For a taste of the West, diners might want to mosey on down to Smokin Lobos Barbecue & Grill in downtown Dublin.
You’ll know at first sight — and bite — that this ain’t your daddy’s barbecue joint, unless, of course, your daddy is from Wyoming or Montana or elsewhere on that side of the Mississippi.
The recently renovated restaurant sports an upscale look, with all-new furnishings. The decor is mostly large, framed photographs of majestic mountain ranges and other Western scenes.
There’s not a piggy print or knickknack to be found.
The barbecue is definitely different than what we Southerners have come to know and love. The sauce on my “BBQ Sampler” of ribs, chicken wings and a “little pig” sandwich was equally both sweet and spicy. I enjoyed the way the ribs and wings teased my taste buds. With each bite, I was licking my lips, then reaching for my Diet Coke to cool down.
The baked beans also packed a little punch from what seemed to be a hint of Tabasco. They had a thinner consistency than Southern-style beans. My other side, sweet potato fries, was a nice change from the french-fried variety.
The pulled pork sandwich, on the other hand, was a bit of a disappointment. It could have been the sauce, but the meat seemed a little overcooked. Either way, I only took a couple of bites.
Smokin Lobos offers a number of barbecue choices, ranging from pulled pork and a full rack of ribs to “Thighs and Fries.” and even something called a “BBQ Stuffed Tater.” The menu has other options for those not in the mood for barbecue.
There’s New York Strip steak, tropical chicken and a wide selection of sandwiches that includes Philly cheese steak, Reuben, bratwurst, burgers and more.
On our lunch visit, my wife ordered the Island Mahi-Mahi platter. The fish was grilled and served over rice pilaf with a pineapple, mango and papaya salsa that was outstanding. She rated the macaroni and cheese side as “school cafeteria” level, though she would be the first to admit that she’s somewhat of a mac-and-cheese snob.
The true stars of this show shined before and after the main course. For appetizers, we ordered the “Jumbo Onion Rings,” and they were indeed huge. And they were fried to perfection, which basically means they were crisp and you could take a bite without the entire piece of onion sliding out of the crunchy ring. I really liked the sweet chili dipping sauce, which set the sweet-and-spicy tone for the rest of the meal.
My wife ordered a side salad made from locally grown, hydroponic spring mix lettuce and loaded with vegetables. It was very good.
We capped off the meal with a lava cake dessert — chocolate cake drizzled with white chocolate and served with vanilla ice cream from the Scoop’s candy shop next door. My wife stopped halfway through, but I finished off every delicious bite.
Smokin Lobos is a good change of pace for barbecue lovers and really anyone looking for a nice sit-down place to eat. It’s stylish, the service was great and there’s even live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
But when it comes to pulled pork, I might stick closer to home.
To contact writer Rodney Manley, call 744-4623.
Smokin Lobos Barbecue & Grill
Three stars
Address: 109 W. Jackson St., Dublin
Phone: (478) 296-7400
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; closed Sundays.
Price range: $3.95-$16.99
Payment: Cash, credit cards
Smoking: No
Alcohol: Yes
Kids Menu: Yes Noise Level: Moderate
Health Rating: 80
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