Review of Smokin' in Style BBQ Restaurant in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs has it's popular standing with barbecue restaurants. Most famously known is McClard's. But, there is always room for some healthy competition. That's exactly what Smokin' In Style is - healthy competition.

Smokin' started out as just a vendor at the local craft fairs and the county fair. They were the one trailer that always had a long line. After several years of just working at fairs, they finally opened up a restaurant. It has been a boom ever since.

They have won several barbecue competitions, which were well deserved. Best known for their smoked turkey legs and loaded baked potatoes, it just all seems to fall in to place. They offer up some of the best cooking around.

My favorite item to order is the loaded baked potato. These are huge - the size of a regular dinner plate. On top, they will load on the cole slaw, baked beans, shredded meat of your choice - pork, beef, or even chicken, of course it is loaded with butter and sour cream if you want it. Most of the time I can make two meals out of one order. I can either share with someone or save the other half for lunch the next day. It is a great value for around $8. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

If you want just a sandwich, they offer those too. Starting at around $5, you can order a regular size or a jumbo. It can be sliced or shredded meat and again, it is your choice of meat. You may also have your choice of a side with it. The choices are french fries, which are real and not frozen, baked beans, cole slaw or potato salad. They have the traditional potato salad, made with the mustard and mayonnaise.

One thing that is unique about Smokin' In Style, is the fact that they will not put barbecue sauce on their meat. They do have about six different flavors set out for you to choose from, but even without the sauce, the flavor of the meat is just fabulous! It has that slow smoked flavor to it that some places tend to overlook.

The sauces range from a traditional sauce, to a sweet and tangy sauce on up to hot and spicy. It is just whatever you prefer with your meat. Of course, the choice of meat makes a difference in how the sauce tastes, as well.

Overall, I think Smokin' In Style is one of the best barbecue places in the city. It is usually the first place I think of going to get barbecue. It is always controversial around here, though. With so many other types of food, it's all a matter of your individual taste and opinion. I do invite you to check them out when you are in town. They are located on Highway 270, just west of Hot Springs.