What's New Restaurants: The Smokeyard, Sanlitun

Picture The Smokeyard. As a restaurant name it conjures up visions of a thrusting, masculine barbecue joint in somewhere like Missouri. Our Beijing version, located a stone’s throw from the bedlam of Sanlitun, could not be further from that vision, a bright and boisterous two story space with lots of bare brickwork and primary colors.

Neither does the menu limit itself to barbecue, although the original bourbon whiskey ribs (RMB 78) are one of the better examples we have sampled around town, the meat rich and tender underneath the just-sweet sauce. The portion too is formidable, although we could have done with less of the mayonnaise-laden coleslaw. The eponymous “smoke” comes through in the house sliders (RMB 48 for three), the patties charred to a thick crust and served with more smoked bacon. 

Grab a pint of the house draft beer (RMB 18) to wash these rich flavors down with. Supplied by a local brewery, it is as light on the palate as it is on the wallet. We always hesitate to use the word fusion, but the rest of the menu is practically asking for it. For example, the crabmon salad (RMB 38) features smoked salmon and fresh crab in a Japanese-style sesame dressing, while a classic meatball marinara (RMB 38) is taken to the next level by Hunan chili peppers. 

The team behind The Smokeyard cook and serve with heart, and although they’ve set themselves up in a highly competitive area, we’re sure that their unpretentious style and approachable pricing will bring success. 

Note: The soft opening menu may be subject to change.

The Smokeyard
Unit 5, 6 Nan Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区南三里屯路6号楼5门

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Email: robynnetindall@thebeijinger.com
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Photos: Joey Guo