I stumbled into the wrong San Antonio Smoke Shack…it was delicious

Last week’s lunch run ended up getting a snafu, but in the best way possible. I left planning to visit one restaurant and ended up at the wrong place, but it led to discovering some great food.

I had a craving for some Texas barbecue and decided to finally visit Smoke Shack BBQ on Broadway. I’d driven past it countless times, going up and down the street, but had never stopped in for a bite. However, when I arrived, I realized I was in the wrong place. I was in Smoke Shack Delicatexan, the meat market and sandwich shop next door to the barbecue joint. Panicking, I ordered from the menu and was revived by the delicious hot meat presented to me. It wasn’t what I’d planned to order, but it rejuvenated me.

For those unfamiliar with the area, Smoke Shack BBQ sits at the corner of Broadway and Pershing Avenue, across the street from The Cottage Pub. The Delicatexan is only a few feet away, as is The Pigpen Neighborhood Bar, all of which are owned by restaurateur Chris Conger. Parking is a bit tight, but the corner is a trio of restaurants able to satisfy the hunger of every patron. If you’re visiting either restaurant, here’s what to know.

The barbecue joint is hard to miss on account of its Texas flag-colored roof. Inside, you’ll be greeted by images of Guy Fieri’s visit for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, as well as several accolades from the https://www.expressnews.com/food/article/honeys-chicken-smoke-shack-bbq-open-san-antonio-20387542.phpSan Antonio Express-News. The restaurant looks small from the outside, but inside you’ll find plenty of seating areas. After ordering at the counter, your food will be brought to your table within minutes.

When it comes to food, guests can order brisket, pulled pork, sausage, turkey, ribs and chicken by the pound or on meat plates, with sides of mac and cheese, pinto beans, spicy cream corn, fried okra, green beans and more. Those meats are also available in sandwiches, along with the brisket grilled cheese and the Tejas hot chicken sandwich. Other bites include the Frito pie, Smokeshack mac and banana pudding dessert.

On my visit, I opted for a three-meat plate of brisket, turkey and sausage with mac and cheese and green beans on the side. Overall, it was a solid meal. The brisket was a step above major chains like Rudy’s, while the sausage and turkey were both juicy and flavorful. The mac and cheese could’ve been creamier, but it did come with a roll that cut through the greasy food. My only criticism was the green beans. The liquid they sat in was boiling hot and almost burned my mouth. Other than that, solid lunch.

Find it: 3714 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

Smoke Shack Delicatexan meanwhile is another experience entirely.

With only a handful of parking spots out front, guests can sit outside on picnic tables or at the few tables inside. The Delicatexan is designed for quick visits, but the food doesn’t suffer for it.

If you’re staying for a meal, you can dine on sandwiches like the Bar-B-Cuban, Cajun BLT, Italian Beef, Philly Cheesesteak, the Texas Reuben and much more. Add on a drink and a bag of chips, and you’ve got a lunch better than anything a fast food restaurant could provide. To top it off, the meat market also has steaks, sausages, baked potatoes and more for anyone looking to prepare a dinner at home.

My personal favorite is the Tri Tip Sandwich, complete with caramelized onions, smoked garlic sauce, arugula and provolone on a hoagie bun. After a long morning where you didn’t eat breakfast and want nothing more than to fill your stomach, you won’t be disappointed.

In conclusion, the barbecue joint and meat market are two very different restaurants, but you will be satisfied with whatever you pick up for lunch. Just make sure you research which location you’re actually going to.

Find it: 3710 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

MySA has reached out to owner Chris Conger for comment on this story.