Let’s take another ride to Sandston Smokehouse. In a couple of weeks it will have been a year since I first introduced them to you. We have made several trips back to Sandston in that time and it just seems like we should check them out again. I’m going to mix some of these revisited restaurants into the blog just to help keep their stories out there. I chose Sandston Smokehouse to start this series for a special reason. So I hope you’ll enjoy the read and see what’s up here in Sandston, VA.

The Restaurant and Staff:

The Sandston Smokehouse dining room hasn’t changed much in a year. It’s still decorated with really cool stuff from the past. The building used to be a pharmacy in years gone by. Bobby Haller has maintained the old fashioned feel and even kept the old counter in place. If you like history you’ll feel very comfortable here. But don’t fear. For those that prefer a more modern place, the table and chairs are not like sitting on old benches from the 1800’s. And yes they do have electricity and running water.

Now it seems like every time we go there we get to know Bobby better. He has a great work ethic and a huge compassion for serving you the best meal possible. As for the staff, they also seem to get better each time we visit. You’re greeted as soon as you walk in the front door and they seem to treat everyone just like you’re a neighbor that drops in daily.

I do want to mention one major change in this past year. Zach Pettrey. This dude can cook. Well he is a chef so he should be able to, right? No, he goes beyond that level of being good and into a world of his own. He loves to create and does a wonderful job at it. With Zach and Bobby both having such a love of creating great dishes and taking such pleasure in serving you, how can you go wrong. And notice I said pleasure, neither of these guys have an ego when it comes to their craft. They just want you to be happy.

My Special Night at Sandston Smokehouse:

Brisket and Burnt Ends Birthday Dinner. Sandston Smokehouse.

Well, Tammy asked where I wanted to go for my birthday dinner. This year I wanted to go to Sandston Smokehouse. The last time we went there they had run out of pulled pork and ribs. No problem. I decided to send Bobby a message to let him know that we were coming the next night. I wanted to be sure there would be something left. Kind of like ordering in advance. “Great. Come on up” was the response from Bobby. Don’t worry about anything. Remember that before this visit I didn’t know about Zach.

So Bobby tells Zach a little about me and that we were coming up for my birthday. He wanted to do something special for me. Not what I expected. I just wanted to make sure I could get a three meat platter. Well Zach went to work and came up with a dinner like I have never had before. It had Sliced Brisket and Burnt Ends over Cayenne Baby Red Potatoes, Smoked Portabella Mushrooms and Asparagus on top with an awesome Mulled Apple Cider Reduction.

The brisket was awesome, even better than usual, and the burnt ends, I honestly believe were the best I ever had. And that’s not an easy statement to make since we’ve had great burnt ends at other places we’ve been. Tammy thinks maybe they were that good just because he made them special for me. Maybe.

Anyone for Brunch?

Brisket and Eggs Brunch at Sandston Smokehouse.

Another new addition to Sandston Smokehouse’s menu is Saturday Brunch. Well we heard so much about it on Wednesday night, then had two days to think about it, we decided to go back on Saturday for brunch. Let me just say “Have Mercy”.

To start with they have four choices. Fried Chicken and Waffles, Brisket and Eggs, Sausage Gravy and Cornbread, or a Stack and a Rack. Well they sold out of ribs so that was out. Sticking with my BBQ Code, I went for the Brisket and Eggs. Tammy decided to get the Fried Chicken and Waffles.

So let me try to explain my meal. This description comes from Bobby. I had to ask so I get it right. It was brisket and eggs over Queso Blanco topped with a

chimichurri salsa and a side of fried plantains. Allow me to say it was unbelievably good. The brisket was fantastic. And the eggs were cooked to perfection just like I wanted them. Also, I had never tasted plantains before today. They also were really good. The plantains are in the banana family for those like me that don’t

Chicken and Waffles Brunch at Sandston Smokehouse.

know. But they were almost like having sliced, fried potatoes on the side. And finally the salsa was also a great touch. This is something you need to try.

As I said, Tammy had fried chicken and waffles. The syrup was made with Jack Daniels and other ingredients, I believe is what Zach told us. You’ll have to go there and ask if you’re interested. Starting with the waffles, they were thick and fluffy and tasted great. What really got me was the fried chicken breasts. I always thought I could hold my own in a fried chicken cook-off. Well this chicken was better than any I ever fried. It was crispy on the outside, moist and juicy on the inside. Zach said to thank his grandmother. Yep, my recipe came from a great uncle. They really knew how to cook back then. Thankfully they were willing to teach us how to do it also.

Final Thoughts:

Wednesday night was an awesome night for me. Bobby and Zach gave me such a special treatment. It just meant so much to me. Meeting Zach was great. He’s quite a character. We had a blast talking to the two of them just relaxing and enjoying the evening. This is why I tell people that we have met so many wonderful people by doing this blog. Bobby, his wife Maria, Zach, and the rest of the gang at Sandston Smokehouse

Birthday Dinner at Sandston Smokehouse.

are just a few. And don’t look for my dinner on the menu just yet. They may start trying some dishes like that to see how they sell. So for an insider hint…go for the three meat combo with pulled pork, sliced brisket, and ribs. Or maybe some burnt ends. Whatever you decide, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Oh, and I’d love to tell you about the Sausage Gravy and Cornbread on the Saturday Brunch but it’s time to wrap this up. Go and try it!

Now For Your Thoughts:

So it’s been a year since we first visited. Business has picked up a great deal since then and that’s great to see. Here’s your chance to let everyone know how you feel about Sandston Smokehouse. Scroll down and drop a comment in the box so I can post it with this review. Tell everyone what makes them your favorite. What keeps you coming back? It’s just a good chance to let the people at Sandston know how you feel and help spread the word about them.

I look forward to hearing from you.

I encourage you to share this review on Facebook and other social media sites. Follow us on Facebook to see where else we go.

You can check out their website at: https://www.sandstonsmokehouse.co/

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

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