At Iona, there are so many off campus food options. Whether it be the Mirage, Beechmont Tavern, Avenue Deli and Cafe or many of the other options, there is so much variety of food. However, one restaurant that I think is underrated is Smokehouse Tailgate Grill. Located at 587 North Ave, just down the street from Iona, it is definitely a restaurant that people should check out. Something that sticks out to me about Smokehouse is the different kinds of food they offer compared to the other restaurants on our meal plan. Smokehouse is known for its BBQ food, which is something I think isn’t as prominent on other restaurant menus. Starting off with appetizers, Smokehouse offers fan favorites such as buffalo chicken dip, wings, empanadas and much more. For the entrees, they have options for everyone, starting with tacos,
many choices of burgers, sandwiches and even smoked meats such as pulled pork, brisket and ribs. For those who are vegetarian, the menu also offers foods such as shrimp tacos, mac and cheese and cornbread, as well as salads. Having a BBQ-style restaurant brings variety to Iona, especially if you want a change from the dining hall. Smokehouse is a great place to meet up with friends to catch up, watch some games or even for a happy hour. Happy hour at Smokehouse is Tuesday-Thursday from 3:30-6:30 p.m., or you could even stop by on Sundays for brunch. The brunch special, which includes drinks and foods such as churro waffles, cornbread, BBQ totchos and even breakfast burgers, is an experience you don’t want to miss. One of my favorite things about Smokehouse is its proximity to campus. Less than a five-minute walk away, it is ideal for those who want to go out to eat but might not have access to a car while at school. Another great thing about Smokehouse is that during the warm weather seasons, they offer outdoor seating which really opens the space and heightens the experience. Outdoor seating has become such a popular feature these past few years, and having the tables outside on the sidewalk allows you to enjoy both the nice weather and great food.
For anyone at Iona who hasn’t tried Smokehouse yet, I highly recommend going there one day with your friends and trying out the food. You won’t be disappointed, and you might end up finding your new favorite go-to restaurant.
