This edition of Exciting about Eating takes us across the big pond to Cork, Ireland, and to Holy Smoke BBQ. After being on a cruise ship for 14 days, I needed my BBQ fix, so naturally we visited a BBQ joint the first night off the ship. This gem of a restaurant with a modern, industrial feel is tucked away from the main street and offers a variety of meat like you would find in the US.

Modern, industrial vibe

For our dinner, we chose to share the BBQ Blow Out, a tray of Brisket Burnt Ends, Baby Back Ribs, Smoked Chicken, Pulled Pork and sides of cornbread, cob wheels (corn on the corn), slaw, beans, and fries. As a Kansas City BBQ judge, I have had the opportunity to taste all kinds of BBQ cooked many different ways, and this restaurant didn’t disappoint. The star of this feast was the brisket. Cooked perfectly, smoky, tender, and some of the best brisket I have ever had. The rest of the meats were great, too. Moist chicken, “fall off the bone” ribs, and flavorable pork. The sides were equally good with the cob wheels being my favorite.

BBQ Blow Out Tray, more than enough food for two!

Dora here. What a treat to try BBQ in a different country! We were amazed to find this place just up the street from our hotel, tucked midway along a narrow alley. 

Located on a narrow alley

The Blow Out tray provided more than enough food for both of us with some left over. The chicken won me over, and the pork came in a close second. What surprised me was the amount of sauce on the meats. I liked the sweet, not-so-vinegary sauce, but would’ve preferred to dip my meat, rather than swimming in it. I ate every bite of that tangy apple slaw, and, thankfully, Ernie didn’t ask me to share. 🙂 

How do you like your sauce? Vinegary, Mustardy, or Sweet? Heavy or light or none?

We rate this restaurant 4 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving great food.