I've driven by this place a few times before I decided to give it a try. Came in between prime dining hours and the place was almost completely empty, minus a couple of tables. The decor is very modern and trendy, with rustic wood accents from the birch bark and sliding barn door, white subway tile, industrial metal seats and the subtle dress of the wait staff.
As it was lunch time-ish, was provided with two menus: one for sandwiches and another with their lunch and dinner options with categories of starters, BBQ, mains, desserts to name a few. Prices were roughly anywhere from $7 for an appetizer to $30.
The food can really speak for itself: house made pickles, delicate long-smoked meat that is so tender that the meat fibres separate with a touch, delightfully light cornbread. The plating was nothing to speak of, and was rather minimalistic.
The service, while attentive, really could be kicked up a notch. It's not great to see the wait staff watching tv and checking their phones. And I hate it when they take my plate away, especially when my guests aren't done. And it almost seemed that the waitress was borderline annoyed.
The Smokery is confusing, portraying what would be rustic Southern cuisine in a very modern and upscale way that doesn't work. Ribs, smoked brisket, pulled pork, it should be homey, warm, rustic and messy good, and cheerful staff to boot, like Stockyards on St. Clair.