Holy Smoke BBQ

Came here for dinner with my wife since she likes BBQ and theirs had solid reviews. Walked in and she looked at me and says “You planned this didn’t you”. She was referring to us walking in during a Victory tap takeover, which I had no idea about. It was certainly a pleasant surprise. We must have time it well because we had no trouble getting a table in the bar area, but within twenty minutes the place was packed and people were getting a half hour wait minimum. Service was quick and friendly, and I had no problem getting samplers even through the busy rush. My wife was quite pleased with the food, so it looks like we’ll be back at some point.

Changed my mind. This place is only for those who think there’s nothing better in the area. Maybe 7-8 years ago, there wasnt=’t but there is now.

More a restaurant that serves good beer than a pub-restaurant. Clientele is mainly families having dinners. Food is extra-greasy food with extra-large portions. Actually pretty good but this is no diet-friendly restaurant. Tap selection on the night we were there was excellent. It was a Southampton special night so they had a lot of their stuff (Grand Cru, Double White, Brown Ale, Extra Stout, etc.) as well as St-Bernardus 12 and many quality american brews. Over a dozen very good taps. Friendly service although not knowledgeable about the beer. You can really feel that the owner is a beer-geek but not the clientele.

Conveniently located close to Captain Lawrence Brewing, this spot can make a fine place to spend the night for the tired pilgrim. The draught selection is most impressive for a middle of nowhere place. The owner clearly is a beer geek and draws other beer geeks in. Ambiance is of a well-lighted countryside southern grill. Ridiculously large meals, very tough to finish, but tasty. Service was excellent despite us being quite demanding. Not worth driving hours solely for this place, but certainly worth a detour if you’re driving through the region.

This restaurant lost in the countryside outside Mahopac offers a superbly chosen selection of craft beers, both local and imported. Taps that night included 6 Southamptons (Saison Deluxe, Grand Cru, IPA, Double White, Bière de Garde, Secret Ale), St.Bernardus Abt, Arcadia London Porter and Cereal Killer, Weihenstephaner Weissbier, Belhaven Wee Heavy, Capt.Lawrence Brown Ale, etc. The owner has great taste in beer, that is obvious. The food is a BBQ fan’s heaven, and in huge portions of course. I had the pulled pork dinner, and it was delicious (but absurdly filling...yes, I am a wimpy French Canadian). Service could not have been more accommodating as our party had lots of questions (more than a few mispronounced) and they never even looked like they were tired of serving us. They even made sure one of the kegs kicked so that we could have Southampton’s Extra Stout which on deck according to their website. They hold special brewery highlight evenings, like the Southampton one we attended, and seem to be passionate about everything they do. Great people, great BBQ, great beer. What more could you ask for this barn in the middle of nowhere, USA?