Industrial areas aren't usually where you would go to in search for good food. But lately, I've been more than pleasantly surprised. Hidden gems are everywhere in the city and one of them is the fairly new Smokin' Barrels Cocina Latina.
Smokin' Barrels opened in March in a complex just off of 156 Street and 131 Ave. As a latin kitchen, they serve both Mexican and Colombian cuisine. Expect traditional favourites like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, as well as interesting fusion dishes such as birria poutine or a braised beef burger with Mexican condiments.
I met with KT after we both finished work in the area on Saturday. We found plenty of parking outside since the other businesses were closed by dinnertime. Aside from a couple of people doing takeout, we were the only patrons dining in.
The restaurant is pretty casual, where you order and pay first at the counter. We had our pick of tables, which were made out of wooden barrels (cute), as well as countertop seating which runs along the perimeter of the windows.
Our first item was the tacos tradicionales ($17.50) with braised beef barbacoa. We originally wanted to try the spicy chorizo but they were unfortunately out. All taco orders come in three, on top of corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, and grilled pineapple. On the side was lime, radish, and salsa. The beef is deeply spiced and pretty juicy. I especially loved the addition of the grilled pineapple which lent some contrasting sweetness to the raw onions.
Since our visit, tacos now come with a side of rice and beans or chips and salsa for only $16.00. I had no qualms paying the previous price but it's nice that they're adjusting items to be of even greater value for their customers.
If there's one dish you have to get, it's the tacos don birria ($19.50, now $19.00). The tacos start off with braised smoked beef brisket. Corn tortillas are dipped in the braising liquid and stuffed with plenty of beef and mozzarella cheese. It's finished on the griddle until crisp and then served with a side of the consommé broth for dipping. The end result is crispy, melty, juicy, and so, so delicious. They can be on the greasy side for some, but hey, fat equals flavour.
We also tried their homemade empanadas ($24.75, now $18.00). The empanadas are more traditional to what you would find in Columbia. Made out of corn flour, the empanadas are fried and stuffed with your choice of chipotle chicken or tex beef. They came four to an order, with lettuce, cheese, sour cream, pico piña, and guacamole.
The chicken could have been a bit more flavourful but the dough was tender and crisp. These were pretty filling on their own.
We couldn't pass on dessert, especially when tres leches ($10.00, now $9.00) was on the menu. Tres leches is a soft vanilla cake soaked in a mixture of three milks, hence its name. There's evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. The cake acts like a sponge, resulting in a super moist cake that's surprisingly not soggy. It's creamy yet light, and not too sweet. A layer of whipped cream and fresh strawberries seals the deal. It's the perfect ending to your meal.
Ever since we ate here, KT has been asking when we could go back for more birria tacos. Soon, I hope. Very soon.
Smokin' Barrels Cocina Latina
13119 156 ST NW
Edmonton, AB
(780) 447-0688
- CT
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