
    2.5 miBeacon Hill
    $$

    Beacon Hill Market and Deli rests easy, like a good saddle that's seen its share of miles and still…read morefits just right. It's the kind of place folks drift into and, before long, start calling their own. The people there carry themselves with quiet pride--no fuss, no show--just a steady hand at their work and a genuine welcome for whoever steps through the door. The menu ain't thrown together. It's been shaped with care, like a well-tuned string on a guitarra, each choice meant to stand on its own but better still when taken together. The flavors come through bold and honest, with a little flourish here and there--nothing overdone, just enough to remind you somebody back there knows what they're about. It's a small spot, sure, but that only draws folks closer. Feels a bit like gathering under a shaded porch after a long day--easy talk, shared laughter, and the sense you're among friends, whether you've known 'em years or just met 'em. Every greeting carries the warmth of old ties, like you've been welcomed back rather than simply let in. And the food--well, it doesn't hold back. Each bite's got a richness that settles in and makes you slow down, take notice, and then go back for more. It's the kind of meal that stays with you, the way a good story does. Spend a little time there with friends, and you'll come away knowing you've found something true--a place where the spirit of San Antonio, with its charro heart and neighborly ways, lives on in every plate set down and every hand extended in welcome.

    Unpopular opinion incoming: I'm not overly impressed. A good sandwich is one of my favorite things,…read moreso this joint's been on my radar for a while. So, when co-workers wanted to go yesterday, I jumped on it. Don't get me wrong. I love the vibe of this place. I LOVE their story. It's very NY/Northeastern deli feel (they're from Pittsburgh, but you get my drift, right!?). No nonsense. Small inside area. No tables inside. Just enough room to look at the menu, order, and go wait outside. I opted for the chicken bacon ranch on hoagie. What came out was a decent size sandwich, but incredibly messy and soggy. There was so much juice/ liquid the sandwich quickly became unmanageable and just disintegrated. Look, if you're going to serve a sandwich that messy, please upgrade your napkins. It was a one bite - two napkin ratio. The sandwich was good, but the mess and difficulty eating it just took away any enjoyment. Additionally, the flies outside rivaled the worst I've experienced. Do you remember the scene in the Lost World, Jurassic Park movie when the hunters found the Rex nest!? Okay, okay, maybe not that bad, but it was a lot. Hang some fly bags or strips or somethin'. Found price to be a little high. By the time I bought chips and a drink, plus tip: $22. Just FYI: my co-worker disagrees. He thought it was the BEST SANDWICH HE'D EVER HAD. So, yes, go give them a try, but bring a beach towel for clean up.

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    Beacon Hill Market And Deli - Lobby

    Lobby

    Beacon Hill Market And Deli - Unwrapped sandwich

    Unwrapped sandwich

    Beacon Hill Market And Deli - Outside of beacon hill deli

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    Outside of beacon hill deli

    The Smoke Shack - southern - Updated May 2026

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