One of North Side’s most beloved BBQ restaurants, Smoque BBQ, is opening a new casual steakhouse called Smoque Steakhouse in Avondale, located at 3310 N. Elston Ave.
The new restaurant will focus on smoked and seared steaks, according to a news release first reported by The Tribune. Smoque Steakhouse, which aims to be a “Casual atmosphere,” will also have seafood and vegetarian dishes. Owners Barry Sorkin, Al Sherman, Mike McDermott, and Chris Hendrickson will bring on a new partner, Dylan Lipe, for this new venture. The new restaurant, expected to open in Fall 2022, comes after the owners accidentally received a case of strip loins.
“When life gives you strip loins, you experiment,” Sorkin said in the release. “We cut them into steaks then seasoned, smoked to medium-rare, and seared them. The rich, smokey flavor elevated the steak eating experience. It was tender, juicy, perfectly medium-rare. We knew we had to find a way to serve these steaks to people.”
Smoque BBQ has served various meats at 3800 N. Pulaski Rd for 15 years and counting. Customers quickly gravitated to the smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. For years, customers have been wondering when the company would expand to a new location, especially with its growing popularity.
“For 15 years, people have been asking us when we were going to expand or what we were going to do next; this is it,” Sorkin said in the release.
