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The Fish Tacos from Smokehouse Urban Barbecue

Having gone to Smokestack Urban Barbecue many times in the past and enjoyed the traditional bbq/brisket, I thought I would try something a little different. Lately tacos have been my food crave having read the Crispy Fired Tilapia Taco review from Mezcal Tequila Cantina and, luckily, Smokestack had a few taco choices on the menu. I went with the fish tacos and was not disappointed by the three semi large soft shelled tacos that took up the whole plate.

As expected the fish was a light white catfish that was thankfully lightly battered so it wasn’t greasy tasting at all. Accompanying the catfish in the soft taco/tortilla shells was a nice combination of cabbage and tomatoes tossed with a light chipotle aioli that gave it just a little kick. I could go for a little bit more heat but for those that are afraid of food being too spicy, this was on the mild side. The tacos were great but I might recommend maybe just serving 2 tacos and instead include a choice of a side.

The Louisiana Fry served at Smokestack Urban Barbecue on Harding Street in Worcester.

Urban Barbecue may sound somewhat strange in Worcester. However, Smokestack Urban Barbecue on Harding Street delivers the goods, especially when trying the Louisiana Fry. A dish piled high, it came with freshly fried catfish, oysters, and shrimp, with a side of fries, slaw and remoulade served on a playful, yet down home country feel, of parchment paper.

The slaw is very peppery and refreshing, which proved a good compliment to the crisply fried seafood and fries. The true stars of the dish…the seafood consisted of perfectly cooked shrimp that still had a nice snap to them and even a slight crunch from the carefully fried tails. The oysters were creamy and briny, small tidbits of deliciousness, while the catfish resembled oversized clam strips, but without that intense seafood flavor. The fish was mild and very flaky, not dry and tough like the reputation that catfish may have. To finish off the meal, the thinly cut fries were done perfectly, creating a nice retreat from the plentiful seafood dish. Although not one’s typical BBQ fare, the Louisiana Fry from Smokestack Urban Barbecue did not disappoint.