Blue Ember Smokehouse is a culinary haven for barbecue enthusiasts and food lovers who crave authentic smoked flavors combined with a modern twist. Nestled in the heart of the city, the restaurant prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, traditional smoking techniques, and innovative recipes to craft an unforgettable dining experience.
The menu at Blue Ember Smokehouse is thoughtfully curated to offer a wide variety of smoked meats, hearty sides, and delectable desserts. Whether you’re visiting for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a special occasion, the diverse selection ensures there is something to satisfy every palate.
“The secret to great barbecue isn’t just the smoke or the sauce, but the passion and patience poured into every dish.” – Blue Ember Smokehouse Chef
Starters & Appetizers
Begin your meal with one of Blue Ember’s flavorful appetizers, designed to awaken your taste buds and set the stage for the main course. Each appetizer is crafted with care, often incorporating smoked ingredients or house-made sauces that complement the deeper flavors found throughout the menu.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Smoked Brisket Nachos | Blue corn chips topped with tender smoked brisket, melted cheddar, jalapeños, pico de gallo, and house-made BBQ sauce. | $12.95 |
| Burnt Ends Sliders | Three mini brioche buns filled with crispy burnt ends, pickled onions, and smoky chipotle mayo. | $11.50 |
| Smoked Wings | Half-pound of wings smoked low and slow, tossed in your choice of honey BBQ, spicy cayenne, or garlic parmesan sauce. | $10.75 |
| House-Smoked Jalapeño Poppers | Fresh jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and smoked sausage, coated in a crispy batter. | $9.50 |
| BBQ Baked Beans Dip | A warm dip featuring slow-cooked beans, smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, and a hint of molasses, served with toasted baguette slices. | $8.25 |
Signature Smoked Meats
The heart of Blue Ember Smokehouse lies in its expertly smoked meats. Using a blend of hardwoods and traditional methods, each cut is infused with deep smoky flavors and cooked to perfection.
Guests can choose from a variety of classic and specialty meats, served in generous portions.
| Meat | Description | Portion Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas-Style Brisket | Beef brisket smoked for 14 hours until tender, with a peppery bark and juicy interior. | 8 oz / 12 oz | $18.95 / $24.50 |
| St. Louis-Style Ribs | Pork ribs smoked and glazed with a tangy house BBQ sauce, fall-off-the-bone tender. | Half Rack / Full Rack | $16.75 / $28.00 |
| Smoked Pulled Pork | Slow-smoked pork shoulder pulled and mixed with Blue Ember’s signature smoky blend. | 8 oz / 12 oz | $14.50 / $19.95 |
| Smoked Chicken Quarters | Juicy chicken quarters smoked with a special spice rub and served with a side of BBQ sauce. | 2 Quarters | $15.25 |
| Smoked Sausage Links | House-made pork sausages smoked and served with mustard and pickles. | 3 Links | $13.00 |
Combination Platters
For those who want to explore multiple flavors, Blue Ember offers combination platters that allow you to mix and match your favorite smoked meats. Perfect for sharing or for the indecisive barbecue lover.
| Combination | Includes | Side Choices | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Classic Trio | Brisket, pulled pork, and smoked sausage | Two sides | $28.95 |
| Rib & Brisket Duo | Half rack of ribs and 8 oz brisket | Two sides | $29.50 |
| Smoky Sampler | Smoked chicken quarters, pulled pork, and sausage links | Two sides | $27.75 |
Hearty Sides
No barbecue meal is complete without the perfect sides. Blue Ember offers a selection of classic and house-specialty sides, made fresh daily to complement the rich, smoky meats.
