Today we’re going to Redwood Smoke Shack’s Grand Opening of their Restaurant in Norfolk, VA. We’ve been waiting for this day for quite some time. We had the privilege of catching their food trailer on their fourth week out and that was just over 2 years ago. After a couple of visits to the food trailer we started telling Bob Roberts, the owner, that he needed a restaurant. Well today is the day. The restaurant opened today and we were able to be a part of it.

The Restaurant and Staff:

Redwood Smoke Shack is located in the Ghent section of Norfolk on Manteo Street. They moved into the location that was held by Norfolk’s iconic Dog-N-Burger Grille. So with some modifications to the building Redwood was ready to call it their own. They have a parking lot located behind the restaurant which is where we parked and found our friend Lindsey. We believe her to be the motivator behind Bob and definitely a pleasure to talk to. After speaking with her we went around front to the entrance. At the entrance is a menu. I have already read one review on Yelp which stated something about small portions. My response would be to read the menu. It does tell you what you are getting. Larger portions need to double up.

So right up front was Bob serving the meats. After him you moved down the line and picked your sides. At the end of the line you pay for your order and then go pick a seat. There are some counter seating where you can look out the front window while you eat as well as some tables in another section of the restaurant. Then there are outside tables too. Also outside was someone playing a guitar and singing today. Bob and his team at Redwood Smoke Shack have done a wonderful job getting this place ready to open and serve the public.

Our Choices at Redwood Smoke Shack:

We were fortunate to arrive when we did today. They were on the verge of selling out when we got there. So Tammy ordered the same thing she had the first time she went to their food trailer, a Woody. This is their signature Sammich with Sliced Brisket, Pulled Pork, House BBQ Sauce and Slaw between a Krispy Kreme Donut. This began her love of Bob and it continues today.

The brisket is some of the best you will find around here. Cooked Texas style, the smoke and flavors are awesome and the brisket just melts in your mouth. And the pulled pork rocks as well. I’ve never asked Bob what type of wood he uses but again the smoke and flavor of the pork are wonderful. The slaw is excellent as well and also makes a great side dish by itself. Tammy also tried out the corn pudding. I believe this might be a new addition to Redwood Smoke Shack or I just never saw it. Tammy loves corn pudding and she ate every bite of this order.

Well today I ordered a Naked Platter with Pulled Pork and the last of the Jalapeno Cheese Smoked Sausage. My sides were Pit Smoked Baked Beans and Green Chile Mac & Cheese. Note that I could not get the Meat Sweets Sampler because Tammy had just got the last of the brisket for her Sammich. And since I already told you how wonderful the pulled pork is I’ll move on to the sausage.

The sausage packs some heat so if you don’t like it hot stick to the other choices. I love it. The beans are a mixture of four or five different types of beans with a wonderful sauce all smoked up. These beans are wonderful. The mac & cheese was right up there as well. Cooked up perfectly with plenty of cheese. Nice and creamy.

Desserts:

Honestly I didn’t even think about dessert today. Tammy did though and ordered some banana pudding. I heard her and the young lady behind the counter whispering when I was talking to Bob but didn’t notice what she had done until we had sat down. I really didn’t think of it as a problem since she always offers me a taste of anything she orders. Let me just say that I saw her open the container that it was in and when I

looked again she was finishing it off. I think it must have been pretty good.

Final Thoughts:

I am so glad we were able to attend Day 1 for the Grand Opening of Redwood Smoke Shack’s Restaurant. Colley Ave. and 21^st St. have a lot of businesses on them. Redwood is about a block away which puts them in a great location to get to. Just be careful driving through the other area. The staff is trained pretty well and did an excellent job today. I’m sure there will be a few bumps along the way as they all learn this new side of the business. I’m also sure they will work through any bumps and come out better. I wish them the best and can’t wait to go back when they are fully stocked. I’d highly recommend this restaurant to anyone.

Now For Your Thoughts:

I guess sometimes you can tell that I really like a place. So let’s hear it from you. I know that Redwood Smoke Shack had a soft opening on Friday and grand opening on

Saturday. Now they are up and running. Have you been there yet? What did you think? Did the food measure up for you? Drop us some comments and I’ll post them with this.

Now I know that some of the food trailer faithful’s have been here. Tell us what you thought. Are you happy to have a single location you can go to? What are your favorites? Leave some comments and fill us in on your thoughts and anything that I may have left out. I’d love to have your thoughts posted with this as well.

I look forward to hearing from you.

 

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You can check out their website at: https://www.redwoodsmokeshack.com/

You can also find them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/redwoodsmoke/

 

Enjoy the ride, good eating and thanks for stopping by.