Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop: The Upscale Barbecue with International Flare that’s Taking Westfield UTC by Storm

Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop is an innovative restaurant concept in a modern space serving up some of the best barbecue in Southern California. With brothers Guy and Alon Ravid at the helm of this smokehouse and chop shop, there is no doubt that San Diego will fall in love with their international flavors.

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Guy and Alon found success in the restaurant and hospitality scenes of Los Angeles as part of Choice Hospitality Group, opening nearly a dozen culinary and nightlife concepts around the region. In 2009, the brothers traded in their surfboards for snowboards and opened Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop in the emerging ski town of Mammoth Lakes. Fueled by barbecue sauce and a desire to be closer to family, Guy and Alon brought the Smokeyard brand to their hometown of San Diego.

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Guy and Alon recently opened the doors of the San Diego restaurant partnering with the local talent of Executive Chef Matt Sramek. Chef Sramek has quite the impressive pedigree including time at fine dining showstoppers The Fairmont Grant Del Mar and Hotel Bel-Air. However, don’t let this white tablecloth background fool you. Chef Sramek packs a punch with techniques in smoking and brining that pair perfectly with some of the highest-grade beef and pork. There is something for everyone on this menu, anything from rib eye and filet mignon to pork chop and chicken.

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All meats are spice rubbed and smoked in-house for hours, infusing flavors of apple wood and hickory into the high-grade cuts. In addition to the chops, there are more casual dishes such as fish & chips served with hand-cut fries, and a pulled pork sandwich served on a brioche bun and topped with a delectable peanut coleslaw and pickled red onions. The smoky flavors of the proteins are paired with any of three housemade sauces: Smokeyard BBQ, sweet chili and mango-habanero. In addition to smoked meats, there are creative takes on traditional side dishes as well as new and unique additions from spicy Smoked Bacon Skewers to the decadent Loaded Corn Bread.

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With the assistance from Tag Front, an LA-based design agency, Guy and Alon Ravid created an industrial yet modern dining space. The succulent-studded steel patio guides guests into the open bar and main dining area. Floor-to-ceiling windows add warmth to the interior. Don’t forget to look up — from the ceiling hang cowbell-shaped lampshades and butcher hooks. This mix of industrial and comfort design gives this restaurant an open and airy feel perfect for families, dates or business lunches.

Courtesy Photo by Sam Deleo

Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop is located at 4313 La Jolla Village Drive and serves lunch and dinner daily starting at 11:30 am. Enjoy happy hour seven days a week from 3:00-6:00 pm featuring special pricing on appetizers and drinks. For more information visit www.smokeyard.com or call (858) 630-RIBS (7427).