| Side | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Smoked Mac & Cheese | Creamy macaroni and cheese baked with smoked gouda and cheddar, topped with crispy breadcrumbs. | $6.50 |
| Collard Greens | Slow-cooked greens with smoked ham hocks and spices. | $5.75 |
| BBQ Baked Beans | Rich baked beans slow-cooked with smoked bacon and molasses. | $5.75 |
| Sweet Potato Fries | Crispy sweet potato fries served with a smoky chipotle aioli. | $6.25 |
| Cornbread Muffin | Warm, buttery cornbread muffins baked fresh daily. | $3.50 |
| Pickled Vegetables | Assortment of house-pickled cucumbers, carrots, and onions. | $4.00 |
Fresh Salads & Lighter Fare
To balance the smoky richness of the meats, Blue Ember offers fresh salads and lighter options. These dishes highlight seasonal produce and house-made dressings, providing a refreshing contrast to the robust smoked flavors.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Smokehouse Cobb Salad | Mixed greens topped with smoked chicken, avocado, egg, smoked bacon, tomatoes, and blue cheese crumbles, served with house ranch dressing. | $14.75 |
| Grilled Vegetable Salad | Seasonal grilled vegetables over baby spinach with balsamic vinaigrette and toasted pecans. | $12.50 |
| Smoked Brisket Chili | Hearty chili made with smoked brisket, beans, and spices, topped with shredded cheese and onions. | $9.95 |
| House Salad | Fresh greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and croutons with your choice of dressing. | $7.25 |
Burgers & Sandwiches
Blue Ember Smokehouse offers a selection of hearty sandwiches and burgers that bring together smoky flavors and satisfying textures. Served on freshly baked buns, these items are perfect for a quick meal without compromising on taste.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Ember Brisket Burger | Half-pound beef patty topped with smoked brisket, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and BBQ sauce on a toasted brioche bun. | $15.95 |
| Pulled Pork Sandwich | Slow-smoked pulled pork piled high on a bun with coleslaw and house BBQ sauce. | $13.50 |
| Smoked Chicken Club | Smoked chicken breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and smoked aioli on toasted sourdough. | $14.25 |
| BBQ Sausage Po’ Boy | Smoked sausage links on a French roll with pickles, lettuce, and spicy remoulade sauce. | $13.95 |
Desserts
End your meal on a sweet note with desserts that blend classic Southern flavors with a smoky twist. Blue Ember’s dessert offerings are crafted to provide a perfect balance of sweetness and comfort.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Smoked Pecan Pie | Traditional pecan pie with a subtle smoky undertone, served warm with vanilla ice cream. | $7.50 |
| BBQ Banana Pudding | Classic banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers and a hint of smoked caramel sauce. | $6.95 |
| Chocolate Smokehouse Cake | Rich chocolate cake infused with smoked cocoa, topped with chocolate ganache. | $7.95 |
| Seasonal Fruit Cobbler | A warm fruit cobbler made with seasonal fruits, served with whipped cream. | $6.75 |
Beverages
Blue Ember Smokehouse complements its robust menu with a variety of beverages, including local craft beers, signature cocktails, and classic Southern drinks. Whether you want something refreshing or something with a smoky kick, the drink menu has options to enhance your dining experience.
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| House-Made Sweet Tea | Classic Southern sweet tea brewed fresh daily. | $3.50 |
| Smoked Old Fashioned | Bourbon cocktail with a smoked orange peel and bitters. | $11.00 |
| Craft Beer Selection | Rotating selection of local and regional craft beers on tap. | $6.00 – $8.00 |
| Blue Ember Lemonade | Fresh squeezed lemonade with a hint of smoked rosemary. | $4.25 |
| Non-Alcoholic Drinks | Sodas, sparkling water, and freshly brewed coffee. | $2.50 – $3.00 |
About the Culinary Philosophy
Blue Ember Smokehouse’s menu reflects a deep respect for traditional barbecue as well as a commitment to innovation. The chefs emphasize slow cooking and smoking methods that bring out the natural flavors of the meats without overwhelming them with sauce or additives.
Quality ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, ensuring freshness and supporting the community. The smokehouse employs a blend of hardwoods—such as hickory, oak, and cherry—to impart complex layers of flavor, creating dishes that are as rich in history as they are in taste.
“Every dish is a story — from the pit to the plate, we craft an experience that honors the soul of barbecue.” – Executive Chef, Blue Ember Smokehouse
Private Events & Catering
Blue Ember Smokehouse also offers catering services and private event hosting. Their customizable menu options can accommodate a variety of group sizes and preferences, making it ideal for corporate events, weddings, or casual gatherings.
The catering menu includes all favorites from the restaurant, with the flexibility to add specialty items or build custom platters. The smokehouse team works closely with clients to design menus that suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Dietary Considerations
While barbecue naturally centers around meat, Blue Ember Smokehouse is attentive to guests with dietary restrictions. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, and staff are happy to assist with ingredient details or modifications.
- Vegetarian Options: Grilled Vegetable Salad, House Salad, and select sides such as Sweet Potato Fries.
- Gluten-Free Options: Most smoked meats (without bun or sauce), collard greens, baked beans, and cornbread (gluten-free available upon request).
- Allergy Awareness: The kitchen maintains protocols to minimize cross-contamination and is happy to discuss allergens.
Conclusion
The Blue Ember Smokehouse menu is a celebration of Southern barbecue tradition elevated by expert smoking techniques and fresh, quality ingredients. From the first bite of smoked wings to the last forkful of pecan pie, the menu invites guests on a flavorful journey steeped in passion and craft.
Whether you’re a seasoned barbecue aficionado or a newcomer seeking bold, satisfying flavors, Blue Ember Smokehouse offers an authentic and memorable dining experience that honors the art of smokehouse cooking.
