Emilia tries a modern take on American-style barbecue in Melbourne’s west!

Up in Smoke

28 Hopkins Street, Footscray 

Press PLAY to listen to Emilia’s full review

Does Cheech & Chong’s “Up in Smoke” mean anything to you? I’ll admit, it didn’t mean much to me but after some research I found it is a 1978 American comedy film directed by Lou Adler and starring Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong.

The restaurant’s name and concept were inspired by co-owner Shayne McCallum’s appreciation for the 1978 Cheech & Chong film “Up in Smoke,” cleverly tying into the establishment’s focus on smoked meats and barbecue cuisine.

The centrepiece of the establishment is a $20,000 Yoder Frontiersman smoker, which slow-cooks a variety of meats overnight, including brisket, pork shoulder, ribs, and sausages.

My housemate left the city and met me out the front in sub 15 minutes as it’s that close to the train station. Up in Smoke, in Footscray, is a modern take on American-style barbecue, emphasising smoked meats and a vibrant dining atmosphere.

The restaurant is known for its casual yet inviting setting, featuring high ceilings and an open space that allows diners to enjoy the aroma of meats being smoked in-house.

The interior is designed with black-painted brick walls and dim lighting, perhaps the best part is the outdoor seating, making it a great spot for casual gatherings.

Up in Smoke is also notable for its extensive beer selection and a cocktail bar at the back, featuring 10 rotating taps of craft brews from local and international breweries.

They have a mix of sessionable, interesting and seasonal craft beers on tap showcasing the latest and greatest in local Australian craft beer, with a focus on independent breweries.

With all those options, I tried the Apple Pie Sour. 

Tuesday’s are Taco Tuesdays, Wednesday you can get two sandwiches and two sides for $50 and Thursday hot wings are $18.

The best way to try lots at once is their meat trays. 

Chargrilled corn cobb, layered with habanero mayo, jack cheese. If you want to share you’ll have to cut it off the cobb because it’s messy around the mouth otherwise! 

Crumbed mozzarella sticks simple, effective, add plum sauce and you have a crowd favourite. 

Smoked hot wings, choose between mild, spicy, or ‘effin’ hot’. Proceed with caution … it includes celery sticks and ranch sauce to refresh your palate if you over spice.

The best way to eat here is in trays. I tried the little tray – 150gm brisket burnt ends, 100gm pulled pork, 1/2 sausage, milk bun, pickles, mac & cheese & slaw for $40. 

Also tried the the rib tray – one beef short rib, 1/2 rack pork ribs, two milk buns, pickles & your choice of one side for $80.

Get sauces too! Up In Smoke BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, ranch Sauce are my picks.

As always, multiple types of potato are necessary…potato salad and BBQ rub fries are the way to go.

That’s not to say that there aren’t more potato options, Up in Smoke snack pack has crispy brisket, crispy pork, jack cheese, beer battered fries, mild Louisiana sauce, ranch, buffalo Sauce for $24.

Or the ‘Burnt End Brisket Poutine’ that are waffle fries, jack cheese, pickled red onion, cheese and smokey brisket gravy for $26.

With its focus on quality smoked meats and a welcoming atmosphere, Up In Smoke has quickly become a favourite for locals and lovers of Footscray’s culinary scene.

Extra points for having the Channel 9 News on and for being dog friendly!