Restaurant Review: Tropical Smokehouse
Disclosure: I was invited to dine at this restaurant in exchange for this post. All opinions here are my own.
Tucked away in West Palm Beach is Tropical Smokehouse, a casual BBQ joint that’s been in existence for about three years. Outside is a sign with a quote attributed to Southern Living: “Best Barbecue in Florida”.
Although I have a decade of writing experience under my belt, being an investigative journalist isn’t on my resume. Nevertheless, I decided to bravely embark on a quest to find the answer that clouded my mind: is Tropical Smokehouse truly the best barbecue joint to exist in the Sunshine State?
Tropical Smokehouse boasts two smokers for its Southern barbecue, which is mixed with Caribbean and Latin flair. In addition to the welcoming, laid-back ambiance is a beer menu that showcases local brews and a short but well-rounded drink menu.
South Florida favorites such as sweet plantains and crispy yuca are showcased along with two fish: salmon and mahi. Speaking of seafood, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Wahoo Dip, which has a nice kick and is accompanied by pickles and picked peppers. To my astonishment, I loved the pickle and dip combination.
Dishes that should not be overlooked are the Queso and Brisket Empana. The Queso was a bit oily but once mixed, transformed to a rich and creamy texture with chorizo undertones. Stuffed with sweet potato, peppers, and scallions, the Brisket Empana is enveloped in a crispy shell.
Want to try a bit of everything? Get the Combo Plate, where you can order a main protein and add on sides. Our plate consisted of Brisket, Spare Ribs, Hush Puppies, Caribbean Coleslaw, Gator Sasuage, Golden Rice, and Cornbread. All condiments were homemade and included Chipotle Butter along with a wide array of barbecue sauces: Coffee (made with Bustelo), Florida Fire (spicy), Mustard, and Sweet.
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The Brisket was soft and fell apart. I doused it with Coffee barbecue mixed with their hot sauce (vinegar and mango habanero) for a spicy and robust flavoring.
Comprised of 80% gator and 20% pork, the Gator Sausage had a pleasant, mild flavor. I recommend topping it off with the Florida Spicy barbecue sauce for the perfect combination. Another solid paring? Mustard Sauce on top of the Short Ribs. Two words: chef kiss.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Hush Puppies. I don’t like fried food but the drizzled honey (made in-house with cayenne pepper) and doughy center was flawless. The Chipotle Butter melted evenly across for an added punch.
Just when I thought I could no longer be surprised, the Cornbread blew me away. Yes, the Cornbread – hear me out. Instead of a dry and crumbly texture typical with this dish, it was moist, not too dense, and heavenly. 10/10.
Even if you’re not a Coleslaw fan, consider ordering it. The cabbage is cut long like zoodles with a slightly acidic yet refreshing taste, which is much better than coleslaw drenched in mayonnaise. Instead, this is a Caribbean rendition that’s vinegar based and contains spicy pepper along with mango habanero.
Now, back to the question at hand: does Tropical Smokehouse have the best barbecue in Florida? You will have to find out.
Visit Tropical Smokehouse’s grab and go location Tropical BBQ Market (which just opened) or stop by Tropical Smokehouse. Specials include Happy Hour from 4:30–5:30 p.m. and features select drinks, wine and draft beer for half off, the single burger for $5, and the double for $8.
