Smoke & Barrel Named Best BBQ in the Borough

By Katie McFadden

Now that’s a good brisket! Smoke & Barrel may be the new guy in town, only opening in July, but they’ve already reached a big accomplishment with their delicious barbecue delights. On Wednesday, September 13, the Queens Chamber of Commerce declared the newcomer’s cuisine as the Best BBQ in Queens!

Last month, the Queens Chamber requested nominations for the best barbecue spots in the borough and then they recently put the 19 nominees to a vote online. Rockaway’s very own Smoke & Barrel, opened by Brian and Susan Baldwin this summer, was named number one!

After earning the honor at a ceremony by the Queens Chamber on Tuesday, owner Brian Baldwin said, “We won after eight weeks in business! It’s pretty incredible, it’s surreal.”

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato was also on hand to present a citation to the Baldwins for such an accomplishment, mentioning that her own mom has become a big fan of the new BBQ joint.

Batesy’s and Goody’s were also in the running, but as we go to press, it’s unclear where they placed. However, this is the second crown for a Rockaway restaurant in the Queens Chamber’s Best Of contests. In February, Rocco’s of Roc Beach took first for Best Pizza. Baldwin is happy to be among champions. “The Rockaway Renaissance of food is what we’re looking to do, and to be a place where people know to come for good food and good choices,” he said.

Want to try the best BBQ in Queens for yourself? Smoke & Barrel is located at 97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd. For menus and more info, see: www.smokeandbarrelny.com