Get those napkins and bibs ready for some finger-licking goodness. Red’s Smokehouse & Tap Room, conveniently located on 943 E. University Blvd., offers the student body and local community an experience unlike any other. The savory smells of mesquite and barbecue travel down the bustling boulevard, tempting any passers-by who are looking for a little zing in their cuisine.
Red’s Smokehouse has received a lot of praise via social media and word of mouth for its southwestern barbecue and colorful selection of beers. Just hearing about these yummy dishes made my mouth water, so I decided to feed my curiosity and give Red’s a go.
My experience was marvelous. Upon my arrival, I was seated by a friendly waitress and treated to a refreshing glass of Coca-Cola. The staff were nothing short of accommodating and sweet; it wasn’t uncommon to be the recipient of an award-winning smile.
Red’s has the appearance of a modern restaurant. Chrome and metallic decor is the main architectural theme. The restaurant offers a choice between indoor and outdoor seating, though the outdoor seating is more spacious and captivating. The throwback oldies that were playing in the background had me bobbing my head and tapping my feet. Overall, the restaurant’s ambiance is surprisingly enticing.
I’m usually quite picky with chicken plates served in restaurants as result of past experiences. However, upon hearing the waitress’s praise for the half chicken entree and the tempting smells of the nearby kitchen, I decided to take a leap of faith.
One bite of chicken sent me into a food wonderland. The chicken was perfectly moist and sweet, with no hints of dryness or rough patches. The potato salad added an extra bonus, creating a contrasting, yet satisfying, symphony with the citrus chicken.
In addition to great taste, the food’s appearance was noteworthy as well. A perfectly presented chicken with citrus brine and mesquite finish. Potato salad with pieces of parsley and cilantro laid on top accompanied the chicken. The food was staged on a large white plate with two lemons and a cup of zesty barbecue sauce on the side.
After the meal, I warmly expressed my compliments and was fortunate enough to speak with assistant manager and beer specialist Scott Miller. He expressed his enthusiasm for the restaurant’s already formidable reputation and numerous beer options.
“We keep expanding our beer selection,” Miller said. “We have Champ Imports and California beers coming in, which can relate to the large Californian student population here.”
After conversing with Miller, I spoke with owner and barbecue specialist Ramiro Scavo. From the conversation it was quite clear that Scavo is passionate about the food he prepares. When I asked what about his ultimate objective, he eagerly answered, “to make people happy.”
After speaking with these two, I sat back down to close my tab. I was shocked to see how financially reasonable the entire meal was: $7 plus tip. I found myself walking out of the restaurant with an enormous grin and a button-poppingly full stomach.
If you find a need for that extra kick in your meals or a pick-me-up in between classes, I highly recommend Red’s Smokehouse and Tap Room. You’ll love the atmosphere, the staff and the mouth-watering food.
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