Smokemade Meats offers a classic Central Texas barbecue experience, with scratch-made food served in a no-frills but welcoming atmosphere. You can order their low and slow barbecue online in advance or queue up in line at their counter-style service restaurant.
We spoke with Tyler Brunache, owner/pitmaster at Smokemade Meats + Eats about his journey into the world of barbecue, recent accolades such as winning “Best BBQ in Florida” by Texas Monthly, and upcoming plans.
Tyler Brunache (ANTHONY ESCALANTE/COURTESY OF SMOKEMADE MEATS)
What’s Texas-style barbecue, and how did your inspiration get started?
Central Texas–style barbecue is about time, traditions and methods. Each day of service requires several days of preparation, including 24 hours of attention on the smoker and resting after, to ensure our smoked meats speak to the love and care we have for this classic method of barbecuing. We only ever use wood — never faster, less flavorful alternatives. We keep seasonings to a minimum, so the meat and technique can speak for itself. Most Texans forgo heavy sauce on their barbecue meats. Central Texas barbecue sauce is thinner than the typical thick bottled barbecue sauce that might be in your home … and it always packs a flavorful punch — a little goes a long way!
… Aaron Franklin’s YouTube videos sparked my initial interest in Central Texas–style barbecue, leading me to Austin to … learn the craft. … I met the owners of Goldee’s, who … took my barbecue to the next level. Goldee’s Barbecue is Texas Monthly’s current No. 1 ranked barbecue restaurant. They have been both my friends and mentors, always lending a hand or an ear to help us be the best we can be.
(LISA WILK TASTECOOKSIP.COM/COURTESY OF SMOKEMADE MEATS)
Tell us about your background and journey to bringing Smokemade Meats to Central Florida.
I was born and raised in Orlando, and after graduating from FSU, I returned to work for my family’s construction business. However, … it wasn’t the right fit for me. While exploring different options, I realized that my true passion lies in sharing my love of food with the city that helped shape me.
What are the most popular items right now? Tell us about the process of making some of your dishes?
Brisket is king at Smokemade. Whether you order it sliced by the half pound, chopped in a classic BBQ sandwich topped with coleslaw, or try our Brisket Cheesesteak griddled to order. My current Smokemade go-to is the direct-fire smoked chickens cooked over direct coals. We dry-brine our half chickens on the bone, then season with our house blend of spices before cooking to smoky & juicy perfection. Also, don’t pass on our smoked chicken salad sandwich if you see it as a daily special.
What was it like to be recognized by Texas Monthly as the best barbecue in Florida?
It was a dream come true! Honestly, it is the best achievement of my career so far and really gave me some form of validation that I’m doing what I’m meant to do. Texas Monthly magazine is the highest acclaim to receive when it comes to Central Texas barbecue, and Daniel Vaughn is the definitive US expert on barbeque. It was an honor to meet him and talk to him about our food.
Smokemade was the only barbecue restaurant in Florida to receive recognition, and Daniel recommended everything he tried … [and] that readers take a loaf of bread home. (Smokemade guests can order loaves of freshly baked white bread, as available, daily.)
(LISA WILK TASTECOOKSIP.COM/COURTESY OF SMOKEMADE MEATS)
What are some of your favorite places around Orlando for a bite to eat when not at Smokemade?
Jam Hot Chicken, Hinckley Meats, Deli Desires, Black Magic Pizza, Riccup, Lemongrass Thai, Wa Sushi, Kaya, Kabooki, and the Strand all come to mind.
What are some upcoming plans?
Our new 1,000-gallon Primitive Pits smoker is being delivered early in the new year, which increases our capacity for catering and the ability for daily specials. … We’ve come up with some fun stuff for 2025 … so follow along on social media or sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know.
Smokemade Meats + Eats
1400 S Crystal Lake Dr, Orlando, FL 32806
Photos Courtesy of Lisa Wilk of TasteCookSip.com
