Smoke Eaters is the best American Barbecue joint for adults

What a positive change—from Miyake, a Japanese restaurant, to Smoke Eaters, an American barbecue bar. Although not the advertised date of September, the restaurant grand opening on Nov. 20 was worth the wait.

Miyake’s food had notoriously high prices, but Smoke Eaters is affordable to stay afloat during tough times. The Tuesday special of buffalo wings for $0.50 per piece from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. have people waiting to get hold of the delicious, perfectly cooked, crispy buffalo wings drizzled in a sweet sauce. It isn’t dry like the chicken at KFC down the street nor soggy like Costco wings. Although the wait for the food is somewhat long, it can be overlooked because of the quality. In addition, the delicious boneless chicken tenders, a dollar each on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., give you more bang for your buck. Can’t get that at the Value Menu at McDonald’s.

Not only were the specials great, but the regular menu can probably knock out its competitor around the area, such as Jake’s Pizza in Saratoga. The Turkey and Avocado in Jake’s Pizza is arguably the best sandwich in the restaurant, but it is no match for Smoke Eaters’ Californian Chicken Sandwich with a non-oily patty encasing meat that retains an extra smokey flavor.

The food is great, but the the atmosphere isn’t very teen-friendly. Even though the lights are dim, the music is current, and a gazillion televisions around the restaurant, the main attraction is the bar. The restaurant has a typical bar atmosphere with the tall stools in one area and the sitting booths. If the Sharks were to be in the final rounds of the Stanley cup, this place would be the place to be.

Smoke Eaters will satisfy your taste for American food with top-of-line specials and regular menus without putting a dent in your wallet—but this isn’t a place for your sweet 16.

Smoke Eaters is located on 10650 S. DeAnza Blvd. Cupertino, CA 95014. Phone: (408) 255-2214. Opened from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

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