Smoky, slow-cooked American barbecue that’s worth seeking out

What’s on offer?

Smokin Bones started out as a food stall in Herbert Park in Dublin 4, in 2013, cooking baby back ribs over fire. The first restaurant opened on Dame Street in 2014 and now it is in five locations, including one in Galway. Pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken wings and burgers feature on an extensive menu with vegetarian options such as pit beans and mac’n’cheese.

The beef brisket from Quigley’s Meats is rubbed with American mustard, salt and pepper before being smoked low and slow for 12 hours over hickory wood in large American pit smokers.

A special spice mix is rubbed on to the baby back ribs before smoking them over applewood for four hours. They are sprayed with apple juice an hour before they’re finished to keep them succulent. Just before serving, they are finished with house-made barbecue sauces, with a choice of Kansas, Texas, South Carolina or Korean. The pork is Irish but is not free-range.

What did we order?

The award-winning smoked brisket with skin-on fries and baby back ribs with skin-on fries.

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How was the service?

We ordered on Just Eat. The website is easy to navigate and the food arrived hot and in good condition.

Was the food nice?

The brisket comes in big chunks, which are crisp on the outside and tender inside from the low and slow cooking, with a warm smoke flavour. The portion of baby back ribs is very generous. The meat is falling off the bone without being too wet, and the South Carolina mustard-based rub works nicely. The skin-on chips are crispy and delicious, and the barbecue sauce on the side has a nice balance of heat and acidity.

What about the packaging?

The majority of the packaging is recyclable. The food arrives in a paper rather than a plastic bag. The brisket is in a reusable tinfoil container and the ribs are wrapped in tinfoil. Chips come in paper bags and the sauces are in recyclable plastic containers.

What did it cost?

It cost €43.39 for dinner for three people: smoked brisket with fries, €19.95; baby back ribs with fries, €20.95; and delivery charge €2.49.

Where does it deliver?

Delivery through Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats within a 5km radius of outlets. Click and collect is also available. Open daily, noon-10pm (until 9pm on Sundays).

Would I order it again?

Yes, this is the sort of tasty food that is perfect for a group of people.