After a long day at the beach, how does sinking your teeth into a juicy rack of ribs or crunching down on some crispy fries sound? If your answer was anything close to ‘sounds appealing’, then consider putting The Smokehouse on Cape San Blas on your list of must-try restaurants in Apalachicola.
The Smokehouse on Cape San Blas is located right on the main throughway of Cape San Blas Road. Just a few blocks west of the popular Happy Ours Kayak & Bike Outpost. This restaurant is housed within a cheery one-story building that has an architectural design more reminiscent of southern-styled homes than commercial spaces with its double porch and a colorful awning. There is an extended ramp for easy wheelchair and stroller access.
The interior of The Smokehouse on Cape San Blas is open and airy with a light beach feel. The walls are painted a soft tan and feature a ton of more natural beach-themed art, such as paintings and photographs of palm trees. Wooden accents are very pronounced and further, add to that beach aesthetic. A host or hostess is generally waiting near the front doors to greet and sit guests as they arrive.
Earlier this year, The Smokehouse on Cape San Blas also looked to expand its seating options. They did so by creating a nice stone patio area in their backyard area. This patio features picnic tables with umbrellas and is lined with shady palm trees.
This Cape San Blas restaurant is best characterized as a barbecue joint. This is a relatively new business, but it has already made a name for itself thanks to its high-quality menu highlighting traditional Southern side dishes and juicy, savory main entrees.
There’s a lot to love about this local and family-owned and operated restaurant and its menu. So it’s understandable if you find yourself unsure of just which entree or side dish to pick!
Some of the most popular menu options at The Smokehouse on Cape San Blas include:
Brunswick Stew
The Brunswick Stew is a hearty appetizer that comes out more akin to meat in a light broth than a soupy stew. This is a very savory, very delicious appetizer featuring pulled pork, chicken, and vegetables all within a seasoned stew — perfect for warming up after a rainy afternoon.
St. Louis Style Rib Plate
St. Louis-styled ribs come grilled over indirect heat, resulting in a very juicy cut and taste. The Smokehouse on Cape San Blas serves its St. Louis Style Ribs as your choice of a set of four bones or a set of eight bones. Both plate options come with two sides and a loaded homemade cornbread doughnut. The sides here are all made in the Southern traditional style. Including mac and cheese, collard greens, cole slaw, potato salad, french fries, green beans, corn cobette, and cowboy baked beans. That last one, cowboy baked beans, is a particular local favorite.
Fresh Baked Cobbler
The Smokehouse on Cape San Blas is undoubtedly best known for its meats. However, you should not discount the dessert either! Their freshly baked cobbler is made daily and offers just the right crumbly sweet touch to round off a meal. What type of cobbler they have will vary by season. Nonetheless, every order comes with a nice dollop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Insider Tips:
-The Smokehouse on Cape San Blas used to not be open on Sundays. This summer they are trying something new.
-As of now, The Smokehouse on Cape San Blas is hosting live musicians on that back patio every Sunday from 2 pm to 5 pm.
-While this location is best known for its red meat options, they sometimes do feature fresh catches, including crawfish boils. Check their social media for the latest in events and specials.