When I think barbecue, the first place that pops to mind is Smokey’s Kitchen in Truckee. Owner Mike Lathbury slow cooks all his meat in a wood smoker out back, which gives his ribs, brisket, chicken, and pulled pork that authentic and tender taste. Whether you’re ordering for one or 20, Smokey’s has you covered with its combo plates (prices range from $9.25 to $24). Choose from St. Louis pork ribs, beef back ribs, BBQ chicken, pulled chicken, pulled pork, smoked links, or beef brisket, and add a couple sides like garlic fries, cowboy beans, or potato salad. Lathbury also recommends the Jack Daniels burger ($6.75/one patty, $9.25/two patties), made with Angus beef, Lathbury’s original sauce, pepper jack cheese, and bacon. I would also suggest Smokey’s tortilla soup ($3.75/cup, $5.75/bowl, $9/large bowl), which is made with shredded chicken and chopped veggies, and is garnished with crispy tortilla strips, jack cheese, and green onion. Open seven days a week, breakfast from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and lunch/dinner from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., delivering from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Info: 12036 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, (530) 582-4535, smokeyskitchen.com ~ Julie Brown/Moonshine Ink
Here’s another reason why the West Shore is the Best Shore — Obexer’s General Store’s What’s on Deck Saturdays, which start Father’s Day weekend, June 17, and run through mid-August. On these Saturdays Obexer’s will host a mini farmers market from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. that features fresh organic produce from some of the Foothill Farmers Market vendors, flowers, a wine of the week, Truckee Sourdough breads, and fresh fish. Grab your veggies and then stay for the barbecue on the deck from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for hamburgers, tri-tip sandwiches, and hot dogs. Obexer’s just added draft beer this winter, so enjoy a cool one with your grilled goods while you take in the view of Big Blue. Can’t wait till Father’s Day to satisfy your barbecue cravings? Obexer’s hosts its annual party for the Seaplane Splash-in, which marks the lake’s opening day, on May 28. Come to see the planes land right in front of Obexer’s and enjoy a buffet barbecue. Open Monday to Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Info: 5300 West Lake Blvd, Homewood, (530) 525-1300, obexersgeneralstore.com ~ Melissa Siig/Moonshine Ink
It’s not quite barbecue; it’s rotisserie. But the meat at T’s Mesquite Rotisserie is still slow cooked over flames, giving it that smoky taste. Tri tip and chicken cook for about two to three hours, and the pork is put in the mesquite-fired rotisserie for about three to four hours, depending on the size of the cut. Order a soy lime chicken ($7.95/half chicken, $5.95/quarter chicken), which is marinated in soy sauce, lime juice, white wine, garlic, herbs, and spices. Or a Yucatan-style chicken ($7.95/half chicken, $5.95/quarter chicken) marinated in citrus and pineapple juices with a mild achiote chili paste. Both are served with your choice of two sides and either tortillas or garlic bread. You can also grab a burrito with tri tip or pork ($5.75), chicken or veggies ($4.95). Open daily 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., after Memorial Day 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Info: 901 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, (775) 831-2832 ~ Julie Brown/Moonshine Ink
