A Fave, Hometown BBQ Miami

Sunday steak barbecue is a ritual for me, but other than that, I’m not a fan of “smokey” BBQ. And I seldom finish everything in my plate which is the way — with difficulty — I maintain my fashion blogger status. At least that was until I went to Hometown BBQ Miami, an import from Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighborhood. All my rules were broken, everything was so delicious. It has to be the best barbeque in Miami.

We went on a Sunday for lunch and there’s was a good vibe — relaxed and friendly. At lunch you place your order when you pay, get a number, and someone delivers your order to the table. For beverages, you need to go to the bar, order, and take your drinks to the table.  In the evenings there’s waiter service.

The menu is divided into  smoked meats, ribs, sandwiches, tacos, smoked wings, housemade pork rind and sides (no desserts) . New York specialties are all here — brisket, beef ribs, lamb belly bahn mi, smoked turkey and smoked wings. Smoked meats are ordered by the half pound ($13-$15) or in the case of sausage and slab jerk bacon, by the slice or link ($7). Beef and pork ribs are by the pound.

When I saw the baguettes and sesame buns I knew this was going to be a memorable experience. The bread can help make and definitely break a sandwich. Sure enough, both were top of the line, the former crusty on the outside and dense inside, the latter firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to provide a cushion for the meat.

We had the brisket and brisket sandwich to start, sharing everything. The meat had a hint of smokiness, was juicy, not greasy, very flavorful and perfectly cooked. The sandwich was plump, filled with pickles, white onion, fresno chile, and bbq sauce. Though I loved the brisket, my favorite was the lamb banh mi served on that great baguette. It was juicy,  the meat tender, with just the right amount of spice. The filling was pickled daikon and carrot, cilantro, and hot and sweet sauce  . Both were standouts. Our sides were a crispy and light coleslaw and queso mac n’cheese. Next time I’d like to try the beef ribs which a friend said are the best ribs in Miami, smoked turkey BLT, taco with fried yucca and avocado mayo, corn pudding and corn biscuit. A perfect accompaniment to the sandwiches is the watermelon ginger limeade, fresh and light.

Dinner brings wood fired specialties including Oaxacan chicken with salsa verde, pickled onions, cornbread and slaw ($29); roasted daily catch with fire roasted pepper sauce, fennel salad, orange and dill ($30); and vegetarian offerings of fire roasted wild mushrooms with cilantro ($12) and plancha broccoli with chili oil and charred poblano creama ($9).

 Noteworthy are 16 different biodynamic natural wines served by the glass.Craft beers are offered on draught from local breweries including Tripping Animals and Beat Culture ,and by bottle or can (most $8). And of course, the have a  lineup of signature cocktails, some with a smokey flavor ($12-$14).

The restaurant is now open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Sundays, and open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. Closed on Mondays. To make a dinner reservation visit resy.com.

Hometown BBQ Miami, 1200 NW 22nd Street, Suite 100) (T.305-396-4551).