We’d seen the Smoky BBQ Dolores mentioned recently, and as we both love a good BBQ offering, we decided to pop across as we were just down the road in Almoradi. There were four tables outside, but none were in use, possibly, we thought, as they are aside a road that has a fair bit of traffic and are in the shade, but perhaps a good nighttime option or for those that smoke.
The interior was nicely presented, and there is a second level with further seating, which is accessible for wheelchair users, which is a plus point.
We were served quickly, we both went for coke to drink, and the menu was handed to us, but the server then pointed out that none of the meat selections, such as brisket, ribs, etc., were available until the evening. This was a huge disappointment.
We’ve toured many of the states in the USA and eaten more BBQ than I dare to remember in places such as Georgia, Memphis, California, and even New Orleans. We have called into these places sometimes at noon, and the full menu is available. There, the pitmasters will either be cooking throughout the night or start smoking in the early hours so the meat is ready for lunchtime. Sadly, this is not the case here.
Had one of these dishes been sold out, it was understandable, but there was one other person dining, and one other guy came in to order a takeaway burger; the place was very quiet, and this was market day, too, where you’d have expected more footfall. We were also in before 2 p.m., which is often when places begin to fill up.
What We Had At Smoky BBQ Dolores
So our options were really down to burgers. I went for the Crack Daniels, and Soph chose the Oklahoma burger. As mentioned above, we both had a Coke to drink. Both the burgers came with fries, which were salted, so that was a plus point, too. The Cokes were the small bottles.
The burgers had a great taste and were nicely seasoned; these were not the dull grey, insipid types of meat that some places sell. Here, you could identify it was real meat you were eating, and the toppings were generous and complemented the burgers well.
What We Liked
The food was decent, and the service was swift and friendly. The location’s interior was spotlessly clean, nice, and cool.
What Could Be Improved at Smoky BBQ Dolores?
Communication via social media and, ideally, a website to state that lunchtime is a limited offering. Smoky BBQ does have a Facebook page, but there’s not too much information on there right now.
We were in Almoradi, so it wasn’t too far out of our way, but I’d not have been happy driving 30+ minutes to arrive and find only half a menu available.
How Much Did It Cost at Smoky BBQ Dolores?
Our bill came to €31.20 in total.
Would We Return To Smoky BBQ Dolores?
Sadly, the answer to this is quite probably not. The burgers we had today were decent and nicely flavoured, but at the end of the day, it was a burger with fries and a small bottle of Coke.
After our lovely 3 courses plus coffee yesterday at the El Parque Catral, which came to €22.00 in total, this means we could take a friend with us there to eat, and the 3 of us there would be paying less than here for two of us having a burger and fries.
There are just so many options for eating out in all the different towns and villages that we struggle to go back to the wonderful places we really enjoy, so when we come across a restaurant or bar that doesn’t tick all the boxes, it is a struggle to justify going back any time soon.
We really hope that Smoky BBQ considers offering a lunchtime special with a wider range of choices to increase footfall and encourage others to try what was really tasty food at a more reasonable price.
How To Find Smoky BBQ Dolores
If you’re coming in from Almoradi, come around the roundabout and head up the Avenue de Crevillente as though heading into town. The location is up on the left near the traffic lights.
Their address is:
Av. de Crevillente, 25, 03150 Dolores, Alicante, Spain
