What is the Smokin’ Pug? For fans of American-style BBQ, it’s nothing short of a dream come true; a crave finally satisfied. For all the western comfort food we are spoiled with in Thailand, choices for this type of food are severely lacking.
Open for four months now on Suriwong Road next to the Tawana Hotel, Dana and Daniel are a husband-wife team serving up American BBQ classics.
They opened their first restaurant called the Lazy Pug in Chengdu, China, in 2011. It had a BBQ focus but because it was logistically impossible to smoke the meat, they never called themselves a BBQ joint. After a few years of success they decided to sell their place in China and try their concept in Bangkok.
“Bangkok is a great market for our concept and we love the city, so we decided to find a way to make it a big part of our lives,” explains Dana. “We had been to all the BBQ places in town and were rather disappointed. Even if the food was passable, the atmosphere was sterile or it was too much like a sports bar with huge TV screens. “
After researching the market for over two years, they were inspired to put together a casual, lively smokehouse in a small shophouse with blues music playing over an impressive Bose sound system. The place is dimly lit, which adds a lot to the ambience but doesn’t make for good food porn. Daniel works the bar, pouring very generous cocktails (he likes to brag they don’t even have a proper shot glass in the whole place) while Dana oversees the service.
They took the best things from many regions of the USA (Memphis, Lockhart, Texas, Kansas City) and blended them to what people would expect from a real BBQ joint, while keeping in mind they weren’t just catering to Americans.
Everything seems laid back until the food comes. That’s when you truly appreciate the effort that has gone into what sets the Smokin’ Pug miles apart from anyone doing anything similar.
In one word: Ribs. Four words: Baby Back Pork Ribs. You can order a half rack (THB 575) or full rack (THB 825). They’re big enough to make Texas proud, and they deliver on everything that ribs should. The meat is so perfectly smoked and tender that you barely even need to chew it. Just let it dissolve in your mouth. The Beef Brisket (THB 495) is similarly smoked to tender perfection. So good, in fact, that BBQ sauce is really not even necessary.
Except their homemade BBQ sauces are hard to pass up. Every table is equipped with Kansas City (smokey cayenne based), South Carolina (mustard based) and a sweeter Ginger Molasses.
You’ve got a huge variety of sides to choose from, like their their House Salad with Lime Vinaigrette dressing (THB 95), Potato Salad (THB 95), or BBQ Baked Beans (THB 120). They’re all fine, but next time I would probably just double (or triple) up on the beans.. Anyone who has never experienced real American style Baked Beans should prepare to be converted. You’ll never want Heinz from a can again. The Corn Bread (THB 145) is also nice, if you like it sweet. I wouldn’t repeat the Mac n Cheese (THB 150).
Other house specialties include BBQ Smoked Brisket Quesadillas (THB 395), BBQ Nachos (THB 340) and Memphis Pulled Pork Tacos (soft corn tortilla) (THB 450). We liked everything we tried except for the Nachos. They’re made with fried flour tortillas and loaded with toppings, but once the melted cheese cooled, the whole platter became a solid mess. Stick with the Corn Chips and Smoky Salsa (THB 160) if you think you really need an appetizer, or better yet, just get more beans.
Drink wise, there’s a nice selection of imported craft and domestic beers, very strong cocktails and a few good wines, plus the usual soft drink selections.
Despite being completely full nearly every night they’re open, Dana has no plans to expand at the moment. “Right now all our focus is making everything run smoothly. We never want to be a big restaurant as the vibe is more difficult to keep up.” In other words, book ahead.
FIND IT:
88 Surawong Road
Tuesday – Sunday, 5pm – 12am
BTS Saladaeng
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