Smokey Oaks Tavern, the Fair Oaks staple at 9634 Fair Oaks Blvd, is closing its doors, with a new restaurant called Live Fire & Smoke set to take its place. The tavern’s owner, Steve Hubble announced the closure in a heartfelt Facebook post, framing the transition as a rebrand rather than a full shutdown, with the new concept expected to open at the same address.
Smokey Oaks Tavern opened in 2016 and built a loyal following over nearly a decade, known for slow cooked smoked meats, dirty tots, brisket French dip and a rotating menu of American comfort food classics like bone-in pork chops and beer battered fish and chips. The restaurant carried a strong reputation locally, with regulars praising its barbecue, craft cocktails and laid back pub atmosphere, even as some recent reviews pointed to inconsistent service.
Details on Live Fire & Smoke’s concept remain limited so far, though the name suggests a continued focus on live fire cooking and smoked dishes, a natural evolution from Smokey Oaks’ existing menu rather than a complete departure. No opening date has been announced yet for the new restaurant.
Fair Oaks Boulevard has seen a steady mix of restaurant turnover in recent years, and a rebrand like this one keeps a well established address active rather than leaving it vacant during the transition.
