When Rick Mace and Jason Lakow later this summer open Tropical BBQ Market in West Palm Beach, guests can expect the same outstanding “Q,’’ including brisket and spare ribs, as at Tropical Smokehouse, the duo’s first foray into the barbeque world. There will, however, be some differences between Tropical BBQ and Tropical Smokehouse, the latter of which opened in 2021 on the edge of West Palm’s Restaurant Row.
The most visible will be in the footprints. Tropical BBQ will be in a space smaller – 1,900 square feet – than its sister restaurant – 2,500 square feet – and offer “walk through’’ service similar to legendary Texas barbecue joints such as Black’s (Austin) and Smitty’s (Lockhart).
“What we have (at Tropical Smokehouse) is more of a full-service model,’’ said Mace, the longtime executive chef at Cafe Boulud in Palm Beach. “We’ve always had the cashier and self-order, where you can sit down and people bring you your food. It’s a beautiful place. But barbecue, in its essence, is a much more utilitarian type of food.’’
Courtesy of Tropical Smokehouse
Mace and Lakow’s original vision for Tropical Smokehouse was more along that “utilitarian’’ line. But Covid necessitated a switch to more traditional service.
“This restaurant (Tropical Smokehouse) has always been well appointed,’’ Mace said. “But it felt like we were running a restaurant and not a barbeque joint.’’
Tropical BBQ Market – on Olive Ave., closer to downtown West Palm Beach – better fits the barbeque “joint’’ vibe. The space (formerly Aioli) will include an additional 600 square feet of bar area and available seating indoors (30 seats) and outdoors (20 seats). In addition to counter service, Tropical BBQ will include an upscale deli market.
“Small is what we were looking for – something where we could actually do the ‘walk-through’ style service,’’ Mace said. “Guests can get what they want, how they want it. And it’s very time efficient. For me, that’s kind of what barbecue always has been. It’s very minimalist and spartan. That kind of model is barbecue.’’
Feature Photo: Rick Mace at Tropical Smokehouse
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