South Street Smokehouse - Lafayette, IN

Posted By Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle on August 21, 2009 2:29 PM

We're always on the lookout for good barbecue when we travel, due in part to our residence in the barbecue-deprived Northeast (and partly because we simply love all kinds of barbecue). The often Southern-seeming Midwest state of Indiana is a good place to look. For instance, in Lafayette we found good barbecue at the South Street Smokehouse, located by the railroad tracks, on the main drag heading east out of the city.

The pulled pork sandwich is Memphis-worthy, served Memphis-style (they call it Carolina-style), with slaw on top. The hickory-smoked spareribs with a chewy crust can also be recommended. Good side dishes included some wonderfully green-tasting greens, and a classic potato salad. There's a counter with big pumpable jugs of various barbecue sauces for those who like to play with their Q.

Their sign states "Real BBQ Eats." We concur.

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Posted By Rocky Enfield on April 20, 2011 12:35 PM

My family and I had the pleasure of visiting the South Street Smokehouse on a recent Saturday. We arrived just before the big rush that had people standing from the counter to the door.

I enjoyed some very good St. Louis-style ribs and, while not the best I've had, they were moist and smokey with good bark and flavor. For a side, the Brunswick stew had a very nice peppery kick. I also ordered a side of their huge, freshly made and hot onion rings. These were great! My wife enjoyed her pulled pork as well, and she was even tempted by the onion rings (she doesn't like onions) and thought they were very good.

The service was extremely quick and efficient and the atmosphere was pleasant. Decor is simple, with a few antiques and knickknacks. I would definitely go back, and I'd recommend it to my friends as well.

Overall Rating

St. Louis Spares - Full Order

Brunswick Stew

Barbecue Sauce

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Posted By Steve Panza on January 21, 2010 7:17 PM

I found South Street Smokehouse in 2005 during one of my frequent visits from Texas. Located on the east side of town on State Road 26 just west of US-52, this joint is slightly hidden in a small industrial complex. With a sign stating "Real BBQ Eats" and "Dam Good," I had to pull in and try it (traditional Indiana BBQ is some pulled meat slathered with a sweet sauce, and is to be avoided).

On the counter are several containers of the specialty BBQ sauces they make, awaiting your taste buds. The Carolina-style sandwich is one of my favorites, with smoked brisket and slaw on top, in between toasted bun halves. The sandwich comes plain, without sauce; the goal is for the customer to fix it up the way they want it. The toasted buns and slaw give the sandwich a nice crunch, and the combination of the smoked brisket and slaw bring a nice smokey-sweet taste to the mouth. One of the several sauces will add more sweetness, heat, or a sweet-sour bonus.

Their onion rings and fried pickles are terrific. Using a tempura-style batter, the onions are freshly cut and thick, while the pickles are spears instead of chips; crunchy, deep-fried goodness.

The baby back ribs are tender, with the meat falling off the bone. The provided wet-naps come in handy at the end of the meal. I do wish they had a Lancaster-style BBQ. A word of warning: they do run out of certain items at times, as everything is made on site.

I recently moved back to the area, so I am slowly working my way through the menu...

Overall Rating

Fried Pickles

St. Louis Spares - Full Order

Carolina Style Pulled Pork Sandwich

Potato Salad

Greens

Brunswick Stew

Barbecue Sauce

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Posted By Sarah McClannen on September 6, 2005 9:27 PM

South Street Smokehouse meets all barbeque cravings. It is a hidden barbeque gold mine. The first time I had lunch at the Smokehouse, I ordered the Kansas City brisket. It was deliciously tender and fresh. I had a side of fries along with the brisket. They offer a variety of sauces to add an extra kick, which tops off the food wonderfully.

For a week straight, I went to South Street Smokehouse everyday for lunch or dinner. I couldn't get enough of the fresh barbeque taste. The atmosphere is unique compared to an everyday restaurant. It has a warm, old-rustic western feel with both large booths and regular 4-chair seating. There is even a bar that faces out the window, with swivel bar stools. South Street Smokehouse is a great place for building memories with both friends and family, while enjoying a wonderful meal.

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