Throughout the DFW area and Texas at large there are any number of incredible barbecue joints. While you’re likely to find all sorts of regional flavors with careful nuances in relation to preparation, flavor profiles, and culinary influences. But nowhere else will you find barbecue with an Ethiopian twist – either in DFW or maybe even the world – than Smoke N’Ash in Arlington.
Founded by husband and wife team, Patrick and Fasicka Hicks, the couple started Smoke N’Ash out of a smoker trailer in 2012. At the time, the couple made traditional Texas-style barbecue and for 6 years or so, the couple hosted pop-ups across Arlington.
It wasn’t until a year after they opened their brick-and-mortar restaurant in a South Arlington strip mall did they change the BBQ game. Feeling jaded with their menu solely of smoked meats, Fasicka began experimenting with Ethiopian dishes.
Shortly after introducing a few such dishes to the menu, and seeing how customers would mix their barbecue with the Ethiopian plates, Smoke N’Ash created official Tex-Ethiopian dishes with signatures like brisket rubbed with Berbere (an Ethiopian spice blend with chili, ginger, garlic, and korarima) and ribs glazed with Awaze (a spicy, fermented chili sauce).
Other standout Tex-Ethiopian dishes at Smoke N’ Ash include the Brisket Tibs, Berbere Mac ‘n’ Cheese, and Loaded Injera Nachos. Per its Ethiopian influence, the restaurant also offers stellar vegan options like the Mushroom or Cauliflower Tibs as well as stews that inlcude Misir Wat, Goemn, Kik Alicha, and Tikil Gomen.
In 2022, Smoke N’ Ash achieved national acclaimed when The New York Times included the restaurant in its then edition of “50 Best Restaurants in America“. After that, the accolades continued to roll in.
With spotlights on most all major news networks, a visit from Mayor of Flavortown, Guy Fieri, and various regional features, Smoke N’Ash officially began a Michelin-Recommended restaurant in the inaugural Texas Michelin Guide. Most recently, the couple were named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas.
Smoke N’ Ash is located at 5904 South Cooper Street Suite 110 in Arlington . The restaurant is open from noon to 8 pm Wednesday through Saturday and from noon to 6 pm on Sundays.