Smokey Joe's (Shizheng branch)

(04) 2254-5840
201, WenXin Rd, Sec 2, 2F, Xitun Dist
Hours: 11:30 am-2 pm, 5:30 pm-12 midnight
last order: 10:30 pm

After two decades in southern Taiwan, including Kaohsiung and Kenting, the famed Smokey Joe's has opened its first Taichung restaurant (to be followed by a second local branch in April). Decorated with American-style knickknacks, from cowboy hats to old gas station pumps, this comfortable 180-seat restaurant offers a massive selection of about 120 mostly-western soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and desserts, including burger, sandwich, pasta, pizza, steak and Tex-Mex options. Favorites include the Smoked Pork Rib Plate (NT$780 half rack, NT$980 full), marinated 2-3 days in fresh fruit juice, fruit vinegar and olive oil before being flame-barbecued over an imported walnut and apple wood fire; and Smokey Joe's Platter (NT$490) appetizer sampler of mini chimichangas, quesadillas, buffalo wings and other treats. Unique to Taichung is an expanded Asian cuisine selection of about 30 Thai/Vietnamese dishes, from salads to satay and stir-fry. Drinks include five Mojito flavors, six Margarita flavors, and craft beer like Samuel Adams on tap (NT$200 500ml). --By Douglas Habecker, translated by Anna Yang