Brisket Chips! 24-hr smoked beef brisket, caramelised onion, cheese, smokey sauce & gherkins loaded chips! Photo: Kazuri Photography.
You know that rare kind of place where the food is so good, you plan your holiday accommodation just to be near it?
That’s Smokey Dan’s in Tomakin.
And I say that based solely on eating their fries two years ago and receiving rave reviews from friends and family. Those fries were absolute perfection: thick-cut, ultra-crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and generously dusted with their signature rib spice.
According to their website, Smokey Dan’s began with a battered old bathtub and a dream to create a place where fire-kissed food brings the community together. Smokey Dan built a smoker big enough to feed the masses and a laid-back space where people could gather over smoked meaty goodness and BBQ-style dishes.
So, this past long weekend, we booked our long weekend rental conveniently close and got our orders in early.
My kids warned me that the lines get long, and takeaway might be our only option.
But as the shadows lengthened and we arrived to pick up our takeaway order, we discovered something magical—a fairy light-festooned outdoor area stretching far beyond the takeaway zone and ice cream cart.
What I hadn’t noticed on my last visit was the indoor dining area and the expansive outdoor space, perfect for eating and entertainment.
Our takeaway was ready, so we grabbed it and made a lunch booking for the next day before heading home with our dinner. We got lots of food, but I tasted the Whole Paddock Pizza and the brisket chips.
The Whole Paddock Pizza is a slather of smoked meat: chicken, pepperoni, bacon, 24-hour smoked beef brisket and BBQ pulled pork.
The Whole Paddock Pizza. Photo: Kazuri Photography.
Served on a thin crust, I expected a meat overload, but it was more refined. The cheese was evenly spread, not overpowering, just the melty scrumptiousness that held it all together. The meats and grilled onions were perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of char. Finished with a smoky aioli drizzle.
But my real obsession? Brisket Chips. Combining those gorgeous fries I remembered so fondly with juicy, luscious umami.
I had come to Smokey Dan’s to satisfy my smoked brisket craving—and I wanted it pure, not hidden in a burger. I was sceptical about how much brisket would actually be on these loaded fries.
I should not have worried.
Mountains of tender brisket, melted cheese, smoky sauce, onion rings (because why not?), double-fried chips, thin pickle slices, deeply caramelised onions; it was everything I had anticipated and more. The brisket was generous, smoky, and rich with rendered fat. Honestly, just the best thing ever.
We immediately booked lunch for the next day, this time in the back area with live entertainment.
I am so glad we did. It was a fabulous lunch. Happy customers, a warm atmosphere, families with their dogs, and my daughter’s Golden Retriever sat at our feet, hopeful for brisket crumbs. Singer/songwriter Dean Abbot’s set is lyrical and engaging.
We all ordered what we loved the night before. I still couldn’t get enough of those brisket fries.
We finished with some delicious salted caramel ice cream, despite being so very full.
Salted Caramel Ice cream! Photo: Kazuri Photography
Smokey Dan’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s a bar, grill and community hub serving up incredible food made from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Their house-made sauces are beloved by locals and available for purchase.
While live music happens regularly, Smokey Dan’s is a premier venue for monthly ticketed events, so visit Smokey Dan’s to keep up to date!
Smokey Dan’s is located at 2152 George Bass Dr in Tomakin. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm (and until 3 pm on Saturdays), and then from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. Follow Smokey Dan’s on Facebook and Instagram.
