"5"^^ . "0"^^ . "2016-05-22T00:00:00"^^ . . . "0"^^ . . "Smoq has the best smoked beef brisket bbq we have found in Pittsburgh. The flavor was excellent, and the slices had a good balance and variation of leanness (wet and dry beef). Having lived in Texas for 25 years, I guarantee this sliced brisket would do very well in Houston, Austin or anywhere in Texas. \n\nThe three available bbq sauces are tangy with a mustard flavor, sweet and spicy. We have eaten here twice now, and for me mixing the sweet and spicy sauces works great.\n\nThe cornbread is excellent. It comes jalapeno or regular. Next time I may make my two sides cornbread and cornbread. It is made as muffins, so every piece has both the nicely-textured edge and the warm, soft center. Cooked corn kernels add to the nice texture and taste.\n\nThe cole slaw was better than most. It was light without a heavy mayo base like slaw has in some places. The baked beans were average and the mac and cheese just above average in taste, but who cares when the smoked brisket is this good!!!\n\nIn some Pittsburgh restaurants, bbq brisket is not available until after 5:00. At Smoq, you can have smoked brisket for lunch or dinner!\n\nSmoq is a small, very informal hole in the wall sort of place right in the heart of Brookline. The service was very friendly, prompt and competent. I will go back, I will tell friends, and I plan to use takeout to make this outstanding bbq the theme of a party."^^ . "0"^^ .