They say where there’s smoke there’s fire, and Executive Chef/Owner Bill Espiricueta is no exception, having worked with passion for years to prepare for and open the award-winning Smok in 2018; and now he brings Smok to Fort Collins, the first Smok location outside of Denver.
Smok brings Chef Bill’s fine dining knowledge together with his lifelong barbecue obsession, resulting in technique-driven preparation in a menu of beautifully executed and comfortingly familiar barbecue dishes. Smok’s menu combines influences from the most iconic barbecue-making regions around the country along with Bill’s own global travel and culinary inspirations. Though spirit-wise a Colorado boy, Bill was born in Austin, Texas and got his professional start at Kansas City’s progressive Bluestem Restaurant before jumping to fine dining, working with Nobu Matsuhisa at Nobu in Dallas before finding his way to Colorado and working closely for many years with Denver’s most esteemed culinary talent. Here at Smok, Chef Bill executes an easy-going barbecue-joint vibe with the high expectations a fine-dining chef.
A menu of rotating selections includes Chef Bill’s favorite smoked items including burnt ends, turkey, pork spareribs, chicken, brisket, wings, and sausages served alongside Southern-influenced sides, house-made pickles, smoked meat sandwiches and more.
Kids and families will find many options at Smok, including the Kids Menu: Smok drumstick, tater tots, carrots & celery for $8 with the optional add-on of Mac N Cheese for $5. In the winter when the ice-skating rink is in full swing, Smok will offer free hot chocolate for revelers with an optional Bailey’s add in for $5.
The creative beverage menu is anchored by 12 taps, boozy slushies and balanced cocktails served at the double-sided bar that opens to the two-sided outdoor patio. CSU and Broncos games will be shown on the 8 widescreen TVs; 110 can be seated inside with 45 outside at 4-person high tops and the double-sided bar. Smok will be offering tailgating catering packages for guests who like to watch the game at home but still want an array of barbecued meats to enjoy during the game.
