Peanut butter and jelly, bacon and eggs, milk and cookies – these are all matches made in heaven. I think it’s safe to say we can add BBQ and beer to that list. It might be a combination mostly associated with summertime and backyard parties, but it’s also a comforting one perfect for the cooler seasons. After all, not everyone loves hot cocoa and marshmallows, turkey and cranberry sauce or any of the other traditional winter staples.

With its warm ambiance, central location and hearty selection of food, Smoque N Bones is just the place to escape the cold. That’s exactly what a few of us did one recent afternoon as we sampled dish after delicious dish, washing each bite down with swigs of Samuel Adams.

We started with full glasses of beer as a feast of tender BBQ meats including ribs and pulled pork accompanied by incredible sides like buttermilk onion rings and collard greens came out in quick succession. Inspired by “the four pillars of BBQ: Memphis, Texas, Kansas and Carolina,” as written on its website, Smoque N Bones brings a bit of Southern Pride to the Queen West area. The baby back ribs and brussels sprouts were my personal favourites.

Yet being a huge dessert lover myself, it was the fresh-out-of-the-oven pecan pie and bread pudding that stole the show for me. Warm and not-too-sweet, they were the perfect cap to the BBQ and beer experience. Although all of us were loathe to leave the inviting space, good company and, let’s be honest, the refreshing pints of Samuel Adams.

Photos by Jeffrey Chan Photography