Smokehaus, the latest addition to the culinary scene from local restaurateur, Dave Andrea, of Brat Haus, will officially open its doors on February 1st. Last week, I had a chance to visit for a soft opening preview on a Friends and Family evening. Sharing a large parking lot and located next door to Brat Haus, what began as a successful catering concept has launched into a large, comfortable restaurant with an expansive patio and welcoming vibe.

We started with a local brew - Scottsdale Blonde, a Kölsch style beer by Huss Brewing in Tempe - and the easy-sipping Smokehaus Punch made with moonshine and pineapple juice.

Communal tables, cozy booths, and a casual warmth make Smokehaus a perfect spot to meet up with a group of friends to linger over brews and BBQ.

The menu for Smokehaus is inspired by coastal California’s Santa Maria style BBQ, with a mesquite and oak-fired grill and smokers, including a custom Camelback Smoker designed and previously owned by Scott Holmes, founder of acclaimed Little Miss BBQ. Look for BBQ chicken, ribs, pulled pork, salmon, and the house speciality, smoked tri-tip (also sold by the pound). Side dishes include ranch beans, street corn, pork belly mac and cheese, potato salad, and coleslaw. You can also start with appetizers such as rib tips or BBQ shrimp, or enjoy a BBQ sandwich and burgers.

A crowd-pleaser were the ABTs (aka Atomic Buffalo Turds), smoked jalapenos stuffed with sausage and cheese and wrapped in bacon.

We also sampled house-smoked hot links and cheddar skewers, pulled pork sliders, grilled chicken wings, berry cobbler, and a Texas sheet cake I couldn't stop eating. My favorite of the night? The smoked tri-tip slider with kale slaw and blue cheese. It's no wonder this delicious Santa Maria tri-tip is a Smokehaus signature. Add the friendly service from Trevor, and my sneak preview at Smokehaus was a great introduction. We'll be back! Smokehaus opens to the public officially this Monday, February 1st.

This was a complimentary Friends and Family soft opening.