Smoke't Coming to South Miami

​PR reps leaked only the following to us: "new resto in South Miami," "fine dining BBQ mid-January," "the masterminds behind the famous TOWN Kitchen & Bar are opening it up" and "tastings will be in early February." Smoke't Southern Kitchen and Tap's website informs that this "neighbourhood [sic] BBQ joint" won't be open for lunch until early February and its executive chef will be Michael Altman (unfortunately, no relation to yours truly), who is a C.I.A. grad and a Charlie Palmer protégé.  

But nine Yelpers and a few Chowhounds have already chimed in with reviews of flavorful barbecued brisket, St. Louis-style ribs, BBQ tacos, onion ring nachos, jalapeño cornbread, fried green tomatoes, pulled pork, sweet fries with maple syrup, Brussel sprouts with bacon, stewed okra and tomato, corn pudding and corn nuggets, hush puppies, spicy popcorn shrimp salad, fried chicken and waffles, citrus blackberry cobbler with cinnamon ice cream, and a "black cherry lemon drop" drink. The general consensus was that this place oughta put some fire under the competition. 

Smoke't will open in the former JJ's American Diner location at 1450 S. Dixie Hwy. in Coral Gables. Call (305) 669-8338 for more information, or visit smoketbbq.com.