King Smoke House.....living up to the title

[bhmc449]

Today I decided to stop in for lunch at the King Smoke House located at 1800 E Main St. I had driven by a few days earlier and noticed that it had a nice inviting appearance that seemed to be in tune with the new revitalization of the Main St area. Upon entering the overnight smoked meats smell engulf you and immediately your mouth begins to water.

I made my selection of "Chatt-Town Chick" ($9.00) A grilled chicken breast tossed with what I assume to be their signature Coca-Cola BBQ sauce, smothered with bacon, chopped pork, and three cheese. I chose Mac-n-Cheese and baked beans for my sides. All dinners come with corn on the cob, two sides and a roll.

I was pleasantly surprised at the presentation upon the foods arrival. Let's just say the combination on the chicken just works. It was simply delicious. I have to say that I wanted more and more of the chopped pork, probably some of the best I ever had. The homemade mac n cheese was just tops. Creamy, cheesy and well seasoned. I noticed that they serve thier sandwiches and meals with Niedlov's bread. The roll I got was perfectly hand crafted.Overall I was very happy with the meal. It was one of those meals that lasted on your palate.

I have to say that I will be returning soon for their hand trimmed Brisket. If the brisket is anything like the chopped pork then this will be a frequent lunch stop.

Kings also has a selection of hickory smoked chicken wings that come tossed in hot,mild,lemon pepper, and honey hot. You can choose 6 wings as an appetizer or they come in 12 to 48.

Another couple intriguing menu item was the Ohio Style Polish Dog: topped with fries, bbq sauce, and slaw and the Pit Bull Burger, topped with pork shoulder, jabs, cheese and BBQ sauce

Something I will be popping back in for is the Applebottom Cobbler which is described as cobbler topped with ice cream, covered with pecans, cinnamon and caramel sauce. Yeah, I know your mouth is watering now too.

King also has a wide selection of beverages, but I did not see a fountain drink section? They serve a wide selection of domestic and import beer.


I have eaten at every BBQ joint in Chattanooga. Everyone knows that if you want the best BBQ you have to seek it out in the inner city. In my opinion this place ranks right up there with some of the best. Keep in mind as of today they have been open a little more than a week, which you expect jitters; however the chef at Kings is confident in his abilities and it shows in his food...

[Bryan Stone]

I know I've been an "I'll give it 6 months" hater in this category,... but Main street seems to have some great places to eat right now.

hope they last.

[fftspam]

Every restaurant has its own level of expectation... That's why its possible to say both Waffle House and Meeting Place are damn good.. both completely different but both filling a certain niche only.
King's?... It sucks. I give it two months.
I was there on opening night when it was free and it sucked. Beef was half chewy fat on a bun and pork was overwhelmed by being drenched in bbq sauce.
To give them another shot, I went back this past Saturday, walked to the counter, stood there for what seemed an eternity staring into the empty kitchen, asked the people in the bike shop next door if anyone was working in the restaurant (they didn't know) and finally left.... for Masterblasters.

bhmc449: are you the Chamber of Commerce for this place?

[bhmc449]

I am not surprised by any jitters. Even some of the best restaurants have opening jitters. Its about getting a pattern down and keeping it. I am surprised at the bbq meat not being good. Like I said before the chopped pork I had was spectacular.

[Bryan Stone]

for once I was being optimistic

1 says - awesome
1 says - sucks

I pretty much think BBQ is BBQ. don't find much difference from one joint to the other. so I'll probably never know. or care

[bhmc449]

I have said the same about BBQ. Everyone knows that the best BBQ is in the inner city. Those too afraid to go down to East Chatt and East Lake head to Famous Daves, Sticky Fingers, Etc. Something I have noticed in the BBQ in places like Plantation and Master Blaster is some passion and soul behind it, hence the reason why it is so good. Kings Smokehouse is no exception and In my opinion it seriously has the opportunity to be the "rule" in BBQ here. I would not give that bit of credit if I did not think it was due. I have eaten at the best whether it be from memphis to competition BBQ and I would put this place right up there with it. Its really hard to beat competition BBQ because some of these guys use above average cuts of meat that would be expensive for most businesses to serve and turn a profit. Most people might say they find no difference from place to place, because they are too focused on the sauce and not cooking methods. Just go try it

[bhmc449]

chattanoogan.com/articles/article_170378.asp


I'm glad Janet did a review on this place, fits pretty close to mine

[mrevents]

My general rule about BBQ offerings is this: If a restaurant/joint/haven/shack etc. has smoke coming from it, you can count on it most likely being good. If there is no smoke, it was delivered by a Food Supply Company and just heated up.

[Tookie]

If a restaurant/joint/haven/shack etc. has smoke coming from it, you can count on it most likely being good.

And serve plain ole white bread with the Q.

[bhmc449]

smokers in the back and Niedlovs rolls for the goodies....that got you both covered

[mikeydokey]

Mar 10, 2010 14:23:03 GMT -5 Tookie said:

If a restaurant/joint/haven/shack etc. has smoke coming from it, you can count on it most likely being good.

And serve plain ole white bread with the Q.

Sounds like Dreamland to me. "Aint nothing like em nowhere"

[augie47]

I'd like to add my praises as the young lady that served us was friendly, effecient and apologetic.
I did find it a few stars less than 5.
We tried the BBQBeef and I will say it was tasty. I ordered diet Coke.."don't have that yet".. beer ? "not yet" ...
diet tea.. fresh from the store purchased jug.. sweetner ?.. "Nope not yet"
mac and cheese was very good but $1.75 for a speciman cup serving (sorry, conatiner remined me), baked beans, good....
poataoe salad, fair. .. music, loud..
nice folks. hope they make it but they have a way to go.

[bhmc449]

If you went within the past day or so please excuse them. I was there yesterday and felt like something was off, not food wise but as if things were not running as smoothly. I was right. It turns out they were shut down for over a week because they did not change the name of the business when they switched over from the small grocery store. It was as if they had to start over. I saw beer in the case and I know they have been serving beer, so I dunno.

Something I have noticed is that the ordering process is not streamlined and seems almost difficult for the cashier/waitress/bus boy/food runner/etc. Regardless of that one thing I have noticed is that people are not minding. Each time I am there it seems to be growing in popularity. The first week it opened I was the only person in there, now I have to wait in line. Thats a good sign.

[augie47]

you must get a great discount
1:00 today.. no "line" problem as we were the only customers there....
as I say I hope they do well, but it seems they need to address a few basics like diet drinks and condiments..

[bhmc449]

No discount, and I would never take one from a local owned "mom and pop". These chain people arent losing money

The few basic things is very true. I wish I could go in there like Gordon Ramsey and put the place in gear. Tables need ketchup,BBQ sauce, some peppers even?